Baked Sweet Potatoes

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Learn how to make baked sweet potatoes! The perfect baked sweet potato is wonderfully silky smooth and creamy inside with crispy skin on the outside. Pull them out of the oven and serve them with the toppings of your choice. I’ve included ideas for both savory and sweet toppings. It’s an easy and nutritious dish you can enjoy as an entree or a side.

When we moved from the Pacific Northwest to Virginia 3 1/2 years ago, one of things I was excited about was being able to expand the varieties of vegetables that I grow. Sweet potatoes were something I was particularly eager to try and I sent all out that first season, planting 5 different varieties – orange, red, white, yellow, and purple. And boy did they grow – that first attempt yielded over 600 pounds of sweet potatoes!

The biggest single sweet potato weighed 7 pounds and we celebrated by turning it into some fabulous Sweet Potato Fries. And with that many sweet potatoes you can well imagine I kept busy preparing them in a variety of ways including Sweet Potato Pie, Curried Sweet Potato Soup, Sweet Potato Fettuccine Alfredo, Sweet Potato Pancakes and, of course, baked sweet potatoes.

Why Baked Sweet Potatoes?

We’re all familiar with baked potatoes or, as they’re called in the UK, jacket potatoes. But if you haven’t tried baked sweet potatoes you’re in for a treat. Rich in vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants, they’re a nutritional powerhouse. And their natural sweetness makes them a great choice for both savory and sweet dishes. And in the case of baked sweet potatoes, they lend themselves beautifully for your choice of sweet or savory toppings (see below for ideas).

Choosing the Right Sweet Potatoes

You can use any variety of sweet potato – orange, white, and even purple. Each variety brings its own unique flavor and texture, but the classic orange variety is particularly popular because of its creaminess and sweetness and it’s my favorite for baking. Whichever variety you go with, select sweet potatoes that are firm and unblemished. Select ones that are uniform in size so they all bake for the same length of time.

Topping Ideas

One of the best things about baked sweet potatoes is their versatility. Here are some delicious topping ideas to elevate your dish:

Savory Toppings:

• Sour Cream and Chives: It’s a classic combination for a reason.
• Tzatziki Sauce: Greek yogurt, lemon, garlic and dill – there’s so much to love here.
• Black Beans and Avocado: For a protein-packed option, top with seasoned black beans and some diced avocado or guacamole.
• Greek Yogurt and Herbed Sauteed Mushrooms: The combination of tangy and earthy is fabulous.
• Sautéed Greens and Garlic: Lightly sautéed spinach or kale with garlic adds a burst of flavor and nutrients.
• Chili: Your choice of meat or vegetarian chili. Try my Instant Pot Chili or Chicken and Couscous Chili.
• Feta Cheese, Red Onion and Olives: Crumbled feta, diced red onion, and chopped olives sprinkled with some homemade Greek Seasoning brings a nice Mediterranean flair.
• Pesto and Cherry Tomatoes: Drizzle with pesto and top with halved cherry tomatoes for a delicious twist.
• Curry Chickpeas: Top with my flavor-packed Chana Masala for a fabulous Indian twist.
• Cilantro Sauce or Creamy Cilantro Dressing: Tangy and refreshing, it contrasts beautifully.
• Buffalo Sauce and Blue Cheese: For a spicy kick, drizzle with buffalo sauce and crumble blue cheese on top. Alternatively, drizzle over some homemade Blue Cheese Dressing.
• Salsa and Cilantro: Fresh salsa and chopped cilantro add a refreshing twist.
• Hummus and Paprika: Spread a layer of hummus and sprinkle with smoked paprika for a rich flavor.
• Tahini Yogurt Sauce: The combination of lemon and mint really shine through in this and provide a nice flavor contrast with the earthy tahini and the sweet potato.

Sweet Toppings:

• Cinnamon and Maple Syrup: A sprinkle of cinnamon and a drizzle of maple syrup is always a winning combination.
• Butter and Brown Sugar: A classic combination for a good reason.
• Nut Butter and Banana: Spread your favorite nut butter on top and add some banana slices.
• Coconut and Pineapple: Top with shredded coconut and diced pineapple for a tropical twist.
• Chocolate Chips and Pecans: For a more decadent option, melt some chocolate chips on top and add chopped toasted pecans.
• Honey and Walnuts: Drizzle honey over the sweet potato and sprinkle with toasted walnuts.

What to Serve with Baked Sweet Potatoes

Baked sweet potatoes are incredibly versatile and pair well with a variety of dishes, either as a main dish or side dish. Here are just a few ideas:

• Grilled or baked chicken, pork chops, steak, or roast
• Fish or other seafood
• Roasted vegetables
• Sauteed greens or Creamed Spinach
• Creamy Coleslaw or Freezer Slaw
• Baked Beans
• Broccoli Salad
• Pea Salad

Baked Sweet Potato Recipe

The process is super simple. Here’s how to make a baked sweet potato:

• Preheat the oven to 425 F / 220 C.
• Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper.
• Use the tines of a fork to prick the sweet potatoes all over.
• Place the sweet potatoes on the baking sheet and bake them in the oven for about 45-60 minutes, depending on the size, or until tender (you can easily pierce through the flesh to the center). Note: Don’t try and speed up the process by wrapping them in foil or you won’t get that nice crispy skin. Instead, if you’re in a hurry, you can slice the sweet potatoes in halve lengthwise and bake them cut-side up.
• Let them cool for a few minutes and then use a knife to split them open on the top. Add a pat of butter and some salt and pepper or add any of your favorite toppings (see above for ideas).

Enjoy!