Whole Baked Sweet Potato Recipe
Sweet potatoes are a delicious root vegetable, and there are many ways to prepare them, but baking is my favorite! Whole baked sweet potatoes require little hands-on preparation and serve as a delicious side dish or loaded with toppings for a main dish.
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
*Note 1.) If using fat or oil: Rubbing oil or fat around the skin prior to baking is optional. Choose an oil or fat that can withstand the high heat, 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!
**Note 2.) Baking time: The size of the sweet potato will affect the cooking time. For a small sweet potato: 40 minutes, medium: 50 minutes, and large: 60 minutes. If it is not done, add 10 minutes and check again.