Savory sweet potato skins packed with cheese and caramelized onions.
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I get interested in all the football hoopla when my home team does really, really well. And just to qualify that statement, well enough to go to the Super Bowl. Yes, I’m one of those fans. Kind of like the sports equivalent to people who go to church only on Easter and Christmas.
I can go years without watching a game, or even thinking much about it all, but once my boys head to the Divisional Playoffs, I tune in as if I’d been there all along, tossing around football lingo I don’t begin to understand.
It’s not long before my near total ignorance is revealed. Like the time I asked why on earth some guy, clearly yelling at the top of his lungs in the stands, was waving what looked to be a white picket fence in front of him. I made no sense to me. My stepson, Kevin, rolled his eyes and said, “defense”. OK, I didn’t actually see him roll his eyes, but I’m still sure it happened even if he was only thinking it.
It’s surprising I don’t understand the game better. Both of my parents were huge fans, avidly watching multiple television sets showing different games every weekend (waaaaay before DVR or this thing Kevin has called RedZone that switches your TV to any game that gets within the 20 yard line.) To this day, I still don’t know much more than the object of the game, and (now) that waving a white picket fence in the stands means you’re rooting for the defense, but I love the sound of a game playing in the background – probably something from my childhood. And I love the parties and food that go with it. That’s something I do know about.
And now for the recipe, but first you’ve got to tell me who you’re rooting for. My boys (the Niners) lost to the Seahawks last weekend, so I’m not sure who I’ll be rooting for. But I’m thinking about making a sign of a white picket fence to wave around, or at least use for serving these sweet potato skins.
Variations
For a heartier version of these potato skins add some black beans to the potato skins at the end. Black beans, potato skins and cheese go together really well, like in these vegetarian Cuban tacos.
And if you're interested in more game day party fare, check out Texas Trash Dip (Warm Bean Dip) or this 15-Minute Chile con Queso Dip.
Another winner potato appetizer is Loaded Smashed Potatoes. And they're soooo easy to make.
And if you have a couple sweet potatoes left over, make these sweet potato cakes. They're perfect for a game day appetizer, side dish or light dinner.
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Sweet Potato Skins with Cheese and Caramelized Onions
Ingredients
- 2 sweet potatoes 1 cup when mashed
- 1 tablespoon creme fraîche
- 3 tablespoons Humboldt Fog cheese or your favorite
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon chopped chives
- ½ cup finely chopped red onion
- ¼ teaspoon coarse black pepper
- Toasted pepitas
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400˚ F.
- Bake the sweet potatoes in the microwave or conventional oven until soft. Slice in half lengthwise and cool. Scoop out the sweet potato, leaving the skin intact, and leaving enough potato attached to the skin to allow the skin to sit upright on a plate. I scooped out most of the potato for a little more than one cup.
- Stir in the creme fraîche, cheese, salt and chives until fairly smooth.
- Melt the butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the red onion and sauté until lightly caramelized, about 15 minutes. Add the pepper and stir the onions into the sweet potato mixture.
- Spoon the sweet potato mixture back into the skins.
- Bake for 20 minutes.
- Top with toasted pepitas and serve whole or sliced into one-inch bite-sized sections.
Renee
As a major fan of sweet potatoes I can say that this looks just spectacular. I'd rather have this than the usual potato skins.
The Wimpy Vegetarian
Thanks so much, Renee! Such a fun week. Thanks so much for all your efforts to make this promotion a success 🙂
Dorothy at Shockingly Delicious
Been waiting for this recipe! Now my meal is complete!
Defense...I get it!
The Wimpy Vegetarian
You definitely have a leg up on me since you have a 12-year-old son. You probably understand all that hand waving by the refs too 🙂
apuginthekitchen
I'm not a sports fan, however if a local team makes the cut I may watch the game. Like you I am sorely ignorant, maybe happily ignorant of the game and symbolism. I would not have known what that picket fence meant either. Your potato skins sound delicious! Perfect game day food!
The Wimpy Vegetarian
So glad I'm not the only one. Myles now tells me that there was a sign with a 'd' on it next to the picket fence. But I never saw it, and not sure that would really have cleared it up for me LOL.
Marjory @ Dinner-Mom
I'd take sweet potatoes over baked potatoes any day...especially topped with all those goodies. Awesome!
The Wimpy Vegetarian
I love sweet potatoes, and really any potatoes, but these are so much healthier. I'm dying to try your hot crab and artichoke dip!!
Katie
Ummmm so is it bad to admit I don't have the slightest clue who is actually playing in the game this year? I do care about the food though...haha! These potato skins sound seriously amazing; I do love a sweet potato!!!
The Wimpy Vegetarian
I usually have no clue who's playing, and only do this year since SF made it all the way to the division finals (see how I tucked that in so I could sound like what I'm talking about?). Earlier this year I had no idea the World Series was even being played, let alone who was in the finals.
Liz
I love this healthier twist on potato skins!! I'd be going back for seconds, Susan! YUM!
The Wimpy Vegetarian
Thanks Liz! Uh-oh, no seconds left 🙂
Amy Kim
I love this and Humboldt Fog is one of my favorite cheeses!
The Wimpy Vegetarian
Mine too, Amy. I love Humboldt Fog - I always have it around for crackers and people are always asking what it is.
Alice // Hip Foodie Mom
I love that you made SWEET potato skins! We will be a divided household on Super Bowl Sunday. . we moved here to Madison from Seattle so you'd think my husband would be rooting for the Seahawks but my hubby is a huge Peyton Manning fan so he's all for Denver! We'll see!!!
The Wimpy Vegetarian
I like both teams - and that's entirely because I like both cities and have friends in both 🙂
Shannon
Great twist on a classic. I love it! Carmelites onions and sweet potatoes are an awesome combination!
The Wimpy Vegetarian
The onions really make it work, I gotta say!
Family Foodie
I love sweet potatoes and can't wait to try this gorgeous recipe!
The Wimpy Vegetarian
Thanks Isabel, and thanks for another great week with #SundaySupper.
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips
I could just devour these!!!
The Wimpy Vegetarian
We did ! LOL
Carnivorous Maximus
Whatever you do, do not mention to those watching the game that sweet potato skins aren't just tasty, they are also healthy.
The Wimpy Vegetarian
LOL! I promise not to mention again how healthy they are 🙂
DB-The Foodie Stuntman @ Crazy Foodie Stunts
Yep, I've been a 'Niners fan for 30+ years. Very creative to use sweet potatoes.
The Wimpy Vegetarian
Thanks Foodie Stuntman! So bummed the 'Niners didn't make it to the SB.
Cindys Recipes and Writings
Sweet potato skins sound wonderful for Game Day! Nice twist on a classic!
The Wimpy Vegetarian
Thanks Cindy!
Carla
Oh I have some leftover sweet potato. Maybe I'll make these!
The Wimpy Vegetarian
Love to hear what you think if you try them!
Shaina
I love sweet potatoes and this is a great version of the classic potato skins app
The Wimpy Vegetarian
Thanks Shaina!
cathy
I'm in the scoop it all out camp and enjoy the yummy filling!
The Wimpy Vegetarian
Me too, Cathy! So nice to see you in the twitter chat last night 🙂
Choc Chip Uru
I love that it is using kumara this time, delicious idea 😀
Cheers
CCU
The Wimpy Vegetarian
I love what I learn here. I'd never heard of kumara, and looked it up to find it's a name for sweet potatoes in New Zealand. And I'm guessing, in Australia too. So cool.
Constance Smith (@FoodieArmyWife)
I love using read onions - they have such a great flavor, and using sweet potatoes are great idea!
The Wimpy Vegetarian
The red onions totally make this appetizer work! Thanks Connie!
Alida
3 of my favorites things - sweet potatoes, cheese and caramelized onions - yum!! And a fourth favorite thing - GFV Merlot! 🙂
The Wimpy Vegetarian
It was really nice with the GFV Merlot! Thanks Alida. I can't wait to make your lasagna cups!!
Susan
So pretty and yes I bet the addition of bacon makes this even more delicious than it already sounds. Plus I love the pop of color sweet potatoes provides on the table, as opposed to white potatoes.
The Wimpy Vegetarian
They definitely are eye-catching on the table! Yes, I'm sure bacon is great with these too!
Lori @ Foxes Love Lemons
These are so beautiful! I've never tried Humboldt Fog cheese...what is it like?
The Wimpy Vegetarian
It's a goat cheese made by Cypress Grove (one of my favorite cheese makers) that's very subtle and slightly tangy. It's soooo good on drizzled with honey, but usually we just spread it on crackers.
Mary @ Fit and Fed
Love the healthier switch from white potatoes to sweet potatoes and the toasted pepitas. I saw that game too, and I'm not a regular football fan either. But as you say, when your home team has a chance to go to the Superbowl, you're probably going to watch. It was quite a brutal game, don't think I could be a regular fan because of that, didn't enjoy seeing all the replays of that poor '49er's knee getting blown out. But it certainly was an exciting game. And I will need that game day food since it's my town's team that is going to the Superbowl. Though I did see that tickets to the ballet are half off on that afternoon here....
The Wimpy Vegetarian
Oh my gosh yes, Mary. I really didn't need to see that guy's knee twisted in such a painful way and then snapped. Why do they do that? My husband's an ER doctor and even he winced. Congrats that your team is going to the SB! I like both teams, entirely because I like both cities, so I'll likely just root for the underdog, whoever that is.
Sarah | Curious Cuisiniere
We love sweet potatoes, so this would be a perfect game-day food for us. Nice idea to pair with the Merlot. I would have thought about a white wine with sweet potatoes, but I can see how a deep Merlot would go SO well!
The Wimpy Vegetarian
Thanks Sarah! I chose Merlot because of the goat cheese and caramelized onions, but I'd like to try them with a white wine and see how that works!
laurasmess
Yumm! These look wonderful Susan! I am in love with sweet potatoes and I get excited about any new recipes with sweet potatoes as the 'star ingredient'. These skins look divine. Easy to eat and truly delicious! I haven't heard of Gallo wine but I'll have to look out for it. Merlot is a gorgeously mellow and delicious drop, great choice 🙂 xx
Rachel @ Bakerita
For a vast majority of my childhood, right after my parents got divorced, whenever I would stay with my dad all I would eat is TGI Friday's frozen potato skins. They were my FAVORITE, and before my dad learned a little more about nutrition, those were my go-to meal. To this day, I still love potato skins and they always hold such good memories. Love that these are homemade and with sweet potatoes (so much better than the frozen boxed crap), and they really are perfect Superbowl food!! Yummy 🙂 Pinned!!
Ash West @ The Delightful Home
I Ahhh love potato skins... will have to try your recipe for sweet potato skins! I'm with you, more of a cab fan... but I'll always try a new pairing 😀