Sweet Potato Cheese Bake: A Perfect Harmony of Sweet and Savory
Easy Sweet Potato and Ham Cheese Bake!
Indulge in this delightful dish featuring sweet honey potatoes generously filled with savory ham and a rich topping of melted cheese. The contrast between the soft, moist sweet potato and the flavorful ham, complemented by the stretchy, gooey cheese, creates a truly satisfying culinary experience. Elevate your meal or snack time with this simple yet elegant recipe!
Sweet Potatoes and Main Ingredients- 5 medium Honey Sweet Potatoes
- 100g Sliced Sandwich Ham
- 150g Mozzarella or Cheddar Cheese
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Thoroughly wash the sweet potatoes to remove any dirt. If using sweet potatoes with red skin, washing them well will enhance their vibrant color, making them even more appealing. The beautiful hue of the sweet potatoes is already making your mouth water.
Step 2
Trim off both ends of the honey sweet potatoes. Place the washed sweet potatoes in a pot and cover them with water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium-low heat and simmer for about 35 minutes, or until fork-tender. They should be soft enough to easily pierce with a fork.
Step 3
Now, let’s prepare the ingredients for the topping! Get your sandwich ham, black olives, and cheese ready. Don’t forget the rosemary for an aromatic touch.
Step 4
Thinly slice the sandwich ham and halve or chop the black olives as desired. Looking at the steamed honey sweet potatoes, cutting off the tops has revealed such a beautiful, vibrant yellow flesh. How does it achieve such a lovely and clear color?
Step 5
Carefully cut off about one-third of the top portion of each steamed sweet potato. Using a spoon, gently scoop out the flesh, creating a cavity for the filling. Make sure to hollow out all five sweet potatoes to make ample space for the ham and cheese.
Step 6
Place the scooped-out sweet potato flesh into a bowl and mash it finely. Mix in 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise until well combined. Since honey sweet potatoes are naturally very sweet, there’s no need to add extra honey or sugar. Add the chopped ham to the mashed sweet potato and mix well for a richer flavor. (Optional: A little melted butter can be added for extra richness and a smoother texture.)
Step 7
Spoon the mashed sweet potato mixture generously into the hollowed-out sweet potatoes, filling them completely. Filling them generously ensures a substantial and flavorful bite after baking.
Step 8
After filling the sweet potatoes, pack the filling in generously to make the dish even more abundant. Ensure the filling reaches the top edge of the sweet potato cavity for a satisfying visual and taste experience.
Step 9
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the filled sweet potatoes on it. Arrange the black olives and remaining ham over the sweet potatoes attractively, and finally, generously cover everything with cheese. Sprinkle some rosemary over the top for added aroma.
Step 10
Drizzle chili sauce over the sweet potatoes and cheese according to your preference. The slight spiciness will balance the sweet and savory flavors, making it even more delicious. You can also use your favorite sauce.
Step 11
Bake in a preheated oven at 190°C (375°F) for about 15 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly. The delicious aroma of sweet potatoes and ham will fill your kitchen. Reserve a few sprigs of rosemary for garnish, and place them on top once done for an elegant finish. Enjoy your delicious Sweet Potato Cheese Bake!
