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Baked Sweet Potato

Baked Sweet Potato

A simple, healthy, and delicious baked sweet potato recipe that combines natural sweetness with a fluffy texture, perfect for any meal. Easy to prepare with minimal ingredients, rich in nutrients, and versatile with customizable toppings to suit sweet or savory preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2 medium-sized fresh sweet potatoes
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Optional Toppings

  • Butter
  • Cinnamon
  • Brown sugar
  • Fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary, parsley, cilantro)
  • Chili powder
  • Honey
  • Black beans
  • Cheese
  • Green onions
  • Coconut oil
  • Nutritional yeast
  • Fried egg
  • Avocado
  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt

Instructions

  1. Preheat Your Oven: Start by setting your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature ensures the sweet potatoes cook through evenly with a nicely crisped skin.
  2. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Wash and scrub the sweet potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt. Pat them dry, then pierce several holes with a fork to allow steam to escape during baking.
  3. Season and Oil the Skin: Lightly rub each sweet potato with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. This will create a flavorful, slightly crispy skin as it bakes.
  4. Bake Until Tender: Place the sweet potatoes directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet and bake for 45 to 60 minutes, or until a fork easily pierces through the flesh.
  5. Add Your Favorite Toppings: Once done, let them cool slightly before slicing open and adding any toppings you love, from sweet cinnamon butter to savory cheese and herbs.

Notes

  • Choose similar-sized potatoes to ensure even cooking throughout.
  • Use a fork, not a knife, to pierce the sweet potatoes to prevent juices from escaping.
  • Do not wrap sweet potatoes in foil to allow the skin to crisp up nicely.
  • Test for doneness by inserting a fork or skewer; the flesh should be tender all the way through.
  • Let the potatoes rest for 5 minutes before serving to keep the texture fluffy and moist.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked sweet potato, healthy recipe, vegan, gluten free, comfort food, easy baked potato