Baked Sweet Potatoes Recipe – Crispy Skin & Fluffy Inside!
If you’re looking for a healthy, delicious, and easy side dish, baked sweet potatoes are the perfect choice. With their naturally sweet flavor, crispy skin, and soft interior, they make a wonderful addition to any meal. Whether you prefer them savory with herbs or sweet with cinnamon and sugar, this step-by-step baked sweet potatoes recipe will give you the perfect result every time.
Ingredients
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4 medium-sized sweet potatoes, cut crosswise
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 teaspoon sea salt
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1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
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(Optional) 1 teaspoon dried thyme for extra flavor
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(Optional toppings) butter, cinnamon, brown sugar, or marshmallows
Instructions (Step-by-Step Guide)
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Scrub each sweet potato thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt, then pat them dry with a clean towel. Slice them crosswise into halves or thick rounds — this helps them cook faster and caramelize beautifully.
Step 2: Season the Potatoes
Place the sweet potatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Drizzle olive oil evenly over each potato and gently rub to coat the skin completely. Sprinkle sea salt and ground black pepper evenly across all the pieces.
(Tip: Add a pinch of dried thyme if you love an herby aroma.)
Step 3: Bake Until Tender
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 45–60 minutes.
Halfway through, flip the potatoes to ensure even cooking. You’ll know they’re done when they’re tender and caramelized, easily pierced with a fork, and slightly golden on the edges.
Step 4: Add Your Favorite Toppings
Remove from the oven and let them cool for about 5 minutes.
Serve them plain for a wholesome side, or make them indulgent with toppings like butter, cinnamon, brown sugar, or toasted marshmallows for a dessert-style treat.
Serving Suggestions
Baked sweet potatoes pair perfectly with:
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Grilled chicken or salmon
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Thanksgiving turkey
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A hearty lentil or vegetable stew
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Or simply enjoy them as a healthy snack!
Expert Tips
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For extra crispy skin, rub the potatoes with a bit of oil before baking.
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If you love smoky flavor, sprinkle with smoked paprika or garlic powder before baking.
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Leftovers? Store them in an airtight container and reheat in the oven or air fryer for a quick meal.
Health Benefits of Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are a nutritional powerhouse! They’re packed with fiber, vitamin A, potassium, and antioxidants that support healthy vision and immunity. Plus, they’re naturally gluten-free and lower on the glycemic index compared to regular potatoes.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Calories: ~180 kcal
Protein: 3g
Carbohydrates: 37g
Fat: 4g
Fiber: 5g
Sodium: ~250mg
Conclusion
These oven-baked sweet potatoes are simple, healthy, and absolutely delicious. Whether served as a side dish or a cozy comfort food, they’ll bring warmth and nutrition to your table.
So preheat your oven, grab your sweet potatoes, and enjoy the perfect baked sweet potato recipe today!