Are you tired of bland, mushy sweet potatoes that disappoint every single time? Get ready to transform your kitchen game with this foolproof recipe that guarantees golden, crispy exteriors and creamy, melt-in-your-mouth interiors! These oven-baked sweet potatoes are not just a side dish – they're a culinary experience that will elevate your meals from ordinary to extraordinary, with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 medium sweet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Ensure the oven rack is positioned in the middle for even cooking.
- Wash the sweet potatoes thoroughly under cool running water, using a clean vegetable brush to remove any dirt or debris. Pat the potatoes completely dry with paper towels.
- Using a sharp knife, carefully pierce each sweet potato 4-5 times on all sides. These small punctures will allow steam to escape during baking and prevent potential potato explosions.
- Drizzle olive oil over the sweet potatoes, using your hands to evenly coat each potato's surface. Make sure the entire potato is lightly and uniformly covered.
- Sprinkle salt, pepper, and paprika (if using) evenly over the oiled potatoes, rotating them to season all sides completely.
- Place the seasoned sweet potatoes directly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-35 minutes, depending on the size of the potatoes. Potatoes are done when they can be easily pierced with a fork and the skin looks slightly crispy.
- Remove from oven and let the sweet potatoes rest for 5 minutes. This allows the internal temperature to stabilize and makes them easier to handle.
- Slice open the potatoes, fluff the interior with a fork, and serve hot. Optional toppings include butter, cinnamon, or chopped herbs.
Tips
- Choose uniform-sized sweet potatoes to ensure even cooking
- Always pat potatoes completely dry before seasoning to achieve maximum crispiness
- Don't skip piercing the potatoes – this prevents potential oven mishaps
- Use high-quality olive oil for better flavor and even coating
- For extra flavor, experiment with different seasonings like smoked paprika, garlic powder, or dried herbs
- Use parchment paper for easy cleanup and preventing sticking
- Let potatoes rest after cooking to allow internal temperatures to stabilize
- Check doneness by inserting a fork – it should slide in smoothly with minimal resistance
- For extra crispy skin, consider brushing with a little additional oil halfway through cooking
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 32g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
