Small Baked Sweet Potato
Fluffy, tender, and naturally sweet, these small baked sweet potatoes are a simple and wholesome side dish. A light coating of olive oil and a sprinkle of paprika gives them a savory touch and a lovely color.
For 4 servings
Preheat oven and prepare potatoes.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Scrub the sweet potatoes thoroughly under running water and pat them dry.
- Pierce each potato 4-5 times with a fork. This allows steam to escape during baking.
TIPDon't skip piercing the potatoes! It prevents them from bursting in the oven.Season the sweet potatoes.
Place the potatoes on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and use your hands to rub it evenly over the skin of each potato. Sprinkle with smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Bake until tender.
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender all the way through when pierced with a knife. The skin should be slightly crispy.
TIPFor extra crispy skin, place the potatoes directly on the oven rack with a baking sheet on the rack below to catch any drips.Serve hot.
Carefully remove the potatoes from the oven. Let them cool for a few minutes before handling. Slice open and serve warm as a side dish.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Choose sweet potatoes that are similar in size to ensure they cook evenly.
- 2You can bake these ahead of time. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.
- 3The skin is edible and full of fiber and nutrients, so be sure to scrub it well.
- 4For a creamier texture, wrap each potato in aluminum foil before baking.
Adapt it for your goals.
Healthy
For a lower-fat version, omit the olive oil. The potatoes will still bake beautifully, though the skin will be less crispy.
kid friendlyKid friendly
Serve with a dollop of plain yogurt or a sprinkle of cinnamon and a tiny bit of maple syrup for a sweeter treat.
high proteinHigh protein
Top the baked sweet potato with a scoop of black beans, Greek yogurt, or shredded chicken to make it a more complete meal.
veganVegan
This recipe is naturally vegan. Serve with a dollop of vegan butter or a tahini-based dressing.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Vitamin A
Sweet potatoes are one of the best natural sources of beta-carotene, an antioxidant that your body converts into Vitamin A, essential for vision and immune function.
Good Source of Fiber
With the skin on, sweet potatoes provide a good amount of dietary fiber, which supports a healthy digestive system and helps with blood sugar control.
Packed with Antioxidants
They contain various antioxidants, which help protect your body from free radical damage and chronic diseases.
Supports Heart Health
The potassium in sweet potatoes can help regulate blood pressure, contributing to better cardiovascular health.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, baked sweet potatoes are very healthy. They are an excellent source of beta-carotene (which converts to Vitamin A), Vitamin C, and potassium. They are also rich in fiber, which aids digestion.
