Perfect Baked Sweet Potato Recipe
Ever wondered how to make that perfectly baked sweet potato with crispy skin and soft, orange flesh? Well, you’re in the right place. Whether it’s a festive holiday dinner or a cozy weeknight meal in the winter months, a Baked Sweet Potato is always a hit. This recipe is easy to follow, requires minimal ingredients, and always promises a delicious, satisfying treat.
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Why You Will Love Making Oven Baked Sweet Potatoes
- Baking sweet potatoes doesn’t require a ton of prep work. Simply preheat your oven, give those potatoes a quick wash, and poke some holes. That’s it! They’re on their way to becoming a delightful treat. The ease of this dish means you can prepare it even on busy weekdays or when unexpected guests arrive.
- Sweet potatoes are not just a tasty treat; they’re a powerhouse of nutrients. Packed with vitamins, fiber, and minerals, they’re a go-to for those aiming for a healthier diet. Whether you love sweet potatoes for their orange flesh or their health benefits, this dish aligns perfectly with a wholesome vegetarian lifestyle.
- While baked sweet potatoes are divine on their own, the real fun begins with the toppings. From freshly ground black pepper to rich nut butter or even a dollop of plain Greek yogurt, the possibilities are endless. Want something sweet? Drizzle some maple syrup. Craving savory? A sprinkle of garlic powder and kosher salt will do the trick.
- Whether it’s a regular meal prep day, a family gathering, or a special celebration, this baked sweet potato recipe fits the bill. Their comforting warmth makes them a favorite during chilly winters, while their natural sweetness is a hit at summer picnics.
Ingredients you’ll need
You’ll need all the ingredients shown in the photograph below.
How to Make a Perfect Baked Sweet Potato with Step-by-Step Instructions
A complete printable recipe and the measurements in both US customary and metric are available in the recipe card below.
Prepping Your Sweet Potatoes
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F/220°C. This optimal temperature ensures the sweet potatoes cook evenly and achieve that desired softness.
While waiting, lay parchment paper or aluminum foil on a rimmed baking sheet or baking dish. This prevents any juice drippings from creating a mess in your oven.
Baking to Perfection
Once your oven reaches the desired temperature, wash the sweet potatoes with a vegetable brush to get rid of any residual dirt.
Using a sharp knife or a fork, poke holes in the potatoes, which helps in even cooking and releasing steam.
Place them on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, and bake for 40-50 minutes. The key to knowing they’re done?
The skin should puff up, and a fork should glide through the potato with ease.
Season and Enjoy!
As soon as they come out of the oven, serve your baked sweet potatoes. Their warm and soft inside pairs well with a touch of butter, sea salt, and pepper, or even your favorite toppings.
The crispy skin contrasts perfectly with the soft inside, offering a delightful sensory experience.
Looking for more baked sweet potato recipes? Try our Air Fryer Baked Sweet Potato Recipe! It’s quick, easy, and just as delicious as this oven version.
Recipe Notes and Expert Tips
- Choosing the Right Potato: One of the secrets behind a perfectly baked sweet potato lies in the selection process. Look for large sweet potatoes that are roughly the same size. This ensures they cook evenly and at the same rate. Avoid any with blemishes, soft spots, or signs of sprouting.
- Achieving the Perfect Crispy Skin: Want that restaurant-style crispy skin on your sweet potato? Lightly coat your potatoes with a bit of avocado oil or olive oil before baking. This little trick helps achieve that delightful crunch in every bite.
- Cooking Time: The baking time can vary depending on the size of your sweet potatoes. Smaller potatoes might be done sooner, while larger ones could require a little more time in the oven. It’s always a good idea to check for doneness around the 40-minute mark.
- Safety First: When poking holes in your sweet potatoes, ensure your hands are dry and use a stable surface to avoid any accidental cuts. Always handle sharp tools with care.
- Can I bake sweet potatoes without poking holes in them? We recommend always poking holes in your sweet potatoes before baking. This allows steam to escape and ensures the potato cooks evenly without bursting.
- How can I tell if my baked sweet potatoes are done? The best way is the fork test. If a fork slides into the center with ease and the skin is puffed up, they’re ready to go!
- Are sweet potatoes and regular potatoes baked the same way? While the process is similar, sweet potatoes and regular potatoes have different textures and moisture content. Sweet potatoes usually require a slightly longer baking time to achieve that soft inside.
How to Store Leftover Baked Sweet Potato
Got leftover sweet potatoes? Here’s how to store them so you can enjoy them later.
Cooling Before Storing
If you have any leftover baked sweet potatoes, make sure they’ve cooled completely before storing them. This prevents condensation and keeps them fresh for longer.
Optimal Storage Solutions
Once cooled, wrap them individually in a paper towel and place them in an airtight container or a freezer-safe container.
This method helps in retaining their moisture and flavor. They keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days and freeze for up to 6 months.
Reheating Like a Pro
To reheat sweet potatoes, you can use a microwave, oven, air fryer, or even a toaster oven.
If using the oven, preheat it to 350°F/175°C and heat the potatoes for about 15-20 minutes.
For an air fryer or toaster oven, cook at 350°F/175°C and check the sweet potatoes after 8 minutes.
Microwaving? Wrap the potato in a damp paper towel and microwave for 2-3 minutes, checking for warmth.
What to Serve with Perfect Baked Sweet Potatoes
The best Baked sweet potatoes pair well with so many dishes, either as a main dish or as the perfect side dish; here are just a few of our favorite ways.
Keep it Simple
Sometimes, the simplest toppings are the best. A sprinkle of kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and a little butter or a dollop of Greek yogurt can elevate the flavors immensely.
This is our go-to for a quick and easy weekday side dish option.
Go International
Feeling adventurous? Top your baked sweet potato with some chipotle black beans, a sprinkle of cheese, and a dollop of sour cream for a Tex-Mex twist.
Fancy a curry without rice? Serving it over a baked sweet potato (or even regular baked potatoes) is one of our new favorite discoveries.
Try our Vindaloo or Vegetable Bhuna for aromatic comfort food with a hint of sweet potato goodness!
Sweet Cravings
If you’re in the mood for something sweet, drizzle some maple syrup or sprinkle a touch of brown sugar on your baked sweet potato. It’s absolutely amazing how it balances the flavors.
If you want to recreate a classic sweet potato casserole, pop in some mini vegetarian marshmallows and place it under the grill in the oven for 5 minutes, or until the marshmallows turn golden.
Perfect Pairings
Baked sweet potatoes are versatile and can be paired with numerous side dishes or mains.
From a fresh salad like our avocado salad or caprese salad, to air fryer veggies like air fryer broccoli or buffalo cauliflower, or even as a side to another vegetarian main course, there’s no going wrong with these potatoes.
We love them beside our Mushroom Wellington (if you’re feeling fancy!) or our veggie Stuffed Peppers for an easy weeknight dinner.
Other sweet potato recipes for you to try
- Sweet Potato Pie
- Sweet Potato Fries
- Sweet Potato Mash
- Sweet Potato Fritters
- Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges
Perfect Baked Sweet Potato Recipe
Utensils
Ingredients
- 4 Sweet potato
- 4 tbsp Butter
- Kosher salt to taste
- Black pepper freshly cracked to taste
- Chives sprinkle of
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F/220°C and place a sheet of parchment paper or aluminum foil on a rimmed baking sheet.
- Wash the sweet potatoes with a vegetable brush to remove any dirt and then pat them dry. Using a fork, prick holes in your sweet potatoes. Place them in the oven and bake for 40-50 minutes.4 Sweet potato
- When your baked sweet potatoes are cooked, they will puff up, pierce with a fork and it should easily pierce the skin and they should be soft inside. Remove from the oven and serve immediately with butter, salt and pepper, a sprinkling of chives, or your favorite topping! Enjoy your delicious sweet baked potatoes!4 tbsp Butter, Kosher salt, Chives, Black pepper
Notes
- Choosing the Right Potato: One of the secrets behind a perfectly baked sweet potato lies in the selection process. Look for large sweet potatoes that are roughly the same size. This ensures they cook evenly and at the same rate. Avoid any with blemishes, soft spots, or signs of sprouting.
- Achieving the Perfect Crispy Skin: Want that restaurant-style crispy skin on your sweet potato? Lightly coat your potatoes with a bit of avocado oil or olive oil before baking. This little trick helps achieve that delightful crunch in every bite.
- Cooking Time: The baking time can vary depending on the size of your sweet potatoes. Smaller potatoes might be done sooner, while larger ones could require a little more time in the oven. It’s always a good idea to check for doneness around the 40-minute mark.
- Safety First: When poking holes in your sweet potatoes, ensure your hands are dry and use a stable surface to avoid any accidental cuts. Always handle sharp tools with care.
- Storage: Once cooled, wrap them individually in a paper towel and place them in an airtight container or a freezer-safe container. This method helps in retaining their moisture and flavor. They keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days and freeze for up to 6 months.
- Reheating: To reheat sweet potatoes, you can use a microwave, oven, air fryer, or even a toaster oven. If using the oven, preheat it to 350°F/175°C and heat the potatoes for about 15-20 minutes. For an air fryer or toaster oven, heat to 350°F/175°C and check the sweet potatoes after 8 minutes. Microwaving? Wrap the potato in a damp paper towel and microwave for 2-3 minutes, checking for warmth.
Nutrition
Disclaimer
Please note that nutrient values are estimates only. Variations can occur due to product availability and manner of food preparation. Nutrition may vary based on methods of origin, preparation, freshness of ingredients, and other factors.
If you love sweet food, take a look at these air fryer cookies!
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Love this super simple recipe for baked sweet potato! We served this up as a side dish for dinner tonight and it was a hit with everyone – even my picky kids!~
Oh, that’s wonderful to hear that the kids enjoyed the sweet potato!
You can’t beat a fluffy sweet potato. So many topping ideas too!
Very interesting article and explained in detail.
I am cooking baked sweet potatoes tonight!
We hope you enjoy them!
So so healthy – Can’t wait to try these ! Thanks for all the tips too:)
You’re more than welcome, let us know how you get on with your baked sweet potatoes!
I made this today and they were soo yummy, I think the chives gave the dish a very nice touch! Thanks for sharing!
You’re welcome and we’re pleased that you enjoyed cooking them.