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    Home » Side Dish Recipes

    Published: May 14, 2020 · Modified: Aug 11, 2023 by Renée · This post may contain affiliate links · 23 Comments

    Tropical Sweet Potato Boats

    Jump to Recipe

    Travel to the tropics with these fun, festive, and extremely delicious twice-baked Tropical Sweet Potato Boats featuring the flavors of coconut and lime.

    Colorful sweet potatoes on a tropical theme plate with paper umbrellas.

    I've made mashed tropical sweet potatoes before but have never added them back into their shells.

    I'm not sure why it took me so long to do it, because these Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes with a tropical touch are a fun way to feast your eyes, as well as your taste buds!

    Table of Contents Found Here
    • The ingredient list:
    • Kitchen tools and equipment needed:
    • Why this recipe works:
    • Can these sweet potato boats be made with fewer calories?
    • What are some of the health benefits of sweet potatoes?
    • The easy instructions:
    • Can these sweet potatoes be made on the outdoor grill?
    • Delicious luau dishes to serve with twice-baked sweet potato boats:
    • And for your luau dessert:
    • Memories of our luau:
    • Hungry for additional BBQ side dish recipes?
    • Printable Recipe Card
    • Tropical Sweet Potato Boats
    • Please comment if you've made this recipe.

    Subscribe to my Kudos Kitchen channel on YouTube. IT'S FREE!! Thanks, and I can't wait to see you there!!

    Pink petunias in the background with sweet potatoes and paper umbrellas on a tropical plate.

    The ingredient list:

    • Sweet Potatoes
    • Coconut Milk
    • Butter
    • Fresh Lime Zest
    • Salt and Pepper
    • Coconut Chips

    Kitchen tools and equipment needed:

    • serrated knife
    • paring knife
    • cutting board
    • potato masher
    • wooden spoon or spatula
    • tablespoon
    • measuring cups and spoons
    • citrus zester
    • party umbrellas (optional)
    • Hawaiian themed serving platter (optional)

    Why this recipe works:

    1. The sweetness of the sweet potato pairs wonderfully well with the coconut milk and lime zest.
    2. They're really fun and festive.
    3. They can be made in advance and reheated as needed.
    4. They can even be frozen!
    5. They're super easy to make!!
    6. Only FIVE ingredients (salt and pepper don't count)

    I don't often take my food photos outside but these Twice Baked Sweet Potato Boats with a tropical touch were kind of begging me to get them outside in the sunshine where their colors could "pop" and you could view them in all their glory.

    We ate these twice-baked sweet potato boats last night for dinner along with some swordfish I purchased at Trader Joe's, and although we were in still in Illinois the tropical flavor of our dinner transported us all the way to Hawaii, but without the lengthy flight, or hefty price tag!

    This post is proudly linked to Meal Plan Monday.

    Overhead photo of Twice Baked Sweet Potato Boats with Coconut, Lime and party umbrellas.

    Can these sweet potato boats be made with fewer calories?

    • If you're interested, you can cut back on the calorie content by using lite coconut milk and then skip the use of the butter and coconut chips.
    • I've used both the lite coconut milk and the regular coconut milk when I've made the tropical mashed sweet potatoes, and you really can't tell any difference in taste.
    • For this particular time when I made these, I used the regular coconut milk because that's what I had on hand in my pantry, but given the option, I probably would always prefer the lite option.

    What are some of the health benefits of sweet potatoes?

    • Sweet potatoes are a great source of vitamin C and A. Both nutrients are extremely valuable for promoting a healthy immune system.
    • They're antioxidant powerhouses that help protect the body's cells against aging and disease.
    • Sweet potatoes are anti-inflammatory. Inflammation is known to accelerate obesity,  type 2 diabetes,  heart disease, and cancer.
    • For additional information regarding all the wonderful health and nutritional benefits of sweet potatoes, check out this article on Health.
    Outside photo of sweet potatoes on a tropical platter with paper umbrellas and a swimming pool in the background.

    The easy instructions:

    • Cook 4 medium sweet potatoes until fork tender and allow to cool until they can be handled easily.
    • I cooked mine in the microwave, but you can also use the oven or grill. If using the grill, please use indirect heat.
    • Once the potatoes have cooled enough to handle, use a serrated knife to cut a top slice from each potato.
    • Use a spoon to carefully scoop out the insides of the sweet potato, but leave enough of a shell so the potatoes retain their shape.
    Twice Baked Sweet Potato Boats photo tutorial
    • Place all the potato insides in a bowl.
    • Season the sweet potato with salt and pepper.
    • Add the coconut milk to the potatoes along with fresh lime zest.
    How to make Twice Baked Sweet Potato Boats with a Tropical Touch
    • Mash the potatoes until they're creamy.
    • Season the inside of the potato boats with salt and pepper.
    • Spoon the mashed sweet potato filling evenly back into the potato shells.
    • Add additional lime zest over the top of each stuffed potato.
    How to make Twice Baked Sweet Potato Boats with Coconut and Lime
    • Dollop a bit of butter on top of each potato and return the potatoes to the oven to heat through.
    • Approximately 15-20 minutes at 350-degrees.
    • Once the potatoes are removed from the oven, sprinkle them with coconut chips (optional), and garnish with colorful drink umbrellas and lime wedges (if desired).
    • Serve hot.
    How to make Twice Baked Sweet Potato Boats with a Tropical Touch of Coconut and Lime
    Closeup vertical photo of tropical sweet potato boats with party umbrellas and lime slices.

    Can these sweet potatoes be made on the outdoor grill?

    Sure! Here's how to do it:

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    • Scrub the sweet potatoes well, and wrap them aluminum foil.
    • Place them on a very hot grill and roast for 40-50 minutes (covered), or until the potatoes are soft.
    • Cool them until they're easy to handle and then proceed with making the filling as instructed.
    • To reheat them on the grill, wrap them loosely in foil again and add them to a medium hot grill for approximately 10 minutes, or until hot.
    • Garnish and serve.

    Delicious luau dishes to serve with twice-baked sweet potato boats:

    • The Best Ever Tropical Fruit Salad from The Slow Roasted Italian.

    And for your luau dessert:

    • Cinnamon Sugar Sand Dollar Cookies (pictured below)

    "Cinnamon Sugar Sand Dollar Cookies are super easy to make and are the perfect way to celebrate summer."

    Cinnamon Sugar Sand Dollar Cookies
    • Coconut Macadamia Nut Cookies (pictured below)

    "Coconut Macadamia Nut Cookies are just what you’re craving when you need a little something sweet, and a little something rich and buttery."

    Coconut Macadamia Nut Cookies
    • Pink Lemonade Cookies (pictured below)

    "Pink Lemonade Cookies are perfect for any summer party, or colorful celebration."

    Pink Lemonade Cookies

    Memories of our luau:

    The luau was by far one of the best parties we'd ever thrown.

    It's so fun for me to relive it all again by sharing the photos.

    Luau Appetizer Table 2015
    Backyard Luau 2015
    Tiki Bar and Luau 2015
    Backyard Luau 2015
    Pig Roast Luau 2015
    Backyard pig roast and luau 2015

    Hungry for additional BBQ side dish recipes?

    • Popular BBQ Recipe Roundup (pictured below)

    A BBQ is just as much about the side dishes as it is about the main course. With the help of this BBQ Side Dishes recipe roundup, your BBQ menu will keep your family and friends very full, and extremely happy!

    title text vertical collage of sweet potato boats in a tropical setting

    When you make today's recipe (and I hope that you will), I'd appreciate it if you'd take the time to come back and give it a star rating along with a comment on why you rated as you did.

    Search engines such as Google appreciate comments and ratings and, in turn, will show my recipes to more people. Please look for the pink star rating box within the printable recipe card. Thank you!!

    Printable Recipe Card

    A tray of Tropical Sweet Potato Boats with colorful drink umbrellas.

    Tropical Sweet Potato Boats

    Renee Goerger
    These Twice Baked Sweet Potato Boats with a Tropical Touch are the perfect accompaniment to any pork, fish, or chicken dish. You're going to love their light coconut flavor and the mild zest of lime.
    Have you made this recipe?Please Comment and Rate
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save recipe Save this recipe
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 20 minutes mins
    Total Time 30 minutes mins
    Course BBQ Side dish, potato side dish, Side Dish
    Cuisine American
    Servings 4
    Calories 185 kcal

    Equipment

    • measuring cups and spoons
    • Mixing Bowls
    • paring knife
    • chef's knife
    • cutting board
    • pastry blender optional
    • potato masher optional
    • microplane for zesting the lime
    • tropical drink umbrellas optional

    Ingredients
     
     

    • 4 medium sweet potatoes cooked until fork tender and cooled slightly.
    • salt and pepper to taste
    • ½ cup coconut milk not coconut water
    • 1 teaspoon fresh lime zest plus additional for garnish (if desired)
    • 4 tablespoons butter softened
    • ¼ cup crushed coconut chips optional
    Get Recipe Ingredients

    Instructions
     

    • Cut a slice off the top off each cooked and cooled sweet potato.
    • Scoop out the inside of each potato leaving behind enough potato on the skins to form a sturdy "boat"
    • Place the scooped potato into a bowl and mash with the coconut milk, salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon lime zest.
    • Fill the potato boats with the mashed sweet potato mixture and dollop each with butter.
    • Bake in a preheated 350-degree oven for 15-20 minutes.
    • Sprinkle each potato with crushed coconut chips (optional).
    • Serve hot.

    Video

    Notes

    Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
    Reheat, uncovered, in the oven, air fryer, or microwave.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1servingCalories: 185kcalCarbohydrates: 27gProtein: 2gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 76mgPotassium: 518mgFiber: 4gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 18445IUVitamin C: 3.4mgCalcium: 44mgIron: 1.9mg

    I sincerely hope you've enjoyed today's easy potato side dish recipe with a tropical twist as much as I've enjoyed bringing it to you!

    Twice Baked Sweet Potato Boats with Coconut and Lime

    Should you have any questions or comments regarding anything you've seen on my site, please don't hesitate to reach out to contact me. It is always my distinct pleasure to get back with you just as soon as I possibly can!

    Thank you so much for visiting me today in my Kudos Kitchen. I hope you found something you'll love and that you will come back and visit me often. Please know that there is always room for you around my kitchen table!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      4.84 from 6 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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    1. Noelle says

      May 14, 2020 at 12:34 pm

      5 stars
      What a perfect sweet potato recipe!! Would be perfect for a summer birthday party too 🙂

      Reply
    2. Denay DeGuzman says

      May 14, 2020 at 12:00 pm

      5 stars
      What a super cute idea for summer! I'm in love with this easy healthy recipe. Thank you so much for sharing it.

      Reply
    3. wilhelmina says

      April 25, 2019 at 6:37 pm

      5 stars
      Only you could make sweet potatoes so fun and delicious! Love these!

      Reply
    4. Taryn says

      April 25, 2019 at 4:08 pm

      5 stars
      We love sweet potatoes and love this tropical version even more!

      Reply
      • Renée says

        April 25, 2019 at 4:18 pm

        Me too! Glad you feel the same, Taryn! Thanks.

        Reply
    5. LifeAfterWheat says

      June 15, 2017 at 11:44 am

      Well don't these look fun!

      Reply
      • Renée says

        June 15, 2017 at 3:14 pm

        They are! Glad you think so! Thanks!

        Reply
    6. Cookin Canuck says

      June 14, 2017 at 8:57 pm

      What a great idea, Renee! I adore all of these flavors and can't wait to make sweet potatoes this way.

      Reply
      • Renée says

        June 15, 2017 at 3:14 pm

        You're going to love them, Dara! I think you kids will love them too!

        Reply
    7. Lane & Holly @ With Two Spoons says

      June 13, 2017 at 1:58 pm

      These look so good! What a fun way to serve these!

      Reply
      • Renée says

        June 15, 2017 at 3:15 pm

        Summer is all about having fun, right? Glad you like them 🙂

        Reply
    8. amindfullmom says

      June 13, 2017 at 10:34 am

      Such a fun way to serve up sweet potatoes

      Reply
      • Renée says

        June 15, 2017 at 3:15 pm

        Thanks! Glad you think so 🙂

        Reply
    9. eat good 4 life says

      June 13, 2017 at 7:50 am

      This look easy and healthy too. I love sweet potatoes so I am sure I would love these. Fun party!

      Reply
      • Renée says

        June 15, 2017 at 3:16 pm

        I never used to like sweet potatoes, but now I crave them. Especially these. I hope you'll try them.

        Reply
    10. The Daring Gourmet says

      June 13, 2017 at 12:56 am

      What a fun idea and so perfect for a party!

      Reply
      • Renée says

        June 15, 2017 at 3:16 pm

        Thank you 🙂

        Reply
    11. Cathy@LemonTreeDwelling says

      June 12, 2017 at 9:28 pm

      What a fun party! These potatoes are perfection!!

      Reply
      • Renée says

        June 15, 2017 at 3:17 pm

        The party was a blast. Next luau we have I'll be serving these tropical potatoes...but not for 70 people. LOL!

        Reply
    12. Erin @ The Speckled Palate says

      June 12, 2017 at 8:38 pm

      I just adore the tropical twist on these sweet potatoes! What fun!

      Reply
      • Renée says

        June 15, 2017 at 3:17 pm

        Thank you so much!

        Reply
    13. Des @ Life's Ambrosia says

      June 12, 2017 at 12:57 pm

      What a fun twist on twice baked potatoes!

      Reply
      • Renée says

        June 12, 2017 at 1:16 pm

        So glad you like this recipe. Thanks 🙂

        Reply

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    Hi, I'm Renee! I've been a passionate home cook for over 40 years. I specialize in easy-to-make comfort food dishes from appetizers to desserts and everything in between.

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