Description
Learn the simple, no-fuss method for baking sweet potatoes that results in a perfectly cooked potato with a creamy interior and slightly caramelized skin. This is the ultimate healthy side dish for any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 medium sweet potatoes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)
- Coarse salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
- Wash the sweet potatoes thoroughly under running water. Scrub the skins well to remove any dirt. Pat them completely dry with a paper towel.
- Prick each sweet potato several times deeply all over with a fork. This allows steam to escape during baking.
- For a slightly crispier skin, rub the outside of each potato lightly with olive oil. Sprinkle generously with coarse salt and black pepper.
- Place the prepared sweet potatoes directly onto the middle oven rack. Do not place them on a baking sheet or use foil, as this traps moisture and prevents the skin from crisping.
- Bake for 45 to 60 minutes. The exact time depends on the size of your potatoes.
- Check for doneness by squeezing the potato gently; it should yield easily, or insert a fork into the center—it should slide in with no resistance.
- Remove from the oven. Let them cool for about 5 minutes before slicing open lengthwise. Fluff the inside flesh with a fork and serve immediately with your favorite toppings.
Notes
- For faster cooking, you can pierce the potatoes and microwave them for 5-7 minutes before transferring them to the oven to finish baking.
- If you prefer a softer skin, you may wrap the potatoes loosely in aluminum foil before baking.
- These baked sweet potatoes are a fantastic base for both sweet toppings like cinnamon butter or savory additions like black beans and cheese.
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 50 min
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 potato
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 13
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 0.3
- Saturated Fat: 0
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.3
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 41
- Fiber: 7
- Protein: 4
- Cholesterol: 0