Baked Sweet Potato with Brown Sugar and Chives Recipe
Introduction
Baked sweet potatoes are a simple, comforting side dish that brings out their natural sweetness. This easy recipe ensures perfectly tender potatoes with crispy skins, ready to be topped with your favorite flavors.
Ingredients
- 4 medium sweet potatoes
- Brown sugar, for topping
- Sour cream, for serving
- Unsalted butter, for serving
- Chopped fresh chives, for garnish
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C) and allow it to fully heat.
- Step 2: Scrub the sweet potatoes thoroughly under cold running water with a vegetable brush. Pat them completely dry using a clean kitchen towel.
- Step 3: Pierce each sweet potato several times on all sides with a fork to allow steam to escape during baking.
- Step 4: Arrange the sweet potatoes on a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil, spacing them apart evenly.
- Step 5: Bake the potatoes on the center oven rack for 40 to 60 minutes, depending on their size. They are done when a knife inserted into the thickest part slides in easily.
- Step 6: Remove the sweet potatoes from the oven carefully. Split each lengthwise and fluff the flesh with a fork. Serve warm topped with brown sugar, sour cream, butter, chopped chives, salt, and pepper as desired.
Tips & Variations
- For extra crispy skins, rub the sweet potatoes lightly with olive oil and a pinch of salt before baking.
- Try topping with cinnamon or maple syrup instead of brown sugar for a different flavor twist.
- To make a savory version, add shredded cheese and crumbled bacon as toppings.
Storage
Store any leftover baked sweet potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through or microwave for 1 to 2 minutes.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I bake sweet potatoes at a lower temperature?
Yes, you can bake sweet potatoes at 375°F (190°C), but it will take longer—usually around 1 to 1.5 hours. Baking at 425°F helps get soft flesh and crisp skin faster.
How do I know when a sweet potato is fully cooked?
The best way is to insert a knife or fork into the thickest part. It should slide in easily without resistance and the flesh should feel soft when fluffed with a fork.
Print
Baked Sweet Potato with Brown Sugar and Chives Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This easy baked sweet potato recipe yields perfectly tender and flavorful sweet potatoes with a crispy skin. Baked at a high temperature for up to an hour, these sweet potatoes are a wholesome comfort food, delicious when topped with classic additions like brown sugar, sour cream, butter, and fresh chives.
Ingredients
Sweet Potatoes
- 4 medium sweet potatoes
Toppings
- Brown sugar, to taste
- Sour cream, to taste
- Unsalted butter, to taste
- Chopped fresh chives, to taste
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (218°C) and let it fully preheat to ensure even cooking and a nicely browned skin on the sweet potatoes.
- Prepare Sweet Potatoes: Thoroughly scrub the sweet potatoes under cold running water using a vegetable brush to remove any dirt. Once clean, pat them completely dry with a clean kitchen towel to ensure crisp skin when baked.
- Pierce Skins: Using a fork, pierce several holes all over each sweet potato. This allows steam to escape during baking and prevents bursting.
- Arrange for Baking: Place the pierced sweet potatoes on a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Space them apart so hot air circulates evenly around each potato.
- Bake: Transfer the baking sheet to the center oven rack. Bake the sweet potatoes for 40 to 60 minutes, depending on their size. They are done when a knife inserted into the thickest part slides in easily and the flesh feels soft to the touch.
- Serve: Carefully remove the potatoes from the oven. Split each one lengthwise and fluff the inside with a fork. Add desired toppings such as brown sugar, sour cream, butter, chopped chives, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper before serving.
Notes
- Cooking time varies based on the size of the sweet potatoes; larger ones may need the full hour.
- Using parchment paper or foil on the baking sheet makes cleanup easier and prevents sticking.
- For sweeter potatoes, add a sprinkle of cinnamon along with brown sugar.
- You can prepare sweet potatoes in advance and reheat in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: baked sweet potato, easy sweet potato recipe, healthy side dish, oven baked sweet potatoes, gluten free side
