Deliciously Healthy Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes: A Weight Watchers Favorite

Elevate your healthy eating with this incredible recipe for Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes. While classic baked potatoes are always a hit, their sweet potato counterparts offer a delightful and nutrient-rich twist that takes flavor to the next level. This particular recipe is crafted to be Weight Watchers-friendly, featuring a creamy, savory filling infused with smoky turkey ham, tangy Greek yogurt, and rich Parmesan cheese, all crowned with a satisfyingly crunchy pecan topping. It’s a dish that’s both comforting and conscious of your health goals.

These elegant and hearty sweet potatoes are surprisingly simple to prepare, incredibly versatile, and guaranteed to impress your family and friends every time you serve them. Best of all, each serving is incredibly light, clocking in at just 2 Weight Watchers Points. Whether you’re planning a special dinner or simply looking for a wholesome weeknight meal, these twice-baked sweet potatoes fit the bill perfectly. For more nutritious and delicious ideas, explore our extensive collection of Weight Watchers dinner recipes and creative healthy side dishes.

Why You Need to Try These Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes

If you’re searching for a dish that effortlessly combines amazing flavor with significant health benefits, look no further. This recipe for twice-baked sweet potatoes is a true game-changer, checking all the boxes for a delicious and mindful meal.

1. Exceptionally Healthy: Sweet potatoes are a nutritional powerhouse, naturally offering a delicate sweetness without requiring any added sugar. They are brimming with essential vitamins, including a remarkable amount of Vitamin A (beta-carotene), Vitamin C, and B vitamins. They also provide vital minerals like potassium and manganese. Furthermore, their high fiber content supports digestive health and helps keep you feeling full and satisfied longer.
2. Perfectly Weight Watchers Friendly: With their low glycemic index and rich fiber content, sweet potatoes are an excellent choice for managing blood sugar and promoting satiety, making them a superior alternative to traditional white potatoes. This specific recipe is carefully designed to be low in Weight Watchers points, proving that you don’t have to sacrifice flavor for health. The use of low-fat Greek yogurt adds creaminess and protein, while lean turkey ham provides a savory depth without excess fat, keeping your points low and your taste buds delighted. You can even access the exact point calculation on the WW Apphere (WW login required).
3. Incredibly Versatile and Family-Friendly: Twice-baked sweet potatoes are a culinary chameleon, adapting beautifully to various occasions and palates. They make a show-stopping side dish for festive gatherings like Thanksgiving or holiday dinners. Pair them with grilled chicken, fish, or a vibrant salad for a complete and wholesome weeknight meal. Their naturally sweet and savory profile appeals to all ages, making them a guaranteed hit even with picky eaters. They’re also fantastic for meal prepping, allowing you to enjoy healthy, delicious meals throughout the week.
4. Effortless Meal Prep Solution: These sweet potatoes are ideal for preparing in advance. You can bake the sweet potatoes, prepare the filling, and even stuff them ahead of time. When you’re ready to eat, simply pop them back into the oven for the second bake, and a warm, delicious meal is ready in minutes. This makes them a perfect option for busy individuals or families looking to eat healthier without spending hours in the kitchen.

Recipe At A Glance

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Servings: 6 halves (3 whole medium sweet potatoes)

Serving Size: 1 half

2 WW Points Per Serving. You can view the recipe on the WW Apphere. (WW login required.)

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this delightful dish. Each component plays a crucial role in building the layered flavors and textures of our twice-baked sweet potatoes. We focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients to ensure the best possible taste and nutritional value.

• 3 medium sweet potatoes (approximately 600 g total) – Choose firm, evenly colored sweet potatoes.
• ½ cup low-fat Greek yogurt (120 g) – This adds creaminess and a protein boost while keeping the fat content low.
• ½ tsp salt (3 g) – Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavors.
• ¼ tsp white pepper (0.5 g) – Offers a subtle spice without altering the color of the filling.
• ½ tsp oil (3 g) – A small amount for toasting the ham, any neutral oil like olive or avocado oil works well.
• 1/3 cup smoked ham, sliced (60 g) – Opt for lean, high-quality smoked turkey ham for a smoky, savory kick.
• 1 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (5 g) – Adds a salty, umami depth and a golden crust when baked a second time.
• 6 pecans for garnish – Provides a beautiful finish and a delightful crunch.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create perfectly tender and flavorful twice-baked sweet potatoes. Precision and a little patience will result in a truly impressive dish.

1. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Thoroughly wash each sweet potato under running water, using a vegetable brush to scrub away any dirt or debris from the skin. Pat them completely dry with a clean kitchen towel. Clean skins are important as they form the “bowl” for your delicious filling.
2. Pierce for Perfect Baking: Take a fork and pierce each sweet potato several times all over its surface. These small holes are crucial as they allow steam to escape during the baking process, preventing the potatoes from bursting and ensuring they cook evenly and become wonderfully tender throughout.
3. First Bake (Softening the Potatoes): Place the pierced sweet potatoes directly onto your oven rack for optimal air circulation, or lay them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easier cleanup. Bake for approximately 50–60 minutes. The exact time may vary based on the size of your potatoes. They are ready when they feel very soft when squeezed gently or easily pierced with a knife or fork.
4. Prepare the Savory Filling Components: While your sweet potatoes are in the oven, it’s time to get the other filling ingredients ready. Dice the smoked turkey ham into very small, uniform pieces. Heat a small skillet over medium heat, adding just a pinch of your chosen oil (about 1/2 tsp). Add the diced ham to the hot skillet and toast it for about 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes slightly crispy and fragrant. This step enhances its smoky flavor and adds a textural element. Remove the crispy ham from the heat and set it aside to cool slightly.
5. Cool and Scoop the Flesh: Once the sweet potatoes are beautifully soft, carefully remove them from the hot oven. Allow them to cool on a cutting board for about 10 minutes. This cooling period makes them easier to handle and prevents you from burning your fingers.
6. Hollow Out the Sweet Potato Shells: Using a sharp knife, carefully cut each sweet potato in half lengthwise. Then, with a spoon, gently scoop out the tender flesh from each half. Be careful to leave a thin layer of sweet potato attached to the skin, creating a sturdy “shell” that will hold your filling without collapsing. Place all the scooped-out sweet potato flesh into a large mixing bowl.
7. Create the Creamy Filling: To the mixing bowl with the sweet potato flesh, add the low-fat Greek yogurt, salt, white pepper, the toasted crispy ham, and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Using a fork or a potato masher, mash all the ingredients together until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and well combined. Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding a little more salt or pepper to your preference.
8. Refill the Sweet Potato Skins: Carefully spoon the flavorful sweet potato mixture back into the hollowed-out skins. Divide the filling evenly among the six sweet potato halves, ensuring each one is generously mounded. Arrange the filled sweet potato halves back onto the baking sheet.
9. Second Bake (Golden Perfection): Sprinkle the remaining half of the Parmesan cheese evenly over the tops of the filled sweet potatoes. This will create a delicious golden crust. Return them to the preheated oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the filling is heated through and slightly crisp around the edges.
10. Garnish and Serve: Once baked to perfection, remove the twice-baked sweet potatoes from the oven. For a beautiful presentation and an extra layer of crunch, garnish each half with a pecan on top. Serve these warm as an impressive side dish to your main course or enjoy them as a satisfying and light meal on their own. They are truly a delightful culinary experience!

Creative Variations and Healthy Substitutions

One of the best aspects of this twice-baked sweet potato recipe is its incredible adaptability. You can easily tailor it to suit your dietary preferences, what you have on hand, or simply to experiment with new flavor combinations. Here are some popular and Weight Watchers-friendly variations to inspire your culinary creativity:

1. Enhance Creaminess with Healthy Fats: While Greek yogurt masterfully keeps the filling wonderfully creamy and light, a tiny drizzle of a healthy fat can add an extra layer of silkiness and richness. Consider adding a teaspoon of high-quality avocado oil or a small pat of light butter (if not strictly adhering to a very low-fat diet). Just remember to factor in any additional Weight Watchers points these additions might introduce.
2. Aromatic Spice Additions: To truly enhance the natural warmth and sweetness of the sweet potatoes, consider introducing aromatic spices. A tiny pinch of ground nutmeg or a dash of pumpkin pie spice blend can work wonders. These spices beautifully complement both the inherent sweetness of the potato and the savory notes of the ham and cheese, creating a more complex and inviting flavor profile.
3. Alternate Nut Toppings: If pecans aren’t your preferred topping, or if you simply want to try something different, there are many delicious alternatives. Crushed walnuts or slivered almonds can offer a similar crunch and healthy fats. For a nut-free option, toasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas) or sunflower seeds provide a great texture and nutty flavor without allergens.
4. Cheese Exploration: Parmesan cheese provides a fantastic sharp, salty, and umami flavor that crisps up beautifully. However, you can experiment with other reduced-fat cheese options to introduce new tastes while maintaining a Weight Watchers-friendly profile. A sprinkle of reduced-fat sharp cheddar for a more classic potato flavor, or crumbled light feta cheese for a briny, tangy twist, are excellent choices.
5. Make it Vegetarian or Vegan: This recipe can easily be adapted for plant-based diets. Omit the turkey ham entirely or replace it with smoked paprika for a similar smoky flavor. For a vegan version, use plant-based Greek yogurt alternatives (ensure they are unsweetened) and a dairy-free Parmesan substitute or nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor.
6. Spice it Up: For those who enjoy a little heat, a tiny pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of chipotle powder mixed into the filling can provide a delightful kick that complements the sweetness of the potatoes.

Pro Tips for Perfect Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes Every Time

Achieving perfectly cooked, flavorful twice-baked sweet potatoes is all about a few key details. These expert tips will help ensure your dish is consistently delicious and visually appealing, moving from good to absolutely fantastic.

1. Thorough Cleaning is Key: Sweet potatoes grow underground, meaning their skins can harbor dirt. Always use a sturdy vegetable brush to thoroughly scrub the skins under running water before baking. This ensures you remove all grit and can confidently enjoy the delicious, nutrient-rich skin if you choose to eat it, or simply ensure a clean base for your filling.
2. Don’t Forget to Pierce: This step might seem minor, but it’s crucial. Using a fork to poke several holes all over the sweet potatoes before the first bake allows steam to escape efficiently. Without these escape vents, pressure can build inside, potentially causing the potatoes to burst in the oven, leading to a messy cleanup and uneven cooking.
3. Consider Wrapping in Foil for Enhanced Moisture and Speed: For incredibly moist sweet potatoes and a slightly faster cooking time, wrap each potato loosely in aluminum foil before the first bake. The foil traps the steam, helping the potato cook through more quickly and keeping the flesh incredibly tender and moist. Just be sure to still pierce them before wrapping!
4. Bake an Extra Potato for Optimal Fluffiness and Generous Filling: Here’s a secret for the best texture and volume: bake one more sweet potato than the recipe calls for. Use this additional cooked flesh to add to your filling mixture. This ensures every single sweet potato half is generously stuffed with a fluffy, rich filling, preventing sparse or dry potatoes and guaranteeing a truly satisfying bite.
5. Presentation Matters – Elevate Your Dish: The final touches can transform a good dish into a gourmet experience. Beyond the pecan, consider a sprinkle of freshly chopped chives or parsley over the top for a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous note. Arranging them artfully on a platter with a side garnish can elevate their visual appeal, making them worthy of any dinner party or holiday table. Small details make a big impact.
6. Choosing the Best Sweet Potatoes: When selecting sweet potatoes, look for ones that are firm to the touch, with no soft spots, bruises, or cracks. A smooth, even skin is generally preferred. Medium-sized potatoes work best for this recipe, as they cook more evenly and are easier to handle for scooping and refilling.

Storage and Reheating Tips

These twice-baked sweet potatoes are fantastic for meal prep! Here’s how to store and reheat them to enjoy delicious leftovers:

1. Cool Completely: Before storing, allow the twice-baked sweet potatoes to cool down to room temperature. This prevents condensation from forming in your storage container, which can lead to sogginess.
2. Refrigeration: Store any leftover twice-baked sweet potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
3. Freezing (for longer storage): For longer preservation, wrap each cooled, individual sweet potato half tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
4. Reheating in the Oven: The best way to reheat is in the oven to maintain their crispy tops and tender interiors. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the sweet potatoes on a baking sheet and heat for 15-20 minutes, or until thoroughly warmed through and the topping is crisp again.
5. Reheating in the Microwave: While convenient, the microwave can sometimes make the sweet potatoes a bit soft. Heat for 1-2 minutes per half, or until hot. Note that the topping may not be as crispy.

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Twice-baked Sweet Potatoes

Servings: 6

Prep: 15 minutes mins

Cook: 1 hour hr

Total: 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

A sweet and savory twist on the classic twice-baked potato, made healthy and Weight Watchers friendly.

Ingredients 

• ▢ 3 medium sweet potatoes, approx. 600 g total
• ▢ ½ cup low-fat Greek yogurt, 120 g
• ▢ ½ tsp salt, 3 g
• ▢ ¼ tsp white pepper, 0.5 g
• ▢ ½ tsp oil, 3 g.
• ▢ 1/3 cup smoked ham, sliced (60 g)
• ▢ 1 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese, 5 g
• ▢ 6 pecans for garnish

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Instructions 

• Prep the sweet potatoes: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Wash the sweet potatoes thoroughly, scrubbing the skin to remove any dirt. Pat them dry with a clean towel.
• Pierce each sweet potato a few times with a fork to allow steam to escape during baking.
• Place them directly on the oven rack or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 50–60 minutes, or until they’re soft when pierced with a knife.
• Prepare the filling ingredients: While the sweet potatoes are baking, dice the smoked ham into small pieces. Heat a small skillet over medium heat and add a pinch of oil (approximately 1/2 tsp). Add the diced ham and toast until slightly crispy, about 3–4 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
• Scoop out the sweet potato flesh: Once the sweet potatoes are done, carefully remove them from the oven and let them cool for about 10 minutes.
• Cut each sweet potato in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to gently scoop out the flesh, leaving a thin layer around the skin to help maintain the structure. Place the scooped-out flesh into a large mixing bowl.
• Mix the filling: Add the Greek yogurt, salt, white pepper, toasted ham, and half of the Parmesan cheese to the sweet potato flesh. Mash everything together with a fork or potato masher until smooth and well combined. Adjust the seasoning if necessary.
• Refill the sweet potato skins: Spoon the mixture back into the sweet potato skins, dividing it evenly among the six halves. Place them back onto the baking sheet.
• Bake again: Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese evenly over the tops of the filled sweet potatoes. Return them to the oven and bake at 375°F (190°C) for an additional 15 minutes, or until the tops are golden and slightly crisp.
• Garnish and serve: Remove the sweet potatoes from the oven and garnish each with a pecan on top. Serve warm as a side dish or light meal.

Notes

Just 2 WW Points per serving, making this a fantastic choice for a healthy and satisfying meal or side.

 

Nutrition

Serving: 137gCalories: 154kcalCarbohydrates: 23gProtein: 6.1gFat: 4.7gSaturated Fat: 0.9gCholesterol: 7.7mgSodium: 377mgPotassium: 419mgFiber: 3.5gSugar: 6.2gCalcium: 64mgIron: 0.8mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation. Individual results may vary based on exact ingredient brands and preparation methods.

Additional Info

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

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