Perfect baked sweet potatoes Recipe
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.
- Author: Nora
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 large sweet potatoes
- 1 teaspoon olive oil (optional – see notes)
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- Serving Size: 1 large baked sweet potato
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 0.3g
- Saturated Fat: 0.1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: baked sweet potatoes, healthy side dish, easy sweet potato recipe, roasted sweet potatoes, simple vegetable bake