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How to Bake Perfect Sweet Potatoes: Fluffy and Tender Every Time

Close-up of a fluffy baked sweet potato split open, revealing its bright orange interior seasoned with pepper.
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Learn the simple, no-fuss method for baking sweet potatoes that results in a perfectly caramelized skin and a creamy, fluffy interior. This is the ultimate healthy side dish for any meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 medium sweet potatoes
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter
  • 1 teaspoon coarse salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
  2. Wash the sweet potatoes thoroughly under running water. Scrub the skins well to remove any dirt. Pat them completely dry with a paper towel. This step helps achieve a crispier skin.
  3. Prick each sweet potato several times all over with a fork or sharp knife. This allows steam to escape during baking.
  4. Rub the entire surface of each potato with olive oil or melted butter.
  5. Sprinkle the potatoes evenly with coarse salt and black pepper.
  6. Place the seasoned sweet potatoes directly onto the oven rack. Do not use foil; baking directly on the rack promotes better air circulation for a crispier skin.
  7. Bake for 45 to 60 minutes, depending on the size of your potatoes. Larger potatoes will require longer cooking time.
  8. Check for doneness by squeezing the potato gently; it should yield easily, or insert a fork into the center—it should slide in without resistance.
  9. Remove the potatoes from the oven. Let them cool slightly before slicing them open lengthwise. Fluff the inside with a fork.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, rub the potatoes with a little cinnamon before baking.
  • If you prefer a softer skin, you can wrap the potatoes loosely in aluminum foil before baking, though this may increase the cooking time slightly.
  • These baked sweet potatoes are fantastic served with butter, brown sugar, or your favorite savory toppings.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://spoonfulsnap.com/baked-sweet-potato/