Imagine sinking your fork into a perfectly roasted sweet potato, its crispy exterior giving way to a creamy, golden interior that melts in your mouth. These whole roasted sweet potatoes are about to revolutionize your side dish game, transforming a simple vegetable into a culinary masterpiece that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. Get ready to discover the easiest, most delicious way to elevate your dining experience with just a few simple ingredients and some kitchen magic!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 medium sweet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Ensure the oven rack is positioned in the center for even cooking.
- Thoroughly wash the sweet potatoes under cool running water, using a vegetable brush to remove any dirt or debris. Pat the potatoes completely dry with clean kitchen towels.
- Inspect the sweet potatoes and trim off any bruised or damaged areas. Leave the skin intact, as it contains valuable nutrients and helps maintain the potato's shape during roasting.
- Place the sweet potatoes on a clean cutting board and drizzle with olive oil. Use your hands to evenly coat each potato, ensuring complete surface coverage.
- Sprinkle salt and black pepper evenly over the oiled sweet potatoes, rotating them to season all sides thoroughly.
- Arrange the seasoned sweet potatoes directly on a rimmed baking sheet, leaving space between each potato to allow hot air circulation.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 40-45 minutes, turning the potatoes once halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.
- Check doneness by piercing the thickest part of a potato with a fork. The potato should feel soft and tender with no resistance.
- Remove from oven and let the sweet potatoes rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow internal temperature to stabilize.
- Serve whole or slice open, optionally garnishing with additional herbs, butter, or your preferred toppings.
Tips
- • Choose sweet potatoes of similar size to ensure even cooking • Don't overcrowd the baking sheet - give each potato breathing room • Use a fork to test doneness, but avoid piercing too many times to retain moisture • For extra crispy skin, pat the potatoes completely dry before oiling • Experiment with different seasonings like smoked paprika, garlic powder, or rosemary • Let the potatoes rest after cooking to allow internal temperatures to equalize • For added flavor, try finishing with a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of fresh herbs • If you want extra crispy skin, consider turning on the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 28g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
