Description
Learn the simple method for baking sweet potatoes in the oven to achieve a perfectly fluffy interior and slightly caramelized, crispy skin.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 medium sweet potatoes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon coarse salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
- Scrub the sweet potatoes thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt. Pat them completely dry with a paper towel.
- Prick each sweet potato several times deeply all over using a fork. This allows steam to escape.
- Rub the exterior of each potato lightly with olive oil.
- Sprinkle the potatoes evenly with coarse salt.
- Place the prepared potatoes directly onto the center oven rack. Do not use a baking sheet, as this traps steam and prevents crispy skin.
- Bake for 45 to 60 minutes, depending on the size of the potatoes. Small potatoes may take 45 minutes; large ones may take 60 minutes.
- Test for doneness by squeezing gently; the potato should yield easily, or insert a sharp knife with no resistance.
- Remove from the oven and let them cool for 5 minutes before slicing open lengthwise. Fluff the inside flesh with a fork.
Notes
- For extra crispy skin, place the potatoes on a wire rack set inside a baking sheet instead of directly on the oven rack.
- If you prefer a softer skin, wrap the potatoes individually in aluminum foil before baking.
- To make twice-baked potatoes, scoop out the flesh after baking, mix with desired fillings, and return to the skins to bake for 10 more minutes.
- If you plan to meal prep, bake the potatoes ahead of time and store them whole in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 55 min
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 medium potato
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 13
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 0.3
- Saturated Fat: 0.0
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.3
- Trans Fat: 0.0
- Carbohydrates: 41
- Fiber: 7
- Protein: 4
- Cholesterol: 0