Hey there, my friend 👋. Let me tell you something—sweet potato skins are one of the most underrated snacks ever. Crispy, cheesy, and loaded with nutrients, these babies are the perfect combo of healthy and indulgent.
And the best part? You won’t waste a single bit of your sweet potatoes. I’ll show you how to turn them into something so good you’ll wonder why you ever threw them away.
Let’s get right into it.
Utensils You Need
These are the utensils and/or equipment you need to make this recipe:
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Sharp knife
- Spoon (for scooping)
- Mixing bowl
- Basting brush
- Skillet or frying pan
- Tongs
Important Info
- Servings: 8 pieces (4 whole sweet potatoes)
- Estimated Cost to make this recipe: Around $5-$8, depending on your toppings.
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 35 minutes
- Total time: 50 minutes
- Additional time: None
- Calories per serving: About 180 kcal per skin (varies based on toppings).
- Cook method: Baking
- Season: Anytime—perfect for all seasons.
- Courses: Snack, Side Dish, Appetizer
- Cuisine: American-inspired
- Diets: GlutenFreeDiet, VegetarianDiet, DairyFreeDiet (if you skip the cheese)
How to Make Healthy Sweet Potato Skins
Now I am going to tell you what ingredients you need to make this delicacy and how to make it.
Ingredients You Need
- 4 medium sweet potatoes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- ½ cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your choice)
- ½ cup cooked black beans (or chickpeas for extra crunch)
- ¼ cup diced bell peppers
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
- 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt or sour cream (for topping)
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro (optional)
Alternative Ingredients
If you do not have the ingredients I listed above, do not worry. You can swap them out for the alternatives below.
| Ingredient | Alternative |
|---|---|
| Olive oil | Avocado oil or melted coconut oil |
| Black beans | Kidney beans or chickpeas |
| Cheese | Nutritional yeast (for a dairy-free option) |
| Greek yogurt | Sour cream or dairy-free yogurt |
| Cilantro | Parsley or green onions |
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Wash and scrub your sweet potatoes well since you’ll be eating the skins.
- Poke a few holes in them with a fork and place them on the baking sheet.
- Bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until they’re fork-tender but not too soft.
- Remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes so you don’t burn your fingers.
- Slice each sweet potato in half lengthwise and carefully scoop out some of the flesh, leaving a thin layer inside so the skins hold their shape. (Save the scooped-out part for mashed sweet potatoes later.)
- Brush the inside and outside of the skins with olive oil and sprinkle with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
- Place the skins back on the baking sheet and bake for another 10 minutes to get them crispy.
- While they bake, heat a skillet over medium heat and sauté the black beans and bell peppers for about 2-3 minutes.
- Remove the sweet potato skins from the oven and fill them with the black bean mixture.
- Sprinkle cheese over the top and bake for another 5 minutes, just until the cheese melts.
- Remove from the oven and top with chopped green onions, a dollop of Greek yogurt, and fresh cilantro.
- Serve hot and enjoy.
Helpful Tips
- If you want extra crispy skins, bake them for a few more minutes before adding toppings.
- Don’t throw away the scooped-out sweet potato! Use it for mashed sweet potatoes or add it to a smoothie.
- Try adding some shredded chicken or tofu for extra protein.
- Make sure your toppings aren’t too wet, or your skins might turn soggy.
- If you like a little spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
What to Serve with Healthy Sweet Potato Skins
These sweet potato skins make a great snack on their own, but if you want to turn them into a full meal, serve them with:
- A fresh green salad
- Guacamole or salsa for dipping
- Grilled chicken or fish on the side
- A warm bowl of soup
How Do You Serve the Recipe?
Serve them fresh out of the oven while the cheese is still melted. You can use a small plate for each serving or a platter if you’re making them for a crowd. If you want to go fancy, drizzle a little extra Greek yogurt on top right before serving.
Where Do You Serve This Recipe the Most?
These are perfect for game nights, parties, or even as a light dinner. They also make a great appetizer for holiday gatherings because they’re easy to grab and eat.
Storage
Short-term Storage (Room Temperature)
- These are best eaten fresh, but if you need to store them, keep them in an airtight container for up to 6 hours.
- Avoid covering them while they’re hot, or they’ll get soggy.
Refrigeration
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes, or pop them in an air fryer for 5 minutes to keep them crispy.
Freezing
- If you want to store them longer, freeze them before adding toppings.
- Place the baked, hollowed-out skins on a baking sheet and freeze until firm.
- Transfer them to a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 2 months.
- When ready to eat, bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes, then add toppings and bake for another 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake and scoop the sweet potatoes a day ahead. Store the skins in the fridge, then crisp them up in the oven before adding toppings.
Are sweet potato skins really healthy?
Yes, they are! Sweet potato skins are packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, making them a nutritious choice.
Can I make these dairy-free?
Yes, just skip the cheese or use dairy-free cheese. You can also sprinkle nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
Can I air-fry the sweet potato skins instead of baking?
Yes, air-frying makes them extra crispy. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes, then add toppings and cook for another 3-5 minutes.
What other toppings can I use?
You can try shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, avocado, or even a drizzle of hot sauce for extra flavor.
Meta Description
This healthy sweet potato skins recipe is crispy, cheesy, and packed with nutrients. A perfect snack, appetizer, or light meal that’s easy to make.