Description
Learn how to bake perfect sweet potatoes with crispy skin and tender, fluffy insides. This simple, versatile recipe guides you through different baking methods to suit your texture preference, using basic ingredients for a healthy, delicious side or snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Sweet Potatoes
- 4 medium sweet potatoes
Seasoning and Oil
- 1-2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
- Coarse sea salt, to taste (optional)
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C) to ensure even baking and crispy skin.
- Prepare the Potatoes: Rinse and scrub the sweet potatoes thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt. Use a large fork to poke holes all over each potato to allow steam to escape during baking. Drizzle about 1 teaspoon of olive or avocado oil over each potato, rub it evenly over the surface with your hands, then sprinkle with coarse sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper if desired, especially if you plan to eat the skins.
- Choose Your Baking Method: For tender potatoes with easy cleanup, wrap each potato twice in aluminum foil; optionally, place parchment paper between the potato and foil as an added barrier. For a balance of crispy skin and fluffy interior, place sweet potatoes on a parchment-lined baking sheet and cover the entire pan with foil. For the crispiest skin, place the potatoes on a wire rack set inside a baking dish or a baking sheet.
- Bake the Sweet Potatoes: Place the prepared sweet potatoes in the oven and bake for 45-60 minutes depending on size. Larger sweet potatoes may take up to 60 minutes, while smaller ones can be done closer to 45 minutes. Test doneness by inserting a fork or knife into the thickest part; it should slide in easily. Alternatively, gently squeeze the potato to check for softness.
- Serve: Remove the sweet potatoes from the oven and allow to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy them as is, topped with your favorite toppings, or as a side dish.
Notes
- Choose sweet potatoes that are similar in size for even cooking.
- Wrapping in foil results in softer skin; for crispy skin, bake uncovered on a wire rack.
- Pricking the potatoes helps prevent bursting by allowing steam to escape.
- Olive oil or avocado oil adds flavor and aids in crisping the skin.
- Sweet potatoes can be baked ahead of time and reheated.
