Foolproof Oven Baked Sweet Potatoes: Crispy Skin and Fluffy Inside
Learn the simple, no-foil method to bake sweet potatoes perfectly every time. You will achieve a caramelized exterior and a soft, fluffy interior, making this the best simple dinner side dish.
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 50 min
- Total Time: 55 min
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 medium sweet potatoes, scrubbed clean
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon coarse salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
- Prick each sweet potato several times deeply all over using a fork. This allows steam to escape and prevents bursting.
- Rub the outside of each potato lightly with olive oil.
- Sprinkle the potatoes evenly with coarse salt and black pepper.
- Place the seasoned potatoes directly onto the middle oven rack. Do not use foil; this helps the skin crisp up.
- Bake for 45 to 60 minutes. The exact time depends on the size of your potatoes.
- Check for doneness by squeezing gently; the potato should yield easily, or insert a sharp knife with no resistance.
- Remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before slicing open lengthwise.
- Fluff the inside flesh with a fork and serve immediately with your favorite toppings.
Notes
- For extra crispy skin, you can rub the potatoes with a thin layer of melted butter instead of oil before seasoning.
- If you plan to make twice baked sweet potatoes later, bake them until just tender, cool slightly, scoop out the flesh, mix with your filling, and bake again for 15 minutes.
- These baked sweet potatoes are excellent for meal prep; store them whole in the refrigerator for up to four days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 medium potato
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 13
- Sodium: 230
- Fat: 0.5
- Saturated Fat: 0.1
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.4
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 41
- Fiber: 6
- Protein: 4
- Cholesterol: 0