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Perfect baked sweet potatoes Recipe

Perfect baked sweet potatoes Recipe

4.9 from 24 reviews

This recipe for perfect baked sweet potatoes offers a simple and healthy way to prepare sweet potatoes with a tender inside and slightly crisp skin. Baking brings out the natural sweetness and enhances their rich flavor, making them a versatile side dish or base for various toppings.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients

  • 2 large sweet potatoes
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil (optional – see notes)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is ideal for evenly baking the sweet potatoes and ensuring a tender interior.
  2. Prepare the sweet potatoes: Scrub the sweet potatoes thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt. Pat them dry with a clean towel. Slice each sweet potato in half lengthwise to expose the flesh and help it cook faster.
  3. Arrange for baking: Place the sweet potato halves cut side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Optionally, you may brush the skins with olive oil for a crisper texture, but this is not necessary.
  4. Bake the sweet potatoes: Bake the potatoes in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes. They are done when they are completely soft, and a fork slides easily through the skin. You might see juices bubbling around each potato indicating they are cooked through.
  5. Serve: Remove the potatoes from the oven and serve warm, cut side up. Fluff the flesh with a fork to lighten the texture. Feel free to add your favorite toppings such as butter, cinnamon, brown sugar, or savory options like sour cream or chives.
  6. Storage instructions: To store any leftovers, let the baked sweet potatoes cool in a glass dish or plate. Cover tightly with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
  7. Reheat and reuse: Reheat the sweet potatoes in the microwave or the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes until warm. You can also scoop out the flesh to use in smoothies, purees, or baked desserts.

Notes

  • Olive oil is optional for crisping the skin, but you can skip it for a lower-fat option.
  • Choose sweet potatoes that are firm and without blemishes for best results.
  • Baking time may vary depending on the size of your sweet potatoes; larger ones might require a few extra minutes.
  • Baked sweet potatoes can be frozen after scooping out the flesh for later use in recipes.
  • Experiment with different toppings to suit sweet or savory preferences.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked sweet potatoes, healthy side dish, easy sweet potato recipe, roasted sweet potatoes, simple vegetable bake