Description
This simple and foolproof recipe shows you how to bake sweet potatoes in the oven to achieve perfectly tender and flavorful results. With just a few ingredients and easy steps, you’ll have a wholesome side dish or snack ready in under an hour and a half.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 4 medium sweet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to get it ready for baking the sweet potatoes evenly and thoroughly.
- Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Wash and scrub the sweet potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt, then pat them dry with a clean towel to ensure they bake properly without excess moisture.
- Prick the Potatoes: Using a fork, prick each sweet potato multiple times; this allows steam to escape during baking and prevents them from bursting.
- Season the Sweet Potatoes: Rub the outside of each sweet potato with olive oil to help the skin crisp up nicely. Sprinkle salt and pepper evenly over each one to add flavor.
- Bake Until Tender: Place the prepared sweet potatoes on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 45-60 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a fork or skewer; it should slide in easily. Let them cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- You can test doneness by squeezing the sweet potatoes gently; they should feel soft when fully cooked.
- If you prefer softer skin, wrap each sweet potato in foil before baking.
- Sweet potatoes can be stored cooked in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Try topping baked sweet potatoes with your favorite ingredients like butter, cinnamon, brown sugar, or sour cream for extra flavor.
