Description

This Easy Baked Sweet Potato recipe delivers perfectly tender, flavorful sweet potatoes roasted to perfection in the oven. With a simple seasoning of olive oil, kosher salt, and black pepper, these baked sweet potatoes make a nutritious and versatile side dish that can be topped with butter, sour cream, maple syrup, chives, Parmesan, or cinnamon to suit any taste.

Ingredients

Scale

Sweet Potatoes

2 to 4 medium sweet potatoes

Seasoning

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Toppings (Optional)

Butter
Sour cream
Maple syrup
Chives
Parmesan
Cinnamon

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it is hot and ready for baking the sweet potatoes evenly.
Wash Sweet Potatoes: Wash and scrub the sweet potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt or impurities. Pat them dry with a clean towel to prepare for piercing and seasoning.
Poke Holes: Use a fork to poke holes all over each sweet potato. This allows steam to escape during baking, preventing the potatoes from bursting in the oven.
Season: Rub the sweet potatoes with olive oil, then sprinkle them evenly with kosher salt and black pepper for enhanced flavor and a crisp skin.
Prepare for Baking: Place the sweet potatoes directly on the oven rack or on a parchment-lined baking sheet to catch any drips while ensuring even heat circulation.
Bake: Bake the potatoes for 45 to 60 minutes until they are tender and can be easily pierced with a knife, indicating they are fully cooked.
Cool and Fluff: Let the baked sweet potatoes cool for about 5 minutes once out of the oven. Slice them open and use a fork to fluff the inside for a light and airy texture.
Add Toppings and Serve: Add your favorite toppings such as butter, sour cream, maple syrup, chives, Parmesan, or cinnamon. Serve the sweet potatoes warm for the best taste.

Notes

Cooking times may vary depending on the size of the sweet potatoes. Larger ones may need closer to 60 minutes.
Placing sweet potatoes directly on the oven rack helps achieve a crispy skin.
For added flavor, consider seasoning with cinnamon or smoked paprika along with salt and pepper.
Leftover baked sweet potatoes can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheated.