Fluffy, slightly sweet, and loaded with nutrients, a Baked Sweet Potato makes a delicious side dish or meal. With lots of options for toppings and seasonings, there’s bound to be a combination you’ll love!
My family absolutely loves sweet potatoes. Sweet Potato Pancakes are a breakfast staple, and my Sweet Potato Casserole, Sweet Potato Souffle, and Candied Sweet Potatoes are always on rotation during the holidays. But, for the times I’m looking for a quick and nutritious meal or side dish, Baked Sweet Potatoes are my go-to.
Baked Sweet Potatoes require very little hands-on time, and with an endless number of toppings and fillings, they can be served so many different ways. We even eat them for breakfast… more on that below!
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How to Make Baked Sweet Potatoes:
- Give your sweet potatoes a rinse and scrub.
- Pat them dry.
- Pierce the sweet potatoes with a fork. Make sure you pierce deep, as this allows steam to escape.
- Place the sweet potatoes on a foil-lined rimmed baking sheet and bake for about 45 minutes.
My favorite part about making (and eating) sweet potatoes is the toppings! Mix and match your favorite spices and toppings to create your perfect sweet potato. Here are some ideas:
Toppings for Baked Sweet Potatoes:
- Butter, salt and pepper
- Brown sugar, cinnamon, honey butter, and salt (my fave)
- Maple syrup, butter and toasted pecans
- Sour cream, chives, salt, and pepper
- Blue cheese, walnuts and honey
- Mini marshmallows, brown sugar and cinnamon (pop it under the broiler to toast the marshmallows a bit).
Main dish options
Baked Sweet Potatoes also make a great base for heartier toppings. Adding any of these to your sweet potato elevates it from side dish to main dish:
- Beef, Turkey or Veggie Chili
- Sloppy Joe meat (see pic below)
- Taco seasoned beef or chicken
- Black beans, corn, salsa, and avocado
- Shredded chicken tossed with BBQ sauce
Breakfast options
Baked Sweet Potatoes make a great breakfast, too! Yes, breakfast! Bake extra sweet potatoes at dinner so that you have leftovers for breakfast. Reheat them in the microwave, then add toppings. These are our favorite toppings for breakfast:
- Almond butter, granola, berries and honey
- Peanut butter, sliced bananas, honey and cinnamon
- Vanilla yogurt and berries
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Recipe
Baked Sweet Potatoes
Ingredients
- 4 Sweet Potatoes
- Butter and salt plus any other toppings desired see note
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Rinse, scrub and pat dry the sweet potatoes.
- Place the potatoes on a rimmed baking sheet that has been lined with foil (easy clean up!). Bake for 45-55 minutes, until a sharp knife easily inserts into the center of the potatoes, and they are soft and tender if you give them a squeeze. Use a clean kitchen towel to squeeze them.
- Slice the potatoes open and fill with your desired seasonings and toppings.
Notes
- Brown sugar, cinnamon, butter and salt
- Maple syrup, butter and toasted pecans
- Sour cream, chives, salt and pepper
- Blue cheese, walnuts and honey
- Mini marshmallows, brown sugar and cinnamon (pop it under the broiler to toast the marshmallows a bit)
- Beef, Turkey or Veggie Chili
- Sloppy Joe meat
- Taco seasoned beef or chicken
- Black beans, corn, salsa and avocado
- Shredded chicken tossed with BBQ sauce
- Almond butter, granola, berries and honey
- Peanut butter, sliced bananas, honey and cinnamon
- Vanilla yogurt and berries
Nutrition
Nutritional Information is an estimate based on third-party calculations and may vary based on products used and serving sizes.
Tried this recipe?Leave a comment and rating below!This post originally appeared on Real Housemoms, where I am a contributor.
Suzy says
These sweet potatoes look amazing! Saving to try the recipe.
Andrea Metlika says
My family loves sweet potatoes and your ideas are perfect. I’m going to try adding a few toppings to mine. thanks.
Jenna says
I have yet to do a sweet version of baked sweet potatoes. These look fantastic for a dinner I’m hosting next weekend!
Amy | The Cook Report says
I love how versatile baked sweet potatoes are, they make such an easy dinner.
Katie says
So simple and delicious! Can’t wait to try out your additions!
Bryan says
Oh the pictures of these sweet potatoes look amazing! haha I also took a look at the sweet potatoes pancakes too. I’ll be making these recipes soon, thank you!
Celebrating Sweets says
Thanks!