Description
Learn the simple, no-fuss method for baking sweet potatoes in the oven until they are perfectly fluffy inside with a slightly caramelized skin. This easy recipe guarantees a delicious and 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 the sweet potatoes completely dry with a paper towel. This helps the skin crisp up.
- If you choose to use oil, lightly rub each sweet potato with olive oil.
- Prick each sweet potato several times all over with a fork or a sharp knife. This allows steam to escape during baking.
- Place the sweet potatoes directly on the middle oven rack. Do not use a baking sheet unless you prefer a softer bottom.
- Bake for 45 to 60 minutes. The exact time depends on the size of your potatoes. They are done when the skin is slightly wrinkled and you can easily pierce the center with a fork.
- Carefully remove the potatoes from the oven. Let them cool for about 10 minutes before handling.
- Slice each sweet potato lengthwise down the middle. Gently squeeze the ends to open them up and fluff the inside flesh with a fork.
- Season immediately with coarse salt and black pepper to your liking. Serve warm.
Notes
- For an extra sweet treat, try topping your baked sweet potato with a pat of butter and a sprinkle of cinnamon after fluffing.
- If you are short on time, you can microwave the potatoes for 5-7 minutes before baking to reduce the oven time.
- This simple oven baked sweet potato method works well for meal prep; store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to four days.
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 55 min
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 medium potato
- Calories: 114
- Sugar: 7
- Sodium: 10
- Fat: 0.2
- Saturated Fat: 0.0
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.1
- Trans Fat: 0.0
- Carbohydrates: 26.6
- Fiber: 4.2
- Protein: 2.3
- Cholesterol: 0