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Baked Sweet Potato Oven Recipe

BySoha

Few ingredients transform as beautifully in the oven as the humble sweet potato. When baked slowly, its natural sugars caramelize, turning the flesh tender, sweet, and almost creamy, while the skin crisps just enough to add texture. This recipe highlights the pure, earthy sweetness of sweet potatoes, simple, nourishing, and endlessly versatile for both everyday meals and special occasions.

Sweet Potato Recipe

Ingredients List

  • 4 medium sweet potatoes, scrubbed clean
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for skin crisping)
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt (optional)
  • Butter, cinnamon, or fresh herbs for serving (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven

Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). A moderately high temperature allows the sugars in the sweet potatoes to caramelize beautifully.

Step 2: Prepare the potatoes

Scrub sweet potatoes under running water and pat them dry. For extra crisp skin, lightly rub each potato with olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt.

Step 3: Pierce for steam

Using a fork, prick each sweet potato 4–5 times. This prevents them from bursting in the oven.

Step 4: Bake

Place the sweet potatoes directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 45–60 minutes, depending on size, until the skin is crisp and the flesh is soft when pierced with a fork.

Step 5: Serve

Let cool for 5 minutes before cutting them open. Fluff the insides with a fork and top with butter, cinnamon, or fresh herbs as desired.

Cook Time

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes

Servings

Serves 4

Nutritional Information (approx. per serving)

  • Calories: 180
  • Carbohydrates: 41g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Fat: 0.2g (without toppings)
  • Fiber: 6g
  • Sodium: 70mg

Storage Instructions

  • Refrigeration: Store cooled baked sweet potatoes in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
  • Freezing: Wrap individually in foil, place in a freezer bag, and freeze for up to 2 months.
  • Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes or microwave for 2–3 minutes.

Suggestions

  • For a savory twist, top with sour cream, scallions, or crumbled feta.
  • For a sweet version, add cinnamon, nutmeg, or a drizzle of honey.
  • Use leftovers in soups, grain bowls, or mashed into pancakes for breakfast.

Seasonal Relevance

Baked sweet potatoes shine in fall and winter, when their earthy sweetness pairs well with hearty mains and festive flavors. However, their natural lightness also makes them a great summer side dish for barbecues and spring meals.

Conclusion

The Baked Sweet Potato Oven Recipe is a perfect example of simplicity done right. With minimal effort, you unlock a dish that is wholesome, satisfying, and adaptable to countless meals. Whether served as a side, snack, or even the star of your plate, baked sweet potatoes never fail to deliver comfort and flavor.

Baked Sweet Potato Oven Recipe
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Baked Sweet Potato Oven Recipe

Recipe by Soha
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

5

minutes
Cooking time

50

minutes
Calories

180

kcal
Total time

55

minutes

A simple yet delicious recipe for perfectly baked sweet potatoes with tender, caramelized flesh and crisp skin. Ideal as a side dish, snack, or base for both sweet and savory toppings.

Ingredients

  • 4 medium sweet potatoes, scrubbed clean

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for skin crisping)

  • 1 teaspoon sea salt (optional)

  • Butter, cinnamon, or fresh herbs for serving (optional)

Directions

  • Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • Wash and dry sweet potatoes. Rub lightly with olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt if desired.
  • Pierce each potato with a fork 4–5 times.
  • Place directly on the oven rack or a lined baking sheet.
  • Bake for 45–60 minutes, until tender and caramelized.
  • Rest for 5 minutes, then cut open, fluff with a fork, and serve with toppings of choice.

Recipe Video

Notes

  • Bake unwrapped for crisp skin, or wrap in foil for softer skin.
  • Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze up to 2 months.
  • Great with both sweet toppings (honey, cinnamon) and savory ones (sour cream, feta, herbs).

FAQs

Q1: Should I wrap sweet potatoes in foil before baking?
Wrapping in foil traps steam, resulting in a softer skin. For crispier skin, bake them unwrapped directly on the oven rack.

Q2: Can I bake sweet potatoes at a lower temperature?
Yes, at 350°F (175°C) they will take 60–75 minutes. Lower heat produces a softer texture but less caramelization.

Q3: Are baked sweet potatoes healthy for weight management?
Yes, they are naturally rich in fiber, vitamins, and complex carbohydrates that provide energy while keeping you full.

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