# What You Need:
→ Sweet Potatoes
01 - 4 medium sweet potatoes, scrubbed
→ Filling
02 - 4 tablespoons sour cream
03 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (100 g)
04 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
05 - ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
06 - ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
07 - Salt, to taste
08 - Black pepper, to taste
→ Toppings
09 - 4 slices bacon
10 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
11 - Extra shredded cheddar cheese, optional
# How-To Steps:
01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - Pierce each sweet potato several times with a fork. Place them on the baking sheet and bake for 40 to 50 minutes until tender.
03 - While potatoes bake, cook bacon slices in a skillet over medium heat until crisp. Drain on paper towels and crumble once cooled.
04 - Allow sweet potatoes to cool enough to handle. Slice each in half lengthwise and carefully scoop out most of the flesh, leaving a ¼-inch border intact.
05 - In a bowl, combine mashed sweet potato flesh with sour cream, cheddar cheese, butter, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth.
06 - Spoon the creamy mixture back into the potato skins. Sprinkle with extra cheddar cheese if desired.
07 - Return filled skins to the baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 10 to 12 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
08 - Top the baked skins with crumbled bacon and chopped chives. Serve immediately while hot.
