Loaded Chickpea-Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Get ready to dig into a dinner that’s cozy and colorful with these Loaded Sweet Potatoes with Chickpeas. The caramelized sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes plays perfectly with crispy, golden chickpeas that add a satisfying texture. Plus the sweet potatoes and chickpeas add fiber and plant-powered protein to create a filling meal. Although we may be skipping the bacon in this veggie-packed twist on the classic loaded potato, we’re not skimping on flavor, as a sprinkle of smoked paprika brings a subtle, smoky depth to the chickpeas. Read on for our best tips and tricks for making this easy meal tonight.

Tips from the EatingWell Test Kitchen

These are the key tips we learned while developing and testing this recipe in our Test Kitchen to make sure it works, tastes great and is good for you too! 

• This recipe works best when using sweet potatoes that are all the same size to ensure that they cook evenly and at the same rate. Aim for medium sweet potatoes that are around 10 ounces each.
• The sharp Cheddar cheese can be swapped out for a different cheese like pepper Jack, Monterey Jack or even soft goat cheese, if you prefer.
• To save on time, you can skip toasting the chickpeas on the stove and opt for crispy chickpeas from a package instead. Keep in mind that using store-bought crispy chickpeas may increase the amount of sodium in the recipe.

Nutrition Notes

• Sweet potatoes are packed with fiber, a key nutrient that can help improve and support a healthy gut. The soluble fiber in sweet potatoes can lower blood cholesterol levels and improve heart health. Sweet potatoes also contain beta carotene, a nutrient that supports eye health and gives the vegetable its distinctive orange hue. 
• Chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans, offer a healthy combination of protein and fiber. This duo of nutrients can help you feel full for longer, which may help you maintain a healthy weight over time. Eating more beans is also an easy way to get more nutrients that many people don’t consume enough of, including fiber, folate, calcium and magnesium. 
• It’s not a loaded baked potato without Cheddar cheese, which is a good source of calcium. While calcium may be known for supporting healthy bones, the nutrient also plays an important part in blood circulation and nerve functions.