Oven Baked Sweet Potatoes

Few things beat the comfort of a perfectly cooked sweet potato with its caramelized skin and pillowy soft interior. Whether baked in the oven or prepared in the microwave for speed these sweet potatoes come out sweet fluffy and ready for your favorite toppings. They have powered countless quick dinners and even inspired midnight snacks at my house because they are just that good.

I once whipped these up during a chaotic weeknight and my family devoured them before I even got the toppings out. Now they are a weekly go to for us.

Ingredients

• Sweet potatoes: Choose ones with smooth firm skin and minimal blemishes for best results. The classic jewel or garnet varieties turn out fluffy and deeply orange.
• Toppings of choice: Butter cinnamon nut butter Greek yogurt or even a sprinkle of flaky salt can elevate your sweet potatoes so pick your favorites. Fresh herbs or toasted seeds add an extra bump in flavor and texture.

Step by Step Instructions

Prep the Sweet Potatoes:

Wash each sweet potato thoroughly under cool water scrubbing gently to remove any dirt. Pat them completely dry to help the skin crisp in the oven.

Score the Skins:

Use a sharp knife to make about eight to ten deep cuts along the sides. This creates steam vents so the potatoes cook evenly and the insides become creamy.

Line the Baking Pan:

Place parchment paper on a large baking sheet to keep clean up easy and prevent sticking as the sweet potatoes roast.

Arrange and Bake:

Set the sweet potatoes directly on the parchment lined pan. Do not preheat your oven. Place the pan in a cold oven then close the door and turn the oven to four hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit. Bake for thirty minutes.

Flip and Roast Again:

Carefully turn each sweet potato with tongs. Continue roasting for another twenty minutes or until they feel very soft when squeezed with an oven mitt and the skins look caramelized.

Check for Doneness:

Pierce the largest potato with a sharp knife. It should glide in with almost no resistance and the flesh inside should be moist and fluffy.

Serve Hot or Store:

Enjoy immediately with your favorite toppings or let them cool before transferring to a covered container for the fridge or freezer.

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One of my favorite things is that naturally sweet interior especially in jewel sweet potatoes. My kids love to drizzle a little peanut butter and honey on theirs and claim it tastes like dessert. We once turned baked sweet potatoes into a family baked potato bar and everyone topped theirs differently which was so much fun.

Storage Tips

Store any leftover cooked sweet potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warm. You can also freeze whole baked sweet potatoes for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and warm gently before serving.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you only have orange flesh yams or even purple sweet potatoes on hand they will work just as well in this method though baking time might vary slightly. For toppings dairy free yogurt and vegan butter all melt beautifully. Savory toppings like chive oil or crumbly cheese also pair nicely.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your baked sweet potatoes as a hearty lunch topped with leftover chili roasted chickpeas or simply a pat of butter and a sprinkle of sea salt. For breakfast try topping with banana slices cinnamon and a dollop of yogurt for a naturally sweet start. They also make a lovely side dish with roasted chicken or grilled fish.

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Recipe FAQs

→ Do I need to peel sweet potatoes before baking?

No, leave the skins on for better texture and added nutrients; just scrub them thoroughly beforehand.

→ How can I tell when sweet potatoes are fully cooked?

They're ready when easily pierced with a fork and caramelized juices begin to seep from the cuts.

→ Why start baking sweet potatoes in a cold oven?

Beginning in a cold oven promotes a fluffier interior and helps the skins soften without burning.

→ Can I make sweet potatoes ahead of time?

Yes, let them cool, then store in a covered container in the fridge or freezer for easy reheating.

→ What are some topping ideas for baked sweet potatoes?

Try butter, cinnamon, maple syrup, crumbled feta, fresh herbs, or even savory yogurt drizzles.

→ How do I cook sweet potatoes in the microwave?

Pierce, place on a microwave-safe plate, and cook on high for 5-10 minutes until soft, turning midway.