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Sweet Potato Skins

If you’re searching for a delicious and hearty appetizer or snack that adds a bit of flair to your gathering, look no further than sweet potato skins. These deliciously crispy, flavor-packed shells are not only a feast for the eyes but also a satisfying treat that combines the earthy sweetness of sweet potatoes with savory toppings. Whether you’re looking for a crowd-pleaser at game day, a cozy family dinner, or a gourmet snack to enjoy on a quiet night, sweet potato skins are here to shine.

Why Make This Recipe

Sweet potatoes pack a nutritional punch, offering vitamins, minerals, and fiber, making them a great alternative to regular potatoes.
The balance of sweet, smoky, and savory flavors in these skins will tantalize your taste buds.
It’s an incredibly versatile recipe that allows for different toppings and fillings, catering to everyone’s palate.

Sweet potato skins prove that indulgence doesn’t have to come at the expense of health. With the perfect blend of taste, nutrition, and versatility, these scrumptious bites will bring joy to any dining table.

Simple Way to Prepare Sweet Potato Skins

Creating your sweet potato skins at home is straightforward and yields delicious results. We’ve broken it down into manageable steps, ensuring that you’re guided through each phase of the cooking process. Grab your apron, and let’s dive into making this mouthwatering dish that will surely become a new favorite.

Ingredients

Before you start, gather the following ingredients, which will bring your sweet potato skins to life:

3-4 large sweet potatoes
pinch of salt
¾ cup ketchup
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon white vinegar
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons paprika
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
3-4 teaspoons maple syrup
¼ lb. smoked turkey or chicken, shredded or chopped
3 tablespoons barbecue sauce, plus extra for drizzling
3 ounces white cheddar cheese, shredded
3-4 slices beef bacon, fried crisp and crumbled
Sour cream for serving (optional)

Directions

Now that you have all your ingredients laid out, let’s get cooking! Here’s how to create these delightful sweet potato skins:

Preheat Oven and Prepare Sweet Potatoes
Preheat your oven to a hearty 400°F (200°C). Take your scrubbed sweet potatoes and give each one several good pokes all over with a fork. Sprinkle them generously with a pinch of salt.
Baking for Perfection
Arrange your seasoned sweet potatoes directly on a baking sheet. Pop them into your preheated oven and let them bake for approximately 45 to 60 minutes or until they feel soft when squeezed gently, and a fork easily slides into their center.
Cooling and Halving
Once tender, carefully remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 10-15 minutes. Once cool enough to touch, use a sharp knife to slice each sweet potato in half lengthwise.
Scooping Out the Flesh
Using a spoon, gently scoop out the tender, cooked sweet potato flesh from each half, leaving a sturdy border of about ¼ to ½ inch of flesh attached to the skin. Place the scooped-out sweet potato flesh into a large mixing bowl and set the empty skins aside on the baking sheet, cut-side up.
Prepare Beef Bacon and BBQ Glaze
While sweet potatoes are cooling, cook the beef bacon slices in a skillet over medium heat until wonderfully crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain, then crumble into small pieces; reserve some for garnish. In a small saucepan, combine ketchup, brown sugar, white vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, 2 teaspoons paprika, and ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper. Simmer over medium-low heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened. Set aside.
Prepare Meat Filling
If not already, shred or chop the smoked turkey or chicken. In a bowl, toss the meat with 3 tablespoons of barbecue sauce and 2-3 tablespoons of the prepared BBQ glaze until well coated.
Mash Sweet Potato Base
In the bowl with the scooped-out sweet potato flesh, add 3-4 teaspoons of maple syrup and a pinch of salt. Mash the mixture thoroughly with a potato masher or large fork until mostly smooth. This forms the base for your filling.
Assemble the Sweet Potato Skins
Carefully spoon the mashed sweet potato base back into each of the reserved sweet potato skin halves, mounding it slightly. Top with the BBQ-sauced smoked turkey or chicken mixture. Sprinkle the shredded white cheddar cheese evenly over the tops of each filled skin. Then sprinkle most of the crumbled beef bacon over the cheese.
Second Bake for Golden Perfection
Pop the baking sheet with the filled sweet potato skins back into your preheated 400°F (200°C) oven. Let them bake for another 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese on top is beautifully melted, bubbly, and has turned a gorgeous golden-brown color.
Final Touches and Serving
Once out of the oven, let cool for a few minutes. Garnish with any remaining crumbled beef bacon. Serve warm with an optional dollop of sour cream and extra barbecue sauce for drizzling. Enjoy these savory and satisfying sweet potato skins!

Storage Tips for Sweet Potato Skins

To enjoy your sweet potato skins even after they’ve first made their delicious debut, it’s essential to store them correctly. Proper storage can preserve their flavor and texture, allowing you to savor their goodness later. Here are some easy guidelines to follow:

Refrigeration: Store leftover sweet potato skins in an airtight container in the fridge. They will keep for 3–4 days at 40°F.
Freezing: If you want to preserve them longer, wrap the skins tightly with foil or plastic wrap and freeze them for up to 2 months.
Reheating: When ready to eat, thaw frozen skins in the fridge overnight. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10–15 minutes, or until heated through.

Best Ways to Serve Sweet Potato Skins

Sweet potato skins are incredibly versatile, making them perfect for various occasions. Here are some exciting ways to serve and enjoy them:

As a Snack: Serve them warm with various dipping sauces such as ranch dressing, guacamole, or extra barbecue sauce for an easy snack.
For a Party: Arrange them on a platter with colorful garnishes like chopped chives, cilantro, or jalapeños to impress your guests during gatherings.
As a Meal: Pair these delicious bites with a fresh green salad or vegetable sticks for a complete meal that’s satisfying and nutritious.
With Beverages: Sweet potato skins make an excellent accompaniment to craft beers, cider, or sweet tea, making it an ideal dish for picnics or barbecues.

Tips to Make Sweet Potato Skins

Everyone wants the perfect dish, so here’s a quick list of tips to ensure that your sweet potato skins turn out spectacular every time:

Choose sweet potatoes that are firm and free from blemishes for the best flavor and texture.
Poking holes in the sweet potatoes before baking allows steam to escape, preventing them from bursting.
Be careful when scooping out the flesh to avoid tearing the skins so you can fill them adequately.

Variations or Substitutions

While the classic recipe for sweet potato skins is already fantastic, there is room for creativity. Here are a couple of delightful variations and substitutions to consider:

Spicy Kick: If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding diced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce into the filling before adding the cheese.
Vegetarian Delight: For a vegetarian version, substitute the smoked turkey or chicken with black beans, sautéed mushrooms, or a mix of roasted vegetables.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the sweet potatoes in advance and store them before filling and baking. Just reheat them when ready to serve.

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Yes! Chicken thighs can be a great alternative, offering richer flavor and juicy texture.

Q: How do I make it spicier?
A: To up the heat, try using additional cayenne pepper in the parsley, or add diced fresh chilies to the filling.

Q: What’s the best way to ensure crispy sweet potato skins?
A: Pre-bake the empty skins after scooping out the flesh to ensure they get crispy.

Q: Can I use a different cheese?
A: You can play around with different cheeses—try pepper jack for a spicy kick or cotija for a more authentic twist.

Nutritional Benefits of Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes aren’t just tasty; they’re also nutritional powerhouses. Loaded with vitamins A and C, they’re an excellent choice for promoting overall health. Rich in antioxidants, they help combat oxidative stress in the body. They are naturally high in fiber, aiding digestion and supporting weight management. This makes sweet potato skins a guilt-free indulgence that you can truly feel good about eating.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When whipping up delicious sweet potato skins, avoid these common pitfalls for perfect results:

Underestimating Cooking Time: Be sure to check for doneness. If the potatoes are not soft enough, they will be difficult to scoop.
Overfilling: While it’s tempting to pack in the filling, overstuffing can lead to ingredients spilling over in the oven, making a mess on your baking tray.
Neglecting Seasoning: A pinch of salt goes a long way in enhancing the flavor of the dish. Don’t skip this step.

With every bite of sweet potato skins, you’re not only enjoying fantastic flavors but also benefitting from nutritional goodness. So roll up your sleeves, gather your loved ones, and dive into this scrumptious recipe that will surely become a lasting tradition in your kitchen. Whether served at a casual gathering or as a cozy weeknight snack, these irresistible sweet potato skins are bound to win over friends and family!