Baked Sweet Potato Recipe

This Baked Sweet Potato Recipe is a perfect and fluffy recipe, which is made with sweet potatoes and olive oil. It’s an ideal side dish, ready in about 1 hour.

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Baked Sweet Potato Ingredients

Simple ingredients for a classic, healthy side dish.

6 sweet potatoes, scrubbed and dried
2 Tbsp. olive oil
1 tsp. kosher salt
Optional toppings: butter, chopped scallions or chives, cooked bacon and/or sour cream

How To Make Baked Sweet Potatoes

A step-by-step guide to achieving fluffy interiors and crispy skins.

Prep the Oven and Potatoes: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup. Prick each sweet potato 3-4 times with a fork.
Season the Potatoes: Place the potatoes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Brush them all over with olive oil and sprinkle generously with kosher salt.
Bake Until Tender: Roast for 45-60 minutes. The potatoes are done when the skin is crispy and a paring knife can be inserted into the center with no resistance.
Serve with Toppings: Let the potatoes cool for about 5 minutes, then slice them open lengthwise. Fluff the insides with a fork and add your favorite toppings before serving.

Recipe Tips

For perfect, fluffy baked sweet potatoes every time.

How to get crispy skin on a baked sweet potato? The secret is to avoid wrapping the potatoes in foil. Rubbing them with olive oil and salt and baking them directly on the pan at a relatively high heat (400°F) will result in a deliciously crispy and edible skin.
Do I need to prick sweet potatoes before baking? Yes, this is an important step. Pricking the skin with a fork allows steam to escape as the potato cooks, which prevents it from potentially bursting in the oven.
What’s the best type of sweet potato for baking? Orange-fleshed sweet potatoes like Jewel, Garnet, or Beauregard are excellent for baking. They have a moist, sweet interior that becomes wonderfully fluffy when cooked.
How do I know when a baked sweet potato is done? The most reliable test is to pierce it with a thin knife or a fork. If it slides into the center of the thickest part of the potato easily and without any resistance, it’s ready.

What To Serve With Baked Sweet Potatoes

Classic pairings that make for a complete and satisfying meal.

A baked sweet potato is a versatile side dish that complements many main courses:

Classic Roast Chicken or Turkey
Grilled Steak or Pork Chops
A bowl of hearty Chili or Black Bean Soup
BBQ Pulled Pork or Chicken
As the main dish itself, loaded with toppings like black beans, cheese, and avocado.

How To Store Baked Sweet Potatoes

Keeping your potatoes fresh for later.

Refrigerate: Store leftover baked sweet potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Reheat them in the microwave for a minute or two, or for a crispier skin, place them in an oven or air fryer at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.

Baked Sweet Potato Nutrition Facts

An estimated guide per potato without toppings.

Calories: 180 kcal
Carbohydrates: 41 g
Protein: 4 g
Fat: 0.3 g

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Can I make baked sweet potatoes ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake them completely, let them cool, and store them in the refrigerator. Reheat them using your preferred method when you’re ready to serve. This is a great way to save time for a weeknight dinner.

Is it safe to eat the skin of a sweet potato?

Absolutely! The skin is one of the most nutritious parts of the sweet potato, packed with fiber and antioxidants. Just be sure to scrub the potatoes thoroughly before baking to remove any dirt.

Why did my sweet potato leak a sugary syrup while baking?

This is completely normal and a sign of a sweet, delicious potato! As the sweet potato bakes, its natural sugars caramelize and can sometimes ooze out, creating a sticky, sweet syrup on your baking sheet. Lining the pan with foil makes cleanup much easier.

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