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Foolproof Oven Baked Sweet Potatoes

Two halves of perfectly cooked baked sweet potatoes, showing fluffy orange flesh topped with coarse sea salt.

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Learn the simple method to bake sweet potatoes until they have a fluffy interior and slightly crisp skin.

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. Pat them completely dry with a paper towel.
  3. Prick each sweet potato several times deeply all over using a fork. This allows steam to escape.
  4. Rub the entire surface of each potato with olive oil. Sprinkle evenly with coarse salt.
  5. Place the potatoes directly onto the middle oven rack. Place a baking sheet on the rack below to catch any drips.
  6. Bake for 45 to 60 minutes. The exact time depends on the size of your potatoes. They are done when the skin is slightly wrinkled and a fork easily pierces the center.
  7. Remove from the oven. Let them cool for 5 minutes before slicing open lengthwise. Fluff the inside flesh with a fork.

Notes

  • For extra crispy skin, place the potatoes directly on the oven rack without a baking sheet underneath.
  • If you prefer a softer skin, wrap each potato loosely in aluminum foil before baking. Adjust cooking time as needed.
  • Serve immediately with your preferred toppings like butter, cinnamon, brown sugar, or sour cream and chives.

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