Fluffy and slightly sweet? I must be talking about the Best Baked Sweet Potatoes. Done effortlessly in no time at all, they make the perfect accompaniment to any entree.
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When did you discover sweet potatoes?
For me, it took place while I was a kid. I was out for dinner with my friend’s family and her mom asked that the side dish be upgraded to SWEET potato fries. I had never heard fries described as sweet before (my family were apparently not “sweet” people) so the first thing that popped in my head was a plate of french fries covered in honey. I thought, That’s gonna taste odd beside her steak!
Needless to say, I was not prepared for the orangey sticks of potato that turned up some minutes later. The mom could tell I was fascinated; she even let me have one. From then on, I was hooked. I knew I had to “upgrade” at any restaurant that granted me the opportunity. Not only are they incredibly tasty, sweet potatoes are good for you. And, with this recipe, you can be chowing down on one in no time.
Yes, they really are “sweet”—with or without the honey.
Are Baked Sweet Potatoes Healthy?
Yes, they are. They contain a range of vitamins and minerals, including potassium, beta-carotene, vitamin C, and fiber. They are also lower in calories than your typical white potato and come with complex carbs, which release energy intermittently, keeping you full and energized throughout the day. And because this recipe only contains one item—sweet potatoes—it is suitable for several diets: vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, paleo (though you may want to limit the amount you eat), and whole30.
Are Yams and Sweet Potatoes the Same Thing?
Though the terms are often used interchangeably, yams and sweet potatoes are in fact different. Heck, they don’t even belong to the same family! Yams hail from Africa and Asia. Despite their rough, dark skin, yams have white flesh, more comparable to regular potatoes than sweet ones. They’re drier, starchier, and not as sweet. You can still boil them, roast them, and fry them, though you probably wouldn’t mash them. The problem arises when some American grocery stores label sweet potatoes as yams, so be vigilant; inspect whatever you buy to ensure it is truly what you’re looking for.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 to 4 medium sweet potatoes (about 8 to 12 ounces each)
INSTRUCTIONS
Prep
Preheat the oven and prepare the baking sheet to catch any sweet potato drippings.
Pierce
Clean and prick the sweet potatoes to ensure even cooking.
Bake
Place the sweet potatoes in the oven and bake until tender.
Add
Load up the baked sweet potatoes with your choice of toppings.
Devour!
FAQs & Tips
Let the potato cool completely then put it in an airtight container in the fridge. It should last in there for four days. You can also freeze it by wrapping it in plastic and then putting it in the airtight container. It should keep for up to four months. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight and then warm it up in the microwave in short zaps until it’s warmed through.
Just like your favorite grandma, sweet potatoes get sweeter the older they are. That’s due to a little scientific process called hydrolysis, when the enzymes in the potato transform starches into simple sugars, like fructose, glucose, and sucrose. There is a variety of different sweet potatoes, each with their own level of sweetness. Where they grow, the soil they grow in, and the amount of sunlight they get while growing all affect how sweet they can be. Try different kinds and see if there’s one you prefer to others.
First, take a look at them: If they have assumed a rich golden brown or caramelized hue, it’s time to inspect them further. Do they feel soft when you give them a gentle squeeze? If so, take a fork to them; if it slides in with little resistance, there’s a good chance the potato is done. You may also notice syrupy drippings; that’s a sign it’s time to check for doneness. And if you don’t trust your own judgment, take a thermometer to them. Sweet potatoes are done when they hit 205-210°F inside.
Serving Suggestions
Because of their natural sweetness, sweet potatoes don’t need fixins to taste amazing. Of course, that doesn’t mean you CAN’T load them up with your faves. You can go sweet or savory. If you want to accentuate the sugars, add honey, maple syrup, cinnamon, brown sugar, or even marshmallow. If you’re more of a “savory” person, you’ll want to consider chopped walnuts or pecans, Greek yogurt or sour cream, chives or green onions, bacon or crumbled sausage, cheese, avocado, or salsa. Or you can keep it simple and add a pat of butter. Have your spud your way!
Ingredients
- 1 to 4 medium sweet potatoes (about 8 to 12 oz. each)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 450°F. Position one oven rack in the middle and another directly below it. Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper to catch any drippings from the sweet potatoes.
- Scrub the sweet potatoes thoroughly under running water using a vegetable brush. Prick each sweet potato 6 to 8 times with a fork, making the holes about ¼ inch deep.
- Place the sweet potatoes on the middle oven rack with the lined baking sheet below to catch drippings.
- Bake for 45 to 65 minutes. Serve the baked sweet potatoes with your favorite toppings.
- DEVOUR!
Recipes written and produced on Food Faith Fitness are for informational purposes only.
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