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How to Bake Perfect Sweet Potatoes: Fluffy and Tender Every Time

Close-up of a fluffy baked sweet potato split open and seasoned with salt and pepper.

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Learn Jacob’s simple, no-fuss method for baking sweet potatoes in the oven until they are perfectly fluffy inside with a slightly caramelized skin. This is the ultimate healthy side dish for any meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 medium sweet potatoes
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter
  • 1 teaspoon coarse salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
  2. Wash the sweet potatoes thoroughly under running water. Scrub the skins well to remove any dirt. Pat them completely dry with a paper towel.
  3. Prick each sweet potato several times all over with a fork. This allows steam to escape and prevents the potato from bursting.
  4. Rub the entire surface of each sweet potato with olive oil or melted butter.
  5. Sprinkle the potatoes evenly with coarse salt and black pepper.
  6. Place the seasoned sweet potatoes directly onto the oven rack. Do not use foil for the best skin texture.
  7. Bake for 45 to 60 minutes. The exact time depends on the size of your potatoes. They are done when the skin is slightly crispy and you can easily pierce the center with a fork.
  8. Carefully remove the potatoes from the oven. Let them cool for about 5 minutes before slicing them open lengthwise.
  9. Fluff the inside flesh with a fork and serve immediately with your favorite toppings.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, you can rub the potatoes with a little cinnamon before baking.
  • If you prefer a softer skin, you can wrap the potatoes loosely in aluminum foil before baking, though this prevents the skin from crisping.
  • To speed up the process, you can bake them at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for about 35-45 minutes.

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