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Foolproof Baked Sweet Potatoes: Fluffy Centers and Crispy Skins

A close-up of a perfectly baked sweet potatoes, split open and sprinkled with large flakes of sea salt.
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Learn the simple, reliable method to bake sweet potatoes in the oven for perfectly fluffy insides and crispy skins every time. This is your go-to technique for a healthy side dish.

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. Scrub the sweet potatoes well under running water to remove any dirt. Dry them completely 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 exterior of each potato lightly with olive oil.
  5. Sprinkle the coarse salt evenly over the entire surface of each potato. The salt helps draw out moisture for a crispier skin.
  6. Place the prepared sweet potatoes directly onto the center rack of the preheated oven. Do not use foil, as this steams the potatoes instead of baking them.
  7. Bake for 45 to 60 minutes, depending on the size of the potatoes. Start checking for doneness after 45 minutes.
  8. The sweet potatoes are done when you can easily pierce the thickest part with a knife or fork with no resistance. The skin should look slightly wrinkled and crisp.
  9. Remove the potatoes from the oven. Let them cool for 5 minutes before slicing them lengthwise down the center. Gently squeeze the ends to fluff the interior.
  10. Serve immediately with your preferred simple baked sweet potato toppings, such as cinnamon butter or a drizzle of maple syrup.

Notes

  • For meal prep sweet potatoes, bake them ahead of time and store them whole in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
  • If you prefer a sweeter flavor, you can substitute the salt with a mix of cinnamon and a small amount of brown sugar on the skin before baking.
  • To achieve the best texture for twice baked sweet potatoes, scoop out the flesh after baking and mix it with a small amount of milk or cream before returning it to the skins.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://dishicious.com/baked-sweet-potatoes-fluffy-crispy-skin/