Baked Sweet Potato Recipe (Perfect Every Time)

If you’re looking for an easy side dish to add some nutrient-dense flavor to any meal, we highly recommend adding soft, fluffy, and perfectly baked sweet potatoes. A baked sweet potato as a side dish is a great choice that adds color, nutrients, and is incredibly easy to bake when you follow our fail-proof method.

(Looking for how to make sweet potatoes in your Instant Pot? Check out our Instant Pot Sweet Potato Recipe for more details on that method.)

Sweet or Savory Oven-Baked Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes have a naturally sweet taste with soft and fluffy baked insides. Depending on the toppings you choose, you can make a sweet treat or a savory side dish.

Adding a small pat of butter, a sprinkle of sea salt or kosher salt, and a crack of coarse ground black pepper is our all-time favorite way of topping baked sweet potatoes for lightly sweet yet savory flavor.

Other sweet and savory topping options to consider for the best sweet potatoes:

• Sour cream or plain yogurt
• Fresh herbs such as Chives
• A sprinkle of seasonings and spices like garlic powder, smoked paprika, or cinnamon
• Taco meat, sloppy joes, bbq chicken or pork
• Maple syrup or honey
• Nut butter (such as almond butter or peanut butter) plus a few chocolate chips

Ingredients for Baked Sweet Potatoes

To make the perfect, no-fuss baked sweet potato recipe every time, all you’ll need is:

• Sweet potatoes: Choose a sweet potato that is medium-sized, has no soft spots, and is solid and heavy (softer, hollow-feeling sweet potatoes are past their prime). Organic sweet potatoes can be found in most grocery stores and farmer’s markets.
• Coconut oil: You can use avocado oil, olive oil, ghee, or melted butter in place of coconut oil.
• Sea salt: Use your choice of coarse sea salt, kosher salt, or fine sea salt

Find the ingredient list with exact measurements in the recipe card below.

How to Bake Sweet Potatoes

If you follow our easy, step-by-step instructions, you can’t go wrong! 

Our fail-proof recipe for perfectly baked sweet potatoes uses the same tried-and-true method we use for regular baked potatoes. No fuss, no muss, always crisp on the outside and tender on the inside.

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees and line a rimmed baking sheet or sheet pan with parchment paper for easy cleanup. The following instructions translate to baking yams and russet potatoes as well. 
2. Scrub the sweet potatoes under running water using a scrub brush if needed to reach every crevice. Be sure to scrub away any dirt to be able to enjoy the potato skins after baking as well. Pat very dry.
3. Rub each sweet potato with your choice of oil and sprinkle with sea salt. Place on the baking sheet.
4. Bake for 45-60 minutes or until a fork easily pierces through the skin. Baking time varies by altitude and oven.
5. Remove from the oven and serve or let cool completely, place in a covered container, and refrigerate for up to 4 days for a meal prep option.

For serving size and the complete directions and ingredient amounts, scroll down to the recipe card below. All of our recipes include the nutrition analysis, listing calories (kcals), protein, carbohydrates/carb, fiber, sugar, sodium, cholesterol, and more per serving.

How to Store Crispy Skin Baked Sweet Potato Recipe

When waiting 45-60 minutes for baked sweet potatoes isn’t an option, simply bake ahead and reheat. We love to bake up our sweet potatoes on meal prep day and store them in the fridge when we know we’ve got a busy week ahead. 

• To reheat: warm them in the microwave for 20-second increments until the right temperature is achieved for you. Or place your cold sweet potato in a covered skillet with a bit of water, and set over medium-high eat until warmed through.

No matter how you reheat it, the skin will not be as crisp as it was coming fresh out of the oven (you’ve been warned!). Plan to savor at least one sweet potato straight out of the oven for the maximum crispy skin effect.

Leftover sweet potatoes are fabulous for mashed sweet potatoes or to be used in a sweet potato casserole or sweet potato pancakes.

How To Meal Prep Baked Sweet Potatoes

Prepare the sweet potatoes as directed in the recipe card below, then allow them to cool completely before placing in a covered container. Place in the fridge for up to 4 days.

How To Warm Up Oven Baked Sweet Potatoes

To warm up the sweet potatoes, place desired amount in the microwave and heat for 35-40 second bursts until heated through. 

For stovetop, place in a skillet with a small amount of water (about 2 tablespoons for 1 medium sweet potato), place lid on skillet, and heat over medium-high heat until heated through.

Are Sweet Potatoes Healthy?

Yes, sweet potatoes are incredibly healthy, nutrient-dense root vegetables. Here at The Real Food Dietitians, we love our sweet potatoes and add them to our weekly menu.

Including sweet potatoes in your diet can offer these fantastic health benefits:

• Rich in vitamins: Sweet potatoes are packed with vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin B6, which support overall health and immune function. 
• Great source of beta carotene: Evident by their rich orange color, sweet potatoes are a great source of beta carotene (a nutrient that the body converts into vitamin A), which promotes healthy vision.
• High in fiber: The fiber in sweet potatoes aids digestion, promotes a feeling of fullness, and helps maintain healthy blood sugar levels.
• Antioxidant powerhouse: Sweet potatoes are loaded with antioxidants, such as beta-carotene, which may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
• Heart health: The potassium content in sweet potatoes can help regulate blood pressure and promote cardiovascular health.
• Anti-inflammatory: They contain properties that may help reduce inflammation in the body.
• Good for vision: Beta-carotene in sweet potatoes is essential for good vision and may reduce the risk of age-related eye diseases.
• Weight management: Their fiber and low-calorie content can aid in weight management and healthy eating.
• Bone health: Sweet potatoes provide calcium and magnesium, vital for maintaining strong and healthy bones.
• Natural sweetness: They can satisfy sweet cravings in a healthier way compared to sugary snacks.
• Digestive health: The fiber and antioxidants in sweet potatoes promote a healthy gut and may reduce the risk of digestive issues.

How To Serve Baked Sweet Potatoes

We’ve all had the traditional Thanksgiving side dish of sweet potatoes topped with gooey marshmallows, butter, and brown sugar. Thankfully, our perfectly baked sweet potatoes are a delicious treat without any added sugar.

Below, we’ve compiled several healthy options for you to top your perfect baked sweet potatoes with some new recipes sure to satisfy the whole family.

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