Quick Answer
It takes approximately 45-60 minutes to bake a medium sized sweet potato at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. The exact baking time can vary depending on the size of the sweet potato, whether it is pierced before baking, and individual oven temperatures. In general, a medium 6-8 ounce sweet potato takes 45-60 minutes, a large 10 ounce sweet potato takes about 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes, and extra large 12+ ounce sweet potatoes can take up to 1.5 hours to fully bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Using a meat thermometer, sweet potatoes are done when they reach an internal temperature of 205 degrees Fahrenheit.
Detailed Answer
Baking sweet potatoes to creamy, tender perfection requires paying attention to a few key details that can impact the timing:
Sweet Potato Size
Larger sweet potatoes take longer to bake than smaller ones. Here are some general guidelines for baking times at 350°F based on sweet potato size:
– Small sweet potatoes (4-6 oz): 30-45 minutes
– Medium sweet potatoes (6-8 oz): 45-60 minutes
– Large sweet potatoes (8-10 oz): 60-75 minutes
– Extra large sweet potatoes (12 oz or more): 75-90 minutes
The most common sizes for sweet potatoes are medium and large. Try to select sweet potatoes that are similar in size to ensure even cooking.
Piercing the Sweet Potato Skin
Piercing the sweet potato a few times with a fork or knife before baking allows steam to escape and reduces baking time. Unpierced sweet potatoes may crack or explode in the oven as internal pressure builds up. Poking holes allows excess moisture to vent during baking.
Piercing isn’t strictly necessary if the sweet potato is wrapped in foil, but can still reduce baking time slightly. However, foil wrapping will soften the skin and prevent it from getting as crispy.
Oven Temperature Variations
All ovens heat a bit differently. Your oven may run hot or cool by 25 degrees or so, which can impact baking times. Checking your oven temperature with an oven thermometer can help eliminate temperature variations as a timing factor.
Bumping up the oven heat to 400°F will reduce baking time by about 10-15 minutes. Conversely, dropping the temperature to 325°F will extend baking by around 15 minutes. Adjust bake times up or down if needed based on your specific oven.
Doneness Indicators
The best way to test sweet potato doneness is by using a fork or knife tip to pierce the center – it should slide in and out easily with little resistance when done. The internal temperature should reach 205°F.
The skin will also split open slightly and caramelize when fully baked. If you gently squeeze the sides, a fully baked sweet potato will give and feel soft.
Choosing the Right Sweet Potato Size
Picking out evenly sized sweet potatoes of about 6-8 ounces is ideal for getting potatoes to finish cooking at the same time. Here are some tips on size selection:
– Opt for medium to large sweet potatoes about 3-4 inches wide and 7-8 inches long. Jumbo sweet potatoes may take quite a bit longer.
– Choose potatoes with similar dimensions – avoid potatoes that are short and squat mixed with longer, skinnier ones.
– Weight can help guide size. Pick potatoes in the 6-10 ounce range for the most consistent results.
– When in doubt, smaller is better. The shorter bake time reduces the chance of overcooking.
Tips for Even Baking
Arranging sweet potatoes on a baking sheet in a single layer without overcrowding will ensure the most even cooking. Here are some tips:
– Place sweet potatoes directly on the middle oven rack or a foil or parchment-lined baking sheet for the best heat circulation.
– Allow at least 1 inch of space between potatoes for air flow.
– Choose a baking sheet large enough to prevent crowding – a half sheet pan works well.
How to Tell When Sweet Potatoes are Done
It can be tricky to determine doneness for sweet potatoes since the cooking times can vary. Here are a few ways to accurately assess when they’re ready:
– Pierce the center with a knife – there should be little resistance when poking all the way through.
– Use a fork to gently press on the side of the potato. Baked sweet potatoes will give and start to collapse slightly.
– Check for cracks in the skin, caramelization and a softened exterior.
– Internal temperature should reach 205°F when checked with a meat thermometer.
Step-By-Step Baking Instructions
Follow these simple steps for baking sweet potatoes to tender perfection:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Wash and dry sweet potatoes. Pierce skins several times with a fork.
3. Place directly on oven rack or on a foil or parchment-lined baking sheet.
4. Bake at 350°F for 45-60 minutes depending on size, until fork tender.
5. Remove from oven, slice open and serve immediately, or cool slightly to handle for adding toppings.
Tips for Serving
Baked sweet potatoes can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions:
– Add butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, or maple syrup.
– Top with sautéed onions, cheese, salsa, or Greek yogurt.
– Mash with milk and butter for sweet potato mash.
– Stuff halves with chili or taco meat fillings.
– Slice open, top with eggs and broil into sweet potato toast.
– Blend into soups or bake into casseroles and breads.
Common Baking Mistakes
It’s easy to over or undercook sweet potatoes. Here are some common baking errors and how to avoid them:
Undercooking
Sweet potatoes baked at too low of a temperature or not long enough may be hard and crunchy in the center. Check for doneness early and extend bake times as needed.
Overcooking
Baked too long, sweet potatoes can become dried out, shriveled and mushy. Use foil to prevent overcooking on the outside edges.
Uneven Cooking
Sweet potatoes baked on crowded pans won’t cook as evenly. Allow plenty of space between each potato for air flow.
Burnt Skins
Letting sweet potatoes bake at very high temperatures may blacken the skins before the insides cook through. Lower heat leads to better results.
Explosions
Sweet potatoes can burst open in the oven if not pierced before baking. Always poke a few fork holes in the skin prior to baking.
Storing Leftovers
Here are some tips for storing any leftover baked sweet potatoes:
– Let cool completely before storing in the fridge.
– Place in an airtight container or wrap in plastic wrap.
– Refrigerate for 3-5 days maximum.
– Reheat gently in the microwave with a damp paper towel to restore moisture.
– Slice and pan fry with oil to re-crisp the skins.
– Mash leftovers into sweet potato casseroles or soups.
Nutrition Facts
Baked sweet potatoes are highly nutritious, with many health benefits. Here are some of the reasons to enjoy this tasty tuber:
Vitamins and Minerals
One medium baked sweet potato (114g) provides:
– Vitamin A: 10050 IU (202% DV)
– Vitamin C: 19.6 mg (24% DV)
– Potassium: 542mg (12% DV)
– Vitamin B6: 0.2mg (10% DV)
– Manganese: 0.3mg (13% DV)
Antioxidants
Orange-fleshed sweet potatoes provide the antioxidant beta-carotene. This converts to vitamin A to boost immunity and eye health.
Fiber
A baked sweet potato with skin contains 3.8g of dietary fiber. Fiber promotes digestion and gut health.
Low in Calories and Fat
One medium baked sweet potato has just 103 calories and 0 grams of fat. It has a low glycemic index, meaning it won’t spike blood sugar levels.
The Best Sweet Potato Varieties for Baking
With over 400 varieties, choosing the best sweet potatoes for baking can be tricky. Here are some excellent options:
| Variety | Description |
|---|---|
| Jewel | Smooth copper skin, bright orange flesh, moist flavor |
| Garnet | Reddish skin, sweet creamy orange flesh |
| Hannah | Pale skin, deep orange flesh perfect for baking whole |
| Japanese | Dry purple-red skin, drier white flesh with chestnutty flavor |
| Beauregard | Reddish skin, moist orange flesh, classic baking potato |
The Jewel, Garnet, and Beauregard varieties have moist, orange flesh that bakes up perfect. Hannah’s are ideal for baking whole in their skins. Japanese sweet potatoes have a distinctly different flavor and drier texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size sweet potato is best for baking?
Choose medium to large sweet potatoes around 6-10 ounces. Size impacts baking time, so uniform sizing will ensure even cooking.
Can you bake sweet potatoes from frozen?
It is not recommended to bake frozen sweet potatoes. Thaw them first by refrigerating overnight before baking as usual.
Do you have to poke holes in sweet potatoes before baking?
It’s highly recommended to poke holes before baking. The holes allow steam to escape and prevent bursting.
What temperature does a baked sweet potato need to reach?
Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. Sweet potatoes are fully baked when they reach 205°F in the center.
How long do baked sweet potatoes last?
Leftover baked sweet potatoes last 3-5 days refrigerated. Reheat gently before serving. Freeze for longer storage.
Conclusion
Baking sweet potatoes to tender, creamy perfection takes about 45-60 minutes in a 350 degree Fahrenheit oven, depending on size. Poke holes before baking, arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet, and bake until fork tender and over 200°F internally. Their naturally sweet flavor and stellar nutritional profile make baked sweet potatoes a healthy, delicious option for meals and side dishes. Follow proper storage methods to enjoy leftovers throughout the week.