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Crispy Loaded Sweet Potato Skins with Bacon & Cheddar

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Crispy sweet potato skins loaded with smoky bacon, melted sharp cheddar, and a hint of smoked paprika. A perfect appetizer or snack that turns a kitchen mishap into a crowd-pleasing favorite.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 medium sweet potatoes
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 3 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup sour cream (optional, for serving)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash and scrub sweet potatoes; pat dry. Pierce each several times with a fork.
  2. Place sweet potatoes directly on oven rack or on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Roast 45–50 minutes until tender when pierced with a fork.
  3. While potatoes roast, cook bacon: place slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake 15–18 minutes until crispy. Transfer to paper towels to drain; crumble or chop when cool.
  4. Let sweet potatoes cool 10 minutes. Cut each in half lengthwise. Scoop out most of the flesh, leaving a 1/4-inch border attached to the skin. Reserve flesh for another use.
  5. Increase oven temperature to 425°F (220°C). In a small bowl, combine melted butter, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Brush mixture all over inside and outside of sweet potato skins.
  6. Place skins on baking sheet (or on a cooling rack set inside sheet for extra crispiness). Roast 10 minutes, flip, and roast 5–7 minutes more until edges are browned and skins are crisp.
  7. Remove from oven. Sprinkle shredded cheddar evenly into each skin, then top with crumbled bacon. Return to oven and broil 2–3 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. Watch closely.
  8. Remove from oven; let cool 2–3 minutes. Garnish with sliced green onions. Serve immediately with sour cream on the side.

Notes

For maximum crispiness, place skins on a cooling rack set inside the baking sheet during the second roast. Watch the broiler closely to prevent burning. Leftover sweet potato flesh can be mashed with butter and salt, added to soups, or used in smoothies.

Nutrition

Keywords: sweet potato skins, loaded sweet potato skins, bacon cheddar sweet potato skins, crispy sweet potato skins, game day appetizer, Thanksgiving appetizer

Find it online: https://sunnysavory.com/crispy-loaded-sweet-potato-skins-with-bacon-and-cheddar/