Perfectly Baked Sweet Potato Recipe
Introduction
Perfectly baked sweet potatoes are a simple and delicious side dish that highlight the natural sweetness of the tubers. With a crisp skin and soft, tender inside, they make a comforting addition to any meal.
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
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
- Step 2: Wash, scrub, and dry the sweet potatoes thoroughly. Place them on a foil-lined baking sheet.
- Step 3: Rub the oil and salt all over the sweet potatoes evenly.
- Step 4: Prick each sweet potato several times with a fork to allow steam to escape during baking.
- Step 5: Bake the sweet potatoes for 40 to 60 minutes, depending on their size. Start checking for tenderness at 45 minutes by inserting a fork.
- Step 6: Let the sweet potatoes cool for about 5 minutes after baking. Then, carefully split the tops open with a knife and gently squeeze them open.
- Step 7: Top each sweet potato with a pat of butter and season with additional salt and freshly cracked black pepper before serving. Enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- Use different fats like bacon grease or coconut oil for a unique flavor twist.
- Try adding cinnamon or a drizzle of maple syrup for a sweeter variation.
- For faster cooking, microwave the potatoes for 5 minutes before roasting.
- Wrap each potato in foil for softer skin, or bake uncovered for a crispier skin.
Storage
Store leftover baked sweet potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through. Avoid overcooking when reheating to keep the texture pleasant.
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 them at 375 degrees F, but they will take longer—about 60 to 90 minutes. Higher heat helps achieve a tender inside and crisp skin faster.
How do I know when sweet potatoes are done baking?
They are done when a fork easily pierces the flesh without resistance. You can start checking around 40 to 45 minutes depending on the potato size.
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Perfectly Baked Sweet Potato Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This recipe for Perfectly Baked Sweet Potato delivers tender, flavorful sweet potatoes with a crisp skin. Using simple ingredients like olive oil, salt, and butter, and baking at a high temperature ensures a deliciously soft interior and a lightly crisp exterior, perfect as a healthy side dish or a base for your favorite toppings.
Ingredients
Sweet Potatoes
- 4 large sweet potatoes (red-skinned)
Seasoning and 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
- Preheat oven: Set your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (220 degrees Celsius) to prepare for baking the sweet potatoes evenly at a high temperature.
- Prepare the sweet potatoes: Wash, scrub, and dry the sweet potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt and ensure the skins crisp up nicely during baking. Place them on a foil-lined baking sheet for easy cleanup.
- Oil and season: Rub the sweet potatoes all over with the olive oil and sprinkle with kosher salt, ensuring the entire skin is coated for maximum flavor and crispiness.
- Prick the potatoes: Use a fork to prick the sweet potatoes several times all over. This allows steam to escape during baking and prevents bursting.
- Bake the sweet potatoes: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 40 to 60 minutes, depending on the size of your sweet potatoes. Begin checking for doneness at 45 minutes by inserting a fork; the potatoes should be tender when pierced.
- Cool and open: Remove the sweet potatoes from the oven and let them cool slightly for about 5 minutes so they are safe to handle. Then, split the tops open carefully with a knife and gently squeeze to open the flesh.
- Serve: Add a pat of unsalted butter into the opened sweet potatoes and season with additional salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste before serving. Enjoy warm as a delicious side dish or base for additional toppings.
Notes
- Choose sweet potatoes of similar size to ensure even cooking.
- Baking times will vary based on potato size; larger potatoes need closer to 60 minutes of baking.
- Use foil on the baking sheet to catch drips and simplify cleanup.
- Additional toppings like cinnamon, brown sugar, or savory herbs can be added after baking for variety.
- Sweet potatoes are best served fresh but can be refrigerated and reheated gently.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: baked sweet potato, easy side dish, healthy sweet potato, gluten free, oven baked sweet potato
