If you’re on the hunt for something that’s both comforting and a little unexpected, you’ve got to try this Ultimate Chili-Stuffed Sweet Potato Skins Recipe. I absolutely love how these crispy, hearty sweet potato skins filled with spicy chili, melted cheese, and a zingy honey-lime chipotle yogurt sauce come together. It’s perfect for game day, a cozy lunch, or even a fun dinner that’ll impress your family and friends without a ton of fuss.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple ingredients, big flavors: Using canned chili beans keeps things easy but packs a punch of hearty goodness.
- Versatile and crowd-pleasing: Whether you serve this as an appetizer or a light meal, it’s guaranteed to get raves.
- Crispy skins with soft filling: Baking the sweet potato skins twice gives that perfect balance of texture.
- Easy to customize: Add your favorite toppings or tweak the spice level to suit your taste buds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Ultimate Chili-Stuffed Sweet Potato Skins Recipe works together to make a filling that’s both satisfying and flavorful. I find that picking good-sized sweet potatoes makes the process smoother, and having quality canned chili beans is key for that rich chili taste without extra work.
- Sweet potato skins: Choose medium to large size for easy scooping and stuffing.
- Olive oil: Helps crisp the skins perfectly and add subtle richness.
- Salt: A simple pinch enhances all the natural sweetness.
- BUSH’S® Kidney Beans in a Mild Chili Sauce: These beans bring unbeatable flavor and texture to the stuffing.
- Colby jack or Mexican cheese: Melts beautifully and adds creamy, savory notes.
- Plain Greek yogurt or sour cream: Creates the creamy base for the bright, spicy honey-lime chipotle sauce.
- Honey: Balances the heat with a touch of sweetness.
- Lime juice: Adds freshness and a little zing.
- Chipotle chili powder: Gives a smoky warmth that I love — adjust to your heat preference.
- Green onion: Offers a mild, crunchy contrast in the garnish.
- Jalapeño slices: Adds a bit of kick and color on top.
- Cilantro: Brightens up each bite with fresh herbal notes.
- Chopped cooked bacon (optional): Because sometimes, you just want to elevate things and bring in some smoky, savory bacon.
Variations
One of the reasons I keep coming back to this Ultimate Chili-Stuffed Sweet Potato Skins Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. Whether you need it meatless, packed with veggies, or extra cheesy, there’s a tweak for you.
- Make it vegan: Swap out cheese and yogurt with plant-based alternatives — I’ve tried cashew cheese and coconut yogurt, and both work surprisingly well.
- Add extra veggies: Toss in some diced bell peppers or corn to the chili filling for added texture and color—I do this when I want a little crunch.
- Spice it up: If you like heat, sprinkle in some cayenne powder to the filling or add more chipotle powder to the yogurt sauce for an enjoyable kick.
- Loaded version: My family goes crazy when I add crispy bacon bits and an extra handful of shredded cheese on top—it’s like a party in each bite.
How to Make Ultimate Chili-Stuffed Sweet Potato Skins Recipe
Step 1: Roast those sweet potatoes until tender and cozy
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. Grab your sweet potatoes and use a fork to poke a bunch of holes all over each one — this helps steam escape while roasting. Pop them on the baking sheet and bake for about an hour, or until they’re nice and soft when you poke them with a fork. When they’re done, set them aside to cool for 10 to 15 minutes. You’ll want to handle warm, but not burning hot sweet potatoes for the next steps.
Step 2: Whip up that zingy honey-lime chipotle yogurt sauce
While the sweet potatoes cool, it’s the perfect time to mix this sauce that makes the whole recipe sing. Grab a small bowl and stir together plain Greek yogurt, honey, freshly squeezed lime juice, and chipotle chili powder. I like to taste it and add a little more chipotle for a smoky heat that’s just right. Pop this in the fridge to chill until you’re ready to serve — it’s the fresh, creamy contrast that lifts the spicy chili perfectly.
Step 3: Scoop, oil, and crisp those sweet potato skins
Once your sweet potatoes are comfy to handle, slice each one in half lengthwise. Here’s a trick I learned: scoop out the insides carefully, leaving a thin layer of flesh all around so the skins hold their shape. Don’t scoop it all out — that thin layer is what keeps everything intact when you stuff them later. Don’t toss the scooped flesh! I save mine for smoothies or blend into batter for muffins and pancakes. Next, brush the inside and outside of each skin with olive oil and sprinkle lightly with salt. Bake them again, but this time at 425°F for 10 to 15 minutes to get those skins beautifully crisp and slightly golden.
Step 4: Stuff, cheese, and melt
Time for the fun part! Evenly divide the chili beans among your sweet potato skins, packing them just right. Sprinkle the shredded Colby jack or Mexican cheese on top — that melty topping is what everyone drools over. Pop them back in the oven for about 5 minutes, just until the cheese melts into gooey perfection.
Step 5: Dress and garnish for the perfect finish
Once out of the oven, dollop a little of your honey-lime chipotle yogurt sauce on each stuffed potato skin, then scatter diced green onions, jalapeño slices, and fresh cilantro over the top. If you’re feeling fancy (or just love bacon like I do), chopped cooked bacon makes for an irresistible finishing touch. Serve them immediately — while they’re still warm and crispy — and watch everyone fall in love with each bite.
Pro Tips for Making Ultimate Chili-Stuffed Sweet Potato Skins Recipe
- Don’t Over-Scoop: Leaving a thin layer of sweet potato flesh prevents the skins from collapsing—trust me, I learned the hard way!
- Double Baking Trick: Baking the skins twice helps achieve that perfect crispy exterior, which really elevates the texture.
- Customize Heat: Adjust the chipotle chili powder in the yogurt sauce according to your spice tolerance—it’s easy to make it milder or more fiery.
- Save the Scooped Flesh: Don’t toss it! I always freeze mine and add it to smoothies or baked goods to reduce waste and add nutrition.
How to Serve Ultimate Chili-Stuffed Sweet Potato Skins Recipe
Garnishes
I’m a garnish fan because it adds pops of freshness and texture. For this recipe, I almost always stick to diced green onions and cilantro for that herbaceous brightness, plus a few jalapeño slices if I want a little extra heat. And honestly, a sprinkle of cooked, crispy bacon is a game-changer if you’re not keeping it vegetarian.
Side Dishes
These chili-stuffed skins can stand alone, but I like pairing them with a simple side salad or some roasted veggies on the side—keeps the meal balanced without stealing the show from these stars. Cornbread or a light slaw also complements the smoky, spicy chili flavor really well.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, I sometimes set these in mini muffin tins to serve individual crispy bites, which is such a fun way to eat them finger-food style. Wrapping each in a piece of parchment paper tied with twine not only looks adorable but keeps hands clean during game day snacking.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They stay fresh for up to 5-7 days, which is awesome for quick lunches during the week. Just keep the yogurt sauce separate so it doesn’t make the skins soggy.
Freezing
Freezing works surprisingly well here. After baking and stuffing, let the potatoes cool completely, then wrap each tightly in plastic wrap and freeze in a single layer on a tray before transferring to a freezer bag. This way, they keep their shape and texture when reheated.
Reheating
Reheat these in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through and the cheese is melty again. Skip the microwave if possible to keep the skins crispy, but if you’re in a hurry, a quick zap followed by a few minutes under the broiler does the trick.
FAQs
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Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes for this recipe?
You absolutely can! Regular potatoes will work, but sweet potatoes offer a natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with the chili and chipotle flavors. If you swap, just make sure to bake them long enough to get tender and follow the same scooping and crisping steps.
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Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! This dish is naturally gluten-free if you check that the canned beans and cheese don’t have any additives containing gluten. Always read labels or pick certified gluten-free products to be safe.
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How spicy is the chili-stuffed sweet potato skins?
The spice level is mild to moderate thanks to the mild chili sauce in the beans and the chipotle powder in the yogurt. You can easily adjust the heat by adding more chipotle or jalapeños if you like it hotter.
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Can I prep this recipe ahead of time?
Definitely! You can bake the sweet potatoes and scoop out the flesh a day ahead, keep the skins refrigerated, and prepare the chili and yogurt sauce separately. Assemble and bake just before serving for best texture.
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What can I do with the sweet potato flesh I scoop out?
I love adding it to smoothies for extra nutrition or using it in muffin, pancake, or pie batters. It’s a great way to avoid waste and sneak in extra veggies!
Final Thoughts
This Ultimate Chili-Stuffed Sweet Potato Skins Recipe is one of those dishes that’s simple enough for a weeknight but special enough to share with guests. I love how the layers of flavor and textures come together, from sweet and spicy to creamy and crispy. Once you try it, I bet it’ll become a go-to in your kitchen just like it did in mine—trust me, your family and friends will thank you (and ask for seconds!). So go ahead, give it a whirl, and enjoy the cozy deliciousness that only this recipe delivers.
PrintUltimate Chili-Stuffed Sweet Potato Skins Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 90 minutes
- Total Time: 100 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Ultimate Chili-Stuffed Sweet Potato Skins are a delicious and hearty appetizer or vegetarian lunch option featuring baked sweet potato skins filled with mild chili kidney beans, topped with melted cheese and a refreshing honey-lime chipotle yogurt sauce, garnished with jalapeños, green onion, and cilantro. This recipe offers a perfect balance of spicy, savory, and tangy flavors and is easy to prepare for game days or casual meals.
Ingredients
For the Sweet Potatoes
- 3 medium-large sweet potato skins (about 3 inches in diameter and 5-6 inches long)
- 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt, to taste
For the Stuffing
- 1 (15 ounce) can BUSH’S® Kidney Beans in a Mild Chili Sauce
- ½ cup shredded colby jack or Mexican cheese
For the Honey Lime Chipotle Yogurt
- ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1 teaspoon honey
- ½ lime, juiced
- ¼ teaspoon chipotle chili powder, plus more to taste
To Garnish
- 1 green onion, diced
- Jalapeño slices, to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh chopped cilantro
- Chopped cooked bacon (optional, if you’re feeling fancy)
Instructions
- Preheat and Bake Sweet Potatoes: Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Use a fork to poke several holes all over the sweet potatoes to allow steam to escape. Place sweet potatoes on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 1 hour or until easily pierced with a fork. Allow sweet potatoes to cool for 10-15 minutes. Increase oven temperature to 425°F.
- Prepare Honey-Lime Chipotle Yogurt Sauce: While sweet potatoes cool, combine Greek yogurt (or sour cream), honey, lime juice, and chipotle chili powder in a small bowl. Mix well and taste, adjusting the chili powder to increase spice if desired. Refrigerate until ready to use.
- Scoop and Crisp Sweet Potato Skins: Once cooled, cut sweet potatoes in half lengthwise. Carefully scoop out the flesh leaving a thin layer on the sides and bottom to maintain structure. Brush the insides and outsides of sweet potato skins with olive oil and lightly sprinkle with salt. Return to oven and bake for 10-15 minutes to crisp the skins.
- Stuff and Melt Cheese: Divide the BUSH’S® Kidney Beans in Mild Chili Sauce evenly among the sweet potato skins. Sprinkle shredded colby jack or Mexican cheese atop each filled potato skin. Bake for 5 minutes or until the cheese has melted.
- Garnish and Serve: Add a dollop of the honey-lime chipotle yogurt sauce on top of each stuffed sweet potato skin. Garnish with diced green onions, jalapeño slices, chopped cilantro, and optional bacon if desired. Serve immediately for best taste, or cover and refrigerate for 5-7 days.
Notes
- This recipe offers a delicious, vegetarian chili-stuffed sweet potato that is perfect for game day appetizers or quick lunches.
- The leftover scooped sweet potato flesh can be used in smoothies, muffins, pancakes, or pies to avoid waste.
- Add chopped cooked bacon as a garnish to add a smoky flavor if desired.
- Adjust the chipotle chili powder in the yogurt sauce to control the level of spiciness.
- Store leftovers properly covered in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days.
- This recipe is sponsored by BUSH’S® Beans and uses their mild chili kidney beans for convenience and flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sweet potato skin
- Calories: 191 kcal
- Sugar: 4.7 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 4.1 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30.3 g
- Fiber: 6.8 g
- Protein: 9.1 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg