Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes With Maple Crème Fraiche Recipe

When you think of comfort food that feels both indulgent and wholesome, twice-baked sweet potatoes are often at the top of the list. The magic lies in their simplicity: roasted sweet potatoes become meltingly tender, then are scooped, mashed with luscious cream and savory aromatics, and baked again until the tops turn lightly golden and irresistible. In this version, those classic twice-baked sweet potatoes are elevated with a hint of fragrant sage and nutmeg, plenty of garlic, and a final flourish of maple crème fraîche that brings a sweet-tangy richness with every bite — perfect for holiday menus, cozy dinners, or any occasion where comfort matters most.

Sweet potatoes themselves have a lot going for them beyond their naturally sweet, earthy flavor: they’re packed with vitamins A and C, rich in fiber, and offer slow-burning energy that fills you up without heaviness. In this recipe, roasting the potatoes first locks in that sweet flavor while softening the flesh so it can be whipped into a silky mash. The cream mixture — whether you use heavy cream or swap in creamy coconut cream for a dairy-free or paleo-friendly version — infuses the mash with aromatic garlic and herb notes that set the stage for the final topping.

Then comes the signature touch: maple crème fraîche. Whisked until light and fluffy with just a hint of pure maple syrup, this topping adds a subtle sweetness and light acidity that beautifully balances the rich, savory depth of the potatoes. Drizzled atop warm twice-baked sweet potatoes, it melts slightly into the crevices and elevates the dish from “just a side” to a centerpiece that’s cozy, comforting, and a little bit decadent — ideal for Thanksgiving dinner, winter gatherings, or any meal where you want a dish that feels special without being fussy.

Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes With Maple Crème Fraiche

Recipe Details

Yield: 8 servings
Active Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 1hour and 20 minutes

Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes Ingredients

For the potatoes

• 6 medium sweet potatoes
• 1 cup heavy cream or coconut cream
• 3 large cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons finely chopped sage
• Pinch ground nutmeg
• Sea salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

For the maple crème fraiche

• 3/4 cup crème fraiche
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup

How to Make Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes

1. Make the potatoes: Preheat oven to 400 degrees and line a baking sheet with tin foil.
2. Place sweet potatoes on the prepared baking sheet and roast until tender, about 45 minutes to 1 hour. Let sit until cool enough to handle.
3. Meanwhile, in a small saucepan set over medium low heat, warm the cream, garlic, sage, and nutmeg; season to taste with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then take off heat and set aside.
4. Slice potatoes in half lengthwise. Into a large bowl, scoop out the flesh of 8 halves, leaving a ¼-inch layer on all the sides and bottom. Scoop flesh from the remaining 4 halves; discard skins.
5. Add the cream mixture to the potato flesh and mash with a whisk until creamy and smooth. Check for seasoning.
6. Spoon or pipe the filling into the 8 reserved skins. Bake potatoes until warmed through and the tops are golden brown, about 10 to 15 minutes.
7. Make the maple crème fraiche: In a large bowl, whisk the crème fraiche and maple syrup until fluffy and light and the mixture thickens slightly.
8. To serve, top the warm potatoes with the crème fraiche mixture.

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Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes Nutrition Facts

*Estimated per serving (recipe yields 8 servings). Based strictly on Thrive Market’s ingredient amounts.

Serving Size	1 potato half (stuffed)
Calories	≈ 280 kcal
Protein	≈ 4 g
Carbs	≈ 35 g
Sugar	≈ 12 g
Fiber	≈ 5 g
Fat	≈ 15 g

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Twice Baked Sweet Potato Variations & Tips

• Make it vegan or paleo: Swap in coconut cream for heavy cream when making the potato mash, and omit crème fraîche or use coconut-based yogurt in place of it for a dairy-free finish. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
• Extra aromatic herbs: Add rosemary or thyme with the sage for more herbaceous depth in the mash.
• Increase the cozy spices: A pinch more nutmeg or even a dash of cinnamon warm up the flavor for fall-and-winter fare.
• Garlic roast upgrade: Roast whole garlic cloves with the sweet potatoes before mashing to deepen the sweet, mellow garlic flavor.
• Texture contrast: Fold in toasted pecans or walnuts into the mash for a crunchy contrast to the creamy interior.
• Presentation tips: Pipe the mashed filling back into the skins for a pretty swirl effect before baking — it makes every serving look intentional and polished.
• Make ahead: Prepare the mashed filling a day ahead and keep chilled; refill the skins and bake when you’re ready to serve to save time on holidays.

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Best Twice Baked Sweet Potato Pairings

• Roasted turkey or pork loin: These tender mains pair beautifully with the rich comfort of twice-baked sweet potatoes, balancing savory meat with sweet, creamy sides.
• Simple green salad: A crisp mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette adds brightness and cuts through the richness of the dish.
• Glazed carrots or roasted Brussels sprouts: Slightly sweet roasted vegetables echo the maple notes while adding color and texture to the plate.
• Warm crusty or gluten-free bread: Great for sopping up any of the maple crème fraîche that melts from the potatoes.
• Mulled cider or dry white wine: A gently spiced apple cider or a medium-bodied white wine complements the sweet potato’s sweetness and herbal undertones.
• Dairy-free whipped topping: If you want more cool contrast, try a small dollop of dairy-free whipped coconut cream on the side.

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When to Make Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes

• Thanksgiving or holiday table: A showstopping side that feels familiar yet elevated — perfect alongside turkey, ham, or roast beef.
• Cozy Sunday family dinner: Turn ordinary weekend fare into something comforting and memorable with minimal fuss.
• Potluck contributions: Twice-baked sweet potatoes travel well and hold up at room temperature, making them a welcome addition to shared meals.
• Meal-prep make ahead: Make the mash ahead of time and finish them off in the oven when you’re ready, saving hands-on time on busy nights.
• Vegetarian feasts: With rich creaminess and herbs, this side can stand in for a main on veggie-forward menus.
• Seasonal celebrations: The blend of maple, sage, and nutmeg makes it ideal for fall and winter celebrations when flavors need to feel cozy and comforting.

Photo credit: Paul Delmont