Easy Baked Sweet Potato

May 30, 2023

There is no denying that the classic baked sweet potato is a winning dish for any day of the week. Healthy, delicious, and easy to make.

A baked sweet potato is just about as versatile as they come. Have them as your main dish, or utilize them as a side; stuff them with your favorite toppings or simply wedge some butter in the middle. I have a recipe for how to microwave sweet potatoes, but if you have a little more time on your hands, learning how to bake a sweet potato is definitely the preferred method.

Why have a boring old baked potato when you can opt for the sweeter, nutritious cousin, the sweet potato? They pair well with just about any protein and I would deem them one of the ultimate comfort foods. All you need for this recipe are some sweet potatoes (plus any optional toppings you like) and the rest is light, predominantly hands-off work.

Why You Will Love This Recipe //

Sweet potatoes are super nutritious and make a really nice healthy meal.
It just takes 2 simple steps to prepare this meal and the rest is done in the oven.
These are really flexible, you can add whatever toppings you like or you can serve them as a side.

Ingredients //

Yes, it’s that simple. Just grab as many potatoes as you like, ideally one per person.

Sweet potatoes

How to Bake Sweet Potatoes // The Steps

Step 1: Heat the oven to 425°F and cut out parchment paper to line a baking tray. Use a fork to puncture holes in the sweet potatoes on all sides.

Step 2: Pop the prepared sweet potatoes in the center of the oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until a knife easily slides into the potato.

Variations //

This is where you can get creative. Mix and match different toppings to add unique and delicious flavors to your baked sweet potatoes.

Tex-Mex Sweet Potatoes: Fill your sweet potatoes with black beans, corn, avocado, cilantro, diced tomatoes, and a squeeze of lime juice for a Mexican-inspired dish.
Loaded Sweet Potatoes: Just like a classic loaded baked potato, but sweeter. Load it up with sour cream, cheddar cheese, bacon bits, and chives.
Sweet Potatoes for Dessert: Cut open your sweet potato and fill it with melted butter and maple syrup, then let it cook for a few moments more. You’ll have dessert ready in no time, as the mixture caramelizes and pairs great with some chopped pecans or walnuts.
Mediterranean Sweet Potatoes: Chop up some tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, feta cheese, and olives, and fill up your potato with the fresh mixture. A squeeze of lemon juice is the perfect final touch.
Curry Sweet Potatoes: Fry up some chickpeas, diced tomatoes, sautéed onions, garlic, and a generous amount of curry powder or paste, then fill them into your sweet potatoes. Top with just a dollop of plain yogurt.

Serving Suggestions //

Baked sweet potatoes can really round out a hearty dinner. I like mine with a protein and some greens, so here are some recipes you can whip up while the potatoes are cooking away in the oven.

Oven-Roasted Beef Brisket: Forget about a flank, sirloin, or tenderloin. This oven-roasted beef brisket is where it’s at, and our homemade brisket rub gets its chance to shine.
Perfect Stove-Top Chicken Breast: This perfect stove top chicken breast is succulent, tender, and guaranteed to delight the senses with the herby garlic butter and crispy skin.
Delicious Trout Recipe: A delicate fish with a powerful taste, this delicious trout is bathed in fresh garlic, zesty lemon juice, fragrant parsley, and a hint of white wine to be the centerpiece of a fantastic meal.
Arugula Caprese Salad with Lemon Basil Dressing: A fresh spin on the classic Caprese salad. Light and fresh with crunchy croutons.

FAQs //

Do I need to peel the sweet potatoes before baking them?

No, you can leave the peel on. It actually works best like that. You may want to give your sweet potatoes a wash, though, if they are particularly dirty.

Can I microwave the sweet potatoes instead of baking them in the oven?

Yes, you could, but you won’t get the exact same result of the crispy caramelized skin and the velvety soft inside. See here for my microwaved sweet potato recipe.

Is this a dish I can prepare in advance and reheat later?

Absolutely, you can. Feel free to prepare these sweet potatoes up to a couple of days in advance. However, for the best results, they are best served straight out of the oven.

How to Store Baked Sweet Potatoes //

First of all, I would omit any toppings from the sweet potatoes that you don’t plan to eat right away. This will keep the texture as fresh as possible. Let your sweet potatoes cool before you wrap them individually in either plastic wrap or aluminum foil, which keeps them from drying out. Then, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days (I would recommend eating them by the 3 day mark). You could also freeze them for up to 12 months, but they are best consumed within 6 months.

To reheat your leftover sweet potatoes, let them defrost in the refrigerator overnight and then place them back in the oven at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also chop up your sweet potatoes if you prefer, and incorporate them into other dishes.