Ingredients
4 large sweet potatoes
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika optional
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder optional
For topping
4 tablespoons butter or salted butter
1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
Fresh herbs optional chives or parsley
Preparation
Preheat oven to 200°C 400°F
Wash sweet potatoes very well and scrub the skin
Pat dry with a towel
Pierce each sweet potato 4 to 5 times with a fork
Rub each potato with olive oil
Sprinkle with salt black pepper and optional spices
Baking
Place sweet potatoes directly on the oven rack or on a baking tray
Bake for 50 to 70 minutes depending on size
Potatoes are ready when a knife goes in easily and the inside is very soft
Remove from oven and let rest 5 minutes
Opening and Filling
Slice each sweet potato lengthwise down the center
Gently squeeze the ends to open the inside and fluff the flesh with a fork
Add butter while the potato is hot so it melts inside
Top with sour cream or Greek yogurt
Season with a little salt and black pepper
Optional Variations
Sweet version
Add butter cinnamon and a drizzle of honey or maple syrup
Savory version
Add grated cheese and return to oven 5 minutes to melt
Top with herbs or a spoon of cream cheese
Healthy version
Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream
Add olive oil instead of butter
Serving
Serve hot as a main dish or side
Perfect with grilled chicken fish or vegetables
Tips
Choose sweet potatoes of similar size for even cooking
Do not wrap in foil if you want fluffy inside
For extra crispy skin bake directly on the rack
Conclusion
This baked sweet potato recipe is simple filling and comforting. Crispy skin soft sweet center and creamy topping make it perfect for any meal. Easy to customize sweet or savory and always delicious.