I absolutely love this Loaded Vegan Sweet Potato Skins Recipe because it transforms simple sweet potatoes into a hearty, flavorful appetizer or snack that everyone raves about. The mix of creamy vegan cheese, sautéed veggies, and black beans creates this satisfying bite that’s perfect for sharing or enjoying as a cozy meal for one.
When I first tried making sweet potato skins vegan-style, I was amazed at how well the flavors and textures come together without any dairy or meat. You’ll find that this recipe works wonderfully for game day, casual get-togethers, or whenever you crave something comforting but wholesome. Plus, it’s easy enough to make any night of the week!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Packed with Flavor: Every bite bursts with a perfect blend of spices, creamy vegan cheese, and fresh veggies.
- Wholesome and Filling: Black beans and sweet potatoes keep you satisfied without heaviness.
- Simple and Flexible: Easy steps and adaptable ingredients make this recipe a breeze to customize.
- Great for Any Occasion: Works equally well as a party appetizer, light dinner, or snack.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Loaded Vegan Sweet Potato Skins Recipe come together to create layers of texture and taste. You’ll get the natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes paired beautifully with savory sautéed veggies, creamy yogurt, and melted vegan cheese.
- Sweet potatoes: Choose firm, medium-sized ones; they roast evenly and have just the right size for scoopable skins.
- Chopped onions: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed.
- Minced garlic: For that irresistible aroma and punch of flavor.
- Bell peppers: I like red or yellow for their sweetness, but any color works.
- Diced tomatoes: Adds juiciness and freshness to the filling.
- Cooked black beans: A key protein source that also adds a lovely creaminess when mixed in.
- Vegan coconut or Greek-style yogurt: Adds tang and smooth texture.
- Vegan mozzarella cheese shreds: Melts beautifully for that classic “cheesy” feel.
- Sea salt: Enhances all the flavors naturally.
- Black pepper: Adds a touch of warmth.
- Paprika: Gives a subtle smokiness; try smoked paprika for an extra boost.
- Jalapeño: Adds just the right amount of heat; adjust to taste.
- Lime: A squeeze brightens up the final dish perfectly.
- Olive oil: Used for roasting and sautéing to bring ingredients together.
Variations
I’ve had a lot of fun tweaking this Loaded Vegan Sweet Potato Skins Recipe based on what’s in my pantry or seasonal produce. Don’t hesitate to get creative and make it your own!
- Swap legumes: I sometimes use pinto or kidney beans instead of black beans — gives a slightly different texture but still keeps it protein-packed and delicious.
- Add corn: Grilled or roasted corn kernels add a sweet crunch that my family loves.
- Spice level: Increase or skip jalapeño if you want more or less heat — it’s totally adjustable to your preference.
- Dairy-free sour cream: Use vegan sour cream instead of coconut or Greek yogurt for a tangier filling.
- Top with avocado: For a creamy finish, sliced avocado or guacamole on top is incredible.
How to Make Loaded Vegan Sweet Potato Skins Recipe
Step 1: Roast the Sweet Potatoes
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Prick each sweet potato a few times with a fork to allow steam to escape. Place them directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet, and roast for 45 to 50 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender and beautifully soft inside. This roasting step brings out their natural sweetness, which I find essential for the finished dish.
Step 2: Sauté Your Veggies
While the sweet potatoes cool for a bit, heat 1 teaspoon of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add chopped onions, minced garlic, bell peppers, and diced tomatoes. Let everything cook gently for about 8 minutes until the veggies are just tender and fragrant. This aroma is a sure sign you’re getting to delicious territory.
Step 3: Scoop and Mix the Filling
Once the sweet potatoes are cool enough to handle, slice each in half lengthwise. Carefully scoop out most of the flesh, leaving a thin layer so the skins hold their shape and crisp up nicely. Toss the scooped sweet potato into a bowl along with your sautéed veggies, cooked black beans, vegan yogurt, shredded vegan mozzarella, sea salt, pepper, paprika, and finely chopped jalapeño. Stir everything together until it’s well combined — this mixture is what makes the skins “loaded” and super flavorful.
Step 4: Crisp the Skins and Fill Them Up
Rub the remaining olive oil on the outside and inside bottoms of the potato skins. Place the skins bottom-side up on a baking tray and bake for 5 to 10 minutes; this step crisps the skins perfectly. Then, take them out and fill each skin generously with your sweet potato and bean mixture.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Bake Again
Top each loaded skin with about a tablespoon of vegan mozzarella cheese. Pop them back into the oven for 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese melts and everything glistens. The melted cheese adds that comforting creaminess that makes this recipe irresistible.
When they come out, I like to add a final flourish – a sprinkle of coconut bacon or fresh herbs if you have them. Serve with a dollop of vegan yogurt and a lime wedge for squeezing. The bright lime juice really cuts through the richness and brings everything to life.
Pro Tips for Making Loaded Vegan Sweet Potato Skins Recipe
- Don’t Over-Scoop: Leaving a little sweet potato inside the skins helps them hold their shape and crisps up better in the oven.
- Yogurt for Creaminess: I discovered that vegan coconut or Greek-style yogurt makes the filling creamy without heaviness—try not to skip it!
- Bake Twice: Baking the skins before adding filling ensures a crispy texture instead of soggy, which I always aim for.
- Adjust Heat Carefully: Adding jalapeño incrementally helps you get the perfect spice level without overwhelming the flavors.
How to Serve Loaded Vegan Sweet Potato Skins Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping these skins with homemade coconut bacon for a smoky crunch, but you can also add fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, or a simple sprinkle of nutritional yeast for extra umami. A wedge of lime on the side is non-negotiable for me — that splash of citrus just wakes up the whole dish.
Side Dishes
For a full meal, I often serve these with a crisp green salad or some roasted veggies on the side. If it’s a party, I like adding guacamole, salsa, or chips to round out the table. They also pair beautifully with a simple quinoa salad for a wholesome, filling plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve shaped the skins on a large platter with dipping sauces arranged around them — it’s fun to serve as a vibrant appetizer spread. You could also stuff them into mini muffin tins for bite-sized portions at cocktail parties. The key is making them look as irresistible as they taste!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover loaded vegan sweet potato skins in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To keep the skins from getting soggy, I place a paper towel underneath to absorb moisture. This way, they stay tasty and ready to reheat.
Freezing
Freezing works well if you want to prep in advance. I freeze cooled, fully assembled skins in a sealed freezer bag or airtight container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, let them thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat leftovers, I prefer popping them in a 400°F oven for about 10-15 minutes to regain crispiness and warm filling. If you’re in a rush, microwaving works — but the skins won’t be as crispy. If you microwave first, I like giving them a quick broil or toast to finish.
FAQs
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Can I use regular Greek yogurt instead of vegan yogurt?
You can definitely use regular Greek yogurt if you’re not vegan—just keep in mind it will no longer be fully plant-based but will add a similar creamy tanginess to the filling.
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How do I make the sweet potato skins extra crispy?
Rubbing olive oil on the skins and baking them bottom-side up for 5–10 minutes before adding the filling helps crisp them up. Also, avoid scooping out all the sweet potato flesh so the skins don’t collapse during baking.
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Can I prepare these in advance for a party?
Absolutely! You can roast and scoop the sweet potatoes earlier and prepare the filling in advance. Assemble and bake the skins just before serving to keep them fresh and crispy.
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What are good substitutes for black beans in this recipe?
Pinto beans, kidney beans, or even chickpeas are great alternatives, depending on your taste and what you have on hand. They all provide protein and complement the sweet potato well.
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Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the Loaded Vegan Sweet Potato Skins Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your vegan cheese and yogurt are certified gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, I find that this Loaded Vegan Sweet Potato Skins Recipe hits all the right notes when I want a dish that’s tasty, satisfying, and feels a little indulgent without any guilt. It’s one of those recipes I keep returning to because it’s so versatile and comforting. I hope you’ll give it a try—I’m confident it’ll become a favorite in your recipe rotation just like it did in mine!
PrintLoaded Vegan Sweet Potato Skins Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 18 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 38 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Vegan
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Loaded Sweet Potato Skins are a delicious and healthy vegan appetizer or snack featuring baked sweet potato halves filled with a flavorful mixture of sautéed vegetables, black beans, vegan yogurt, and melted vegan mozzarella cheese. Crispy on the outside and loaded with savory toppings, these skins are perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Sweet Potatoes
- 3 medium sweet potatoes
Vegetable Mixture
- 2 tablespoons chopped onions
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup bell peppers, chopped
- 1/4 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 cup cooked black beans
- 1/2 jalapeño, finely chopped
Dairy and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons vegan coconut yogurt or vegan Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup vegan mozzarella cheese shreds
- 1/4 cup vegan mozzarella cheese shreds (for topping)
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
Other
- 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 lime
- Additional vegan coconut bacon (for topping, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit, ensuring it’s ready for baking the sweet potatoes evenly.
- Bake Sweet Potatoes: Prick each sweet potato several times with a fork to allow steam to escape. Place them on a baking sheet and bake for 45-50 minutes or until they are fork tender and easily pierced.
- Cool and Slice: Remove the sweet potatoes from the oven and let them cool slightly. Then, slice each sweet potato in half lengthwise carefully.
- Sauté Vegetables: In a pan over medium heat, add 1 teaspoon of olive oil. Add chopped onions, minced garlic, bell peppers, and diced tomatoes. Cook for about 8 minutes until the vegetables are soft and slightly tender.
- Prepare Filling: Carefully scoop out the flesh from the sweet potato halves, leaving a thin layer of potato inside the skins to maintain structure. Combine the scooped sweet potato flesh with the sautéed vegetables, black beans, vegan yogurt, 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, sea salt, black pepper, paprika, and finely chopped jalapeño in a bowl. Mix well and set aside.
- Crisp Potato Skins: Rub the remaining olive oil on the bottom of the sweet potato skins. Place the skins skin-side down on the baking sheet and bake for 5-10 minutes until the skins become crispy.
- Fill Potato Skins: Remove the skins from the oven and fill each with the prepared sweet potato mixture.
- Melt Cheese Topping: Evenly sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of vegan mozzarella cheese on top of the filled skins. Bake for another 10-15 minutes or until the cheese has melted and is bubbly.
- Add Final Toppings and Serve: Remove from oven and top with vegan coconut bacon if using. Serve with additional vegan coconut or Greek yogurt and a wedge of lime for squeezing. Enjoy your loaded sweet potato skins while warm!
Notes
- Storage: Refrigerate leftover sweet potato skins in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a 400ºF oven to restore crispiness or microwave until warmed through.
- Freezing: Freeze sweet potato skins in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Coconut Bacon: For added smoky flavor, top with coconut bacon before serving. Click the original recipe link to learn how to prepare coconut bacon.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed sweet potato half
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 0mg