Ingredients:
For the Sweet Potatoes:
4 medium-sized sweet potatoes
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Pulled Pork:
2 cups cooked pulled pork (homemade or store-bought)
1/2 cup barbecue sauce (plus extra for drizzling)
1/2 cup diced red onion
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions:
Preheat and Prep: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it's heating up, wash the sweet potatoes thoroughly and pat them dry. Pierce each sweet potato a few times with a fork to allow steam to escape during baking.
Baking the Sweet Potatoes: Place the sweet potatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Drizzle them with olive oil, then season generously with salt and pepper. Bake in the preheated oven for about 45-55 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork.
Prepare the Pulled Pork: While the sweet potatoes are baking, warm up your pulled pork in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the barbecue sauce and diced red onion. Stir well and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until everything is heated through and the flavors meld together.
Cut and Scoop: Remove the sweet potatoes from the oven and let them cool slightly. Once cool enough to handle, cut each sweet potato in half lengthwise. Using a spoon, carefully scoop out most of the flesh, leaving a thin layer inside the skin to create a potato boat. Place the scooped-out flesh in a mixing bowl.
Mash and Mix: Mash the sweet potato flesh in the mixing bowl until it's smooth. Then, add the warm pulled pork mixture and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir everything together until well combined.
Stuff and Bake Again: Stuff each sweet potato skin generously with the pulled pork and sweet potato mixture. Return them to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the tops are lightly golden and the filling is heated through.
Serve and Enjoy: Once out of the oven, drizzle extra barbecue sauce on top and garnish with fresh cilantro. These Twice Baked, Pulled Pork Sweet Potatoes are best served hot and enjoyed immediately.
Extra Tip: This dish is not only a fantastic way to enjoy the flavors of fall but also a brilliant way to use up leftover sweet potatoes or pulled pork from previous meals. It's a win-win in the kitchen!
So, there you have it—an irresistibly delicious recipe to warm your heart and fill your belly during those crisp fall evenings. Whether you're serving this up for family dinner or as a delightful indulgence just for you, these Twice Baked, Pulled Pork Sweet Potatoes are sure to become a seasonal favorite. Now, go ahead and get cooking! Your taste buds will thank you.