Loaded Baked Sweet Potatoes

Featured in: Main Dishes

This dish features sweet potatoes roasted until tender, then filled with a savory mix of black beans, corn, and spices. A sprinkle of melted cheese and fresh toppings like avocado, cilantro, and lime add brightness and creaminess. Perfect for an easy, flavorful dinner with a satisfying blend of textures and tastes.

Hands-off baking allows the sweet potatoes to soften beautifully, while the seasoned bean and corn topping provides warmth and a hint of smokiness. A quick melt of cheese adds richness, complemented by cool dollops of sour cream or yogurt and vibrant garnishes. Ideal for a wholesome, comforting main course.

Updated on Sat, 22 Nov 2025 11:18:00 GMT
Golden, loaded baked sweet potatoes bursting with a colorful black bean and corn topping, easy weeknight dinner. Save
Golden, loaded baked sweet potatoes bursting with a colorful black bean and corn topping, easy weeknight dinner. | cheerfulchefs.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 first served this on a busy weeknight and it quickly became a family favorite thanks to how easy and delicious it is

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

Preheat oven:
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) Line a baking sheet with parchment paper
Prepare sweet potatoes:
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
Cook topping:
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
Slice sweet potatoes:
Once the sweet potatoes are cooked let cool slightly Slice each sweet potato lengthwise gently pressing open to create a pocket
Fill sweet potatoes:
Fluff the interiors with a fork then divide the black bean and corn mixture evenly among the sweet potatoes
Add cheese and melt:
Sprinkle each with shredded cheese Return to the oven for 2 3 minutes to melt the cheese if desired
Add garnishes and serve:
Top with sour cream or Greek yogurt diced avocado cilantro scallions and a squeeze of lime Serve immediately
Tender baked Loaded Baked Sweet Potatoes filled with melty cheese, fresh cilantro, ready to eat! Save
Tender baked Loaded Baked Sweet Potatoes filled with melty cheese, fresh cilantro, ready to eat! | cheerfulchefs.com

This recipe always brings smiles when served at family dinners making cozy evenings even better

Required Tools

Baking sheet Parchment paper Fork Skillet Knife and cutting board

Allergen Information

Contains Milk (cheese sour cream/yogurt) May contain Sulfites (in canned products) Double-check all ingredient labels for potential allergens and cross-contamination

Nutritional Information

Calories 380 Total Fat 14 g Carbohydrates 56 g Protein 12 g per serving

Close-up of hearty Loaded Baked Sweet Potatoes, showing the creamy interior and vibrant toppings, so delicious. Save
Close-up of hearty Loaded Baked Sweet Potatoes, showing the creamy interior and vibrant toppings, so delicious. | cheerfulchefs.com

Enjoy this delicious loaded baked sweet potato warm for the best taste and texture

Recipe FAQs

How do I know when the sweet potatoes are done baking?

Sweet potatoes are tender when a fork can easily pierce through the skin and flesh without resistance.

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

Yes, you can cook and season the bean and corn mixture in advance and refrigerate it until ready to use.

What cheese works best for melting on the potatoes?

Cheddar or a Mexican blend cheese melts well and complements the smoky spices in the topping.

Are there alternative toppings that pair well with this dish?

Fresh avocado, cilantro, scallions, and a squeeze of lime add freshness; pickled jalapeños or salsa provide extra flavor and heat.

How can I make this dish vegan-friendly?

Use plant-based cheese and substitute sour cream or yogurt with vegan alternatives to keep it dairy-free.

Is it possible to add proteins other than beans?

Yes, cooked shredded chicken or ground turkey can be added for extra protein and variety.

Loaded Baked Sweet Potatoes

Tender baked sweet potatoes topped with black beans, corn, cheese, and fresh garnishes for a hearty meal.

Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
50 minutes
Overall Time
60 minutes
Creator Ruby Smiles

Recipe Type Main Dishes

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Background American

Portions 4 Serves

Dietary Preferences Vegetarian-Friendly, Gluten-Free Option

What You’ll Need

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
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 Guide

Step 01

Preheat oven and prepare baking sheet: Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 02

Prepare sweet potatoes: Prick each sweet potato several times with a fork, rub with olive oil, and sprinkle with kosher salt. Arrange on the baking sheet.

Step 03

Roast sweet potatoes: Bake the sweet potatoes for 45 to 50 minutes until soft and tender when pierced with a fork.

Step 04

Cook black bean and corn mixture: Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add black beans, corn, smoked paprika, ground cumin, chili powder, and black pepper. Stir and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until warmed and fragrant.

Step 05

Prepare sweet potato pockets: Remove sweet potatoes from oven and let cool slightly. Slice lengthwise and gently open each to form a pocket. Fluff the interior with a fork.

Step 06

Fill and melt cheese: Distribute the black bean and corn mixture evenly into each sweet potato. Sprinkle with shredded cheese, then return to the oven for 2 to 3 minutes to melt the cheese.

Step 07

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

Tools You’ll Need

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

Potential Allergens

Inspect ingredients for specific allergens and contact a professional for concerns.
  • Contains milk from cheese and sour cream or yogurt
  • May contain sulfites from canned ingredients

Nutritional Details (Per Serving)

Provided as supportive info; always cross-check with your healthcare provider.
  • Calories: 380
  • Fats: 14 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 56 grams
  • Proteins: 12 grams