The Ultimate Foolproof Baked Sweet Potato
Learn the simple method for baking sweet potatoes in the oven to achieve a fluffy interior and slightly crisp skin every time.
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 50 min
- Total Time: 55 min
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 medium sweet potatoes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon coarse salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
- Scrub the sweet potatoes well under running water to remove any dirt. Dry them completely with a paper towel.
- Pierce each sweet potato 5 to 6 times deeply all over using a fork or a sharp knife. This allows steam to escape.
- Rub the exterior of each potato lightly with olive oil. Sprinkle evenly with coarse salt. Do not wrap the potatoes in foil; direct heat helps crisp the skin.
- Place the prepared sweet potatoes directly onto the middle oven rack.
- Bake for 45 to 60 minutes. The exact time depends on the size of your potatoes.
- Check for doneness by squeezing the sides gently; they should yield easily, or insert a fork into the center with no resistance.
- Remove from the oven and let them cool for 5 minutes before slicing open lengthwise. Fluff the inside flesh with a fork.
Notes
- For a sweeter result, you can lightly dust the skin with a pinch of brown sugar before baking.
- If you prefer a softer skin, you can line the baking sheet with parchment paper, but avoid wrapping the potato itself in foil.
- To make twice baked sweet potatoes, scoop out the flesh after baking, mix with desired fillings, and bake again for 10 minutes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 medium potato
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 13
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 0.3
- Saturated Fat: 0.0
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.3
- Trans Fat: 0.0
- Carbohydrates: 41
- Fiber: 6
- Protein: 4
- Cholesterol: 0