Oven Baked Sweet Potato Recipe: A Healthy and Delicious Side Dish

Sweet potatoes are a versatile and nutritious vegetable that are packed with vitamins, fibre, and antioxidants. They are a great addition to any meal, and can be prepared in a variety of ways. One of the easiest and most delicious ways to prepare sweet potatoes is by baking them in the oven. In this article, we will share a simple and healthy oven-baked sweet potato recipe that you can make at home.

Oven Baked Sweet Potato Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 medium-sized sweet potatoes
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1 teaspoon of paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
• Optional: fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
2. Wash and scrub the sweet potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris.
3. Cut the sweet potatoes into wedges or cubes, depending on your preference.
4. In a large bowl, mix together the olive oil, salt, paprika, black pepper, and garlic powder. Add the sweet potato pieces to the bowl and toss them in the spice mixture until they are evenly coated.
5. Spread the sweet potato pieces out on a baking sheet, making sure they are in a single layer and not touching each other.
6. Bake the sweet potatoes in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are tender and golden brown. You can check for doneness by inserting a fork into the sweet potatoes – if it goes in easily, they are done.
7. If desired, sprinkle some fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme over the sweet potatoes for added flavour and aroma.
8. Serve the oven-baked sweet potatoes hot as a side dish, or use them as a base for a delicious and healthy meal.

Why Choose Oven Baked Sweet Potatoes?

There are many reasons to choose oven-baked sweet potatoes over other methods of preparation. Here are a few:

• Health benefits: Sweet potatoes are a nutrient-dense vegetable that are high in fibre, vitamins, and antioxidants. Baking them in the oven helps to preserve their nutritional value and makes them a healthy choice for any meal.
• Easy preparation: Baking sweet potatoes in the oven is one of the easiest ways to prepare them. You don’t need any special equipment or cooking skills – just a baking sheet and some basic spices.
• Versatile: Oven-baked sweet potatoes can be seasoned with a variety of herbs and spices to suit your taste. You can also add them to salads, soups, or other dishes for extra flavour and nutrition.
• Budget-friendly: Sweet potatoes are a budget-friendly vegetable that are widely available year-round. Baking them in the oven is an affordable way to add healthy and delicious side dish to your meals.

Tips for Making Perfect Oven Baked Sweet Potatoes:

• Use medium-sized sweet potatoes: Sweet potatoes come in a variety of sizes, but for this recipe, we recommend using medium-sized ones. They are easier to handle and cook more evenly than larger ones.
• Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet: Make sure to spread the sweet potato pieces out in a single layer on the baking sheet. This will help them cook evenly and crisp up nicely.
• Use high-quality spices: The spices you use can make a big difference in the flavour of your sweet potatoes. Make sure to use high-quality spices and adjust the seasoning to your taste.
• Serve them hot: Oven-baked sweet potatoes are best served hot, straight out of the oven. If you need to reheat them, place them in a preheated oven for a few minutes to ensure they are crispy and delicious.
• Experiment with different herbs and spices: Sweet potatoes are a versatile vegetable that can be seasoned with a variety of herbs and spices. Feel free to experiment with different flavour combinations to find your favourite.
• Use a silicone baking mat: If you have a silicone baking mat, use it to line your baking sheet. This will prevent the sweet potatoes from sticking to the sheet and make cleanup a breeze.
• Add some sweetness: While this recipe uses savoury spices, you can also add a touch of sweetness to your oven-baked sweet potatoes by sprinkling them with a little brown sugar or maple syrup before baking.

Oven-baked sweet potatoes are a healthy and delicious side dish that are easy to prepare and packed with flavour and nutrition. With a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking skills, you can make a dish that will be a hit with your family and friends. So why not try this recipe today and enjoy the benefits of this wonderful vegetable!

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Oven Baked Sweet Potatoes Recipe

Prep Time

20 mins

Cook Time

25 mins

 

A Healthy and Delicious Side Dish

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: British

Keyword: fries, sweet potatoes

Servings: 4 people

Calories: 203 kcal

Ingredients

• 2 medium-sized sweet potatoes
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1 teaspoon of paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
• Optional: fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
2. Wash and scrub the sweet potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris.
3. Cut the sweet potatoes into wedges or cubes, depending on your preference.
4. In a large bowl, mix together the olive oil, salt, paprika, black pepper, and garlic powder. Add the sweet potato pieces to the bowl and toss them in the spice mixture until they are evenly coated.

5. Spread the sweet potato pieces out on a baking sheet, making sure they are in a single layer and not touching each other.

6. Bake the sweet potatoes in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are tender and golden brown. You can check for doneness by inserting a fork into the sweet potatoes – if it goes in easily, they are done.
7. If desired, sprinkle some fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme over the sweet potatoes for added flavour and aroma.
8. Serve the oven-baked sweet potatoes hot as a side dish, or use them as a base for a delicious and healthy meal.