Soft, naturally sweet, and perfectly caramelized, these Simple Baked Sweet Potatoes are a wholesome and delicious side dish that celebrates the natural flavors of this nutrient-packed root vegetable. With just four basic ingredients—sweet potatoes, olive oil, salt, and pepper—this recipe is as straightforward as it is satisfying. A short 10-minute prep time and hands-off baking make it ideal for busy weeknights or meal prep. The olive oil creates irresistibly crispy skins, while the fluffy interior is perfect for customizing with toppings like butter, cinnamon, or fresh herbs. Whether paired with your favorite protein or enjoyed as a light vegetarian main, this baked sweet potato recipe offers a simple yet flavorful option the whole family will love. Perfect for healthy eating enthusiasts, this dish is also gluten-free, vegan, and packed with vitamins and antioxidants!
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Wash and scrub the sweet potatoes thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt and debris.
Pat the sweet potatoes dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towel.
Poke each sweet potato several times with a fork. This will allow steam to escape during baking and prevent the potatoes from bursting.
Brush each sweet potato with olive oil, ensuring they are evenly coated. This will help the skin crisp up during baking.
Sprinkle salt and black pepper evenly over each sweet potato for added flavor.
Place the sweet potatoes directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil for easier cleanup.
Bake for about 45 to 60 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork or knife.
Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before handling.
Slice open the sweet potatoes, fluff the insides with a fork, and serve hot. You can add your favorite toppings like butter, cinnamon, or chives if desired.
Calories |
745 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 14.0 g | 18% | |
| Saturated Fat | 2.2 g | 11% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 1577 mg | 69% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 146.5 g | 53% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 21.7 g | 78% | |
| Total Sugars | 32.5 g | ||
| Protein | 10.9 g | 22% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 219 mg | 17% | |
| Iron | 5.1 mg | 28% | |
| Potassium | 7 mg | 0% | |
*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.