Perfectly Baked Sweet Potato Recipe

Introduction

Perfectly baked sweet potatoes are a simple, comforting dish that brings out their natural sweetness and creamy texture. This easy recipe ensures tender, flavorful potatoes every time, making them a delicious side or a satisfying snack.

Ingredients

• 4 large sweet potatoes (red-skinned)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil (or vegetable oil, coconut oil, or bacon grease)
• 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
• Freshly cracked black pepper

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F.
2. Step 2: Wash, scrub, and dry the sweet potatoes thoroughly. Place them on a foil-lined baking sheet.
3. Step 3: Rub the oil and salt all over each sweet potato to enhance flavor and help the skin crisp.
4. Step 4: Prick each sweet potato all over with a fork to allow steam to escape while baking.
5. Step 5: Bake the sweet potatoes until tender, about 40 to 60 minutes, depending on their size. Begin checking at 45 minutes by inserting a fork to test softness.
6. Step 6: Let the potatoes cool for about 5 minutes before slicing open the tops with a knife and gently squeezing them to open.
7. Step 7: Top each sweet potato with a pat of butter and season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, try topping with cinnamon, maple syrup, or a sprinkle of brown sugar.
• Use a fork or knife to test doneness; the potato should feel soft inside with no resistance.
• Try alternative fats like coconut oil or bacon grease for a different taste experience.
• To speed up cooking, microwave sweet potatoes for 5 minutes before baking.

Storage

Store leftover baked sweet potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through. Avoid reheating more than once for best texture and flavor.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I bake sweet potatoes at a lower temperature?

Yes, you can bake sweet potatoes at 375 degrees F, but they will take longer—usually about 1 to 1.5 hours. Higher heat helps achieve a nicely crisp skin and tender inside faster.

How do I know when my sweet potato is fully cooked?

A fully cooked sweet potato should be soft inside and easily pierced with a fork or knife. If it meets resistance, it needs more time in the oven.

Perfectly Baked Sweet Potato Recipe

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 119 reviews

This recipe guides you to make perfectly baked sweet potatoes with a crispy skin and soft, tender interior. Enhanced with a touch of butter and seasoning, these sweet potatoes are a delicious and healthy side dish, ideal for any meal.

• Author: mia
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45-60 minutes
• Total Time: 55-70 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Sweet Potatoes

• 4 large sweet potatoes, red-skinned

Seasonings & Toppings

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil (or vegetable oil, coconut oil, or bacon grease)
• 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
• Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure even baking and crispy skin.
2. Prepare Potatoes: Wash, scrub, and dry the sweet potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt and impurities.
3. Season Potatoes: Place the potatoes on a foil-lined baking sheet, then rub the olive oil and kosher salt all over the skin to enhance flavor and help crispiness.
4. Prick Sweet Potatoes: Use a fork to prick the potatoes all over, allowing steam to escape during baking and preventing bursting.
5. Bake: Bake the potatoes in the preheated oven until tender, about 40 to 60 minutes, depending on their size. Begin checking for doneness at 45 minutes by inserting a fork to test softness.
6. Cool and Open: Let the baked sweet potatoes cool for about 5 minutes to handle safely, then slice open the top and gently squeeze the sides to fluff the interior.
7. Add Butter and Season: Top each open sweet potato with a pat of unsalted butter, season with additional salt and freshly cracked black pepper, then serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

• Cooking times can vary based on the size of the sweet potatoes; larger ones may require closer to 60 minutes.
• Using different oils like coconut oil or bacon grease can add unique flavors.
• Make sure to prick the potatoes well to prevent bursting during baking.
• Sweet potatoes are done when a fork easily pierces through the flesh.
• Butter enhances the creaminess but can be omitted for a dairy-free option.

Keywords: baked sweet potato, sweet potato recipe, healthy side dish, oven baked sweet potato