Bake the Sweet Potatoes

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare the Potatoes: Wash the sweet potatoes thoroughly and pat dry. Rub them with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
3. Bake: Place the sweet potatoes directly on the oven rack and bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour, until tender. You can check by inserting a fork or knife—it should slide in easily.
4. Cool: Allow the potatoes to cool for about 10 minutes, just enough to handle them.

Prepare the Filling

1. Scoop Out the Flesh: Once the potatoes are cool enough to handle, cut them in half lengthwise and carefully scoop out the flesh, leaving about a 1/4-inch border around the skin.
2. Mash the Filling: Place the sweet potato flesh in a bowl and mash it with a fork or potato masher until smooth.
3. Mix in the Ingredients: Stir in the sour cream, shredded cheese, butter, maple syrup (if using), cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
4. Add Green Onions: If desired, fold in the chopped green onions or chives for an added fresh flavor.

Stuff the Potatoes

1. Stuff the Potatoes: Spoon the mashed filling back into the sweet potato skins, packing it gently.
2. Top with Extra Cheese: If you love extra cheese, sprinkle a little more shredded cheese on top of each stuffed potato.

Bake Again

1. Bake: Place the stuffed sweet potatoes back in the oven for 15–20 minutes, until the tops are golden and bubbly.