PrintThe Best Foolproof Baked Sweet Potato Recipe (Crispy Skin, Fluffy Interior)
Follow this simple, no-fuss method to bake sweet potatoes in the oven for a perfectly cooked result every time. You get a crispy skin and a tender, fluffy interior, making this an easy side dish for weeknights or holiday meals.
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 50 min
- Total Time: 55 min
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 medium sweet potatoes, scrubbed clean
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon coarse salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). You do not need to wrap the potatoes in foil for this method.
- Prick each sweet potato several times deeply all over with a fork. This allows steam to escape and prevents the potato from bursting.
- Rub the exterior of each potato with olive oil. This helps the skin crisp up.
- Sprinkle the potatoes evenly with coarse salt and black pepper.
- Place the seasoned potatoes directly onto the center oven rack. Placing them directly on the rack helps air circulate for a crispier skin.
- Bake for 45 to 60 minutes, depending on the size of the potatoes. Start checking for doneness at 45 minutes.
- The potato is done when the skin is slightly wrinkled and firm to the touch, and a fork easily pierces the center. The interior should feel soft and fluffy when squeezed gently.
- Remove from the oven. Slice open the top lengthwise and gently squeeze the sides to fluff the interior. Serve immediately with your favorite toppings.
Notes
- For a sweeter flavor, you can lightly brush the potatoes with maple syrup during the last 10 minutes of baking.
- If you are planning your week, these are great for meal planning; they reheat well.
- To achieve a creamy interior, let the potatoes rest for 5 minutes after removing them from the oven before slicing.
- If you are looking for alternatives to traditional side dishes, consider this simple oven baked recipe as a healthy weeknight side.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 medium potato
- Calories: 112
- Sugar: 13
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 0.2
- Saturated Fat: 0.0
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.1
- Trans Fat: 0.0
- Carbohydrates: 26
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 2
- Cholesterol: 0