Description
These creamy ricotta and spinach stuffed sweet potatoes are a delicious and comforting vegetarian dish, perfect as a nutritious main or hearty side. Baked to tender perfection, the sweet potatoes are filled with a flavorful mixture of ricotta cheese, sautéed spinach, Parmesan, and aromatic spices, then baked again until warm and bubbly. Garnished with fresh herbs, this recipe offers a delightful blend of creamy, savory, and slightly nutty flavors with a hint of spice.
Ingredients
Scale
Sweet Potatoes
- 4 medium sweet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Filling
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Garnish
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil or parsley
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the sweet potatoes.
- Prepare Sweet Potatoes: Wash and scrub the sweet potatoes under running water, then pat them dry thoroughly with a towel.
- Pierce Potatoes: Use a fork to pierce each sweet potato several times. This allows steam to escape during baking.
- Oil and Season: Rub each sweet potato with olive oil, then sprinkle evenly with salt and black pepper.
- Arrange for Baking: Place the sweet potatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- Bake Sweet Potatoes: Bake in the preheated oven for 45-60 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. Cooking time depends on their size.
- Sauté Spinach: While the potatoes bake, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped spinach and sauté for 2-3 minutes until wilted. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Mix Filling: In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, sautéed spinach, grated Parmesan, nutmeg, garlic powder, and optional red pepper flakes. Mix well until fully incorporated.
- Prepare Potato Halves: Once sweet potatoes are baked and cool enough to handle, cut each in half lengthwise. Carefully scoop out some flesh to create space for the filling without breaking the skins.
- Combine Filling and Scooped Flesh: Add the scooped sweet potato flesh to the ricotta and spinach mixture and stir until smooth and uniform.
- Stuff Potatoes: Spoon the creamy filling back into the sweet potato halves, mounding slightly on top.
- Final Bake: Place the stuffed sweet potatoes on the baking sheet and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the filling is heated through and slightly golden.
- Serve: Remove from the oven, cool for a few minutes, then garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley before serving.
Notes
- Choose medium-sized sweet potatoes for even cooking.
- Red pepper flakes are optional—add for a mild spicy kick or omit for milder flavor.
- You can substitute fresh spinach with frozen spinach—thawed and well-drained.
- Use fresh herbs like basil or parsley for garnish to add freshness and color.
- Ensure not to pierce the sweet potato skin when scooping out flesh to keep the structure intact during baking.
