Buzz
Sweet potatoes are a wholesome and flavorful choice for everyday meals. They are an exceptional source of fiber, potassium, and vitamin A, and are remarkably easy to prepare. This article will guide you through three methods of baking sweet potatoes: simple sweet potatoes, stuffed sweet potatoes, and sweet potato wedges.
- Preparation time (simple baked sweet potatoes): 15 minutes
- Baking time: 45 minutes
- Total time: 60 minutes
Steps
Simple Sweet Potatoes
Gather your ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to prepare simple baked sweet potatoes:
- One or more sweet potatoes
- Butter
- Salt
- Toppings such as maple syrup, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger
Prepare the sweet potatoes. Wash and thoroughly dry the sweet potatoes. Use a fork to poke holes in them. Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
Bake the sweet potatoes. Place the sweet potatoes directly on the oven rack or on a baking tray if preferred. Bake for about 45 minutes or until they are soft inside when tested with a fork. Remove from the oven and let them cool.
Add toppings to the sweet potatoes. Use a knife to slice each potato lengthwise. Add a bit of butter, sprinkle some salt, and serve while warm.
- For a sweeter taste, drizzle a few teaspoons of maple syrup or brown sugar. Cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and other warm spices also make delicious toppings for baked sweet potatoes.
- Leftover baked sweet potatoes are perfect for breakfast, as they absorb more flavor overnight. Store them in a covered dish in the refrigerator, and enjoy them cold or reheated with your favorite toppings the next morning.
Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
Gather the ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to make stuffed sweet potatoes:
- 4 sweet potatoes
- 1 cup cooked black beans
- 1 diced red bell pepper
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
- 1/2 cup spicy or mild tomato salsa
- 1 cup sour cream
- Chili powder
- Paprika
- A pinch of salt
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Prepare the sweet potatoes. Clean and thoroughly dry the sweet potatoes. Use a fork to poke holes into them. Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
Bake the sweet potatoes. Place the sweet potatoes directly on the oven rack or on a baking tray if preferred. Bake for 45 minutes or until they are soft when pierced with a fork. Remove from the oven and let them cool.
Slice the sweet potatoes in half. Use a knife to make a deep cut and split each potato in half. Fluff the insides slightly with a fork, keeping the skin intact.
Prepare the toppings. Mix sour cream, chili powder, paprika, and salt in a bowl. Place black beans, bell peppers, green onions, tomatoes, salsa, cheese, and the sour cream mixture in separate bowls.
Stuff the sweet potatoes. Evenly distribute the black beans among the four sweet potatoes, spooning them over the top. Add other toppings to taste, finishing with a dollop of the sour cream mixture and a sprinkle of cheese. Enjoy while hot.
Sweet Potato Wedges
Gather the ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to make baked sweet potato wedges:
- 2 large sweet potatoes
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon dried or fresh rosemary
- A pinch of salt
- Ground pepper
Peel the sweet potatoes. Wash the sweet potatoes and use a peeler to remove the skins. Discard the skins. Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
Slice the sweet potatoes. Use a sharp knife to cut the sweet potatoes into wedge shapes, similar to fries. You can cut them long or short, depending on your preference.
- Thicker wedges will be softer inside, while thinner ones will be crispier.
Toss the sweet potatoes with oil and seasoning. Place the sweet potatoes, olive oil, rosemary, salt, and a sprinkle of ground pepper in a medium-sized bowl. Use a spoon or tongs to toss the wedges, ensuring they are evenly coated with oil and seasoning. Transfer the wedges to a baking tray and spread them out in a single layer.
Bake the wedges. Bake the sweet potato wedges for 15-20 minutes. Remove the tray from the oven and flip the wedges to ensure even cooking. Bake for an additional 5-10 minutes or until the edges are golden and crispy.
Finish.
Tips
- Orange-fleshed sweet potatoes are the most common, but white-fleshed ones are worth trying if you can find them. White sweet potatoes have a slightly sweeter flavor.
- For the wedges, experiment with different seasonings. Try a spicy version with Egyptian cumin and cayenne pepper, or add a teaspoon of thyme for a herby twist.
