Perfectly Baked Sweet Potatoes and so easy to make for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any day of the week! They are a delicious and healthy side dish that is versatile and great for leftovers. The best part- they only take a minute or two of hands on time to make!
Baked Sweet Potatoes are a delicious side dish for Slow Cooker Whole Chicken with Garlic and Herbs for a dinner that is so easy to prepare. Quickly make some Sautéed Green Beans for a beautiful plate! If you're looking for more ways to prepare sweet potatoes, be sure to try my Sweet Potato Bites! They're sweet and so adorable!
About Baked Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are naturally delicious and so good for you. They are high in fiber and are rich in beta-carotene and other nutrients. And because they can be easily baked in the oven, they make an excellent choice for an easy hands-off side dish. The rich flesh bakes up so tender and almost ends up being creamy.
Perfect baked sweet potatoes are so flavorful and have a touch of natural sweetness. I like to top mine with simple and savory ingredients - butter, salt, and pepper! It is one of my favorite things to make ahead and keep in the fridge for lunches throughout the week. You'll love the ease of this dish and the flavor it contributes to dinner (or any meal)!
Tools you will need
This recipe just uses a few of my favorite tools:
- Baking Sheet
- Aluminum Foil
- Fork
Ingredients for Baked Sweet Potatoes
This is a super simple ingredient list. You can add any topping you like after you cook your sweet potatoes to change things up too!
- Sweet Potatoes - Purchase medium sized sweet potatoes that are firm. They will bake the fastest and will be a nice smooth texture when baked. Look for skins that are smooth and deep in color. Add extra cook time if you decide to make large ones.
- Seasonings and Toppings - Butter, salt, pepper, parmesan cheese, herbs, brown sugar, bacon, chili, avocado, etc. My favorite it is butter and salt and pepper. Sometimes, if I am feeling adventurous, I add parmesan cheese.
How to Make Baked Sweet Potatoes
The full printable recipe is below.
This recipe can be made in a few simple steps:
- Wash potatoes with water and pat dry. Do not use a veggie brush as the skin is very fragile.
- Poke holes in potatoes with a fork.
- Bake until soft.
- Slice lengthwise to reveal flesh and lightly mash with a fork if desired. Garnish with your favorite toppings.
Tips
- Place the sweet potatoes on a pan lined with parchment paper or foil before baking. I prefer foil for sweet potatoes to maintain the crispy skin. The sugary juices in sweet potatoes tend to drip off the potatoes, so a pan will keep the mess from getting on your oven.
- Use potatoes that are similar in size so they'll all be done at the same time.
- Rub the skins with a little oil before baking to produce a crispy skin, if desired. If you are going to eat the skin, this is a nice step.
- Test the doneness of your potato at the minimum time and then continue to bake if necessary. This will keep them from overbaking.
- It's okay to eat the skin, just make sure that it was cleaned well and that all dirt was cleaned off.
Variations
Have fun with your baked sweet potatoes by trying other topping combinations. For most days and for holidays like Thanksgiving or Christmas, I like to serve with butter, salt and pepper. But it is also fun to change things up and add other toppings. If you like to make them loaded, they can even be a main dish!
- Butter, salt and pepper is always a staple!
- Top with bacon, sour cream, cheddar cheese, and green onions or chives for a loaded sweet potato!
- Mix in butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon for a sweet side dish potato.
- Top with leftover chili and add some cheese, bacon, and broccoli for a truly tasty and hearty meal.
Baked Sweet Potatoes
Flavorful and nutritious baked sweet potatoes are the perfect fall and winter side dish, topped with your favorite seasonings and toppings.
Ingredients
- Sweet Potatoes - bake how many you need
- Seasonings and Toppings - salt, pepper, butter, parmesan cheese, herbs
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 425°F
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Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
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Wash, pat dry sweet potatoes.
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Use a fork to poke holes in the sweet potatoes, around 4-6 times.
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Set them on the baking sheet, roast for 40 to 50 minutes (depending on size), or until puffed up and soft inside when pierced with a fork.
You will love these other delicious Thanksgiving staples too!
Perfect Baked Sweet Potatoes by Ella Claire & Co. | Spiced Orange Cranberry Sauce by Zevy Joy | Green Bean Casserole (from scratch) by Freutcake
Old Fashioned Candied Yams by Handmade Farmhouse | Rustic Rosemary Bread by French Country Cottage | Mashed Butternut Squash by Inspired by Charm
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