Sweet Potato Sausage Boats: A Minnesota-Inspired Comfort Food Recipe

Hearty, colorful, and packed with nutrients, Sweet Potato Boats are a delicious, customizable dish perfect for weeknight dinners, casual family meals, or healthy meal prep. With their naturally sweet flavor and satisfying texture, sweet potatoes serve as the perfect base for a variety of toppings—from protein-packed beans and hearty vegetables to savory meats and creamy sauces.

Whether you’re following a vegetarian, vegan, or omnivorous diet, these vibrant boats can be tailored to suit any taste or dietary need, making them a go-to option for anyone seeking a balanced, flavor-filled meal.

How to Make Sweet Potato Boats

This recipe highlights baked sweet potatoes loaded with your choice of flavorful toppings. Ideal for vegetarians, vegans, or omnivores—just mix and match ingredients to suit your taste.

Ingredients

Base Ingredients:

• 4 medium sweet potatoes

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• Salt and pepper to taste

Topping Options:

Southwest Style:

• 1 cup black beans (cooked or canned, drained)

• 1/2 cup corn

• 1/2 cup diced tomatoes or salsa

• 1/2 avocado, diced

• 1/4 cup shredded cheese or vegan cheese

Mediterranean Style:

• 1/2 cup chickpeas

• 1/4 cup crumbled feta (or plant-based feta)

• 1/2 cup chopped cucumbers and tomatoes

• 1 tbsp hummus or tahini drizzle

• Fresh parsley or mint

Breakfast Style:

• 2 eggs (fried or scrambled)

• 2 tbsp cooked turkey bacon or sautéed mushrooms

• 1/4 cup grated cheddar

• Green onions, for garnish

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45–60 minutes
Total Time: Around 1 hour

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Bake the Sweet Potatoes

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Wash and scrub the sweet potatoes, then pierce each a few times with a fork.
Place on a baking sheet and bake for 45–60 minutes, or until fork-tender.
Remove and let cool slightly.

2. Prepare the Fillings

While potatoes are baking, prep your chosen toppings.
Warm beans, sauté vegetables, cook eggs, or crumble cheeses as needed.

3. Slice & Scoop

Once the potatoes are cool enough to handle, slice each one lengthwise.
Gently fluff the interior with a fork to create space for the filling.
Optionally, scoop out a bit of the flesh to make deeper boats.

4. Assemble the Boats

Fill each potato with your selected toppings.
Drizzle with sauces (like tahini, sour cream, or salsa), sprinkle herbs, or add a dash of hot sauce.

5. Serve Warm

Serve immediately while toppings are warm and cheese is melted.
Optional: Return assembled boats to the oven for 5–10 minutes to heat through and melt cheese.

Storage & Shelf Life

Refrigeration:
Store assembled or unassembled boats in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezing:
Unfilled baked sweet potatoes can be frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat and stuff as desired.

Serving Suggestions

Reheating Instructions:
Microwave for 2–3 minutes or bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes.

Serving Ideas:

• Add a green side salad or slaw

• Serve with tortilla chips or pita

• Top with a fried egg for a brunch version

Portion Guide:

• 1 medium sweet potato = 1 serving

• Recipe serves 4

Allergy Guide

Gluten-Free:
Naturally gluten-free. Always check toppings for cross-contamination.

Dairy-Free Options:
Skip cheese or use dairy-free alternatives.

Nut-Free:
Safe for nut-free diets unless nut-based sauces are used.

Whether you’re aiming to eat more veggies, explore plant-based meals, or just want a vibrant dish full of flavor, Sweet Potato Boats are a satisfying choice. Simple to prep and endlessly versatile, they’re sure to become a household favorite.