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

A fluffy baked sweet potato, split open to show the bright orange interior, served on a white plate.

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Learn the simple, no-fuss method for baking sweet potatoes that results in a creamy interior and perfectly caramelized skin. This is the ultimate healthy side dish for any meal.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Scrub the sweet potatoes well under running water to remove any dirt. Pat them completely dry with a paper towel.
  3. Prick each sweet potato several times deeply all over with a fork. This allows steam to escape during baking.
  4. Rub the entire surface of each potato with olive oil.
  5. Sprinkle the potatoes evenly with coarse salt and black pepper.
  6. Place the seasoned potatoes directly onto the oven rack. Do not use foil, as this traps moisture and prevents the skin from crisping.
  7. Bake for 45 to 60 minutes, depending on the size of the potatoes. Start checking for doneness at 45 minutes.
  8. The sweet potatoes are done when the skin is slightly crispy and you can easily pierce the center with a fork or knife with no resistance.
  9. Remove from the oven. Let them cool for about 5 minutes before slicing them open lengthwise. Fluff the inside with a fork and serve immediately.

Notes

  • For an extra sweet treat, serve with cinnamon butter or a drizzle of maple syrup.
  • If you are meal prepping, you can bake these ahead of time and reheat them later.
  • To speed up the process, you can use a microwave to soften them slightly before finishing them in the oven for crisp skin.

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