Easy Baked Sweet Potato Recipe
Introduction
Easy baked sweet potatoes are a simple, nutritious side dish that comes together with minimal effort. Their naturally sweet flavor and tender texture make them perfect for a quick meal or a wholesome snack.
Ingredients
- 4 medium-sized sweet potatoes, long and thin
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp sea salt or kosher salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Step 2: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil and set aside.
- Step 3: Wash the sweet potatoes thoroughly and dry them completely.
- Step 4: Using a fork, poke about eight holes evenly around each sweet potato to allow steam to escape during baking.
- Step 5: Drizzle the sweet potatoes with olive oil and sprinkle with salt, then gently rub the oil and salt evenly over the skin.
- Step 6: Place the prepared sweet potatoes on the lined baking sheet and bake for 45 minutes, or until a fork or knife easily pierces through the flesh.
- Step 7: Remove from the oven and let them cool for about five minutes before slicing open and adding your favorite toppings.
Tips & Variations
- For a creamier texture, wrap the sweet potatoes individually in foil before baking.
- Top baked sweet potatoes with ingredients like butter, cinnamon, brown sugar, or savory options such as sour cream and chives.
- Choose sweet potatoes of similar size to ensure even cooking.
Storage
Store leftover baked sweet potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes or microwave until heated through.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I bake sweet potatoes at a lower temperature?
Yes, you can bake sweet potatoes at 375°F, but it will take longer—usually around 60 minutes. Higher temperatures help achieve a nicely roasted skin and tender interior faster.
How do I know when sweet potatoes are done?
Sweet potatoes are done when a fork or knife slides easily into the center without resistance. The skin should be slightly wrinkled and the inside soft.
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Easy Baked Sweet Potato Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Baked Sweet Potato recipe delivers perfectly tender and flavorful sweet potatoes with a crispy skin, baked to perfection in the oven. Simple ingredients like olive oil and salt enhance the natural sweetness, making it an ideal healthy side or snack.
Ingredients
Sweet Potatoes
- 4 medium-sized sweet potatoes (long and thin)
Seasoning
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp sea salt or kosher salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the sweet potatoes evenly.
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Wash and Pierce Potatoes: Thoroughly wash and dry the sweet potatoes. Use a fork to poke about 8 holes in each potato; this allows steam to escape during baking and prevents them from bursting.
- Season Potatoes: Drizzle the sweet potatoes with olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt or kosher salt. Gently rub the oil and salt over each potato’s skin to coat evenly, enhancing flavor and crispiness.
- Bake Potatoes: Place the prepared sweet potatoes on the lined baking sheet. Bake for approximately 45 minutes, or until a fork or knife can be easily inserted into the potatoes, indicating they are tender inside.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the sweet potatoes from the oven and let them cool for about 5 minutes before splitting them open. Add your favorite toppings such as butter, cinnamon, or sour cream, if desired.
Notes
- Choose sweet potatoes that are firm without any bruises or soft spots for best results.
- For a softer skin, you can wrap each sweet potato in foil before baking, though this will reduce crispiness.
- Leftover baked sweet potatoes can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheated.
- Try topping with savory options like cheese and chives or sweet options like honey and cinnamon for variety.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: baked sweet potato, easy sweet potato recipe, healthy side dish, vegetarian side, oven baked sweet potato
