Loaded Baked Sweet Potatoes

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This dish highlights tender baked sweet potatoes topped with warm black beans seasoned with smoked paprika and cumin. Fresh cherry tomatoes, diced avocado, red onion, and baby spinach provide vibrant bursts of flavor and texture. A sprinkle of melted cheddar cheese adds a comforting touch, balanced by a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt and fresh cilantro. Easy hands-off cooking with rich, layered flavors suitable for a nutritious weeknight dinner.

Updated on Mon, 24 Nov 2025 08:07:00 GMT
Steaming loaded baked sweet potatoes with melty cheese and colorful veggie toppings are pictured. Save to Pins
Steaming loaded baked sweet potatoes with melty cheese and colorful veggie toppings are pictured. | cocoastone.com

A wholesome, hands-off weeknight dinner featuring sweet potatoes loaded with a medley of flavorful toppings. Perfect for a nutritious, satisfying meal with minimal prep.

This recipe has quickly become a favorite in my household because it combines ease with vibrant flavors everyone enjoys.

Ingredients

  • Sweet Potatoes: 4 medium sweet potatoes, scrubbed
  • Cherry Tomatoes: 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • Avocado: 1 ripe avocado, diced
  • Red Onion: 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
  • Baby Spinach: 2 cups baby spinach, roughly chopped
  • Cheddar Cheese: 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or dairy-free alternative)
  • Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • Black Beans: 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Smoked Paprika: 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Ground Cumin: 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • Salt and Pepper: to taste
  • Fresh Cilantro: 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
  • Lime: 1 lime, cut into wedges

Instructions

Preheat Oven:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Prepare Sweet Potatoes:
Prick sweet potatoes several times with a fork. Place directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet lined with parchment. Bake for 45 50 minutes or until tender when pierced with a fork.
Cook Beans:
While potatoes bake, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add black beans, smoked paprika, and cumin. Cook, stirring, until warmed through (about 3 4 minutes). Season with salt and pepper.
Prepare Toppings:
Toss cherry tomatoes, avocado, red onion, and baby spinach with remaining olive oil, a pinch of salt, and pepper.
Slice Potatoes:
When sweet potatoes are done, let cool slightly. Slice each potato lengthwise and gently fluff the insides with a fork.
Melt Cheese:
Sprinkle each potato with cheddar cheese and return to the oven for 2 3 minutes until cheese is melted.
Add Toppings:
Top each potato with warm black beans, spinach mixture, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, and garnish with cilantro. Serve with lime wedges.
Savory loaded baked sweet potatoes are styled with fresh cilantro, ready to be enjoyed. Save to Pins
Savory loaded baked sweet potatoes are styled with fresh cilantro, ready to be enjoyed. | cocoastone.com

My family loves gathering around this dish for a cozy meal that feels both comforting and fresh.

Notes

For extra protein, add cooked shredded chicken or crumbled bacon (not vegetarian). For extra heat, top with sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce.

Allergen Information

Contains dairy (cheese sour cream / yogurt). For dairy allergies, use suitable alternatives. Contains avocado. Always double-check ingredient labels for allergens if sensitive.

Nutritional Information

Per serving: Calories 410, Total Fat 17 g, Carbohydrates 57 g, Protein 13 g.

A close-up of delicious loaded baked sweet potatoes with avocado and black beans is shown. Save to Pins
A close-up of delicious loaded baked sweet potatoes with avocado and black beans is shown. | cocoastone.com

This recipe is a simple way to enjoy a flavorful and nutritious weeknight dinner with minimal fuss.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should the sweet potatoes bake?

Bake sweet potatoes at 400°F (200°C) for 45 to 50 minutes until easily pierced with a fork and tender inside.

Can black beans be substituted?

Yes, you can swap black beans for pinto or kidney beans according to your preference.

What seasoning is used on the black beans?

The black beans are warmed with smoked paprika, ground cumin, salt, and pepper to add a warm, earthy spice.

How can I make this dish vegan?

Use dairy-free cheese and plant-based sour cream or yogurt alternatives to make it fully vegan.

What fresh ingredients top the potatoes?

The toppings include cherry tomatoes, ripe avocado, red onion, baby spinach, and fresh cilantro for brightness.

Can this dish be made ahead of time?

Potatoes can be baked in advance and toppings prepared ahead; assemble and warm cheese before serving.

Loaded Baked Sweet Potatoes

Baked sweet potatoes topped with black beans, spinach, cherry tomatoes, cheese, and creamy garnishes.

Prep duration
10 minutes
Cooking duration
50 minutes
Overall time
60 minutes
Created by Mara Ellison


Skill level Easy

Cuisine type American

Portion size 4 Portions

Dietary guidelines Meatless, No gluten

What You'll Need

Vegetables

01 4 medium sweet potatoes, scrubbed
02 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
03 1 ripe avocado, diced
04 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
05 2 cups baby spinach, roughly chopped

Dairy

01 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or dairy-free alternative)
02 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt

Beans & Protein

01 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed

Spices & Oils

01 2 tablespoons olive oil
02 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
03 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
04 Salt and pepper, to taste

Garnishes

01 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
02 1 lime, cut into wedges

Directions

Step 01

Preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F.

Step 02

Bake sweet potatoes: Prick each sweet potato several times with a fork, place directly on the oven rack or a parchment-lined baking sheet, and bake for 45 to 50 minutes until tender.

Step 03

Prepare black beans: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, add black beans, smoked paprika, and cumin, and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until warmed through. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 04

Mix vegetable toppings: Toss cherry tomatoes, avocado, red onion, and baby spinach with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Step 05

Slice and fluff potatoes: Allow baked sweet potatoes to cool slightly, slice lengthwise, and fluff the insides gently with a fork.

Step 06

Melt cheese on potatoes: Sprinkle cheddar cheese over each potato and return to the oven for 2 to 3 minutes until melted.

Step 07

Assemble and serve: Top each potato with warm black beans, the spinach mixture, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, and garnish with chopped cilantro. Serve with lime wedges.

Necessary equipment

  • Oven rack or baking sheet
  • Skillet
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board
  • Fork
  • Mixing bowls

Allergen details

Review the ingredients for allergies and reach out to a healthcare provider if uncertain.
  • Contains dairy from cheese and sour cream or yogurt; use alternatives if allergic.
  • Contains avocado, which can trigger allergies in some individuals.

Nutrition per portion

This nutritional data is intended for reference and doesn't replace professional medical advice.
  • Total calories: 410
  • Total fat: 17 g
  • Carbohydrates: 57 g
  • Proteins: 13 g