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.
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.