Ever wanted to learn how to cook a baked sweet potato in the oven? I do! They are straightforward to make, even if they take a bit of time to soften, and are delicious in many sweet and savory dishes.
Sweet potatoes are jam-packed with nutrients and vitamins and are a great source of carbohydrates. They are part of the morning glory family and only distantly related to the starchier white potatoes commonly used for French fries.
This recipe for baked sweet potatoes in the oven will walk you through the steps to bake perfect sweet potatoes every time!
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclaimer.
What Types of Sweet Potatoes Are There?
About 25 sweet potato varieties are common in the United States, with over 6,500 types. Sweet potatoes are one of the oldest foods globally, originating in Central and South America before spreading worldwide through trade and exploration.
The bright orange varieties are most common in the United States, such as Garnet or Beauregard! Some types are less sweet than others.
Related: What’s the Difference Between Yams and Sweet Potato?
Nutrients and Vitamins in Sweet Potatoes
- Sweet potatoes are very high in fiber, beta-carotene (an antioxidant), Vitamin C, and B vitamins.
- They can help with lowering blood sugar.
- They contain twice the daily recommended value of Vitamin A, an essential vitamin for eye health.
Can I Eat Sweet Potatoes if I’m Allergic to Nightshades?
Some people have nightshade allergies or intolerances, resulting in discomfort or severe reactions.
White potatoes such as Yukon Golds and Russets are part of the nightshade family. This family is shared by tomatoes, eggplants, chilis, and more.
Sweet potatoes, however, are from a different family of root vegetables — the morning glory family. These root vegetables are only very distantly related, and those with a nightshade allergy or intolerance can safely eat sweet potatoes.
How to Cook a Baked Sweet Potato Recipe
Ingredients
Servings: 2
- 2, sweet potatoes (scrubbed clean)
- 1/2 tbsp olive oil
- salt to taste
Kitchen Tools
How to Cook a Baked Sweet Potato in the Oven (Step-by-Step)
Step 1. Prep the Sweet Potato
When choosing your sweet potatoes, they must be roughly about the same size so that when you bake them, they cook more evenly.
Cut the sweet potato lengthwise.
Season the sweet potatoes with olive oil and coat evenly. Then, pop the tray in the oven at 400 degrees for about 35 minutes.
Step 2. Bake and Enjoy
When it’s done cooking, it should be fork-tender.
Season with a little bit of salt, and you’re done!
The Healthiest Way to Cook Sweet Potatoes
Cooking sweet potatoes can be done in various ways, from steaming to microwaving, using an air fryer, baking in the oven, etc. Choosing ways to cook sweet potatoes can depend on your recipe.
The healthiest options will, of course, be the options with the least amount of added oils and sugars, so cooking sweet potatoes in the oven or steaming them allows them to soften without added ingredients.
Cooking sweet potatoes in the oven allows them to caramelize naturally, adding depth to the flavor!
What Temperature Do I Bake a Sweet Potato?
While sweet potatoes can cook at many temperatures, it is optimal to cook them at 400 degrees F.
This allows them to cook at a relatively high temperature without burning and allows the sugars inside to caramelize nicely. The incredible sweet flavors will deepen while the sweet potatoes roast!
Should Sweet Potatoes Boil Before Baking?
Some recipes might call for a two-step process of cooking potatoes, such as French fries. Because sweet potatoes are less starchy than white potatoes, sweet potatoes do not need to be boiled before baking, especially in the case of making French fries.
How Long Should I Cook Sweet Potatoes in the Oven?
The size of the sweet potatoes will determine how long they will need to cook, but most medium-sized or larger sweet potatoes will need at least a half-hour in the oven before they are tender and soft.
Sweet potatoes cook quite a bit faster than white potatoes!
The easiest way to tell if a sweet potato has finished baking is to poke the sweet potato with a fork. The fork will easily pierce through the skin and slide right back out if the sweet potato is cooked thoroughly.
Can You Cook a Sweet Potato in the Instant Pot?
Short answer: yes!
Cooking a sweet potato in an Instant Pot is very easy and fast. You will want to put about an inch of water in the bottom of the Instant Pot and use the steaming rack. Place the sweet potatoes on the rack in the Instant Pot.
Follow the manufacturer’s directions to seal and start the Instant Pot safely. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes, allow the steam to release for 10 minutes naturally, and quick-release the steam.
Did you make this recipe? Please leave a comment and star rating below! I’d love to hear from you.
How to Cook a Baked Sweet Potato in the Oven
Ingredients
- 2 sweet potato (scrubbed clean)
- 1/2 tbsp olive oil
- salt to taste
Instructions
- When choosing your sweet potatoes, it’s important that they’re roughly about the same size, so that when you bake them, they cook more evenly.
- Cut the sweet potato lengthwise.
- Season the sweet potatoes with olive oil and coat evenly.
- Then, pop the tray in the oven at 400 degrees for about 35 minutes.
- When it’s done cooking, it should be fork-tender. Season with a little bit of salt and you’re done!
