A Baked Sweet Potato makes a delicious side dish or a meal on its own. With lots of options for toppings, there’s bound to be a combination you’ll love!
Sweet potatoes aren’t just for Thanksgiving! This easy and versatile Baked Sweet Potato will be a side dish that you come back to again and again. Fluffy on the inside, slightly sweet, and loaded with nutrients. You can even use your leftover sweet potatoes for my favorite Sweet Potato Casserole, it’s a great way to use ingredients you have on hand to add some variety to your side dish game!
BAKED SWEET POTATO
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My family absolutely love sweet potatoes. Sweet Potato Pancakes are a breakfast staple, and my hearty Healthy Beef and Sweet Potato Chili is always on rotation during the cooler months (you have to try it). However, for the times I’m looking for a quick and nutritious meal or side dish Baked Sweet Potatoes are my go-to.
A Baked Sweet Potato requires very little hands-on time, and with an endless number of toppings and fillings, they can be served so many different ways. We even eat them for breakfast… more on that below!
How to Bake Sweet Potatoes
- Give your sweet potatoes a rinse and scrub.
- Pat them dry.
- Pierce the sweet potatoes with a fork. Make sure you pierce deep, as this allows steam to escape.
- Place the sweet potatoes on a foil-lined rimmed baking sheet and bake for about 45 minutes.
My favorite part about baking (and eating) sweet potatoes are the toppings! Mix and match your favorite spices and toppings to create your perfect sweet potato. Here are some ideas:
- Butter, salt and pepper
- Brown sugar, cinnamon, butter, and salt (my fave)
- Maple syrup, butter, and toasted pecans
- Sour cream, chives, salt, and pepper
- Blue cheese, walnuts and honey
- Mini marshmallows, brown sugar and cinnamon (pop it under the broiler to toast the marshmallows a bit)
Baked Sweet Potatoes also make a great base for heartier toppings. Adding any of these to your sweet potato elevates it from side dish to the main dish:
- Beef, Turkey or Veggie Chili
- Sloppy Joe meat
- Taco seasoned beef or chicken
- Black beans, corn, salsa, and avocado
- Shredded chicken tossed with BBQ sauce
This might come as a surprise, but oven Baked Sweet Potatoes make a great breakfast, too! Yes, breakfast! Bake extra sweet potatoes at dinner so that you have leftovers for breakfast. Reheat them in the microwave, then add toppings. These are our favorite toppings for breakfast.
- Almond butter, granola, berries, and honey
- Peanut butter, sliced bananas, honey, and cinnamon
- Vanilla yogurt and berries
How Long to Bake Sweet Potatoes
Try to buy sweet potatoes that are similar in size so they cook in the same amount of time.
A medium-sized sweet potato should bake at 400° for about 45 minutes. Adjust the bake time based on the size of your potatoes.
The baked sweet potato is done when you squeeze them and the insides feel soft and tender. Tip: use a clean kitchen towel to give the potatoes a squeeze. They will be very hot!
Note: Some grocery stores have sweet potatoes labeled as “yams”. The skin should be brownish pink with orange flesh.
Save this recipe for the next time you’re looking for an easy and healthy side dish.
Try my other favorite ways to make potatoes and dishes to serve with them!
- Sweet Potato Stacks
- Thanksgiving Leftovers Turkey Shepard’s Pie
- Garlic Butter Pork Chops
- Hasselback Sweet Potatoes
- Home Fries
- More side dish recipes…
Tools used to make this Baked Sweet Potato recipe
Baking Sheet: A nice big baking sheet is a must-have for any kitchen. This half pan sheet is large than a regular cookie and works great for anything you’re baking.
Ingredients
- 4 Sweet Potatoes
- Butter and salt plus any other toppings desired (see note)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Rinse and scrub the potatoes and pat dry.
- Place the potatoes on a rimmed baking sheet that has been lined with foil (easy cleanup!). Bake for 45-55 minutes, until a sharp knife easily inserts into the center of the potatoes, and they are soft and tender if you give them a squeeze. Use a clean kitchen towel to squeeze them.
- Slice the potatoes open and fill with your desired seasonings and toppings.
Notes
- Brown sugar, cinnamon, butter and salt
- Maple syrup, butter, and toasted pecans
- Sour cream, chives, salt, and pepper
- Blue cheese, walnuts and honey
- Mini marshmallows, brown sugar and cinnamon (pop it under the broiler to toast the marshmallows a bit)
- Beef, Turkey or Veggie Chili
- Sloppy Joe meat
- Taco seasoned beef or chicken
- Black beans, corn, salsa, and avocado
- Shredded chicken tossed with BBQ sauce
- Almond butter, granola, berries and honey
- Peanut butter, sliced bananas, honey and cinnamon
- Vanilla yogurt and berries
Nutrition
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