A high school teacher from Georgia has become an unexpected social media sensation, captivating millions with her unique and simple approach to classroom lunches. Courtney Cook Bales, 36, has amassed a devoted following on TikTok by sharing videos of her daily meals, which often feature unconventional savoury pairings.
The Simplicity Behind the Viral Sensation
While Bales has showcased a variety of ingredients—from whole green onions and marinated eggs to spicy ramen—it is one remarkably simple creation that has truly captured the internet's imagination. The snack in question consists of just two core components: a baked sweet potato and a block of cheese. The mother-of-four is known for assembling easy "ploughman's lunches" in her classroom that require minimal cooking and few complicated ingredients.
Her method is straightforward yet effective. Bales typically bakes a sweet potato for over an hour until it's perfectly tender. She then stuffs cheese inside the hot potato, allowing the residual heat to melt it into a gooey, cohesive filling. The result is a handheld meal requiring no cutlery. "It's just so wholesome, so filling, it really gives me energy," Bales explained in a video posted on 10 December 2025, which has since soared past five million views.
Recipe Variations and Online Reaction
The teacher enjoys experimenting with different types of produce and dairy. She often uses Japanese or white sweet potatoes and pairs them with cheeses like cheddar, butterkäse, or cottage cheese. In one video earlier this month, she recommended letting the baked potato cool for several hours to develop a syrupy texture before adding the cheese. Although the potato and cheese are the only essentials, Bales frequently adds toppings such as macaroni salad, sweet onion cups, and pickles for extra flavour.
The reaction on TikTok has been a mix of intrigue and delight. One user commented, "I'm disturbed but intrigued at the same time," capturing the sentiment of many. Another wrote, "Girl you've got TikTok on a sweet potato/cheese chokehold." A third observed, "The amount of people you've influenced between the ploughman lunches and the sweet potatoes needs to be studied."
Many viewers have been inspired to try the snack themselves, reporting back with positive results. One TikToker shared, "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 and cuts out so much food noise!! So not only have I added more fibre, I'm eating way less junk. So thank you!"
Unexpected Fame and a Message of Confidence
Bales told People magazine that she never anticipated her food cravings would lead to viral fame. She gained over one million followers in under seven months. Reflecting on her journey, she said, "We are all figuring things out for the first time, and people will always have opinions, but I am learning to live for myself rather than shaping my choices around people who may not understand me."
She hopes her content empowers others, adding, "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." What began as a personal record of classroom lunches has transformed into a global conversation about simple, satisfying eating and the confidence to enjoy what you love.
