Loaded Baked Sweet Potatoes

Featured in: Everyday Cozy Plates

Sweet potatoes are baked until tender, then topped with a warm mixture of black beans, corn, and spices. The dish is finished with melted cheddar cheese and fresh garnishes like avocado, cilantro, lime, and scallions, offering a satisfying and flavorful meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for weeknights.

Updated on Fri, 21 Nov 2025 15:59:00 GMT
Golden brown Loaded Baked Sweet Potatoes, brimming with a vibrant black bean and corn topping, ready to eat. Save to Pinterest
Golden brown Loaded Baked Sweet Potatoes, brimming with a vibrant black bean and corn topping, ready to eat. | velvetthyme.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

This recipe quickly became a family favorite and perfect for busy evenings when I want something fulfilling without too much effort

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
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| velvetthyme.com

Gathered around the table our family enjoys this vibrant dish that brings a hearty vegetarian dinner to life

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a simple side salad or steamed greens to complement the flavors and add freshness

Vegan Adaptations

Substitute shredded cheese with plant-based alternatives and use vegan yogurt in place of sour cream

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days Reheat in the oven for best texture

Steaming hot Loaded Baked Sweet Potatoes with melted cheese, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. Save to Pinterest
Steaming hot Loaded Baked Sweet Potatoes with melted cheese, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. | velvetthyme.com

This recipe is a versatile delight that fits all skill levels and makes dinner planning easy and delicious

Recipe FAQs

How long does it take to bake the sweet potatoes?

Sweet potatoes bake for 45 to 50 minutes at 400°F until they become tender and easy to pierce with a fork.

Can I substitute the black beans with another ingredient?

Yes, you can replace black beans with pinto beans or cooked lentils for a different texture and flavor.

What cheese works best for melting on top?

Cheddar or a Mexican blend cheese melts well and complements the flavors of the toppings.

How can I make this dish vegan?

Swap dairy cheese for plant-based cheese and use vegan yogurt or omit sour cream to keep it vegan-friendly.

What fresh garnishes enhance the flavors?

Fresh cilantro, diced avocado, scallions, and a squeeze of lime brighten the dish and add fresh notes.

Is this suitable for a gluten-free diet?

Yes, all ingredients used are naturally gluten-free, making this a safe choice for gluten-sensitive diets.

Loaded Baked Sweet Potatoes

Tender baked sweet potatoes with a savory black bean and corn topping finished with cheese and fresh garnishes.

Prep time
10 min
Time for cooking
50 min
Total process time
60 min
Created by Velvet Thyme Eleanor Hayes

Recipe category Everyday Cozy Plates

Skill level Easy

Cuisine type American

Yield amount 4 Number of servings

Dietary details Vegetarian-friendly, 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 (15 oz) can 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 ground 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

How to make it

Step 01

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

Step 02

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

Step 03

Bake sweet potatoes: Bake sweet potatoes for 45 to 50 minutes or until fork-tender.

Step 04

Cook black bean and corn mixture: While sweet potatoes bake, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add black beans, corn, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, and black pepper. Cook, stirring, for 3 to 4 minutes until heated through and aromatic.

Step 05

Prepare sweet potatoes for filling: Remove sweet potatoes from oven and allow to cool slightly. Slice each lengthwise and gently press open to form a pocket. Fluff interiors with a fork.

Step 06

Assemble toppings: Divide the black bean and corn mixture evenly into the sweet potato pockets. Sprinkle shredded cheese over each.

Step 07

Melt cheese: Return sweet potatoes to the oven for 2 to 3 minutes to melt the cheese.

Step 08

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

Essential tools

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

Allergy warnings

Be sure to carefully review every ingredient for allergens and seek expert advice as needed.
  • Contains milk from cheese and sour cream or yogurt.
  • May contain sulfites from canned products.

Nutrition details per serving

Details here are meant for guidance. Please contact health professionals for medical advice.
  • Calorie count: 380
  • Fat content: 14 g
  • Carbohydrate: 56 g
  • Protein amount: 12 g