A viral food trend has captured the attention of millions: a baked sweet potato filled with cheese.

The recipe gained fame after a video of Southern teacher Courtney Cook Bales enjoying a fully baked sweet potato, skin and all, stuffed with cheese appeared online. The two-ingredient recipe quickly spread across social media, reaching nearly 10 million viewers. Unlike many viral foods, this recipe inspired people to step into their kitchens and recreate it themselves.

The combination of sweet, roasted potato and creamy cheese offers a simple, satisfying meal. This recipe demonstrates how minimal ingredients can produce maximum flavor.

How to Prepare a Cheese-Stuffed Sweet Potato

@courtneylcook ⏲️ Bake that PHAT sweet potato at 300 for 1 hour and 20 mins, then turn the oven/air fryer off and leave it in there to rest and cool slowly. THIS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT STEP. Cool for 1-2 hours and enjoy ☺️ #sweetpotato #teacherlunch #desklunch #work #foodtok ♬ original sound – Courtney Cook

The preparation is straightforward, yet precise. Courtney Cook Bales recommends roasting sweet potatoes in an air fryer or oven at 300°F for about an hour to an hour and 20 minutes, depending on the size of the potato. Once roasted, letting the potato sit in the warm oven for another one to three hours softens the flesh and keeps it at an ideal temperature for eating.

When ready to serve, slices of Butterkäse cheese are inserted into the warm potato. The key is to allow the potato to cool slightly before adding the cheese. This approach lets the cheese melt gently while retaining some texture, making the dish easier to handle and more enjoyable to eat.

Tips for Adjusting the Recipe

1. Roasting Temperature and Time – Some cooks prefer a faster method, roasting the sweet potato at 375°F for about 45 minutes. This creates a slightly crispier skin while shortening the overall cooking time.
2. Seasoning the Skin – Rubbing the sweet potato with olive oil and kosher salt enhances flavor and balances the natural sweetness of the flesh.
3. Cheese Selection – Butterkäse is ideal for this recipe, but alternatives like a cheddar-gruyere blend, Havarti, smoked Gouda, or pepper jack can create unique flavor profiles.
4. Finishing Touches – A few cracks of black pepper elevate the dish without overpowering its natural flavors.

Flavor Profile and Pairing Ideas

Instagram | @cooking.with.crisco | Sweet potato and nutty cheddar-gruyere create a perfect sweet-savory balance.

The sweet potato and cheese combination highlights the best of both ingredients. Sweet potatoes offer earthy, naturally sweet notes, while cheese adds savory richness. Using a cheddar-gruyere hybrid delivers salty, slightly nutty flavors that complement the soft, warm potato.

The dish is satisfying on its own, but optional additions such as black pepper can enhance its taste. Hot sauce is not necessary, as the recipe’s balance of sweet and savory flavors is already pronounced.

Serving Suggestions

Cheese-stuffed sweet potatoes work well as a quick lunch or a light dinner. They require minimal preparation, yet provide a comforting, flavorful experience. The recipe can also be adapted by trying different cheeses or seasoning combinations, allowing for personalization while keeping the core flavors intact.

This simple dish highlights how a few quality ingredients can create a memorable meal. The method is easy to replicate, requires minimal effort, and consistently produces a satisfying result. Its viral popularity stems from the perfect balance of texture, flavor, and simplicity, making it accessible for cooks of all skill levels.

Helen Hayward

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