Description
Learn the simple method to bake sweet potatoes perfectly every time, resulting in a caramelized exterior and a soft, fluffy interior. This easy baked sweet potatoes technique is ideal for a healthy side dish or meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 medium sweet potatoes (about 8-10 ounces each)
- 1 teaspoon coarse salt (for sprinkling)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for extra crispy skin)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). Position an oven rack in the center.
- Wash the sweet potatoes thoroughly under running water. Scrub the skin well to remove any dirt. Pat them completely dry with a paper towel.
- Prick each sweet potato deeply 5 to 6 times all over using a sharp fork. This allows steam to escape and prevents the potato from bursting.
- If you want a crispier skin, lightly rub the exterior of each potato with a small amount of olive oil, then sprinkle generously with coarse salt.
- Place the prepared sweet potatoes directly onto the center oven rack. Do not place them on a baking sheet or wrap them in foil; direct heat helps crisp the skin.
- Bake for 45 to 60 minutes. The exact oven baked sweet potatoes time depends on the size of your potatoes. Start checking around the 45-minute mark.
- The potatoes are done when the skin is slightly wrinkled and caramelized, and you can easily pierce the center with a knife or fork with no resistance.
- Remove the potatoes from the oven. Let them cool for about 5 minutes before handling.
- To serve, slice lengthwise down the center, gently squeeze the ends to open the potato, and fluff the inside flesh with a fork. Add your desired toppings.
Notes
- For the fluffiest inside, avoid wrapping the potatoes in foil; direct heat yields better texture.
- If you are making twice baked sweet potatoes, bake them until just tender, scoop out the flesh, mix with filling, and bake again briefly.
- To speed up the process for quick baked sweet potatoes, you can microwave them for 5-7 minutes before transferring them to the oven to finish and crisp the skin.
- These are great for sweet potato meal prep; store cooked potatoes in the refrigerator for up to four days.
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 50 min
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 medium potato
- Calories: 112
- Sugar: 10
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 0.2
- Saturated Fat: 0.0
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.1
- Trans Fat: 0.0
- Carbohydrates: 26
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 2
- Cholesterol: 0