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The Ultimate Foolproof Baked Sweet Potato

Two halves of a perfectly fluffy baked sweet potato, showing bright orange flesh, resting on a stoneware plate.

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Learn the simple method for baking sweet potatoes in the oven to achieve a fluffy interior and slightly crispy skin every time.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 medium sweet potatoes
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon coarse salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
  2. Wash the sweet potatoes thoroughly under running water. Scrub the skin well to remove any dirt.
  3. Pat the potatoes completely dry with a paper towel. This helps the skin crisp.
  4. Pierce each sweet potato 5 to 6 times deeply all over using a fork or a sharp knife. Do not skip this step; it allows steam to escape.
  5. Rub the exterior of each potato with olive oil and then sprinkle evenly with coarse salt.
  6. Place the prepared sweet potatoes directly onto the middle oven rack. Do not wrap them in foil; direct heat promotes crisp skin.
  7. Bake for 45 to 60 minutes, depending on the size of the potatoes.
  8. Check for doneness by squeezing the sides gently; the potato should yield easily, or insert a fork into the center with no resistance.
  9. Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before slicing open lengthwise. Fluff the inside flesh with a fork.

Notes

  • For a sweeter result, you can lightly sprinkle the skin with brown sugar before baking.
  • If you prefer a softer skin, you may wrap the potatoes loosely in aluminum foil, but this will increase the cooking time slightly and prevent crisping.
  • For twice baked sweet potatoes, scoop out the cooked flesh, mix with desired fillings (like butter, spices, or cheese), and return to the skins to bake for an additional 10 minutes.

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