How to Bake Sweet Potatoes
User Reviews
4.7
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
45 mins
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Total Time
50 mins
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Servings
4 servings
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Calories
146 kcal
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Course
Side Dish, Main Course, Dinner
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Cuisine
American
How to Bake Sweet Potatoes
Description
The recipe outlines three baking methods for sweet potatoes at 400°F: tightly wrapped in aluminum foil for soft skin and easy cleanup; placed on parchment-lined baking sheet covered with foil for a balance of crisp skin and soft interior; or positioned on a wire rack inside a baking dish for the crispiest skin by allowing better air circulation. Potatoes are washed and pierced to release steam during baking, then rubbed with oil and optionally seasoned with coarse salt and freshly cracked black pepper, especially if eating the skin.
Baking times depend on potato size, ranging from 40 to 60 minutes. Wrapping in foil slows cooking but retains moisture, while baking uncovered with wire rack promotes crunchier skin. This flexibility lets cooks tailor texture to personal preference. The interior flesh becomes sweet and soft, complementing savory or sweet toppings.
Leftover baked sweet potatoes can be stored in an airtight container for up to four days. Reheating options include oven baking for crispy skin or microwaving for convenience, noting that skin softens when microwaved. Choosing potatoes of similar size helps ensure even cooking.
Ingredients
- 4 sweet potato medium
- 1-2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
- sea salt optional, coarse sea salt and freshly cracked pepper
- black pepper optional, coarse sea salt and freshly cracked pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Prepare the Potatoes: Rinse and scrub the sweet potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt. Use a large fork to poke holes all over each potato to allow steam to escape. Drizzle each with rouglhly 1 teaspoon of oil, rub it all over with your hands, and then sprinkle with salt and pepper (especially if you plan to eat the skin!)
- Choose Your Baking Method:For tender potatoes with easy cleanup: Wrap each sweet potato in aluminum foil, making sure to wrap it twice. If you prefer, place a piece of parchment paper between the potato and foil for an added barrier.For a balance of crispy skin and fluffy insides: Place the sweet potatoes on a parchment-lined baking sheet, then cover the entire pan with foil.For the crispiest skin: Place the sweet potatoes on a wire rack set inside a baking dish or on a baking sheet.
- Bake in the Oven: Place the prepared sweet potatoes in the oven and bake for 45-60 minutes, depending on their size. Larger potatoes may take closer to 60 minutes, while smaller ones could be done around 45 minutes. To test doneness, insert a fork or knife into the thickest part—it should slide in easily, or gently squeeze the potato to check for softness.
Notes
- Use similarly sized medium sweet potatoes to ensure even baking times between 40 and 60 minutes.
- For crispy skin, bake sweet potatoes on a wire rack without foil to allow air circulation during cooking.
- Wrapping sweet potatoes in foil twice helps retain moisture and simplifies cleanup but results in softer skin.
- Place parchment paper between potato and foil if you prefer avoiding direct metal contact during foil wrapping.
- Store leftover baked sweet potatoes in an airtight container for up to 4 days; reheat in oven for crisp skin or microwave for softer skin and faster warming.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 146 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 146kcal | 7% |
| Carbohydrates | 34g | 11% |
| Protein | 3g | 6% |
| Fat | 1g | 2% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Sodium | 94mg | 4% |
| Potassium | 573mg | 12% |
| Fiber | 5g | 20% |
| Sugar | 7g | 14% |
| Vitamin A | 24132IU | 483% |
| Vitamin C | 4mg | 4% |
| Calcium | 51mg | 5% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.7
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