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To bake sweet potatoes to perfection, start by preheating the oven to 425°F (220°C) and washing the potatoes thoroughly. Use a sharp knife to make a few slashes in each potato, coat them with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
For a different twist, you can try roasting sweet potatoes in chunks. Toss them with olive oil, garlic, and your favorite seasonings. Arrange the cubes on a baking dish and roast until they are golden brown and crispy.
Roasting sweet potatoes brings out their natural sweetness and makes them a perfect side dish for any meal. Plus, they’re packed with vitamins and fiber.
Exact Ingredients (+ Possible Substitutes)
Here’s what you’ll need to make delicious roasted sweet potatoes in the oven:
Sweet Potatoes: About 2-3 large sweet potatoes, cubed. You can use yams if you prefer.
Olive Oil: 2-3 tablespoons to coat the potatoes. Substitute: Coconut oil or melted butter.
Brown Sugar: 1-2 tablespoons, optional. Substitute: Use white sugar, honey, or maple syrup for sweetness.
Garlic: 2-3 cloves, minced. Substitute: Garlic powder can work in a pinch.
Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon to add warmth. Substitute: Try nutmeg or pumpkin spice for a twist.
Salt and Pepper: To taste, for seasoning.
Possible Substitutes Table
| Ingredient | Substitute Options |
|---|---|
| Olive Oil | Coconut oil, butter |
| Brown Sugar | White sugar, honey, maple syrup |
| Garlic | Garlic powder |
| Cinnamon | Nutmeg, pumpkin spice |
Feel free to mix and match these ingredients to suit your taste and dietary needs.
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Line a baking sheet with either aluminum foil or parchment paper, and lightly coat it with cooking spray.
Thoroughly wash and dry the sweet potatoes.
Use a fork or knife to poke 8 holes or make crosswise slashes on the sweet potatoes.
Rub the potato skins with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Place the sweet potatoes on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 45-60 minutes until they are tender. You can check this by inserting a fork into the sweet potato; it should go in smoothly.
Let them cool slightly before serving.
Enjoy your delicious, baked sweet potatoes!
Tips, Tricks & Storing
Tip 1: Use the Right Temperature
Preheat your oven to 425°F. This temperature helps make the sweet potatoes crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
Tip 2: Prick and Oil
Use a fork to poke holes all over the sweet potatoes. Brush them with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper for better flavor.
Trick: Foil or Parchment Paper
Line your baking sheet with foil or parchment paper. This makes for easier cleanup and prevents sticking.
Air Fryer Method
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
- Cook for about 35 minutes until crisp.
Instant Pot Method
- Use the steamer rack and add a cup of water.
- Place the sweet potatoes on the rack and cook on high for 20 minutes.
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store baked sweet potatoes in an airtight container. They last up to 5 days in the fridge.
Freezing Sweet Potatoes
Wrap each cooled potato in foil and place in a freezer bag. They can last up to 6 months. To reheat, bake at 350°F until warm.
Recipe Variations & Serving Suggestions
Variations
Sweet and Spicy: Toss your sweet potato chunks with olive oil, brown sugar, and a dash of cayenne pepper.
Herb-Infused: Mix in fresh rosemary, thyme, or oregano with olive oil before roasting.
Cinnamon Delight: Add cinnamon and nutmeg for a holiday twist.
Garlic Parmesan: Sprinkle minced garlic and grated Parmesan cheese before baking.
Serving Suggestions
Breakfast: Serve roasted sweet potatoes with scrambled eggs and avocado for a hearty start.
Salads: Add them to your green salads for a warm and filling touch.
Tacos: Use them as a filling in veggie tacos with black beans and salsa.
Side Dish: Pair with grilled chicken or steak for a balanced meal.
Toppings
Yogurt Drizzle: Top with plain Greek yogurt and a squeeze of lime.
Nut Butter: Add a spoonful of almond or peanut butter for richness.
Nuts and Seeds: Sprinkle with chopped nuts or seeds for crunch.
Storage Tips
Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes to crisp up again.
Tips for Best Results
Uniform Size: Ensure pieces are of the same size for even cooking.
Don’t Overcrowd: Spread out pieces on the baking sheet to avoid steaming.
Hi, I'm Benjamin. I love cooking, long walks, and my girlfriend! Here you’ll find simple and delicious recipes that you can make in 30 minutes or less.