Perfect Baked Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Introduction
Perfect baked sweet potatoes are a simple and delicious side dish that brings warmth and comfort to any meal. With a tender inside and flavorful seasoning, they’re easy to prepare and satisfying.
Ingredients
- 4 large sweet potatoes
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
- Step 2: Scrub each sweet potato thoroughly to remove any dirt. Use a fork to poke 8 to 10 holes in the skin of each potato to allow steam to escape. Wrap each sweet potato tightly in aluminum foil.
- Step 3: Place the wrapped sweet potatoes on a baking sheet to catch any juices and bake for 1 hour, or until they are soft when pierced with a fork.
- Step 4: Carefully remove the sweet potatoes from the oven and unwrap them. Slice each potato in half lengthwise.
- Step 5: Add 1 tablespoon of melted butter to the inside of each sweet potato half. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Tips & Variations
- For added flavor, sprinkle a little cinnamon or smoked paprika on top before serving.
- Try topping with sour cream, chives, or shredded cheese for a richer dish.
- Use olive oil instead of butter for a dairy-free option.
- If you prefer a crispier skin, skip the foil wrapping and bake the sweet potatoes directly on the rack.
Storage
Store any leftover baked sweet potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, unwrap and warm in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15 minutes or microwave until heated through.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I bake sweet potatoes without wrapping them in foil?
Yes, baking without foil will give you a crisper skin, but wrapping helps keep the potatoes moist and prevents juices from leaking onto the oven rack.
How do I know when sweet potatoes are fully baked?
They are done when a fork or skewer pierces easily through the thickest part without resistance, and the inside feels soft and tender.
PrintPerfect Baked Sweet Potatoes Recipe
This recipe guides you to make perfectly soft and flavorful baked sweet potatoes, enhanced with melted butter, salt, and pepper. By wrapping them in foil and baking at 400°F, the sweet potatoes cook evenly and retain moisture, making a delicious and comforting side dish or snack.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Sweet Potatoes
- 4 large sweet potatoes
Seasoning & Toppings
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the sweet potatoes evenly.
- Prepare Sweet Potatoes: Scrub each sweet potato thoroughly to remove dirt. Use a fork to poke 8 to 10 ventilation holes in each sweet potato’s skin. Then wrap each tightly in aluminum foil to lock in moisture.
- Bake: Place the foil-wrapped sweet potatoes on a baking sheet to catch any leaking juice. Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour or until the potatoes are soft inside when pierced.
- Unwrap and Slice: Carefully remove the hot sweet potatoes from the oven and unwrap the foil. Slice each sweet potato lengthwise in half to expose the soft flesh.
- Add Butter and Season: Spoon 1 tablespoon of melted butter into the inside of each sweet potato half, then season evenly with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve warm.
Notes
- Scrubbing and poking holes allows the sweet potatoes to cook through evenly and prevents bursting.
- Wrapping in foil traps heat and moisture promoting tender flesh.
- You can customize toppings with cinnamon, brown sugar, or sour cream for variations.
- Ensure to handle hot sweet potatoes carefully after baking to avoid burns.
- Cooking time may vary slightly depending on sweet potato size.
Keywords: baked sweet potatoes, roasted sweet potatoes, easy side dish, buttered sweet potatoes, healthy sweet potatoes
