A secondary school teacher from Georgia has become an unexpected social media sensation, amassing over a million followers by sharing her unique and simple classroom lunches, with one particular two-ingredient snack capturing the internet's imagination.
The Simple Snack That Captivated Millions
Courtney Cook Bales, a 36-year-old mother of four, has built a devoted TikTok following by filming her daily meals, which often feature unconventional savoury pairings prepared in her classroom. While she has eaten everything from whole green onions to marinated eggs, it is her effortless combination of a baked sweet potato and a block of cheese that has truly taken off.
In a video posted on 10 December 2025, which has since racked up more than five million views, Bales explained the appeal. "It's just so wholesome, so filling, it really gives me energy," she said. Her method involves baking a sweet potato for over an hour before stuffing cheese inside, allowing it to melt into a gooey, handheld meal that requires no cutlery.
More Than Just a Potato: The Recipe's Flexibility
While the core recipe requires only two components, Bales enjoys experimenting with variations. She uses different types of sweet potato, such as Japanese or white varieties, and pairs them with cheeses including cheddar, butterkäse, and cottage cheese. She often recommends letting the potato cool for hours to develop a syrupy texture before adding the dairy.
Although the sweet potato and cheese are the stars, Bales frequently adds extra toppings like macaroni salad, sweet onion cups, and pickles to create what she describes as easy "ploughman's lunches" that are both satisfying and simple to assemble during a busy school day.
A Viral Phenomenon with a Positive Message
The reaction on TikTok has been a mix of intrigue and delight. One user commented, "I'm disturbed but intrigued at the same time," while another declared, "Girl you've got TikTok on a sweet potato/cheese chokehold." Many have been inspired to try the snack themselves, reporting back with positive results.
"I know this wasn't really your intention, but you have me eating a sweet potato and cheese every dang day and it keeps me so full," shared one follower, noting it helped them eat less junk food. Bales told People magazine that she never expected the viral fame, which saw her gain over a million followers in under seven months, but she embraces the positive impact.
"We are all figuring things out for the first time," Bales said. "If my videos help someone feel more confident, joyful, and free with their own food choices, then that is exactly the message I hope to share." Her journey highlights how a simple, unconventional idea can resonate widely, encouraging others to find joy and practicality in their everyday meals.
