Savory Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes with Bacon and Asiago
These Savory Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes are a delightful combination of creamy mashed sweet potatoes, perfectly caramelized shallots, and crunchy bacon, blended with the sharpness of asiago cheese. Adapted from a classic Fine Cooking recipe, this dish is an excellent way to repurpose leftover baked sweet potatoes, transforming them into a flavorful, comforting side dish or a satisfying main course. Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in, this recipe will impress with its rich flavors and heartwarming taste.
3-6
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Sweet Potatoes
3 medium (fully baked in their jackets)
Olive Oil
1 tablespoon (for sautéing)
Shallots
2 (finely chopped)
Asiago Cheese
1/4 cup (grated)
Bacon
3 slices (cooked crisp and crumbled)
Sour Cream
2 tablespoons (for creaminess)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
Black Pepper
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped shallots and sauté until they soften and begin to caramelize, taking care not to burn them.
3
While the shallots are cooking, slice the baked sweet potatoes in half lengthwise. Carefully scoop out the soft flesh into a mixing bowl, leaving a thin layer of sweet potato in the skins.
4
Add the sautéed shallots, sour cream, salt, and black pepper to the bowl with the mashed sweet potato. Mix until smooth and well combined.
5
Fold in the crumbled bacon and grated asiago cheese until evenly distributed through the mixture.
6
Spoon the sweet potato mixture back into the hollowed potato skins, mounding it slightly on top.
7
Place the filled potato skins on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the tops are golden and the potatoes are heated through.
8
Once done, remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes?
They are sweet potatoes that are baked until soft, hollowed out, mixed with savory ingredients like bacon and cheese, and then baked again until golden.
How many sweet potatoes do I need for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 3 medium sweet potatoes.
How should the sweet potatoes be prepared initially?
They should be fully baked in their jackets before you begin the second baking process.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
How do I prepare the shallots?
Finely chop 2 shallots and sauté them in 1 tablespoon of olive oil until they soften and begin to caramelize.
What type of cheese is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of grated Asiago cheese.
How much bacon is required?
You will need 3 slices of bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled.
What ingredient is used to make the filling creamy?
Two tablespoons of sour cream are used to provide creaminess to the mashed potato mixture.
How much salt and pepper should I add?
The recipe suggests 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, or to taste.
How do I hollow out the sweet potatoes?
Slice the baked potatoes in half lengthwise and carefully scoop out the flesh, leaving a thin layer in the skins to maintain their shape.
When do I add the bacon and cheese?
Fold the crumbled bacon and grated Asiago cheese into the mashed potato mixture after the shallots and sour cream have been combined.
How long is the second baking time?
Bake the stuffed potatoes for 45 minutes to 1 hour.
How can I tell when the twice-baked potatoes are done?
They are finished when the tops are golden and the potatoes are heated all the way through.
Can I substitute the shallots with something else?
Yes, you can use finely chopped red or yellow onions if shallots are unavailable.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the bacon or use a plant-based bacon alternative.
Is there a substitute for Asiago cheese?
Parmesan or Pecorino Romano are excellent substitutes for Asiago due to their similar sharp, salty profiles.
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Yes, Greek yogurt is a healthy and tangy substitute for sour cream in this recipe.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 3 to 6 servings depending on whether it is a side or main dish.
Can I prepare these sweet potatoes in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the filling and stuff the skins ahead of time, then store them in the fridge until you are ready for the final bake.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
What is the best way to reheat these?
Reheat them in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes to keep the skin crisp, or use a microwave for speed.
Can these potatoes be frozen?
Yes, you can freeze them after stuffing but before the second bake. Wrap them tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the ingredients listed (sweet potatoes, bacon, cheese, shallots, oil, and sour cream) are naturally gluten-free.
What should I serve with these sweet potatoes?
They pair well with roasted chicken, a fresh green salad, or grilled steak.
Can I use olive oil instead of butter?
The recipe already uses olive oil for sautéing the shallots, which adds a nice flavor without the need for butter.
What makes this a 'savory' recipe?
The use of bacon, shallots, and Asiago cheese balances the natural sweetness of the potatoes with salty and umami flavors.
Do I need to eat the skins?
The skins are edible and provide fiber, but they primarily serve as a functional vessel for the mashed filling.
Can I add extra herbs?
Fresh chives, thyme, or rosemary would be excellent additions to the potato mixture.
Why should I leave a thin layer of flesh in the skins?
Leaving a small amount of potato flesh helps the skin maintain its structure so it doesn't collapse when you refill it.
Is this recipe high in protein?
The bacon and Asiago cheese provide some protein, making it more substantial than a plain sweet potato.