When it comes to hearty, nutritious, and satisfying meals, stuffed sweet potatoes tick every box. This recipe, filled with sautéed spinach, earthy mushrooms, creamy feta, and crunchy pine seeds, transforms humble sweet potatoes into a gourmet vegetarian main dish. It’s colorful, wholesome, and packed with flavor, making it a perfect weeknight dinner or an elegant side dish for a dinner party.
Sweet potatoes themselves are rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, offering a naturally sweet and creamy base. The stuffing brings a beautiful balance—spinach adds a touch of green freshness, mushrooms lend umami depth, feta offers a tangy creaminess, and pine seeds add a nutty crunch. Topped with grated parmesan and a sprinkle of cress, this dish is both nutritious and indulgent. The best part? It’s simple to prepare and endlessly customizable depending on what you have on hand.
Whether you’re vegetarian, looking for a meatless Monday idea, or simply craving a cozy, flavorful dish, this stuffed sweet potato recipe is one to keep in your regular rotation. Delicious straight out of the oven and just as tasty reheated the next day, it’s a comfort food classic with a modern, healthy twist.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Nutrient-Dense and Satisfying – Sweet potatoes, spinach, and mushrooms make this a powerhouse of fiber, vitamins, and plant-based goodness.
- Deliciously Creamy and Savory – Feta, parmesan, and cream cheese add layers of creamy, cheesy flavor.
- Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and steps make it perfect even for busy weeknights.
- Totally Customizable – You can mix and match the stuffing with whatever greens, cheese, or nuts you prefer.
- Great for Meal Prep – Make a batch and enjoy throughout the week—they reheat beautifully!
Ingredients
For the Potatoes
- Sweet potatoes
- Salt
- Pepper
For the Stuffing
- Feta cheese
- Pine seeds
- Grated parmesan
- Cress
For the Spinach
- Fresh or frozen leaf spinach
- Grated parmesan
- Cream cheese (optional)
Variations
Add Mushrooms
Sautéed mushrooms can be added directly into the spinach mixture for extra earthiness.
Make It Vegan
Use vegan cheese alternatives and skip the parmesan to make the dish completely plant-based.
Add Protein
Mix in chickpeas, lentils, or shredded rotisserie chicken for a more filling meal.
Nut Substitutes
Use walnuts or sunflower seeds instead of pine seeds if preferred or for allergy-friendly options.
Spice It Up
Add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of smoked paprika for a little extra heat and depth.
How to Make the Recipe
Step 1: Roast the Sweet Potatoes
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash and prick the sweet potatoes, place them on a baking sheet, and roast until soft—about 40–50 minutes.
Step 2: Toast the Pine Seeds
While the potatoes bake, lightly toast the pine seeds in a dry pan until golden. Set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Spinach
Sauté the spinach in a pan with a bit of oil or butter until wilted. Stir in the grated parmesan and a spoonful of cream cheese if using. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 4: Assemble the Stuffing
Once the sweet potatoes are soft, slice them open and gently fluff the inside. Fill each potato with the spinach mixture, crumbled feta, and toasted pine seeds.
Step 5: Add Toppings and Bake
Sprinkle grated parmesan on top and return to the oven for another 5–10 minutes until everything is warmed through and slightly golden.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Top with fresh cress just before serving for a peppery crunch and beautiful presentation.
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Choose large sweet potatoes to hold more filling and serve as a main dish.
- Don’t skip toasting the pine seeds—it enhances their nutty flavor.
- Use foil or parchment paper on your baking tray to prevent sticking.
- Frozen spinach works well, just be sure to drain excess moisture.
- Balance the flavors by adjusting the amount of feta and parmesan to your taste.
How to Serve
Serve these stuffed sweet potatoes hot as a main course or a side dish. Pair with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. They’re also lovely with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Freezing
Freeze baked, stuffed sweet potatoes (without the cress) for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave in 1-minute intervals.
FAQs
1. Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?
Yes, though the flavor will be different—regular potatoes are less sweet and creamier in texture.
2. What kind of spinach is best?
Fresh spinach has the best texture, but frozen leaf spinach works perfectly if drained well.
3. Can I prepare the stuffing ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can make the stuffing a day ahead and store it in the fridge.
4. Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but check labels on cheese if needed.
5. Can I use other cheese instead of feta?
Sure! Goat cheese or ricotta are great alternatives.
6. How can I make it more filling?
Add cooked grains like quinoa or bulgur into the stuffing mixture.
7. Should I peel the sweet potatoes?
No need—the skin helps hold everything together and is full of nutrients.
8. What herbs can I add for more flavor?
Try fresh thyme, parsley, or rosemary for an aromatic boost.
9. How do I prevent the potatoes from drying out?
Cover with foil during reheating and avoid overbaking.
10. Can I serve this cold?
It’s best warm, but it can be eaten cold as part of a salad or lunch box meal.
Conclusion
Stuffed sweet potatoes with spinach, mushroom, and feta are a perfect combination of comfort, flavor, and nutrition. Whether you’re making them for a family dinner, a holiday table, or meal prep for the week, they deliver on all fronts—tasty, easy, and nourishing. With endless ways to customize, this recipe invites creativity while offering a solid, satisfying base. Make it once, and you’ll find yourself coming back to it all season long.
PrintStuffed Sweet Potatoes with Spinach, Mushroom, and Feta: A Wholesome and Flavorful Delight
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Healthy, hearty, and full of flavor — these stuffed sweet potatoes are loaded with creamy feta, sautéed veggies, and a hint of crunch. A satisfying vegetarian meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
For the potatoes:
-
2 large sweet potatoes
-
Salt and pepper, to taste
For the filling:
-
About 50g feta cheese
-
20–30g pine nuts
-
Grated parmesan (to taste)
-
Fresh cress or microgreens (for garnish)
-
1 small onion, finely chopped (optional)
-
100–150g mushrooms, sliced
-
1–2 garlic cloves, minced (optional)
For the spinach:
-
2 handfuls of fresh or frozen spinach
-
2–3 tablespoons grated parmesan
-
1–2 teaspoons cream cheese (optional)
Instructions
-
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
-
Prick the sweet potatoes with a fork and roast them for 45–60 minutes, until soft.
-
Meanwhile, sauté mushrooms in a bit of olive oil. Add onion and garlic if using, and cook until soft.
-
Add the spinach and let it wilt, then stir in parmesan and cream cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
-
Toast the pine nuts in a dry pan until golden.
-
Once the sweet potatoes are cooked, slice them open and fluff the insides with a fork.
-
Fill them with the spinach-mushroom mixture, top with crumbled feta, pine nuts, and extra parmesan.
-
Garnish with cress or microgreens, and serve warm.
-
Optional: place back in the oven for 5–10 minutes to melt the cheese slightly.
Notes
Add a drizzle of lemon juice or balsamic glaze for extra brightness.
Make it vegan by using plant-based feta and cream cheese.
Great for meal prep — the filling stores well for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking, Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean