Indulge in the sublime flavors of autumn and winter with our recipe for Maple Walnut Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes. This dish effortlessly combines the comforting warmth of spices, the natural sweetness of pure maple syrup, and a delightful crunch from a toasted walnut and brown sugar topping. Forget complicated culinary techniques or exorbitant restaurant prices; these Double Baked Sweet Potatoes offer a touch of gourmet decadence with surprisingly simple preparation. They’re not just a side dish; they’re a centerpiece, perfect for elevating any holiday dinner, from Thanksgiving to Christmas, or simply making a cozy weeknight meal feel extra special during the colder months.
Life’s special moments often call for something a little extraordinary, but who has hours to spend in the kitchen? That’s where these Maple Walnut Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes shine! They embody elegance without the fuss, delivering a sophisticated flavor profile using ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. Imagine the harmonious blend of sweet, earthy sweet potato infused with fragrant pumpkin pie spice, enriched with golden maple syrup, and crowned with a crisp, caramelized brown sugar and walnut crust. This isn’t just a side; it’s a culinary experience that brings “Thanksgiving-level flavor” to your table without the marathon prep. Whether you’re hosting a grand holiday feast or simply seeking to impress guests (or your family!) on a regular evening, these sweet potatoes with walnuts are guaranteed to leave a lasting impression.
If you’re a devoted fan of sweet potatoes, be sure to explore my other beloved recipes such as Candied Sweet Potato Casserole, Easy Mashed Sweet Potatoes, or Smashed Sweet Potatoes With Herbs and Garlic. Each offers a unique way to enjoy this versatile and nutritious vegetable.
Why You’ll Love These Maple Walnut Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes
These aren’t just any sweet potatoes; they’re a revelation. Here’s why our Double Baked Sweet Potatoes will quickly become a cherished recipe in your culinary repertoire:
- Unforgettable Flavor Profile: Experience a symphony of tastes. The natural sweetness of the sweet potato is perfectly balanced by the rich, warm notes of pumpkin pie spice and pure maple syrup. The brown sugar adds a deep caramelization, while the walnuts introduce a delightful nutty counterpoint, creating a complex yet harmonious flavor that is utterly addictive. This dish transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary taste sensation.
- Nutritional Powerhouse: Sweet potatoes are celebrated for their impressive nutritional value, brimming with vitamins (especially Vitamin A), minerals, and dietary fiber. By incorporating walnuts, you further boost the health benefits, adding essential healthy fats, protein, and antioxidants. It’s a deliciously satisfying dish that also nourishes your body.
- Guaranteed Crowd-Pleaser: From picky eaters to gourmet enthusiasts, these Maple Walnut Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes appeal to everyone. Their inviting appearance, creamy texture, and irresistible flavor make them a universally loved dish, perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or any occasion where you want to serve something special that everyone will enjoy.
- Elegant Simplicity: Achieve a sophisticated dish without advanced culinary skills. The “twice baked” method sounds elaborate but is straightforward, allowing you to create a visually stunning and incredibly flavorful side with minimal effort. It’s perfect for those moments when you want to impress without the stress.
- Versatile for Any Occasion: While they are a staple on holiday tables, these sweet potatoes are equally fantastic for a Sunday roast, a special weeknight dinner, or even a fancy brunch. Their comforting and festive nature makes them adaptable to a wide range of meal settings throughout the year.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: For those busy days or holiday preparations, the flexibility to prepare these sweet potatoes in advance is a huge bonus. You can bake the potatoes, prepare the filling, stuff the skins, and even add the topping hours before, then simply bake them again just before serving. This feature makes meal planning significantly easier.
Key Ingredients for Maple Walnut Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes
Crafting these delectable sweet potatoes with walnuts requires a selection of fresh, high-quality ingredients that come together to create their signature taste and texture. Here’s what you’ll need, along with insights into their role and potential substitutions:
- Sweet Potatoes: The star of our dish! Medium-sized sweet potatoes are ideal as they provide a generous amount of flesh for the creamy filling while offering stable skins for stuffing. When baked, they become wonderfully tender and naturally sweet. Substitution: Yams can be used for a similar texture and a slightly less sweet, earthier flavor. Ensure they are true yams, not orange-fleshed sweet potatoes mislabeled as yams.
- Greek Yogurt: This ingredient is crucial for achieving a luxurious, creamy texture in the sweet potato filling without adding excessive fat. Its subtle tang also brightens the overall flavor profile, creating a perfect balance against the sweetness. Substitution: Regular plain yogurt or sour cream work well. For a dairy-free option, use an unflavored, unsweetened plant-based yogurt.
- Brown Sugar (for the filling): Brown sugar contributes a deeper, more molasses-rich sweetness and a hint of caramel flavor to the mashed sweet potato filling. This enhances the inherent sweetness of the potatoes and complements the warm spices. Substitution: Granulated sugar or coconut sugar can be used, though they will alter the depth of flavor slightly.
- Maple Syrup: Pure maple syrup is essential for its distinctive, rich sweetness and aromatic depth. It’s a quintessential fall flavor that pairs beautifully with sweet potatoes and walnuts, infusing the dish with an authentic, natural sweetness. Substitution: Honey or agave nectar can be used, but the unique maple flavor will be missed.
- Pumpkin Pie Spice: This fragrant blend of warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves is what truly gives these Double Baked Sweet Potatoes their cozy, holiday-inspired character. It adds complexity and warmth, making each bite incredibly comforting. Substitution: You can easily create your own blend by combining ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of ground cloves and ginger.
- Chopped Walnuts (for the topping): Walnuts are key to the crunchy, nutty topping. When baked, they become lightly toasted, adding an essential textural contrast to the creamy filling and a rich, earthy flavor that complements the maple and brown sugar. Substitution: Pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts are excellent alternatives, each offering a slightly different nutty profile.
- Brown Sugar (for the topping): A second helping of brown sugar for the topping creates that irresistible caramelized, slightly crisp crust when baked. It melts and mingles with the butter and walnuts, forming a sweet, crunchy layer. Substitution: Granulated sugar or coconut sugar can also be used here, but brown sugar provides the best caramelization.
- Unsalted Butter: Butter enriches both the filling (if desired, though Greek yogurt provides ample creaminess) and is vital for the topping. In the topping, it helps bind the walnuts and brown sugar, contributing to the rich flavor and aiding in the crisping process as it bakes. Substitution: For a dairy-free version, use coconut oil or a high-quality vegan butter.
How To Make Maple Walnut Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes
Creating these delightful Maple Walnut Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes is a straightforward process, broken down into two main baking stages. Follow these simple steps for a truly impressive result:
- Step 1: Prepare Your Kitchen & Equipment. Begin by preheating your oven to a steady 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). While the oven heats, ensure you have a sturdy baking sheet ready to accommodate your sweet potatoes.
- Step 2: First Bake the Sweet Potatoes. Thoroughly wash the sweet potatoes under cold running water, scrubbing away any dirt. Pat them dry. Using a fork, carefully pierce each sweet potato several times all over its skin. This allows steam to escape during baking, preventing them from bursting and ensuring they cook evenly. Place the prepared sweet potatoes directly onto your baking tray. Bake for approximately 30-45 minutes, or until they are completely tender when pierced with a fork. Cooking time may vary based on size.
- Step 3: Prepare the Crunchy Topping. While your sweet potatoes are baking, it’s the perfect time to prepare the delectable topping. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the chopped walnuts, brown sugar, and softened unsalted butter. Mix these ingredients thoroughly until they are well combined and form a crumbly, textured mixture. Set this aside.
- Step 4: Create the Creamy Filling. Once the sweet potatoes are tender from their first bake, carefully remove them from the oven. Allow them to cool slightly until they are comfortable enough to handle. Cut each sweet potato in half lengthwise. Using a spoon, gently scoop out the cooked sweet potato flesh, being careful to leave a thin layer of flesh attached to the skin to maintain a sturdy “boat.” Transfer all the scooped-out sweet potato flesh into a large mixing bowl. Using a fork or a potato masher, mash the flesh until it’s smooth and lump-free.
- Step 5: Season and Stuff. To the mashed sweet potato flesh, add the Greek yogurt, brown sugar, maple syrup, and pumpkin pie spice. Mix these ingredients thoroughly until everything is well combined and the filling is smooth and fragrant. Now, carefully spoon this delicious sweet potato filling back into the hollowed-out sweet potato skins, mounding it slightly if you wish.
- Step 6: Second Bake & Finish. Evenly sprinkle the prepared walnut and brown sugar topping mixture over the filled sweet potato halves. Return the stuffed sweet potatoes to the baking sheet. Bake for an additional 15 minutes at 400 degrees F (200 degrees C), or until the topping is golden brown and bubbling, and the filling is heated through.
- Step 7: Serve & Savor. Once baked to perfection, remove the sweet potatoes with walnuts from the oven. Allow them to cool for a few minutes before serving. For an extra touch of indulgence, offer additional maple syrup on the side for drizzling. Enjoy these warm, comforting, and utterly delicious treats!
Pro Tips for Perfect Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes
Achieving the perfect Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes is all about paying attention to a few key details. Here are some expert tips to ensure your dish is consistently delicious and visually appealing:
- Select Uniform Sweet Potatoes: For consistent cooking and presentation, choose sweet potatoes that are roughly similar in size and shape. Medium-sized potatoes work best as they cook more evenly and are easier to handle for scooping and stuffing.
- Thoroughly Clean and Prick: Always scrub your sweet potatoes well to remove any dirt. Don’t forget to prick them generously with a fork before the first bake. This allows steam to escape, preventing the potatoes from exploding in the oven and ensuring a fluffy interior.
- Don’t Overbake the First Time: Bake the sweet potatoes until they are tender, but not falling apart. They should be soft enough to scoop the flesh easily, but the skin needs to remain intact and firm enough to hold the filling for the second bake.
- Leave a Thin Skin Margin: When scooping out the sweet potato flesh, be gentle. Leave a thin layer of flesh (about ¼ inch) inside the skin. This creates a sturdier “boat” for your filling and adds to the overall flavor and texture of the finished dish.
- Ensure a Smooth Filling: Mash the sweet potato flesh thoroughly until it’s smooth and free of large lumps. This creates a wonderfully creamy texture for the filling. For an ultra-smooth consistency, you can even use a hand mixer or food processor for a quick blend.
- Don’t Skimp on Seasoning: Taste your filling before stuffing the skins. Adjust the brown sugar, maple syrup, and pumpkin pie spice to your preference. A pinch of salt can also help to enhance the sweetness and balance the flavors.
- Customize Your Filling: Feel free to get creative! Beyond the maple walnut topping, consider adding other ingredients to the filling such as a touch of orange zest, a splash of bourbon or rum for an adult twist, dried cranberries, or even a hint of cayenne pepper for a subtle spicy kick.
- Achieve a Perfect Topping: Ensure your butter for the topping is at room temperature so it can be easily combined with the brown sugar and walnuts. Spread the topping evenly over the stuffed potatoes for a consistent crunch in every bite.
- Presentation Matters: For an extra special touch, consider using a piping bag with a star tip to pipe the sweet potato filling back into the skins. This creates a beautiful, elegant presentation. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped herbs like rosemary or thyme (which surprisingly pairs well with sweet potato!), a light drizzle of extra maple syrup, or a few whole walnuts for visual appeal before serving.
- Make Ahead Option: You can prepare these twice baked sweet potatoes up to a day in advance. After stuffing the skins, cover them tightly and refrigerate. When ready to serve, sprinkle with the topping and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to account for the chilled temperature.
Frequently Asked Questions About Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes
While the terms are often used interchangeably in American supermarkets, true sweet potatoes and yams are distinct vegetables. Sweet potatoes, which are typically found with orange flesh and smooth skin, are sweeter and moister. True yams, more common in African and Caribbean cuisines, have rough, bark-like skin and a starchier, drier texture, often resembling a regular potato rather than a sweet one. For this recipe, we are referring to the orange-fleshed, sweet varieties commonly known as sweet potatoes.
Absolutely! The beauty of homemade dishes like these Maple Walnut Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes is the ability to customize. You can significantly reduce the amount of brown sugar in both the filling and the topping, or even omit it entirely from the filling, relying on the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes and maple syrup. For a healthier twist, you can also consider natural sweeteners like honey or agave nectar, adjusting to your preferred level of sweetness. The natural flavors will still shine through beautifully.
Yes, you can certainly make traditional twice baked potatoes using regular russet or Yukon Gold potatoes. However, the flavor profile will be distinctly savory rather than sweet. If you choose to use regular potatoes, you’ll want to adjust the “add-ins” to complement a savory meal. Consider ingredients like cheese, bacon, chives, sour cream, garlic powder, or other savory spices instead of maple syrup and pumpkin pie spice.
To store, allow your Double Baked Sweet Potatoes to cool completely to room temperature. Wrap each sweet potato individually in aluminum foil or plastic wrap, or place them in an airtight container. They can be refrigerated for 3 to 5 days. To reheat, unwrap the sweet potatoes and place them on a baking sheet. Bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 15-20 minutes, or until thoroughly heated through and the topping is crisp again. You can also microwave them for quicker reheating, but the topping might not be as crispy.
Yes, you can freeze these sweet potatoes with walnuts! After the second bake, allow them to cool completely. Wrap each sweet potato tightly in plastic wrap, then an additional layer of aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight, then unwrap and bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. Be aware that the texture of the filling might be slightly softer and the topping less crisp after freezing and reheating.
These versatile Maple Walnut Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes pair wonderfully with a wide array of main dishes. Their sweet and savory notes make them an excellent complement to roasted poultry, such as turkey or chicken, baked ham, or succulent pork loin. They also work beautifully alongside a hearty vegetarian main. Consider serving them with my recipes for Roasted Boneless Turkey Breast, Oven Baked Turkey Breast, Oven Roasted Spatchcock Chicken, or Oven Baked Roasted Whole Chicken for a truly memorable meal.
More Irresistible Holiday Side Dish Recipes
Round out your festive meal with these other fantastic side dish ideas:
- Parmesan Roasted Glazed Carrots
- Quick Creamy Mashed Potatoes (Potato Puree)
- Cheesy Green Bean Casserole
- Herb and Parmesan Oven Roasted Potatoes
- Air Fryer Parmesan Asparagus
Transform your Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner into an even sweeter, more memorable affair with these exceptional Double Baked Sweet Potatoes. I pour my heart into sharing delicious, approachable recipes, and this sweet potatoes with walnuts creation is truly a favorite. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try this recipe, experience its delightful flavors, and share your experience with friends and family!
If you make this recipe and absolutely love it, please consider leaving a star rating and a comment below to share your feedback. Don’t forget to use my hashtag to share your delicious recreations with me on Instagram so I can see your culinary successes! For all my latest social posts and recipes, follow me at Cookin’ With Mima on FACEBOOK |INSTAGRAM |PINTEREST.
Maple Walnut Twice Baked Sweet Potato
Ingredients
For sweet potatoes
- 4 large sweet potatoes
- ½ cup Greek yogurt
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
For topping
- ½ cup chopped walnuts
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
- Wash the sweet potatoes and pierce each of them with a fork to create holes in the skin. Place the prepared sweet potatoes on a baking tray. Bake the sweet potatoes for about 30-45 minutes, until they are fully cooked and tender.
- Once they’re done, cut the sweet potatoes in half lengthwise and carefully scoop out the flesh, being cautious not to damage the skins and leaving a thin layer of flesh attached to the skin.
- Transfer the scooped-out sweet potato flesh to a large bowl and mash it using a fork or potato masher until smooth.
- To the mashed sweet potatoes, add Greek yogurt, brown sugar, maple syrup, and pumpkin pie spice. Thoroughly mix all the ingredients together until well combined.
- Evenly distribute the mashed sweet potato filling back into the hollowed sweet potato skins, mounding it slightly.
- In the meantime, prepare the topping by combining chopped walnuts, brown sugar, and room temperature butter in a bowl, mixing until crumbly.
- Sprinkle the prepared topping mixture generously over the filled sweet potatoes, and then bake them for an additional 15 minutes at 400 degrees F, or until the topping is golden and bubbling.
- Once baked, serve the stuffed sweet potatoes while they’re still warm, with optional extra maple syrup on the side for drizzling.
Notes
- Choose the right sweet potatoes: Select medium-sized sweet potatoes that are similar in size to ensure even cooking.
- Scrub and prick the potatoes: Scrub the sweet potatoes well to remove any dirt or debris from their skins. Use a fork to prick each sweet potato a few times to allow steam to escape during baking and prevent them from bursting.
- Customize the filling: Be creative with your filling. Consider adding chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans), dried cranberries or raisins, or even a sprinkle of grated cheese for extra flavor and texture.
- Mix well: Ensure that all the ingredients are thoroughly mixed into the sweet potato flesh for a consistent flavor throughout.
- Scoop carefully: When scooping out the flesh, leave a thin layer of sweet potato on the skin to create a sturdy shell for refilling.
- Choose your texture: Mash or blend the sweet potato filling until it’s smooth and creamy. You can use a hand masher, a fork, or a food processor for this step.
- Choose piping or spooning: You can either spoon the filling back into the sweet potato shells or use a piping bag to create a decorative finish.
- Add garnish for presentation: Consider garnishing with fresh herbs, a drizzle of maple syrup, or a sprinkle of extra nuts for a visually appealing presentation.