Elevate your next gathering with these irresistible Baked Sweet Potato Skins, a fantastic addition to any spread of Healthy Buffet Party Snacks. These vibrant, savory bites are simple to prepare and packed with flavor, making them a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that everyone will love. You’ll find them incredibly satisfying and surprisingly light.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
- Sweet Potatoes: Choose medium-sized, firm sweet potatoes for best results.
- Plain Greek Yogurt: Sour cream or a dairy-free plain yogurt can be used as alternatives.
- Cheddar Cheese: Monterey Jack or a dairy-free shredded cheese work well.
- Green Onions: Chives or finely diced red onion can be substituted.
- Black Beans: Canned cannellini beans or pinto beans are great alternatives.
Ingredients
- 4 medium sweet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions
- 1/2 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and black pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 8 skins
- Tools Needed: Baking sheet, mixing bowl, small spoon, fork
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pierce each sweet potato several times with a fork, then rub them lightly with olive oil. Place them on a baking sheet.
2. Bake the Sweet Potatoes
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until they are tender when squeezed. Allow them to cool slightly so you can handle them comfortably.
3. Scoop Out the Flesh
Once cool enough, carefully cut each sweet potato in half lengthwise. Using a small spoon, scoop out most of the sweet potato flesh, leaving about a 1/4-inch shell. Reserve the scooped-out flesh in a mixing bowl.
4. Season and Mash the Filling
Add the Greek yogurt, shredded cheddar cheese, green onions, black beans, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper to the reserved sweet potato flesh. Mash everything together until well combined and creamy.
5. Fill the Skins
Evenly spoon the sweet potato mixture back into the empty sweet potato skins. You can mound the filling slightly.
6. Bake Until Golden
Return the filled sweet potato skins to the baking sheet. Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and lightly golden. Serve these delicious Healthy Buffet Party Snacks warm.
Variation Ideas
- Add a pinch of smoked paprika for extra depth.
- Top with a dollop of guacamole or salsa after baking.
- Mix in finely diced bell peppers for added crunch and color.
- Sprinkle with a little feta cheese before the final bake.
Storage Instructions
You can store leftover Baked Sweet Potato Skins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet and warm in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave them, but the skins may not be as crispy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can you prepare these sweet potato skins ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can bake and scoop the sweet potatoes the day before. Store the shells and the filling separately in the refrigerator and assemble and bake just before serving as Healthy Buffet Party Snacks.
Q: Are these sweet potato skins spicy?
A: The recipe uses chili powder and cumin, which provide flavor rather than intense heat. You can adjust the amount of chili powder to your preference.
Q: Can you make these dairy-free?
A: Absolutely! Use a plain dairy-free yogurt and a dairy-free shredded cheese substitute.
Q: What size sweet potatoes are best?
A: Medium-sized sweet potatoes work best for individual servings and are easier to handle for this recipe for Healthy Buffet Party Snacks.
Q: Can you freeze baked sweet potato skins?
A: Yes, you can freeze them after baking. Allow them to cool completely, then wrap individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month. Reheat from frozen in the oven.
Q: What other toppings could you add?
A: A sprinkle of fresh cilantro, a drizzle of hot sauce, or a dollop of plain Greek yogurt can enhance these Healthy Buffet Party Snacks.