Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes

(5.0)
By Judy Capodanno
Updated 2/2/2026
Dietitian Reviewed: Jane Schwartz, RDN, CLT
Approved for These Diets:
Heart Healthy | Gluten Free | Diabetic | Vegetarian
Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes
Photo Credit: Baldwin Publishing Staff Photographer

These savory Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes are packed with delicious flavors, making them a perfect healthy side dish for holiday gatherings or summer cookouts. Each sweet potato features crispy skins stuffed with Parmesan and herb-infused mashed potatoes. They are a flavorful twist on traditional loaded potatoes because sweet potatoes are a nutrient-dense superfood, rich in fiber and antioxidants.

This recipe is lower in sodium because it is seasoned with fresh garlic, oregano, and rosemary instead of salt. It offers a comforting flavor in every cheesy, herby bite.

If you are healthy sweet potato recipe lovers like us, try more of our nutritious dishes. And if you are looking for more healthy side dishes, we have those, too!

Total Time
75 minutes
Servings
8
Calories
128

What Makes These Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes Healthy

Sweet potatoes are naturally nutrient-dense, but the way they are prepared makes all the difference for heart health. By focusing on high-impact herbs and aromatics rather than heavy salts or sugars, this recipe transforms a comfort food classic into a functional, heart-healthy side dish that supports better blood pressure management.

Key Health Highlights

  • High in Fiber: Keeping the skins intact and using the whole potato provides essential fiber to help regulate blood sugar and improve digestion.
  • Rich in Vitamin A: One serving provides a significant amount of beta-carotene, which the body converts to Vitamin A for immune support and eye health.
  • Low-Sodium Seasoning: Fresh garlic, oregano, and rosemary provide a savory depth of flavor without the need for added salt.
  • Potassium Powerhouse: Sweet potatoes are a great source of potassium, a key mineral that helps the body maintain healthy fluid balance and heart function.
  • Antioxidant Rich: The vibrant orange flesh is loaded with antioxidants that help protect cells from oxidative stress.
Heart Healthy Home Cooks Community on Facebook

FAQs About Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes

Yes! Sweet potatoes are excellent for heart health because they are high in fiber and potassium, which help manage blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

They certainly can be! Traditional recipes often use heavy butter and bacon, but this version stays healthy by using heart-healthy herbs, garlic, and a controlled amount of Parmesan for flavor.

Yes. Wrap the stuffed (but not yet broiled) potatoes tightly in foil and place them in a freezer bag. They will stay fresh for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before the final broil.

Baking or steaming sweet potatoes with the skin on is the healthiest method, as it preserves the fiber and nutrients. Avoiding deep-frying or adding large amounts of refined sugar is key.

More Heart Healthy Sweet Potato Side Dishes

Sweet potatoes are a versatile superfood that can be prepared in various delicious ways to support a nutrient-dense diet. From comforting mashes to fiber-rich veggie blends, these heart-healthy sweet potato recipes offer plenty of variety for your weekly meal planning.

Healthy Sweet Potato Casserole (Gluten-Free, Diabetic-Friendly)
Healthy Candied Sweet Potatoes
Heart Healthy Kale Sweet Potato and Quinoa Salad
Healthy Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Healthy Pairings for Dinner

Finding the right main course to complement your savory side dishes is key to creating a balanced and satisfying heart-healthy dinner. These lean protein recipes are designed to pair perfectly with the earthy flavors of twice-baked sweet potatoes.

Heart Healthy Meatloaf
Turkey Cutlets with Mushroom Sauce
Heart Healthy Rosemary Chicken Dijon
Heart Healthy Crispy Baked Chicken

Ingredient Spotlight: Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are often called a "superfood" for a reason. Unlike regular white potatoes, they have a lower glycemic index and are much higher in Vitamin A and Vitamin C. Their natural sweetness means you don’t need added sugars to make them palatable, while their sturdy skins become perfectly crisp when twice-baked, providing a satisfying texture along with a boost of nutrients.

Healthy Variations

  • Add Some Greens: Fold in finely chopped sautéed spinach or kale into the potato mixture before stuffing the shells for an extra dose of iron and Vitamin K.
  • Spicy Savory: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or smoked paprika to the mash for a smoky, spicy kick that complements the rosemary.
  • Nutty Crunch: Top with a few crushed walnuts or pecans before broiling for added healthy fats and a satisfying crunch.

Ingredients

Recipe yields 8 servings

Directions

  1. Step 1

    Preheat oven to 400°. Bake whole potatoes until they are tender but not mushy, about 40 minutes. Cool, then halve potatoes lengthwise. With a spoon, scoop the flesh out of the skins, leaving a wall 1/4 inch thick.

  2. Step 2

    In a medium bowl, combine the sweet potato flesh, Parmesan, parsley, garlic, oregano, rosemary and pepper. Fill each shell with the sweet potato mixture.

  3. Step 3

    Preheat broiler. Place the potato skins on a baking sheet and broil 5 inches from the heat for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Cut each shell in half. Serve hot.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size:
1/2 sweet potato

128
Calories
2
g
Fat
6
mg
Cholesterol
171
mg
Sodium
23
g
Carbs
1
g
Sat. Fat
3
g
Fiber
5
g
Protein

Alternative Cooking Methods

  • Air Fryer: Instead of the oven, bake the whole potatoes in the air fryer at 400°F for 35–45 minutes. After stuffing, air fry the shells at 375°F for 5–7 minutes until the tops are golden brown.
  • Slow Cooker: You can "bake" the initial whole sweet potatoes in a slow cooker on low for 6–8 hours before halving and stuffing them.

Serving & Storage Tips

  • To Store: Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
  • To Reheat: For best results, reheat in the oven or air fryer at 350°F until the center is warm and the cheese is bubbly again. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep the skins crispy.
  • Make-Ahead: You can complete "Step 1" and "Step 2" up to a day in advance. Store the stuffed shells in the fridge and simply broil them right before serving.

What to Serve With These Heart Healthy Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes

These savory potatoes pair beautifully with lean proteins that share similar herb profiles. For a complete heart-healthy meal, try serving them alongside:

Ingredient Substitutions

Replace the Parmesan cheese with a tablespoon of nutritional yeast or a vegan Parmesan alternative to keep the savory profile while making the dish entirely plant-based.

If you don't have fresh parsley, you can use 1 tablespoon of dried parsley. If using fresh rosemary instead of dried, double the amount as fresh herbs are less concentrated.

If fresh garlic is unavailable, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder can be used, though fresh minced garlic provides the best heart-healthy aromatic punch.

More Recipes Like Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes