Ina Garten Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes Recipe

Ina Garten’s Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes are a warm, creamy, and elegant side dish that brings out the natural sweetness of the potatoes while adding a rich, savory twist. They’re perfect for holiday dinners, special occasions, or even a comforting weeknight meal. With a velvety filling and a beautifully browned top, these potatoes look impressive but are incredibly simple to prepare.

What are Ina Garten’s Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes?

Ina Garten’s Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes are baked sweet potatoes that are scooped out, mixed with butter, cream, and warm spices, then placed back into their skins and baked again. This double-baking method creates a smooth, flavorful filling with a slightly crisp top that elevates the dish from ordinary to extraordinary.

Reasons to Try Ina Garten Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes

• Beautiful presentation – Perfect for guests and special meals.
• Creamy interior – Smooth, buttery, and full of flavor.
• Customizable – Adjust sweetness, spices, or toppings based on taste.
• Easy to prepare – Simple steps with impressive results.
• Make-ahead friendly – Prep them earlier and bake before serving.
• Healthy choice – Nutritious and naturally sweet.

Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten’s Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes

• 4 large sweet potatoes
• 4 tablespoons butter, softened
• ¼ cup heavy cream or milk
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar (optional for added sweetness)
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• Optional toppings: chopped pecans, marshmallows, or crispy breadcrumbs

Instructions to Prepare Ina Garten Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes

Step 1 – Bake the sweet potatoes

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Prick the potatoes with a fork and bake for 45–55 minutes until very tender.

Step 2 – Scoop out the centers

Allow potatoes to cool slightly. Cut them in half lengthwise and gently scoop the flesh into a bowl, keeping the skins intact.

Step 3 – Mash the filling

Add butter, cream, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and pepper to the potato flesh. Mash until smooth and creamy.

Step 4 – Refill the skins

Spoon the seasoned mashed sweet potatoes back into the shells, mounding them slightly on top.

Step 5 – Bake again

Return filled potatoes to the oven and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes until warmed through and lightly browned on top.

Step 6 – Serve warm

Serve immediately with your favorite holiday dishes or simple weeknight mains.

What Goes Well With Ina Garten Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes

• Roast chicken – A classic comfort pairing.
• Beef tenderloin – Adds elegance to special meals.
• Holiday turkey – Perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas.
• Green salads – Light and refreshing contrast.
• Grilled vegetables – Complement the natural sweetness.

Key Tips for Making Ina Garten Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes

• Pick evenly sized potatoes – Ensures uniform baking.
• Bake, don’t microwave – Oven baking gives richer flavor.
• Mash while warm – Creates a smoother, creamier filling.
• Taste the filling – Adjust seasoning and sweetness before refilling.
• Stabilize the skins – Place them on a baking tray to prevent tipping.
• Add crunch – Pecans or breadcrumbs bring texture.
• Make ahead – Prep the filling and assemble up to 24 hours in advance.

Creative Variations of Ina Garten Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes

• Savory herb version – Add rosemary, thyme, or garlic.
• Maple sweetened – Drizzle maple syrup into the filling.
• Pecan crumble topping – Mix pecans, butter, and sugar for crunch.
• Cheesy twist – Add Parmesan or Gruyère for a savory upgrade.
• Marshmallow topping – Toast marshmallows for a classic holiday feel.
• Spicy version – Add a pinch of cayenne for gentle heat.

Storage Guidelines for Ina Garten Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes

• Refrigerator – Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
• Freezer – Freeze assembled (not baked the second time) for up to 2 months.
• Make-ahead – Prepare up to a day before and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Reheating Tips for Ina Garten Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes

• Oven – Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes.
• Air fryer – 350°F (175°C) for about 8 minutes.
• Microwave – Warm in short bursts, but note the top won’t stay crisp.

Nutrition Value (per serving)

• Calories: 260
• Protein: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fat: 11g
• Fiber: 5g
• Sodium: 210mg

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FAQs

Why are my twice-baked sweet potatoes not creamy enough?

They may be undercooked or not mashed while warm. Sweet potatoes need to be fully tender before scooping, and mashing them while hot helps the butter and cream blend smoothly. Adding a little extra cream or butter can also restore creaminess.

Can I make Ina Garten’s twice-baked sweet potatoes ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the potatoes completely (including the filling) and refrigerate them unbaked for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, bake them for an additional 5–10 minutes until heated through and lightly browned on top.

How do I keep the sweet potato skins from tearing when scooping?

Let the potatoes cool slightly so the skins firm up, then scoop gently while leaving a thin layer of potato attached to the skin. This helps the shells stay sturdy during refilling and the second bake.

Can I freeze twice-baked sweet potatoes before baking the second time?

Yes, these freeze very well. Place the filled potato halves on a tray, freeze until firm, then transfer them to an airtight container. Bake straight from frozen at 375°F (190°C) with a few extra minutes added to the cooking time.

Wrapping Up

Ina Garten’s Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes are a delightful combination of creamy, sweet, and savory flavors with a beautifully baked presentation. They’re easy to prepare, make-ahead friendly, and versatile enough for both weeknight dinners and festive meals. Once you try them, they’ll quickly become a repeat favorite on your table.