Baked Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are so yummy and one of our favorite side dishes. They go with just about anything and everyone loves them. I often make several on Sunday and enjoy them during the week for a quick lunch with a salad.

Easy recipes like this are always a hit. You can make sweet potatoes for your entire family for less than one sweet potato at a restaurant. Plus, it is quicker at home and everyone enjoys a great meal. You may also love, Crock Pot Sweet Potatoes, Grilled Sweet Potato Cubes and Microwave Baked Potatoes.

Why We Love This Recipe

This lovely sweet potato is so delicious. Feel free to use what you have on hand. If you do not have olive oil, coconut oil works great to coat the potatoes.

You will have crispy skin and a perfectly baked sweet potato that is tender on the inside. If you love sweet potatoes, you will enjoy this easy side dish recipe.

We also like sweet potato fries for another easy and delicious side dish option. Sweet potatoes are so versatile and delicious. We keep the flavorings simple with easy seasoning. Peel the sweet potatoes and cut into strips to make delicious fries.

It is fun to change up the topping. Sometimes I will surprise the kids and top with a few mini marshmallows. This reminds me of sweet potato casserole.

Ingredients

• Sweet Potatoes – Try and get the same size sweet potatoes
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil – You can also use avocado oil
• Sea Salt – Substitute with kosher salt

Scroll to the bottom for the full recipe and ingredients in the recipe card.

Seasoning Variation

For a delicious variation, top your baked sweet potatoes with warm spices. These are some of our favorites and adds the perfect sweet and savory combination. But this is a personal preference.

• Cumin
• Chili Powder
• Garlic Powder

How to Bake Sweet Potatoes in the Oven

• Step 1 – Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
• Step 2 – Wash the sweet potatoes.  Dry and poke holes 6-8 times per sweet potato with a fork in various spots throughout the sweet potato.

• Step 3 – Drizzle the olive oil over the sweet potatoes and sprinkle with the sea salt. Then toss sweet potatoes to ensure that they are fully coated.
• Step 4 – Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
• Step 5 – Place the sweet potatoes on the pan and roast sweet potatoes for 40-50 minutes until a knife can easily be inserted and removed and the sweet potatoes are soft when squeezed gently.
• Step 6 – Serve topped with the butter, salt and pepper.  Enjoy!

Expert Tips

• Prepare Sweet Potatoes – Make sure to wash and dry sweet potatoes before baking. We also recommend poking holes into the sweet potatoes with a fork for best results
• Baking Sweet Potatoes – We recommend picking sweet potatoes that are about the same size so they cook evenly.
• Baking Sheet Pan – For easy cleanup, make sure to line the rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper.

What is the Difference Between Sweet Potatoes and Yams?

Sweet potatoes and yams are different tubers. Sweet potatoes have a smoother, thinner skin, and a sweeter taste. They also have a bright orange color.

Yams are drier and have a neutral, earthy taste. Most of the time grocery stores label sweet potatoes as yams as yams are usually harder to find.

Topping Ideas

Serve these baked sweet potatoes topped with the pat of butter, sour cream, chives salt and pepper.  My kids like to add cinnamon, honey and brown sugar to their sweet potato. Sometimes I do too.

Just use what you prefer. We have even topped with Slow Cooker Black Beans, Shredded Beef or Instant Pot BBQ Brisket. You can’t go wrong with sweet potatoes and their natural sweetness.

Serving Suggestions

So many options but here are a few favorites around here.

• The Best Blackened Chicken Recipe
• Easy Grilled Chicken Kabob Recipe
• The Best Blackened Tilapia Recipe
• Baked Pineapple BBQ chicken recipe 
• Garlic Parmesan Grilled Shrimp Recipe
• The Best Blackened Salmon Recipe

Sweet potatoes really go with just about anything. You can’t go wrong with this easy side dish. Just keep the main dish simple too and you are guaranteed to have an easy dinner.