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These Breakfast Sweet Potatoes are a nourishing way to kick off a weekend or special morning They combine the natural sweetness of roasted potato with bacon eggs and cheese for a filling and cozy breakfast I always turn to this dish when I want something comforting and crowd pleasing that still feels bright and wholesome
I first made these to impress overnight guests and they quickly became a Sunday breakfast ritual there is nothing quite like a crispy potato boat filled with melty cheese and a runny egg
Ingredients
- Large sweet potatoes: choose ones that are firm with smooth skin avoid any with bruises or soft spots these form the hearty shell and creamy base
- Cooked bacon: good quality smoky bacon adds texture and savory depth if you can find thick cut even better
- Unsalted butter: use for creaminess and to bring everything together opt for fresh butter for best flavor
- Shredded white cheddar cheese: sharp cheddar gives tangy richness you can substitute with your favorite melty cheese
- Large eggs: try for free range or organic for bright yolks and flavor each egg tops its own potato for that classic breakfast feeling
- Black pepper and salt: freshly ground black pepper and a good fine or flaky salt both wake up the flavor of every bite
- Scallion (optional for topping): adds freshness and a gentle onion note try to use bright green scallions with crisp stems
Instructions
- Prepare the Potatoes:
- Wash your sweet potatoes then dry thoroughly Use a fork to prick them all over so steam can escape As an extra tip rubbing them with a little oil helps the skins crisp
- Roast to Perfection:
- Line a baking sheet and arrange your pricked sweet potatoes Sprinkle all around with salt Place in an oven at three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit Roast them for sixty to ninety minutes until completely tender You should be able to slide a fork in with almost no resistance
- Scoop and Hollow:
- Once baked let them cool just enough to handle With a sharp knife slice each potato lengthwise Hold each half in your palm and with a spoon gently scoop most of the flesh into a bowl Leave about a quarter inch along the sides and base so the skins keep their shape
- Mix the Filling:
- To your bowl of sweet potato flesh add in the crumbled cooked bacon small cubes of butter and a good handful of shredded cheddar cheese Use a spoon or masher to combine until everything is smooth and savory
- Fill and Shape:
- Carefully spoon the flavorful mixture back into the potato shells Press gently to make a shallow well or divot in each one This will hold the raw egg neatly during baking
- Add Egg and Season:
- Crack a large egg into each well trying to keep the yolk centered Sprinkle over a bit of salt and black pepper for an extra pop of seasoning
- Bake Again:
- Slide the filled potatoes back onto your baking tray Return to a hot oven Bake for fifteen to twenty minutes or until the eggs are cooked just how you like The whites should be set and the yolks slightly runny for maximum comfort
- Add Freshness:
- Remove from the oven Let rest a minute then scatter minced scallion or your favorite herb on top for color and brightness
To me the sweet potato and egg combination is unbeatable I remember my niece gleefully digging into hers and asking for seconds which always makes this dish extra special when family sits around the table together
Storage Tips
Keep cooked stuffed sweet potatoes covered in the fridge for up to three days For best results reheat in the oven or toaster oven to re crisp the skin You can also freeze unbaked assembled potatoes then bake from frozen adding a few minutes to the cooking time
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap bacon for roasted mushrooms or veggie crumbles for a vegetarian version Gouda or mozzarella work nicely if you do not have cheddar Add chopped spinach or kale for extra greens Another favorite is smoked salmon with fresh dill instead of bacon and scallions
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a crisp green salad or fresh berries for a complete meal They also pair well with avocado slices a hot cup of coffee or a dollop of Greek yogurt These make a tasty brunch buffet item since everyone gets their own
Cultural and Historical Notes
Sweet potatoes have been cherished in Southern US breakfasts for generations Their natural sweetness makes them a favorite base for both savory and sweet toppings Many regional diners serve stuffed sweet potatoes alongside eggs as a hearty start to the day
Seasonal Adaptations
Roast sweet potatoes with a sprinkle of cinnamon and nutmeg in autumn During spring top with fresh herbs like chives or parsley for brightness Use maple glazed bacon in winter for even more comfort
Success Stories
A neighbor once brought these as her potluck brunch dish They disappeared within minutes People love the crispy outside creamy inside and the surprise of melty cheese in every bite
Freezer Meal Conversion
Let filled but unbaked potatoes cool then wrap tightly and freeze To prepare bake straight from the freezer at three hundred seventy five degrees Fahrenheit for about thirty five minutes or until heated through and the eggs are set
These Breakfast Sweet Potatoes surprise everyone and are worth making again and again Find your favorite mix of fillings and make them part of your breakfast tradition
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can I prepare these sweet potatoes ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the sweet potatoes and prepare the filling a day in advance. When ready to serve, fill the potatoes, top with eggs, and finish baking.
- → What other cheese can I use?
White cheddar works well, but you can also try mozzarella, Gruyère, or sharp yellow cheddar for a different flavor profile.
- → How do I know when the eggs are set?
Bake until the egg whites are fully cooked and the yolks are just set for a creamy texture. You can adjust baking time for softer or firmer yolks.
- → Are there vegetarian alternatives to bacon?
Yes, swap bacon for sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes to keep the dish vegetarian and still flavorful.
- → How can I reheat leftovers?
Reheat in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes or until warmed through, keeping the texture of the eggs and potatoes intact.