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The Ultimate Foolproof Baked Sweet Potato

Two fluffy baked sweet potato halves seasoned with salt and pepper on a white plate.
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Learn the simple, reliable method for baking sweet potatoes in the oven to achieve a fluffy interior and slightly crisp skin.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 medium sweet potatoes
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon coarse salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
  2. Wash the sweet potatoes thoroughly under running water. Scrub the skin well to remove any dirt.
  3. Pat the potatoes completely dry with a paper towel. This helps the skin crisp.
  4. Pierce each sweet potato 5 to 6 times deeply all over using a fork or sharp knife. Do not wrap them in foil; direct heat creates the best skin.
  5. Rub the entire surface of each potato with olive oil.
  6. Sprinkle the potatoes evenly with coarse salt.
  7. Place the potatoes directly onto the middle oven rack. Place a baking sheet on the rack below to catch any drips.
  8. Bake for 45 to 60 minutes. Baking time depends on the size of your potatoes.
  9. Check for doneness by squeezing the sides gently; the potato should yield easily, or insert a fork into the center with no resistance.
  10. Remove from the oven and let them cool for 5 minutes before slicing open lengthwise.

Notes

  • For a sweeter potato, you can lightly dust the skin with a pinch of cinnamon before baking.
  • If you prefer a softer skin, you may wrap the potatoes loosely in foil, but this will prevent crisping.
  • To make twice baked sweet potatoes, scoop out the cooked flesh, mix it with your desired additions (like butter, brown sugar, or spices), and return the mixture to the skins to bake for an additional 10 minutes.
  • For quick cooking, you can microwave the potatoes for 5-7 minutes before finishing them in the oven for 15 minutes to crisp the skin.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://tasteportfolio.com/baked-sweet-potato-fluffy-crispy-skin/