Loaded Baked Sweet Potatoes

Featured in: Cozy Weeknight Dinners

These sweet potatoes are baked until tender and filled with a savory mixture of black beans and corn, spiced with smoked paprika, cumin, and chili powder. Topped with melted cheddar cheese and fresh garnishes like avocado, cilantro, scallions, and a squeeze of lime, they offer a balanced blend of flavors and textures. This hands-off dish suits easy weeknight dinners and can be customized with plant-based cheese or additional proteins. Ideal for a wholesome, gluten-free, vegetarian option that’s both filling and delicious.

Updated on Fri, 21 Nov 2025 16:40:00 GMT
Steaming, loaded baked sweet potatoes with melty cheese, vibrant toppings, and a squeeze of lime. Save to Pinterest
Steaming, loaded baked sweet potatoes with melty cheese, vibrant toppings, and a squeeze of lime. | messlitreats.com

Sweet potatoes are roasted until tender and topped with a hearty flavorful mix of black beans, corn, cheese, and fresh garnishes for a satisfying hands-off weeknight dinner.

I enjoy making this recipe because it's easy and brings a comforting warmth to the table that everyone appreciates.

Ingredients

  • Sweet Potatoes: 4 medium sweet potatoes scrubbed 1 tablespoon olive oil 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • Black Bean & Corn Topping: 1 (15 oz / 400 g) can black beans drained and rinsed 1 cup (150 g) frozen or canned corn drained if needed 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin 1/4 teaspoon chili powder 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Cheese & Garnishes: 1 cup (100 g) shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend) 1/4 cup (60 g) sour cream or Greek yogurt 1 small avocado diced 1/4 cup (10 g) fresh cilantro chopped 2 scallions thinly sliced 1 small lime cut into wedges

Instructions

Step 1:
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2:
Prick sweet potatoes several times with a fork. Rub with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Place on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 45 50 minutes or until fork-tender.
Step 3:
While the sweet potatoes bake heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add black beans corn smoked paprika cumin chili powder and black pepper. Stir and cook for 3 4 minutes until heated through and fragrant.
Step 4:
Once the sweet potatoes are cooked let cool slightly. Slice each sweet potato lengthwise gently pressing open to create a pocket.
Step 5:
Fluff the interiors with a fork then divide the black bean and corn mixture evenly among the sweet potatoes.
Step 6:
Sprinkle each with shredded cheese. Return to the oven for 2 3 minutes to melt the cheese if desired.
Step 7:
Top with sour cream or Greek yogurt diced avocado cilantro scallions and a squeeze of lime. Serve immediately.
Save to Pinterest
| messlitreats.com

This recipe always brings my family together for a cozy meal filled with warmth and good conversation.

Tips for Best Results

Make sure the sweet potatoes are fully tender before removing from the oven to ensure perfect texture.

Ingredient Variations

You can swap black beans for pinto beans or add diced jalapeños for a spicy kick.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a simple side salad or some crusty bread to complete the meal.

A close-up of fully loaded baked sweet potatoes: fluffy insides, black beans, corn, and a cheesy delight. Save to Pinterest
A close-up of fully loaded baked sweet potatoes: fluffy insides, black beans, corn, and a cheesy delight. | messlitreats.com

Enjoy this nutritious and flavorful meal any night of the week for a satisfying dinner.

Common Recipe Questions

How do I know when the sweet potatoes are perfectly cooked?

They should be fork-tender—easily pierced with a fork without resistance, which usually takes 45-50 minutes at 400°F (200°C).

Can I prepare the black bean and corn topping ahead of time?

Yes, the topping can be cooked in advance and warmed before assembling, making meal prep easier on busy days.

What is the best way to melt the cheese on the topping?

After adding the cheese, return the stuffed potatoes to the oven for 2-3 minutes to achieve a gentle melt without overcooking.

Are there suitable alternatives for the dairy toppings?

Plant-based cheese and vegan yogurt or sour cream substitutes work well for those avoiding dairy.

What garnishes enhance the flavors best?

Diced avocado, chopped cilantro, scallions, and a fresh wedge of lime provide brightness and texture that complement the warm, savory filling.

Loaded Baked Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes baked to tender and topped with black beans, corn, cheese, and fresh garnishes for a satisfying meal.

Prep Duration
10 min
Cooking Duration
50 min
Overall Duration
60 min
Created by messli Sophie Lane


Skill Required Easy

Cuisine Origin American

Portion Yield 4 People served

Diet Preferences Meat-Free, Free from Gluten

List of Ingredients

Sweet Potatoes

01 4 medium sweet potatoes, scrubbed
02 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

Black Bean & Corn Topping

01 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
02 1 cup frozen or canned corn, drained if needed
03 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
04 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
05 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
06 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
07 1 tablespoon olive oil

Cheese & Garnishes

01 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese or Mexican blend
02 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
03 1 small avocado, diced
04 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
05 2 scallions, thinly sliced
06 1 small lime, cut into wedges

Step-by-Step Directions

Step 01

Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 02

Prepare Sweet Potatoes: Prick sweet potatoes several times with a fork. Rub with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Place on prepared baking sheet and bake for 45 to 50 minutes until fork-tender.

Step 03

Cook Black Bean and Corn Mixture: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add black beans, corn, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, and black pepper. Stir and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until heated through and fragrant.

Step 04

Prepare Sweet Potatoes for Filling: Allow sweet potatoes to cool slightly. Slice each lengthwise and gently press open to create a pocket.

Step 05

Fill and Assemble: Fluff sweet potato interiors with a fork. Evenly divide black bean and corn mixture among sweet potatoes. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top.

Step 06

Melt Cheese: Return potatoes to oven for 2 to 3 minutes to melt cheese, if desired.

Step 07

Add Final Garnishes and Serve: Top with sour cream or Greek yogurt, diced avocado, cilantro, scallions, and a squeeze of lime. Serve immediately.

Kitchen Tools Needed

  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Fork
  • Skillet
  • Knife and cutting board

Allergy Warnings

Check all listed ingredients for allergens. Reach out to a healthcare provider if you aren't sure.
  • Contains milk from cheese and sour cream or yogurt.
  • May contain sulfites from canned products.

Nutrition per serving

Nutritional details are just for your reference. Always talk to a doctor for specific health advice.
  • Energy (Calories): 380
  • Fats: 14 g
  • Carbohydrates: 56 g
  • Proteins: 12 g