Baked sweet potatoes are healthy and delicious, and easy to make with just a few simple steps. Start by preheating the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, wash and dry the sweet potatoes, and poke them all over with a fork. Rub the sweet potatoes with olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Bake for 45-60 minutes, depending on size, until tender. Let cool for a few minutes, then slice open lengthwise and add your favorite toppings, such as butter, sour cream, herbs, or grated cheese. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
How to Make Delicious and Healthy Baked Sweet Potatoes
Introduction
If you are looking for a healthy and delicious way to enjoy sweet potatoes, you should try baking them. Baked sweet potatoes are not only full of nutrients, but they also have a deliciously sweet and slightly caramelized taste. Plus, they are incredibly easy to make with just a few simple steps.
Ingredients
To make baked sweet potatoes, you will need:
- 4 medium-sized sweet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- Optional toppings, such as butter, sour cream, chopped herbs, or grated cheese
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Wash the sweet potatoes and pat them dry with a paper towel.
3. Poke the sweet potatoes all over with a fork. This will help steam to escape during baking and prevent the potatoes from exploding.
4. Rub the sweet potatoes with olive oil, making sure that they are completely coated.
5. Generously sprinkle salt and black pepper over the potatoes.
6. Using your hands, rub the salt and pepper into the sweet potatoes to ensure that they are evenly coated.
7. Place the sweet potatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
8. Bake the sweet potatoes in the preheated oven for 45-60 minutes, depending on their size. The sweet potatoes are done when they are tender and easily pierced with a fork.
9. Once the sweet potatoes are cooked, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
10. Carefully slice the sweet potatoes open lengthwise with a sharp knife. Use a fork to fluff the flesh inside the sweet potato.
11. Add your favorite toppings, such as butter, sour cream, chopped herbs, or grated cheese.
Tips
– For even cooking, try to choose sweet potatoes that are similar in size.
– If the sweet potatoes are too large, you can cut them in half before rubbing them with olive oil and seasoning them.
– If you prefer a sweeter flavor, you can sprinkle the sweet potatoes with a little bit of brown sugar or cinnamon before baking them.
– Leftover baked sweet potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. They can be reheated in the oven or microwave.