loaded baked sweet potatoes

Loaded Sweet Potato Recipe nights usually happen at my house when I want something cozy, filling, and not fussy. You know those evenings when you are starving, but you also do not want to wash a pile of dishes or babysit a complicated dinner? This is my go to fix. It gives you that steakhouse comfort vibe, but you can totally make it in regular pajamas at home. The best part is how customizable it is, so picky eaters and hungry adults can both win. Let’s get into it, because you are going to want this on repeat.

Ingredients for Texas Roadhouse Sweet Potato Recipe

This is the ingredient list I use for that classic Texas Roadhouse style sweet potato situation, where it is fluffy inside and piled with the good stuff on top. I am keeping it simple and realistic. No weird ingredients you will use once and forget in the back of your pantry.

If you love cozy potato sides, you might also like this creamy, classic comfort dish. I make it around the holidays and everyone asks for the recipe: creamy dauphinoise potatoes recipes.

• Sweet potatoes: medium to large, try to pick ones that are similar size so they bake evenly
• Butter: salted is great, unsalted is fine too
• Brown sugar: light or dark both work
• Cinnamon: optional, but it makes it taste like the restaurant version
• Salt: just a pinch to balance the sweetness
• Sour cream: for the classic loaded finish
• Shredded cheddar: sharp cheddar is my favorite here
• Bacon: cooked and crumbled, or use bacon bits if you are in a hurry
• Chives or green onions: for freshness and a little bite

You can also add mini marshmallows if you want to lean into that sweet steakhouse vibe. It sounds odd if you have never tried it, but it really works with the butter and brown sugar.

How to Make Texas Roadhouse Sweet Potatoes

Okay, here is how I make this Loaded Sweet Potato Recipe at home without overthinking it. There are basically two parts: bake the sweet potatoes until they are soft, then load them up while they are hot so everything melts in the best way.

Baking the sweet potatoes

First, heat your oven to 400 F. Scrub your sweet potatoes, dry them, then poke each one a few times with a fork. I set them right on a foil lined sheet pan because I do not enjoy cleaning baked on sugar later. Bake for about 45 to 60 minutes, depending on size. You will know they are ready when a knife slides in easily and the skin looks a little wrinkly.

Mixing the sweet and buttery filling

When they come out, let them sit for 3 to 5 minutes so you do not burn your fingers. Slice each one down the middle, then gently fluff the inside with a fork. Add butter first so it melts fast, then sprinkle on brown sugar, cinnamon, and a tiny pinch of salt. This is the moment where it starts smelling like a restaurant.

Loading them up like a pro

Now pile on sour cream, cheddar, bacon, and chives. I usually go heavier on the cheddar because that is just who I am as a person. If you want it extra melty, you can pop them back in the oven for 2 to 3 minutes. Serve immediately while they are hot and the toppings are creamy.

And if you are in a sweet potato mood and want something more casserole style for a crowd, I have made this one for potlucks and it disappears fast: delicious sweet potato casserole dinner.

Are Sweet Potatoes Healthier than Regular Potatoes?

This question comes up a lot, especially when people see the word “loaded” and assume we are pretending it is a salad. Here is the honest take: both sweet potatoes and regular potatoes can fit into a balanced meal. It really depends on what you put on top and how you cook them.

Sweet potatoes naturally bring a little sweetness, plus they are known for having lots of vitamin A and fiber. Regular potatoes have their own benefits too, like potassium and vitamin C. The toppings are the bigger deal. If you add tons of butter, sugar, bacon, and cheese, it becomes more of a comfort food, which is totally okay. I just like knowing what I am choosing.

If I am making this Loaded Sweet Potato Recipe for a regular weeknight dinner, I keep a reasonable amount of toppings and I add a simple protein on the side. If I am making it for a fun weekend meal, I go full steakhouse style and do not stress about it.

“I made these loaded sweet potatoes for my family dinner and everyone went back for seconds. Even my son who says he hates sweet potatoes asked for another one. The toppings totally won him over.”

Tips for the Best Loaded Sweet Potatoes

This is where little tweaks make a big difference. I have made this Loaded Sweet Potato Recipe enough times to know what helps and what is not worth the effort.

Pick the right size: Medium to large sweet potatoes work best because they hold toppings without falling apart.

Do not rush the bake: If they are not fully soft inside, you will never get that fluffy texture. A slightly longer bake is better than underbaked.

Add butter first: It melts into the potato and makes everything taste richer, even if you use less of the other toppings.

Balance sweet and savory: If you use brown sugar, keep the sour cream and bacon in the mix so it does not taste like dessert. If you skip sugar, add extra chives and a sharper cheese.

Make it a meal: I love these with grilled chicken, a simple salad, or even chili spooned on top.

Also, if you like sweet potato casseroles with that crunchy topping moment, this one is dangerously good: deliciously creamy sweet potato casserole with praline topping. I bring it out when I want people to gasp a little after the first bite.

One more thing, if you are hosting and want a second cozy side dish option, this is another potato favorite worth saving: creamy dauphinoise potatoes recipes.

How Many Calories in a Texas Roadhouse Sweet Potato?

Calories can vary a lot here, so I like to talk in ranges instead of pretending there is one perfect number. A plain baked sweet potato is often around 150 to 250 calories depending on size. Once you start adding butter, brown sugar, sour cream, cheese, and bacon, it climbs fast.

Here is a realistic way to think about it. If you build a moderate loaded sweet potato at home, you might land somewhere around 350 to 550 calories. If you go heavy with toppings like a restaurant serving, it can be higher.

If you want to lighten it up, here are the easiest swaps that still taste good:

Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, or do half and half.

Use less cheese but pick a sharper one so a little goes farther.

Skip the brown sugar and let the sweet potato do its natural thing.

Try turkey bacon or just use a small sprinkle of real bacon for flavor.

And if you are planning a sweet potato spread for a holiday table, I would also peek at this one for inspiration: delicious sweet potato casserole dinner. It is a solid crowd pleaser.

Common Questions

Can I make loaded sweet potatoes ahead of time?

Yes. Bake the sweet potatoes, cool them, and store in the fridge. Reheat in the oven until hot, then add toppings fresh so they do not get watery.

What is the best way to reheat leftovers?

Oven is best at 350 F until warmed through. The microwave works too, but the skin gets softer. Add a fresh sprinkle of cheese and chives after reheating to wake it up.

Do I have to use brown sugar?

Nope. You can skip it and go fully savory with extra salt, pepper, cheddar, bacon, and a little hot sauce.

Can I cook sweet potatoes in the air fryer?

Yes, especially medium ones. Poke with a fork and cook around 375 to 400 F, turning once, until soft. Timing depends on size, usually 35 to 50 minutes.

What proteins go best with this?

Steak is the classic, but grilled chicken, pulled pork, or even black beans for a meatless dinner all work great.

A cozy dinner you will actually want to repeat

This Loaded Sweet Potato Recipe is one of those meals that feels like a treat, even when it is just a regular Tuesday night. You bake, fluff, add butter and brown sugar if you want, then pile on the savory toppings and call it dinner. If you want more inspiration, I really like comparing notes with recipes like Loaded Baked Sweet Potatoes Recipe – Serious Eats and this super handy copycat guide: Texas Roadhouse loaded sweet potato copycat recipe. Try it once, then tweak it to your taste, and I swear it starts becoming a comfort food you crave.