Healthy Sweet Potato Skins

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Healthy Sweet Potato Skins are everything you love about classic potato skins but with a nutritious twist. The natural sweetness of the sweet potato balances perfectly with the savory toppings, creating a well-rounded bite that’s both satisfying and wholesome. They’re also easy to customize with your favorite toppings, making them versatile for any occasion. Plus, they’re baked instead of fried, making them a healthier option without sacrificing flavor. If you love sweet potatoes, you’ll adore these tasty, nutrient-packed skins.

Ingredients

• 4 medium sweet potatoes
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
• 1/4 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
• 2 tablespoons green onions, chopped
• 1/4 cup black beans, drained and rinsed (optional)
• 1/4 cup corn kernels (optional)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
• Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Bake the Sweet Potatoes: Wash and scrub the sweet potatoes thoroughly. Pierce them a few times with a fork to allow steam to escape. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a fork.
3. Prepare the Skins: Once the sweet potatoes are done baking, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool for about 10 minutes. Once they’re cool enough to handle, slice them in half lengthwise. Scoop out the flesh of the sweet potato, leaving about a 1/4-inch border around the skin to create a boat-like shape.
4. Season the Skins: Brush the hollowed-out sweet potato skins with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Place the skins back on the baking sheet and return them to the oven. Bake for another 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the skins are crispy and golden brown.
5. Prepare the Filling: While the skins are baking, mash the scooped-out sweet potato flesh in a bowl. Stir in the Greek yogurt (or sour cream), shredded cheese, smoked paprika, and any additional fillings like black beans and corn. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Fill the Skins: Once the sweet potato skins are crispy, remove them from the oven and spoon the filling back into each skin. Top with a sprinkle of cheese and return to the oven for another 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Garnish and Serve: Once the cheesy sweet potato skins are done, remove them from the oven and sprinkle with chopped green onions and fresh cilantro or parsley. Serve hot and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Makes 8 sweet potato skins (2 per serving)
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 55-60 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Variations

• Meat Option: Add some cooked, shredded chicken or ground turkey to the filling for a protein boost.
• Vegan: Use vegan yogurt or sour cream, and skip the cheese or opt for a dairy-free cheese to make the recipe vegan.
• Additional Toppings: Top with guacamole, salsa, or a sprinkle of chili flakes for extra flavor.
• Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce to the filling for some heat.
• Cheese Alternatives: Use a dairy-free cheese or feta for a different flavor profile.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftover sweet potato skins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until heated through and crispy. You can also microwave them, but the skins may not stay as crispy.

FAQs

1. Can I make these sweet potato skins ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the skins and filling ahead of time. Store the skins and filling separately in the refrigerator, and then assemble and bake when you’re ready to serve.

2. Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?

While this recipe is specifically for sweet potatoes, you can use regular russet potatoes if you prefer, though the flavor and texture will differ slightly.

3. Can I make the skins crispy without frying them?

Yes! These sweet potato skins are baked, which makes them crispy without the need for frying. The key is to bake them at a high temperature and brush them with olive oil.

4. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can use any cheese you like! Cheddar, mozzarella, and a blend of both work well, but you can also try goat cheese, feta, or even a dairy-free cheese if you prefer.

5. Can I freeze these sweet potato skins?

Yes, you can freeze the assembled sweet potato skins before baking them. Place the filled skins on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. To bake, cook from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes or until heated through.

6. What can I serve these sweet potato skins with?

These healthy sweet potato skins make a great snack or appetizer. They can also be served as a side dish with grilled meats, tacos, or a light salad.

7. Can I add other vegetables to the filling?

Absolutely! Feel free to add sautéed spinach, zucchini, bell peppers, or even roasted mushrooms for additional flavor and nutrition.

8. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, sweet potatoes are naturally gluten-free, and the other ingredients in this recipe are also gluten-free. Just make sure any toppings like sour cream or cheese are also gluten-free if needed.

9. Can I use a different type of yogurt?

Yes, you can use Greek yogurt, regular yogurt, or even non-dairy yogurt to keep the recipe healthy and to suit dietary preferences.

10. How can I make the filling extra creamy?

For a creamier filling, add a little bit of unsweetened almond milk or a dollop of avocado to the mashed sweet potato for extra richness.

Conclusion

Healthy Sweet Potato Skins are the perfect combination of comfort food and nutritious ingredients. With their crispy, golden edges and creamy, savory filling, they make an excellent appetizer, snack, or even a light meal. By using simple, wholesome ingredients, this recipe provides a healthy alternative to traditional loaded potato skins without sacrificing flavor. Customize the toppings to suit your taste, and enjoy this delicious, guilt-free treat anytime!

Healthy Sweet Potato Skins

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Healthy Sweet Potato Skins are a nutritious twist on traditional loaded potato skins. With a savory, veggie-packed filling and wholesome toppings, they’re baked instead of fried for a healthier, flavorful option perfect for snacks, appetizers, or light meals.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 55-60 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 8 sweet potato skins (2 per serving)
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baked
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

1. 4 medium sweet potatoes
   
   1 tablespoon olive oil
   
   Salt and pepper, to taste
   
   1/4 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
   
   1/4 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
   
   2 tablespoons green onions, chopped
   
   1/4 cup black beans, drained and rinsed (optional)
   
   1/4 cup corn kernels (optional)
   
   1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
   
   Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

1. Bake the Sweet Potatoes: Wash and scrub the sweet potatoes thoroughly. Pierce them a few times with a fork and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a fork.
2. Prepare the Skins: Remove the sweet potatoes from the oven and allow them to cool for about 10 minutes. Slice them in half lengthwise. Scoop out the flesh, leaving about a 1/4-inch border to form a boat-like shape.
3. Season the Skins: Brush the hollowed-out skins with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Place them back on the baking sheet and bake for another 10-12 minutes, until crispy and golden brown.
4. Prepare the Filling: Mash the scooped-out sweet potato flesh in a bowl. Stir in Greek yogurt (or sour cream), shredded cheese, smoked paprika, and any optional fillings like black beans and corn. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Fill the Skins: Once the skins are crispy, spoon the filling back into each skin. Top with additional cheese and bake for another 5-7 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with chopped green onions and fresh cilantro or parsley before serving. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

• For a vegan version, use dairy-free yogurt and cheese alternatives.
• For extra flavor, try adding sautéed vegetables like spinach or bell peppers to the filling.
• You can freeze the assembled skins before baking and cook them from frozen when ready.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2 skins
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 7g
• Sodium: 300mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 6g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 10mg