Whole baked sweet potatoes require little hands-on preparation and serve as a delicious side dish or loaded with toppings for a main dish.
Why Baking Sweet Potatoes Whole is My Favorite Method!
Sweet potatoes are delicious root vegetables, and there are so many different ways to prepare them. Baking is my favorite! Though microwaving and boiling are quick and easy methods for cooking sweet potatoes, the complex flavor profile develops much better when sweet potatoes are baked. There are many ways to bake sweet potatoes, such as roasting cubes or making sweet potato fries in the oven. However, the simple prep of whole baked sweet potatoes frees up my hands in no time.
Health Benefits of Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are not only delicious, but also packed with nutrients. They are a great source of fiber as well as Vitamin A, Vitamin B6, and Vitamin C [1]. The rich, orange color of sweet potatoes is also a great indicator of beta carotene, an antioxidant that is converted to vitamin A in our bodies [1][2]. Sweet potatoes are full of antioxidants and are a great source of natural sugars [2]. Paired with protein or healthy fats, baked sweet potatoes make a well-rounded, nutrient dense, whole food. Check out other health benefits of sweet potatoes!
Uses in Other Sweet Potato Recipes
Whole baked sweet potatoes are extremely versatile and a great prep-ahead food! You can make several sweet potatoes at the beginning of the week, and then add them to various meals throughout the week. For a quick and easy side dish, just mash the sweet potato flesh with a little butter, salt, and pepper. Scoop the mashed sweet potato onto the dinner plate and enjoy. Sweet potatoes are also great paired with breakfast, such as with baked oatmeal and homemade yogurt, or served next to French Toast with a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Another way to serve the baked sweet potato whole, is similar to a classic baked potato. For this method, slit the sweet potato on the top after it has cooled for about 5 minutes. Open the top and add in your favorite toppings! Keep it simple with salted butter, or make it a loaded sweet potato with endless topping variations (see below for ideas).
Whole baked sweet potatoes also lend themselves well in recipes. If a recipe calls for mashed sweet potatoes, these will work! Just mash up the inside (I prefer with salted butter), and add it to your recipe!
Simple Topping Ideas:
- Salted butter
- Sour cream and Green onions
- Hummus
- Cinnamon, Nuts, and Raisins
- Sea salt and Pepper
- White Chicken Chili
- Classic Chili
- Quinoa Salad and Roasted Chickpeas
Whole Baked Sweet Potato Recipe
Ingredients:
Sweet Potatoes
High-quality oil or fat, optional (see note)
How to Prep Whole Sweet Potatoes
Preheat the oven to 425℉ (220℃).
Wash and pierce the sweet potato with a fork at least a half inch deep in several places around the potato.
Rub high-quality oil or fat around the sweet potato skins, if desired. This will help create a nice crispy skin, and adds a delicate taste to the sweet potato. The skins are still delicious whether you choose to add oil or not.
How long does it take to bake whole sweet potatoes in the oven?
The size of your sweet potatoes will affect the bake time.
| Cook Time for a Perfectly Baked Sweet Potato |
|---|
| Small sweet potato: 40 minutes |
| Medium sweet potato: 50 minutes |
| Large sweet potato: 60 minutes |
| In my experience, it is better to overcook than undercook a sweet potato! |
Test to see if the sweet potatoes are done by piercing it with a fork through the thickest part. It should be fork tender through the center and the juices may be coming out of the small holes. If it is not done, add 10 minutes and check again.
NOTE: Rubbing oil or fat around the skin prior to baking is optional. Choose an oil or fat that can withstand the high heat of the oven, such as beef tallow or avocado oil. If choosing a more delicate oil such as olive oil or coconut oil, I recommend decreasing the oven temperature to 325℉ (165℃), which may increase the bake time. Alternatively, you can bake the sweet potato plain, and then brush the skin with a little oil immediately after baking. It will be hot!
Hungry for more sweet potato recipes? Try out these Crispy Baked Sweet Potato Fries!
Whole Baked Sweet Potato Recipe
Ingredients
- Sweet Potatoes
- High-quality oil or fat optional (see note 1*)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425℉ (220℃).
- Wash and pierce the sweet potato with a fork at least a half inch deep in several places around the potato.
- Rub high-quality oil or fat around the sweet potato, if desired. This will help create a nice crispy skin, and adds a delicate taste to the sweet potato. The skins are still delicious whether you choose to add oil or not.
- Place the sweet potatoes on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil and bake for 40-60 minutes (see note 2**).
- When the sweet potatoes are done, it will be fork tender through the thickest part of the potato, and natural juices may be coming from the holes. If it is not done, add 10 minutes and check again.
Notes
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