Baked Yams or Sweet Potatoes
Elevate your side dish game with these perfectly Baked Yams or Sweet Potatoes, a simple yet delicious recipe that's both wholesome and versatile. These naturally sweet tubers are coated in a light layer of olive oil, seasoned with sea salt and ground black pepper, and roasted to tender, caramelized perfection in just under an hour. Whether served as a savory complement to your main course or enhanced with indulgent toppings like butter, cinnamon, or honey, this recipe is a must-try for any occasion. With minimal prep time and a straightforward method, these baked yams or sweet potatoes are an easy, nutrient-rich option that's sure to please. Perfect for weeknight dinners or holiday feasts, they deliver a satisfying balance of flavor, texture, and nutrition in every bite.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 medium-sized yams or sweet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
- to taste optional toppings (e.g., butter, cinnamon, or honey)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
Wash and scrub the yams or sweet potatoes thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel.
Using a sharp knife, carefully poke 4–5 small slits into each yam or sweet potato. This step helps steam escape during baking and prevents them from bursting.
Rub each yam or sweet potato with olive oil, ensuring they are evenly coated. Sprinkle them with sea salt and ground black pepper to taste.
Place the prepared yams or sweet potatoes directly onto the lined baking sheet, leaving a small gap between each one for even cooking.
Bake in the preheated oven for 40–50 minutes or until they are fork-tender. The baking time may vary depending on the size of the yams or sweet potatoes.
Once baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool for 5 minutes. Use a knife to make a slit down the center of each yam or sweet potato and gently fluff the insides with a fork.
Serve warm with your choice of toppings, such as butter, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or a drizzle of honey, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
874 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 40.0 g | 51% | |
| Saturated Fat | 11.7 g | 58% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 31 mg | 10% | |
| Sodium | 2739 mg | 119% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 121.7 g | 44% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 18.3 g | 65% | |
| Total Sugars | 24.9 g | ||
| Protein | 9.5 g | 19% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 193 mg | 15% | |
| Iron | 4.2 mg | 23% | |
| Potassium | 2039 mg | 43% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
