Description
This simple and delicious recipe for baked sweet potatoes highlights their natural sweetness and creamy texture. Perfect as a nutritious side dish or a comforting snack, these oven-baked sweet potatoes are seasoned with butter, salt, and pepper for enhanced flavor.
Ingredients
Sweet Potatoes
- 4 sweet potatoes (about ¾ lb. each)
Seasoning
- 4 tsp butter
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare: Preheat your oven to 400ºF. Wash the sweet potatoes thoroughly, then dry them with a towel. Use a fork to prick the sweet potatoes several times to allow steam to escape during baking.
- Arrange for baking: Place the prepared sweet potatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil to catch any juices and make cleanup easier.
- Bake: Bake the sweet potatoes for 45 minutes. Test for doneness by piercing them with a fork or knife; it should slide in easily and juices should bubble out of the holes. If they are not tender through the center, continue baking for another 10 minutes and recheck.
- Cool and season: Once baked, let the sweet potatoes cool for 5 minutes. Slice them lengthwise and mash lightly with a fork. Finally, top each potato with butter, salt, and pepper before serving.
Notes
- Pricking the sweet potatoes allows steam to escape and prevents bursting during baking.
- Use parchment paper or foil on the baking sheet for easier cleanup.
- Adjust baking time depending on the size of the sweet potatoes.
- Leftover baked sweet potato can be refrigerated and reheated.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-55 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
