Microwave Sweet Potatoes with Cream Cheese Topping

Total Time

Prep/Total Time: 15 min.

Makes

4 servings

Updated: Jul. 26, 2023
Use a little microwave magic to turn sweet potatoes into a speedy and special side dish for hectic holiday feasts. Brown sugar and pumpkin pie spice bring some fun flavor to these microwave sweet potatoes with a cream cheese topping. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Microwave Sweet Potatoes with Cream Cheese Topping Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Ingredients

  • 4 small sweet potatoes
  • 3 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 tablespoon butter, softened
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

Directions

  1. Scrub and pierce sweet potatoes; place on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave, uncovered, on high until tender, 10-13 minutes, turning twice. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, beat the cream cheese, butter, brown sugar and pumpkin pie spice.
  2. Cut an "X" in the top of each potato; fluff pulp with a fork. Dollop with cream cheese mixture.
Microwave Sweet Potato Tips

Do you have to pierce the sweet potato before microwaving it?

You should pierce your sweet potato before microwaving it to prevent it from bursting open or exploding. Potatoes hold a lot of moisture, which when heated, will create a lot of steam. Piercing the potato before it's heated will allow the steam to escape in a controlled way, and prevent the potato from bursting from the inside. Here are other mistakes to avoid when cooking sweet potatoes.

What else can you put on microwave sweet potatoes?

You can put anything you like on sweet potatoes! You can add some chopped pecans to this recipe for an added crunch or chopped, cooked bacon for some saltiness. Go more savory and top the sweet potatoes with sour cream, green onions, and cheddar cheese instead of the cream cheese topping. Check out other sweet potato recipes for more inspiration.

How should you store leftovers of microwave sweet potatoes?

Cooked sweet potatoes should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Learn more about how to properly store potatoes.

—Sarah Fischer, Taste of Home Associate Food Stylist

Nutrition Facts

1 each: 166 calories, 7g fat (5g saturated fat), 23mg cholesterol, 128mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1-1/2 fat.