If you’re searching for a cozy, crowd-pleasing side dish that balances sweet, savory, and crunchy textures, look no further than this Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes with Pecan Streusel Recipe. These sweet potatoes are lovingly baked, scooped, and mixed with warm spices, creamy cheese, and a hint of buttery goodness before being topped with a crunchy pecan streusel. The result is a dish that’s bursting with flavor and perfect for holidays, family dinners, or whenever you want to make your meal feel extra special.

Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes with Pecan Streusel Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes with Pecan Streusel Recipe shows how a handful of simple ingredients come together to create layers of irresistible taste and texture. Each one plays a vital role in making this dish unforgettable—from the soft, spiced sweet potato filling to the crunchy, nutty streusel topping.

4 medium sweet potatoes: The star of the dish, providing natural sweetness and a creamy base.
2 tbsp olive oil: Helps crisp and roast the potato skins perfectly.
1/4 cup sour cream: Adds tanginess and smoothness to the filling.
1/4 cup milk: Keeps the filling creamy and easy to mash.
2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted: Enhances richness in the sweet potato mixture.
1 tsp ground cinnamon: Warms the sweet potato with a classic spice note.
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg: Brings a subtle, cozy depth to the flavor profile.
1/4 tsp salt: Balances sweetness and brings out natural flavors.
1/4 tsp black pepper: Adds a gentle hint of heat.
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into the filling for a savory surprise.
1/2 cup chopped pecans: Key for the streusel topping’s delightful crunch.
1/4 cup brown sugar: Sweetens and caramelizes the streusel topping.
1/4 cup rolled oats: Adds texture and heartiness to the streusel.
2 tbsp flour: Binds the streusel ingredients together.
2 tbsp unsalted butter, cold and cubed: Creates the crumbly, buttery streusel texture.
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (for streusel topping): Echoes warm spice on top.
Pinch of salt (for streusel topping): Enhances all the streusel flavors.

How to Make Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes with Pecan Streusel Recipe

Step 1: Roasting the Sweet Potatoes

Start by preheating your oven to 200°C (400°F). This temperature is perfect for roasting sweet potatoes so their skins get crisp and interiors soften beautifully. Prick the sweet potatoes several times with a fork to help steam escape, then rub them with olive oil. Placing them on a baking sheet, roast for 40 to 45 minutes until you can easily pierce them with a fork. It’s that simple, but this step is crucial to achieving tender flesh.

Step 2: Scooping and Preparing the Filling

Once your sweet potatoes are cool enough to handle, slice them lengthwise and carefully scoop out the soft flesh into a bowl. Leaving a small border intact on the skins gives the final dish structure and holds the creamy filling just right. Add sour cream, milk, melted butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and pepper to the sweet potato flesh and mash everything until you have a smooth, luscious mixture.

Step 3: Adding the Cheesy Goodness

Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese next. The cheese melts into the warm filling, balancing sweet spices with savory, sharp notes, turning this dish into a perfect harmony of flavors. Stuff this creamy filling back into the potato skins and set them on your baking sheet, ready for their delicious topping.

Step 4: Preparing the Pecan Streusel Topping

Now for the crowning glory — the pecan streusel. In a small bowl, combine chopped pecans, brown sugar, rolled oats, flour, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and break it down with your fingers or a pastry cutter until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. This topping promises a buttery, crunchy contrast to the smooth potatoes below.

Step 5: Baking the Final Dish

Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the stuffed sweet potatoes and pop them back into the oven. Bake for another 15 to 20 minutes until the topping turns a beautiful golden brown and the filling is piping hot. The aromas filling your kitchen at this stage are just incredible, signaling a treat that’s both comforting and elegant.

Step 6: Serving and Enjoying

Pull the Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes with Pecan Streusel Recipe out of the oven and serve immediately while warm. Each bite delivers creamy, melty, sweet, and crunchy textures that make this recipe a memorable favorite for any occasion.

How to Serve Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes with Pecan Streusel Recipe

Garnishes

Adding fresh garnishes like a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream adds pops of color and brightens each bite. A drizzle of maple syrup or honey can also bring a luscious sweetness that complements the pecan streusel beautifully. These garnishes elevate the dish from delicious to extra special.

Side Dishes

Twice baked sweet potatoes pair wonderfully with roasted meats like turkey, chicken, or pork, making them a classic holiday side. For a vegetarian-friendly combo, serve alongside sautéed greens or a crisp salad to balance the richness with freshness. The dish’s balanced flavors make it a versatile companion to many mains.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve these potatoes on individual small plates as a stunning starter or side. For a fun twist, cut them into smaller portions for appetizers or party bites. You can also serve the filling separately in a casserole dish, topped with the pecan streusel, letting guests scoop their own portions for a casual, family-style feel.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes with Pecan Streusel Recipe keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making leftovers just as delightful as fresh.

Freezing

You can freeze this dish, but for best results, freeze before baking the second time with the streusel topping. Store wrapped tightly in foil or airtight containers for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw them overnight in the fridge and bake as usual.

Reheating

Reheat in a 175°C (350°F) oven for 15-20 minutes until warmed through and the streusel topping re-crisped. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that wonderful crunchy top intact and maintain the dish’s full texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?

Yes, you can substitute regular baking potatoes, but the flavor and sweetness will be quite different. Sweet potatoes bring a natural sweetness and soft texture that pairs beautifully with the spiced streusel.

Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?

Absolutely! You can swap sour cream with coconut yogurt and use a plant-based butter alternative. For the cheese, try dairy-free cheddar-style shreds to keep the creamy, cheesy aspect.

Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the filling a day ahead and refrigerate it. Just bring it back to room temperature and restuff the potato skins before baking with the streusel topping.

What if I don’t have rolled oats for the streusel?

You can replace rolled oats with finely chopped nuts or additional flour to maintain texture in the streusel. The oats give a nice chewiness, but the topping works well without them too.

How spicy is the filling?

The filling has just a subtle warmth from black pepper and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, nothing overpowering. It’s a mild, cozy flavor profile that suits most tastes.

Final Thoughts

I hope you feel just as excited as I do to try this Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes with Pecan Streusel Recipe. It’s the kind of dish that fills your kitchen with comforting scents and your heart with joy, perfect for sharing with loved ones or treating yourself to something truly special. Give it a whirl and watch how it quickly becomes a beloved staple in your recipe collection!