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Stuffed Sweet Potatoes with Burrata, Toasted Walnuts & Sage Pesto

These Stuffed Sweet Potatoes are the ultimate combination of creamy burrata, crunchy toasted walnuts, and aromatic sage pesto. The sweet potatoes are roasted to perfection, offering a comforting base for fresh, flavorful toppings. Whether served as a wholesome vegetarian meal or as an eye-catching side dish, this recipe will delight your taste buds and impress your guests.


Ingredients

  • 4 medium sweet potatoes
  • 8 oz burrata cheese, torn into pieces
  • 1/2 cup walnuts, toasted and roughly chopped
  • 1 cup fresh sage leaves
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley
  • 1/3 cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 clove garlic
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for drizzling)
  • Freshly ground black pepper, for garnish

Instructions

1. Roast the Sweet Potatoes

Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Use a fork to pierce the sweet potatoes a few times, then place them on a baking sheet. Roast for 40-45 minutes, or until they are soft when pierced with a fork.

2. Prepare the Sage Pesto

While the potatoes are roasting, make the sage pesto. In a food processor, combine the fresh sage leaves, parsley, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil. Blend until smooth, then season with salt and pepper to taste.

3. Toast the Walnuts

In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the walnuts for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are golden and fragrant. Be careful not to burn them—toast them gently for a perfect crunch.

4. Assemble the Sweet Potatoes

Once the sweet potatoes are tender, slice them open lengthwise and fluff the inside with a fork. Add pieces of burrata cheese into each potato, drizzle generously with sage pesto, and sprinkle with the toasted walnuts.

5. Finish and Serve

For a touch of sweetness, drizzle with honey (optional). Add a few cracks of freshly ground black pepper for a finishing touch. Serve warm and enjoy!


Helpful Tips

1. Check for Doneness

After about 35 minutes, poke the sweet potatoes with a fork. They should feel soft but not mushy—check to prevent overcooking. If they’re tender, they’re ready.

2. Pesto Substitutions

Don’t have sage? No problem! You can swap it for basil, arugula, or spinach for a fresh alternative.

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3. Burrata Handling

Burrata is delicate, so tear it into pieces gently with your hands. Adding it to the warm sweet potatoes allows it to melt into a creamy, irresistible texture.

4. Watch the Walnuts

Be sure to stir the walnuts while toasting to get an even, golden finish. Keep an eye on them—they toast quickly!


Substitutions and Variations

Cheese

If burrata isn’t available, fresh mozzarella, ricotta, or goat cheese work just as well. Each will bring a slightly different flavor, but they all offer a delicious creamy texture.

Different Pestos

If you prefer a different flavor, try basil pesto or arugula pesto. Alternatively, store-bought pesto is always a good shortcut.

Nuts

Walnuts are fantastic here, but you can switch them out for pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts. For a nut-free version, toasted sunflower or pumpkin seeds make a great alternative.

Sweet Potato Alternatives

If you’re not a fan of sweet potatoes, russet potatoes or even roasted acorn squash can make a great base for the toppings.


Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! Roast the sweet potatoes and prepare the pesto in advance. You can store them separately in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, just reheat the sweet potatoes, assemble, and enjoy!

Can I Use Store-Bought Pesto?

Of course! If you’re short on time, store-bought pesto works just as well. Sage pesto adds a lovely fall flavor, but any variety will complement the dish.

What If I Don’t Have Burrata?

No worries! Fresh mozzarella, goat cheese, or ricotta are excellent alternatives that will still give you that creamy, rich texture.


Conclusion

These Stuffed Sweet Potatoes with Burrata, Toasted Walnuts, and Sage Pesto are a deliciously satisfying dish that’s easy to make and full of flavor. The balance of creamy cheese, crunchy nuts, and fragrant pesto makes for a perfect combination. Whether you serve them as a hearty vegetarian meal or as a side, this dish is sure to become a favorite. It’s versatile, easy to customize, and most importantly—delicious! Enjoy the wholesome flavors and make this dish your new go-to for comfort food that’s both nourishing and indulgent.