Description
Learn the simple, reliable method for baking sweet potatoes in the oven to achieve a fluffy interior and slightly crispy skin.
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).
- Wash the sweet potatoes thoroughly under running water. Scrub the skin well to remove any dirt.
- Pat the potatoes completely dry with a paper towel. This step helps achieve a crispier skin.
- Pierce each sweet potato several times deeply with a fork or sharp knife. Do not wrap the potatoes in foil; direct heat exposure creates the best skin texture.
- Rub the entire surface of each potato with olive oil and sprinkle evenly with coarse salt.
- Place the prepared potatoes directly onto the middle oven rack. Place a baking sheet on the rack below to catch any drips.
- Bake for 45 to 60 minutes. The exact time depends on the size of your potatoes.
- Check for doneness by squeezing the sides gently; the potato should yield easily, or insert a thin skewer into the center; it should slide in 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 sprinkle the skin with brown sugar before baking.
- If you prefer a softer skin, you may wrap individual potatoes loosely in parchment paper before placing them on the rack.
- To make twice baked sweet potatoes, scoop out the flesh after baking, mix with desired fillings, and return to the skins to bake for 10 more minutes.
- For quick cooking, use the microwave for 5-8 minutes until tender, then finish in a 400F oven for 10 minutes for texture.
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 55 min
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
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: 7
- Protein: 4
- Cholesterol: 0