Baked Sweet Potatoes (Perfect Oven Baked Recipe)

Baked sweet potatoes are a delicious and nutritious side dish that complements any main dish. This oven-baked recipe ensures that the sweet potatoes come out perfectly tender and caramelized every time. 

This simple recipe for Baked Sweet Potatoes ensures perfectly tender and flavorful results every time. By following a few simple steps, you can create a perfect side dish that everyone will love. It’s an easy way to enjoy sweet potatoes’ natural sweetness and health benefits.

If you are on the hunt for more potato recipes, I have a few more you might want to try. You can easily make the best creamy sweet mashed potatoes with this recipe. Or for something different, try these Greek style potatoes with lemon, dill and feta cheese.

Still in the mood for more baked potatoes? Try these twice baked potatoes with broccoli and cheese.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Nutrient-rich: Sweet potatoes are packed with vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium, making them a healthy addition to any meal.
• Naturally Sweet: Sweet potatoes’ natural sugars caramelize as they bake, bringing out a rich, sweet flavor that complements a variety of dishes.
• Simple Ingredients: This recipe requires only a few basic ingredients, making it convenient and easy to prepare, even on busy weeknights.
• Versatile Side Dish: Baked sweet potatoes pair well with many main courses, from roasted meats to vegetarian options, ensuring they fit seamlessly into any meal plan.

What’s in This Baked Sweet Potatoes Recipe? 

• Large sweet potatoes: These root vegetables are the star of the dish, known for their vibrant orange flesh and naturally sweet flavor. Rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, they provide numerous health benefits that make them a nutritious choice.
• Avocado oil: Chosen for its high smoke point and subtle flavor, avocado oil helps achieve crispy skin while maintaining the potatoes’ natural sweetness. Additionally, it’s packed with healthy monounsaturated fats and vitamin E.
• Salt: A pinch of salt enhances the natural flavor of sweet potatoes. It brings out their inherent sweetness and balances their overall taste, making each bite more flavorful.

Optional toppings: 

• Butter slices: Adding a pat of butter can enrich the taste and provide a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture. The butter also blends beautifully with the sweet and savory notes of the dish.
• Chives: Finely chopped chives offer a burst of fresh flavor and a touch of color, providing a mild onion-like taste. They add an aromatic element that complements the sweetness of the potatoes without overpowering them.

The complete list of ingredients, quantities, and instructions can be found in the printable recipe card below.

Substitutions and Additions

• Olive oil: If you don’t have avocado oil, extra virgin olive oil is a great alternative. It also has a mild flavor and provides heart-healthy fats, though it has a slightly lower smoke point.
• Coconut oil: For a different twist, use coconut oil. It imparts a subtle coconut flavor, which pairs nicely with the potatoes’ natural sweetness.
• Honey or maple syrup: To enhance the caramelized sweetness of the baked sweet potatoes, drizzle a bit of honey or maple syrup over them before serving.
• Herbs and spices: Customize your baked sweet potatoes with a variety of herbs and spices. For an extra flavor boost, try sprinkling cinnamon, nutmeg, or even smoked paprika.
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt: For a creamy and tangy addition, dollop some sour cream or Greek yogurt on top. This pairs well with the dish’s sweet and savory flavors.
• Cheese: Add some crumbled feta, goat cheese, or shredded cheddar for a rich and savory contrast to the sweetness of the potatoes.
• Nuts and seeds: For extra crunch and nutritional benefits, sprinkle some toasted nuts or seeds, such as pecans, walnuts, or pumpkin seeds, over the top of your baked sweet potatoes.

How to Make Oven Baked Sweet Potatoes (step-by-step directions)

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Rinse and scrub the sweet potatoes clean, then dry them thoroughly. (Photo 1)
3. Poke holes around each potato using a fork and place them on the prepared baking sheet. (Photo 2)
4. Rub a bit of oil over each sweet potato skin for crispy skins and sprinkle with a little bit of salt, adding extra seasonings if desired. (Photos 3 & 4)

1. Bake for 45-60 minutes or until fork-tender. If needed, cook for an additional 5 minutes and check again. (Photo 5)
2. Once tender, slice each potato lengthwise with a paring knife and gently spread it open. (Photos 6 & 7)
3. Serve with your favorite toppings: a little butter, a dollop of sour cream, or Greek yogurt, and garnish with chives if desired. (Photo 8)

Recipe Tips

• Parchment Paper: Line the baking tray with parchment paper or aluminum foil. I chose parchment paper, and it worked perfectly—the potato skins didn’t burn or stick and makes for easier cleanup.
• Holes in Potatoes: Poking holes in the potatoes before baking is optional. It allows steam to escape and prevents skin tearing, but you can skip this step if you prefer.
• Potato Size: Select potatoes of similar size for even cooking, ensuring they all finish roughly simultaneously.
• Use a Baking Rack: Place a baking rack on top of your sheet pan for more even cooking. This helps air circulate around the potatoes, leading to crispier skins.
• Turn Potatoes Halfway: To achieve an perfectly baked sweet potato, turn the sweet potatoes halfway through the cooking time. This ensures they cook uniformly on all sides.
• Flavor Infusion: Rub the potatoes with minced garlic, fresh herbs like rosemary, or a pinch of chili powder before baking to infuse extra flavor.
• Check for Doneness: The easiest way to check is to insert a fork or skewer into the thickest part of the potato. If it goes through easily with no resistance, the potatoes are done.
• Rest Before Serving: Allow the sweet potatoes to rest for a few minutes after baking. This brief cooling period helps them finish cooking through and makes them easier to handle when slicing open.
• Microwave Shortcuts: In a pinch, start the sweet potatoes in the microwave for 5-7 minutes before transferring them to the oven. This reduces the overall baking time.

Alternate Cooking Methods 

For a quick and convenient alternative, you can cook sweet potatoes in the Instant Pot. Here’s how:

• Instant Pot Method: Place a trivet in the Instant Pot and add 1 cup of water. Arrange the sweet potatoes on top of the trivet. Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes for medium-sized sweet potatoes or 20-25 minutes for larger ones. Once the cooking time is up, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then perform a quick release. The sweet potatoes will come out perfectly tender and ready to serve.

Storing Tips 

Leftover baked sweet potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To prepare the potatoes for storage, allow them to cool completely to room temperature before placing them in the container. This prevents condensation and preserves their texture and flavor.

You can freeze baked sweet potatoes for longer storage. To freeze, wrap each cooled potato individually in aluminum foil or plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Before reheating, thaw the sweet potatoes in the refrigerator overnight for the best results.

To reheat leftover baked sweet potatoes, you have a few options:

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the sweet potatoes on a baking sheet and cover them with aluminum foil to prevent drying out. Heat for 15-20 minutes or until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place the sweet potato on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, checking at one-minute intervals until heated through.
• Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F. Place the sweet potatoes in the basket and heat for 5-10 minutes, turning once halfway through, until warmed thoroughly.

Serving Suggestions 

Baked sweet potatoes are versatile and can complement a variety of dishes, making them suitable for any meal. Here are some ideas for what you can serve with this delicious recipe:

• Grilled Chicken: A simple, juicy grilled chicken breast pairs perfectly with the sweet and savory flavors of baked sweet potatoes.
• Steak: A tender, flavorful steak provides a hearty contrast to the sweetness of the potatoes, creating a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
• Roasted Vegetables: Combine a perfect baked sweet potato with a medley of roasted vegetables, such as carrots, bell peppers, and roasted Brussels sprouts, for a colorful and nutrient-rich plate.
• Salad: A fresh, crisp green salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette dressing enhances the flavors of the sweet potatoes and provides a refreshing balance.
• Black Beans: For a vegetarian option, serve baked sweet potatoes with seasoned black beans. This combination offers a delightful blend of textures and flavors, as well as a complete protein source.
• Pulled Pork: The tenderness and bold taste of pulled pork add an indulgent element to the meal, making it a deliciously savory complement to the sweet potatoes. Another alternative could to be serve with salsa verde pork.
• Fish: Light, flaky fish such as tilapia or salmon can accompany baked sweet potatoes for a healthy and delicious meal option. A simple citrus salmon is a great dish to serve baked sweet potatoes alongside.
• Eggs: For a brunch twist, serve baked sweet potatoes alongside scrambled eggs, a poached egg, or fried eggs, topped with fresh herbs for extra flavor.

Recipe FAQs

Need More Potato Recipes? Try These:

• Broccoli Cheese Twice Baked Potatoes
• Air Fryer Roasted Potatoes
• Cheesy Crash Hot Potatoes
• Creamy Sweet Mashed Potatoes
• Air Fryer Mashed Potato Bites With Bacon
• See all our side dish recipes!