You know those nights when you want something hearty and delicious, but you’re also trying to be good? Yeah, me too! Thatโs exactly why I fell head over heels for these Stuffed Sweet Potatoes with Spinach. Theyโre ridiculously simple to whip up, packed with good-for-you stuff, and taste like a million bucks. I remember first making these on a whim one busy Tuesday. I had some leftover sweet potatoes and a bunch of spinach wilting in the fridge, and honestly, I wasn’t sure if it would work. But wow, what a surprise! It turned out to be such a comforting and healthy meal, and now itโs a regular in our rotation. It really hits that sweet spot between comfort food and clean eating.
Why You’ll Love These Stuffed Sweet Potatoes with Spinach
Seriously, you’re going to be obsessed with these stuffed sweet potatoes. Hereโs why:
- So Healthy! They’re packed with vitamins from the sweet potatoes and spinach, plus some healthy fats from the feta.
- Super Easy: Minimal prep, and most of the work is done by the oven. You can totally do this even on a crazy night.
- Flavor Bomb: The sweetness of the potato, the savoy spinach, and that little salty kick from the feta? Pure magic.
- Totally Versatile: Need to clear out the veggie drawer? Throw it in! Add some cooked chicken or beans. Itโs really forgiving.
- Itโs Filling!: You won’t be hungry an hour later; these are satisfying and stick with you.
Gather Your Ingredients for Stuffed Sweet Potatoes with Spinach
Okay, time to get our pantry ready! For these amazing stuffed sweet potatoes, you’ll only need a few simple things. I always try to grab the sweetest, firmest sweet potatoes I can find โ they just bake up so much better. And for fuss-free cooking, I like to have my onion already chopped and my garlic minced before I even start.
Hereโs the rundown of what youโll need:
- 2 large sweet potatoes: Make sure theyโre about the same size so they bake evenly.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: My go-to is always extra virgin olive oil for that nice fruity flavor.
- 1 onion, chopped: Yellow or white onions work great here.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic is key for that punchy flavor!
- 5 ounces fresh spinach: Thatโs about three big handfuls, packed lightly.
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese: This adds the perfect salty, creamy tang.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Don’t forget these essentials to bring all the flavors together!
Thatโs really it! So simple, right? Itโs amazing how these few ingredients come together to create something so delicious.
Simple Steps to Make Stuffed Sweet Potatoes with Spinach
Okay, now for the fun part โ actually making these beauties! Itโs really a pretty straightforward process, and I promise itโs not as complicated as it sounds. Weโre basically going to bake the sweet potatoes until theyโre soft, whip up a yummy spinach and feta filling, and then stuff them back in. Easy peasy!
Preparing the Sweet Potatoes
First things first, letโs get those sweet potatoes ready to bake. Give them a good scrub under running water โ you donโt want any dirt from the farm sneaking into your dinner! Then, grab a fork and poke them a few times all over. This helps the steam escape so they donโt burst open in the oven, which is a real bummer. Pop them onto a baking sheet and into a preheated oven at 400ยฐF (200ยฐC). Theyโll need about 45 to 60 minutes, depending on their size, until theyโre really nice and tender when you poke them with a fork. You can learn a bit more about properly cutting and handling sweet potatoes if you want to be extra careful.
Creating the Savory Spinach Filling
While those sweet potatoes are doing their thing in the oven, letโs make the filling. Get yourself a skillet over medium heat and add that tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in your chopped onion and let it soften up โ you know, until itโs nice and see-through, which usually takes about 5 minutes. Then, add your minced garlic and cook for just another minute until you can really smell that wonderful garlic aroma. Be careful not to burn it! Now, add your fresh spinach. I like to do this in batches because it looks like a mountain at first, but it wilts down like magic. Just keep pushing it into the pan until itโs all wilted and lovely. For best results, try not to overcrowded the skillet when you’re wilting the spinach; it helps it cook down evenly. Once thatโs done, take the skillet off the heat. Stir in your crumbled feta cheese, a good pinch of salt, and some freshly ground black pepper. Give it all a good mix!
Assembling and Final Baking
Once your sweet potatoes are perfectly tender, carefully take them out of the oven. Let them cool just enough so you can handle them without burning your fingers! Using a sharp knife, slice each sweet potato in half lengthwise. Then, gently scoop out most of the fluffy insides with a spoon, leaving a border of about half an inch around the edges. This creates our little edible boats! Now, take that scooped-out sweet potato flesh and mash it up a bit. Toss it into the skillet with your spinach and feta mixture and give it a good stir to combine everything. Finally, spoon that delicious filling back into those sweet potato shells until theyโre nicely mounded. Pop them back into the oven for about 10 to 15 more minutes, just until everything is heated through and the tops get a little bit toasty and golden. Trust me, the smell at this stage is amazing!
Tips for Perfect Stuffed Sweet Potatoes with Spinach
Alright, so you’ve got the recipe down, but a few little tricks can really make these Stuffed Sweet Potatoes with Spinach sing! When you’re picking out your sweet potatoes, I always go for ones that are roughly the same size. This makes sure they bake up nice and even, so you don’t have one burnt edge and one undercooked center. Nobody wants that! For super-soft potatoes that are easy to stuff, make sure you really give them a good poke with a fork before baking โ it lets the steam out. My personal secret for keeping the filling from getting watery? Make sure your spinach is really well-drained after you wilt it. Just give it a gentle squeeze before tossing it with the other filling ingredients. It makes sure you get all that yummy feta flavor without any extra liquid!
Variations for Your Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
Honestly, the best thing about these Stuffed Sweet Potatoes with Spinach is how darn adaptable they are! Once youโve got this basic recipe down, you can totally jazz it up. Feeling like adding some protein? Cooked shredded chicken or some black beans are fantastic in here โ they add a nice heartiness. Iโve also tossed in some leftover corn, which adds a pop of sweetness, and switched out the feta for crumbled goat cheese or even a sharp cheddar for a different flavor profile. Don’t be afraid to experiment with herbs, too! A little sprinkle of smoked paprika or some fresh thyme can totally change the vibe. Itโs your kitchen, have fun with it!
Serving and Storing Your Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
These Stuffed Sweet Potatoes with Spinach are pretty fantastic on their own, but they also play nicely with other things! I love serving them with a big, crunchy green salad โ the freshness cuts through the creaminess of the potatoes so well. Or, if youโre looking for a more complete meal, some grilled chicken or baked salmon is a perfect pairing. If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), they store like a dream. Just pop them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When youโre ready to reheat, I find popping them in a 350ยฐF (175ยฐC) oven for about 10-15 minutes works best to keep that lovely texture. Microwaving can sometimes make them a bit mushy, so the oven is my preferred method for reheating!
Frequently Asked Questions about Stuffed Sweet Potatoes with Spinach
Got questions? I’ve got answers! Cooking should be fun, not frustrating, so let’s tackle some common things that pop up when making these Stuffed Sweet Potatoes with Spinach.
Can I make these stuffed sweet potatoes ahead of time?
Oh, absolutely! You can bake the sweet potatoes and make the filling a day in advance. Just store them separately in the fridge. Then, assemble and bake them just before serving. It makes weeknight dinners so much easier!
Are there vegan alternatives for this recipe?
Yes! For a completely vegan dish, just skip the feta cheese. Or, you can easily swap it out for a good quality vegan feta alternative. Make sure to check the labels on any other ingredients if you have specific dietary needs.
What if my sweet potatoes are too soft or too hard?
If your sweet potatoes are too soft and start to break when you cut them, it usually means they were baked a little too long. Try giving them a shorter bake time next time. If they’re too hard to scoop, just pop them back in the oven for 10-15 more minutes. Poking them with a fork before baking really helps with even cooking!
Estimated Nutritional Information
Just so you know, this recipe is a pretty healthy choice! We’re looking at roughly 250 calories per serving (which is usually half of a stuffed sweet potato). You’ll also get a good dose of protein, fiber, and healthy fats from the spinach and feta. Keep in mind that these numbers are just estimates, though โ they can change a little depending on the exact size of your potatoes and the specific brands of ingredients you use!
Share Your Creations!
I really hope you give these Stuffed Sweet Potatoes with Spinach a try! Theyโre such a winner. When you make them, Iโd absolutely love to hear all about it! Drop a comment below and tell me what you thought, or if you added your own special twist. And if you snap a pic, tag me on social media โ seeing your culinary adventures makes my day!
Dont forget Amazing DIY Coffin Sandwiches Halloween
For more recipes follow me on PINTEREST
PrintStuffed Sweet Potatoes with Spinach
A simple and healthy recipe for stuffed sweet potatoes filled with spinach and other savory ingredients.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 60 min
- Total Time: 75 min
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 large sweet potatoes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 5 ounces fresh spinach
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400ยฐF (200ยฐC).
- Wash the sweet potatoes and prick them with a fork. Bake for 45-60 minutes, or until tender.
- While the sweet potatoes are baking, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
- Add the fresh spinach to the skillet, a handful at a time, stirring until it wilts.
- Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the crumbled feta cheese, salt, and pepper.
- Once the sweet potatoes are cooked, let them cool slightly. Cut each sweet potato in half lengthwise and scoop out most of the flesh, leaving a border to create a “boat.”
- Mash the scooped-out sweet potato flesh and mix it with the spinach and feta mixture.
- Spoon the filling back into the sweet potato shells.
- Return the stuffed sweet potatoes to the oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and the top is lightly golden.
Notes
- You can add other ingredients to the filling, such as cooked chicken, beans, or other vegetables.
- For a vegan option, omit the feta cheese or use a vegan alternative.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed sweet potato half
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: stuffed sweet potatoes, spinach, healthy, vegetarian, dinner, side dish