Loaded Baked Sweet Potatoes

Featured in: Simple Weeknight Recipes

This dish features perfectly baked sweet potatoes that become soft and tender, topped with a savory black bean and corn mixture seasoned with smoked paprika, cumin, and chili powder. Melted cheddar cheese adds a rich, creamy layer, enhanced by fresh avocado, cilantro, scallions, and a squeeze of lime, creating a balance of flavors and textures. Easy to prepare and packed with wholesome ingredients, it’s a comforting and nutritious meal suitable for weeknights.

Updated on Fri, 21 Nov 2025 12:21:00 GMT
Golden, steaming Loaded Baked Sweet Potatoes, brimming with a colorful, cheesy black bean and corn topping. Save to Pinterest
Golden, steaming Loaded Baked Sweet Potatoes, brimming with a colorful, cheesy black bean and corn topping. | mellowspice.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 dish is perfect for busy evenings when you want something delicious without a lot of 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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| mellowspice.com

This recipe has become a favorite for family dinners especially on busy weeknights when everyone appreciates a wholesome home-cooked meal

Nutritional Information

Per serving: Calories 380 Total Fat 14 g Carbohydrates 56 g Protein 12 g

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

Tips for Best Results

Use well-scrubbed sweet potatoes for best texture and flavor Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days

A close-up of a fully loaded baked sweet potato, showcasing a medley of toppings over the sweet potato. Save to Pinterest
A close-up of a fully loaded baked sweet potato, showcasing a medley of toppings over the sweet potato. | mellowspice.com

This nutritious and flavorful recipe is sure to become a staple in your weekly meal rotation

Recipe FAQs

How do I bake sweet potatoes until tender?

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Pierce the sweet potatoes several times with a fork, rub with olive oil and salt, then bake for 45-50 minutes until soft when pierced with a fork.

What spices complement the black bean and corn mixture?

Smoked paprika, ground cumin, chili powder, and black pepper add a smoky, earthy, and mildly spicy flavor to the black bean and corn topping.

Can this dish be made vegan?

Yes, replace shredded cheese with plant-based alternatives and use vegan yogurt or omit the sour cream to keep it vegan-friendly.

What fresh garnishes enhance the flavor?

Diced avocado, chopped cilantro, sliced scallions, and a squeeze of lime add brightness, creaminess, and fresh aroma to the dish.

How can I add more protein to the meal?

Incorporate cooked shredded chicken, ground turkey, or other proteins alongside the black bean mixture for additional protein.

Loaded Baked Sweet Potatoes

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

Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
50 minutes
Overall Time
60 minutes
Created by Hannah Clarke

Recipe Category Simple Weeknight Recipes

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Total Yield 4 Number of Servings

Dietary Details Vegetarian-Friendly, No Gluten

What You 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 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
02 1 cup frozen or canned corn, drained if needed
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

How To Make

Step 01

Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 02

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

Step 03

Roast Sweet Potatoes: Bake sweet potatoes for 45 to 50 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a fork.

Step 04

Cook Black Bean and Corn Mixture: While sweet potatoes roast, heat 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 to 4 minutes until heated through and fragrant.

Step 05

Slice Sweet Potatoes: Remove sweet potatoes from oven and let cool slightly. Slice each lengthwise and gently press open to create pockets.

Step 06

Fill Sweet Potatoes: Fluff the interior flesh with a fork. Divide the black bean and corn mixture evenly among the sweet potatoes.

Step 07

Add Cheese and Melt: Sprinkle shredded cheese over the filled sweet potatoes. Return to oven for 2 to 3 minutes to melt cheese, if desired.

Step 08

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

Tools Needed

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

Allergy Details

Review all components for potential allergens and talk to your doctor with any questions.
  • Contains milk (cheese, sour cream or yogurt)
  • May contain sulfites (in canned products)
  • Check ingredient labels for potential allergens and cross-contamination

Nutrition Details (per serving)

This nutritional breakdown is for your information and isn't a substitute for health advice.
  • Total Calories: 380
  • Total Fat: 14 g
  • Carbohydrates: 56 g
  • Proteins: 12 g