Name: Healthy Chipotle Sweet Potato Skins Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: Southwestern
Ingredients: 4 medium sweet potatoes; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/2 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed; 1/2 cup corn kernels; 1/2 red bell pepper, diced; 2 green onions, sliced; 1/2 teaspoon chipotle chili powder; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese; Salt and black pepper to taste; 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt; 1 tablespoon lime juice; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

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If you love bold Southwestern flavors and crave something delicious yet nourishing, these Healthy Chipotle Sweet Potato Skins will blow you away! This irresistible dish features creamy mashed sweet potatoes combined with black beans, corn, bell pepper, and melty cheddar, all seasoned with chipotle and paprika for a hint of smoky heat. Topped with tangy Greek yogurt and vibrant cilantro, these stuffed skins are perfect as a vegetarian main or eye-catching appetizer. With every bite, you’ll savor a medley of color, texture, and spice that feels downright celebratory.

Healthy Chipotle Sweet Potato Skins Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather just a handful of colorful, wholesome ingredients to create Healthy Chipotle Sweet Potato Skins. Each one plays a key role in making these skins a standout—whether it’s adding sweetness, crunch, creaminess, or spice, there’s no filler here, just bold building blocks for a seriously crave-worthy snack or meal.

4 medium sweet potatoes: Look for evenly sized potatoes to ensure uniform cooking and perfectly portioned skins every time.
1 tablespoon olive oil: Brushing the skins with oil helps them crisp up beautifully in the oven for the best texture.
1/2 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed: Black beans bring protein, fiber, and subtle earthy flavor to the filling.
1/2 cup corn kernels: Use fresh, frozen, or canned—corn adds bursts of juicy sweetness and a pop of color.
1/2 red bell pepper, diced: Bell peppers supply crunch and eye-catching brightness to every bite.
2 green onions, sliced: Green onions give a little bite and fresh, zippy flavor that rounds out the mix.
1/2 teaspoon chipotle chili powder: This is where the smoky, spicy magic happens—adjust to taste for more or less kick.
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: This spice layers on extra smokiness and gives depth to the filling.
1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Melted cheddar adds creamy, savory richness that perfectly balances the vegetables.
Salt and black pepper to taste: Season generously so that every ingredient sings.
1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt stands in for sour cream and brings bright tang and protein to the topping.
1 tablespoon lime juice: A hit of lime adds zing and keeps everything tasting fresh and lively.
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro: Cilantro’s herby brightness is the finishing touch that ties it all together.

How to Make Healthy Chipotle Sweet Potato Skins

Step 1: Bake the Sweet Potatoes

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Give the sweet potatoes a good scrub and then pierce each one several times with a fork. Place them directly on a baking sheet—this keeps cleanup easy—and bake for 40 to 50 minutes or until they’re perfectly tender and yielding when pierced with a knife.

Step 2: Scoop and Prep the Filling

Let the baked sweet potatoes cool just enough to handle. Slice each one in half lengthwise, then gently scoop out most of the orange flesh. Be sure to leave a thin layer inside the skins for structure and texture. Transfer the scooped flesh to a mixing bowl and lightly mash—it doesn’t need to be completely smooth.

Step 3: Mix the Filling

Into the mashed sweet potato, stir in your black beans, corn, diced red bell pepper, and sliced green onions. Add chipotle chili powder, smoked paprika, and season with salt and pepper to taste. This is the moment the flavors all come together, so give everything a good toss to ensure the chipotle seasoning is evenly distributed.

Step 4: Fill and Top the Skins

Lightly brush the inside and edges of your empty sweet potato skins with olive oil and place them back on the baking sheet. Spoon the seasoned filling back into each skin, packing it in gently. Sprinkle plenty of shredded sharp cheddar cheese over the tops for that irresistible cheesy finish.

Step 5: Bake Once More

Pop the filled skins back into the oven for another 10 to 15 minutes. You’re aiming for bubbling, melted cheese and skins that are crisp at the edges. This brief second bake is what makes Healthy Chipotle Sweet Potato Skins so wonderfully golden and satisfying.

Step 6: Make the Yogurt Sauce and Serve

While the skins finish baking, stir together the plain Greek yogurt and lime juice in a small bowl. This creamy, zesty drizzle is miles lighter—and even tastier—than sour cream. Once the skins are out of the oven, drizzle them with the yogurt sauce and sprinkle with chopped fresh cilantro. Now they’re ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Healthy Chipotle Sweet Potato Skins

Garnishes

Give your sweet potato skins a finishing flourish! A generous drizzle of lime-infused Greek yogurt keeps things tangy and cool, while a handful of fresh cilantro brings gorgeous color and fresh flavor. If you love extra heat, a few slices of jalapeño or a sprinkle of chili flakes would be right at home too.

Side Dishes

Healthy Chipotle Sweet Potato Skins pair wonderfully with simple sides. Try a crisp green salad with avocado and citrus, or a side of guacamole and baked tortilla chips for dipping. If you’re serving them as an appetizer, a pitcher of fresh limeade or a bubbly mocktail adds a festive vibe.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to make a splash at your next get-together? Arrange the stuffed skins on a large platter and top with extra cilantro and lime wedges. Or cut each skin in half crosswise for easy, bite-sized party picks! These are also fabulous piled high on a wooden board for a rustic, shareable centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’ve got leftover Healthy Chipotle Sweet Potato Skins, just let them cool and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They keep beautifully for up to three days, and the flavors get even more melded and robust after a night in the fridge.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze these skins! Place cooled, filled (but unbaked with cheese) skins on a tray, freeze until solid, then transfer to a sealed container. When ready to serve, top with cheese and finish baking from frozen, adding about 10 minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

To reheat, pop the skins in a 350°F oven for about 10 to 15 minutes until heated through and the cheese is melty again. For a quick fix, you can microwave them, but the oven keeps the skins deliciously crisp.

FAQs

Can I make Healthy Chipotle Sweet Potato Skins vegan?

Yes, you can! Just swap the dairy cheese for your favorite vegan cheese, and use a plant-based yogurt alternative for the topping. The rest of the ingredients are naturally vegan-friendly.

What kind of cheese works best in this recipe?

Sharp cheddar melts beautifully and adds a punch of flavor, but feel free to try Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a Mexican blend if that’s what you have on hand. Any cheese that gets gooey and golden works!

How spicy are these sweet potato skins?

The chipotle chili powder gives a gentle heat and smokiness, but you can always use less (or more) to suit your taste. If you like it milder, start with a smaller amount and add additional spices at the end.

Can I prepare Healthy Chipotle Sweet Potato Skins ahead for a party?

Absolutely! You can bake, scoop, and fill the potatoes in advance, then refrigerate until ready to serve. Just add the cheese and bake to finish right before your guests arrive.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! All the ingredients in Healthy Chipotle Sweet Potato Skins are naturally gluten-free, making this a versatile choice for anyone avoiding gluten without sacrificing flavor or fun.

Final Thoughts

Give yourself the treat of trying these Healthy Chipotle Sweet Potato Skins—there’s truly nothing else like them for flavor-packed comfort that fits both weeknight dinners and festive gatherings. I can’t wait for you to dig in and make them your new go-to favorite!

Healthy Chipotle Sweet Potato Skins Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 9 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

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Description

These Healthy Chipotle Sweet Potato Skins are a delicious and nutritious twist on the classic loaded potato skin. Packed with flavor from chipotle chili powder and smoked paprika, these vegetarian and gluten-free skins are perfect as a light dinner or party appetizer.

Ingredients

Scale

Sweet Potato Skins:

4 medium sweet potatoes
1 tablespoon olive oil

Filling:

1/2 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
1/2 cup corn kernels
1/2 red bell pepper, diced
2 green onions, sliced
1/2 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Salt and black pepper to taste

Topping:

1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon lime juice
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

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Instructions

Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Bake sweet potatoes: Scrub sweet potatoes, pierce with a fork, and bake for 40-50 minutes until tender. Let cool slightly.
Prepare filling: Scoop out sweet potato flesh, leaving a thin layer. Mash the flesh and mix with black beans, corn, red bell pepper, green onions, spices, salt, and pepper.
Assemble: Brush skins with olive oil, fill with the mixture, top with cheddar cheese, and bake for 10-15 minutes.
Make topping: Mix Greek yogurt with lime juice.
Serve: Drizzle skins with yogurt sauce, garnish with cilantro, and serve warm.