Sweet potatoes are a delicious, nutritious, and versatile ingredient that can be enjoyed in various ways. This guide will walk you through the process of making perfectly oven-baked sweet potatoes that serve five, ensuring a delightful experience for you and your guests. Join our kitchen companion membership for more mouth-watering recipes!
Ingredients
To serve 5, you will need:
- 5 medium sweet potatoes (approximately 1 pound each)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or avocado oil)
- 1 teaspoon sea salt (more or less to taste)
- Optional toppings: butter, cinnamon, brown sugar, Greek yogurt, or chopped herbs
Grocery List
- Sweet potatoes
- Olive oil or avocado oil
- Sea salt
- Optional toppings (butter, cinnamon, brown sugar, Greek yogurt, herbs)
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:
- Rinse and scrub the sweet potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt.
- Pat them dry with a clean towel.
- Use a fork to poke 4-8 holes in each sweet potato. This allows steam to escape during baking.
- Season the Potatoes:
- Rub each potato with olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt. This step is optional but enhances the flavor and helps achieve a crispy skin.
- Bake:
- Place the sweet potatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or directly on the oven rack.
- Bake for 45-60 minutes, depending on their size. They are done when they are easily pierced with a fork.
- Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly.
- Cut open each potato and fluff the insides with a fork.
- Add your favorite toppings and enjoy!
Cooking Time
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 45-60 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 55-70 minutes
Nutritional Information
Per medium sweet potato (approximate values):
- Calories: 112 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Sugar: 5 g
For five servings, the total calorie count is approximately 560 kcal.
Useful Tips and Notes
- Choosing Sweet Potatoes: Look for firm, unwrinkled skins. Varieties like Beauregard, Jewel, or Garnet are excellent choices.
- Crispier Skin: For crispier skin, ensure you rub oil on the potatoes before baking.
- Storage: Leftover baked sweet potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.
- Serving Suggestions: Baked sweet potatoes can be served as a side dish or topped with proteins like black beans or shredded chicken for a complete meal.
Conclusion
Oven-baked sweet potatoes are not only easy to prepare but also packed with nutrients and flavor. Whether enjoyed plain or dressed up with toppings, they make for a satisfying dish that everyone will love. Don’t forget to join our kitchen companion membership for more delicious recipes and cooking tips! Enjoy your culinary adventure!
