Sweet Potatoes with Jalapeno-Maple Sour Cream
This delicious sweet potato recipe, adapted from Cuisine at Home magazine, brings together the comforting flavor of baked sweet potatoes with a spicy and sweet jalapeno-maple sour cream topping. If you’re a fan of roasted potatoes, this recipe will surely become a favorite. It’s simple to prepare, with minimal effort, but the flavors are elevated, making it perfect for a cozy weeknight meal or a side dish at a gathering. Whether you’re a fan of sweet potatoes or trying to incorporate more veggies into your meals, this dish will impress. The topping adds a hint of zest and sweetness that pairs perfectly with the earthiness of the sweet potatoes. Give it a try!
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Sweet potatoes | 4 |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp |
| Salt | 1 tsp |
| Sour cream | 1/2 cup |
| Pure maple syrup | 1 tbsp |
| Fresh lime juice | 2 tsp |
| Bacon bits (optional) | 1 tbsp |
| Scallion, thinly sliced (optional) | 1 |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrition Facts | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 246.7 kcal |
| Fat | 12.9 g |
| Saturated Fat | 4.7 g |
| Cholesterol | 12.7 mg |
| Sodium | 668.7 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 30.9 g |
| Fiber | 3.9 g |
| Sugars | 8.5 g |
| Protein | 3 g |
Instructions
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Prepare the Oven:
Begin by positioning your oven rack in the center, then preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C). This high heat will ensure that the sweet potatoes get nice and tender with a slightly crisp skin.
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Prep the Sweet Potatoes:
Thoroughly scrub the sweet potatoes to remove any dirt, as you’ll be leaving the skins on. Rub each potato with olive oil and sprinkle with salt to enhance their flavor while baking. This step adds a nice touch to the skins, making them slightly crispy and salty. -
Bake the Potatoes:
Place the oiled and salted sweet potatoes directly onto the oven rack. You can place a baking sheet beneath them to catch any drippings, but cooking them directly on the rack helps with even cooking. Bake the sweet potatoes for 40 to 45 minutes, or until they are soft all the way through. You can check for doneness by inserting a fork or knife—if it slides in easily, the sweet potatoes are ready. -
Prepare the Topping:
While the sweet potatoes are baking, it’s time to make the jalapeno-maple sour cream topping. In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream, pure maple syrup, fresh lime juice, and a pinch of salt. Mix until well combined and smooth. For an added kick, you can mix in finely chopped jalapenos (optional). Once combined, cover and refrigerate the topping until you’re ready to serve. -
Serving Time:
When the sweet potatoes are finished baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly. Slice each potato down the middle to create an opening for the delicious topping. Generously spoon the jalapeno-maple sour cream onto the baked sweet potatoes. -
Garnish (Optional):
For an extra layer of flavor and texture, sprinkle the baked sweet potatoes with crispy bacon bits and thinly sliced scallions. These optional garnishes provide a smoky crunch and a fresh bite to complement the creamy, sweet, and tangy topping.
Recipe Tips and Variations:
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Add a Spicy Kick:
If you enjoy spicy foods, consider adding finely chopped fresh jalapeno to the sour cream topping. The heat from the jalapenos will perfectly balance the sweetness of the maple syrup and the creaminess of the sour cream. -
Make It Vegan:
For a vegan variation, swap the sour cream with a plant-based alternative and omit the bacon bits. You can also replace the bacon bits with crispy roasted chickpeas for added crunch. -
Sweet Potatoes Alternative:
If you’re not a fan of sweet potatoes, this recipe works equally well with regular russet potatoes or even butternut squash. The topping is versatile and complements various types of starchy vegetables. -
Maple Syrup Substitute:
If you don’t have maple syrup on hand, you can use honey or agave syrup instead. Both will provide a similar level of sweetness.
Serving Suggestions:
These sweet potatoes are delicious on their own, but they also pair well with a variety of main dishes. Here are a few ideas to serve alongside:
- Grilled Chicken: The smoky flavors of grilled chicken or chicken skewers pair wonderfully with the sweet and creamy flavors of the potatoes.
- Steak: Serve alongside a juicy grilled steak for a satisfying and balanced meal.
- Salad: A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can complement the richness of the baked sweet potatoes.
No matter how you serve them, these sweet potatoes are sure to be a hit!
Recipe Overview:
This recipe is not just a delightful addition to your weeknight dinners, but it’s also perfect for entertaining. The balance of flavors in the jalapeno-maple sour cream topping is sure to impress your guests, and the recipe itself is simple enough to whip up without much fuss. The natural sweetness of the potatoes, combined with the spicy, tangy, and sweet topping, makes every bite satisfying and unique.
