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Baked Sweet Potato

Baked Sweet Potato

A simple, nutritious, and versatile baked sweet potato recipe that delivers natural sweetness, creamy texture, and vibrant color. Perfect for any meal or snack, this gluten-free dish is easy to prepare and can be customized with a variety of toppings and flavors to suit your lifestyle and dietary needs.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2 medium-sized sweet potatoes (firm, for even baking)
  • 12 tbsp olive oil (to coat the skin)
  • Salt (to taste)
  • Black pepper (a pinch, to taste)

Optional Toppings

  • Butter
  • Cinnamon
  • Fresh herbs (such as parsley)
  • Feta cheese
  • Roasted chickpeas
  • Tahini
  • Brown sugar
  • Greek yogurt
  • Chili powder
  • Chopped jalapeños
  • Avocado slices
  • Nutritional yeast
  • Black beans
  • Quinoa
  • Shredded chicken

Instructions

  1. Prep Your Sweet Potatoes: Scrub the sweet potatoes under cold water thoroughly to remove dirt. Pat them dry with a towel, then pierce each potato several times with a fork to prevent bursting during baking.
  2. Season and Oil: Lightly rub each sweet potato with olive oil, making sure the skin is evenly coated. Sprinkle salt and a touch of black pepper over the potatoes to balance and enhance natural flavors.
  3. Bake to Perfection: Place the sweet potatoes directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet lined with foil. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 45-60 minutes, depending on size, until tender when pierced with a fork.
  4. Let It Rest: Remove the baked sweet potatoes from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. This resting period allows the steam inside to settle, keeping the flesh fluffy and moist.
  5. Add Your Favorite Toppings: Slice the sweet potatoes lengthwise and add toppings such as butter, cinnamon, herbs, or any desired mix to suit your taste and meal plan.

Notes

  • Choose uniform-sized sweet potatoes to ensure even baking.
  • Use a fork to pierce the potatoes to prevent steam buildup and skin bursting.
  • Avoid overcrowding in the oven to allow heat to circulate around each potato.
  • Check tenderness by gently squeezing with a kitchen towel or piercing with a fork.
  • Letting the baked sweet potatoes rest after baking enhances moisture retention and texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked sweet potato, gluten free, healthy snack, easy recipe, side dish, versatile sweet potato