FAQs Answered: Everything You Need to Know About Baking Sweet Potatoes

Question 1

1. What's the best way to prepare sweet potatoes for baking?

Accepted Answer

Firstly, choose medium-sized sweet potatoes that are relatively uniform in size so that they cook evenly. Then wash them thoroughly but be careful not to scrub too hard or damage the skin. Dry them off with a towel before piercing each potato several times with a fork so that steam can escape while they bake.

Question 2

2. Should I wrap my sweet potatoes in foil before baking?

Accepted Answer

While some recipes call for wrapping sweet potatoes in foil before baking, it's actually not necessary. In fact, leaving your sweet potatoes unwrapped will result in firmer skin and richer flavor without sacrificing any moisture.

Question 3

3. How long do I need to bake my sweet potatoes?

Accepted Answer

Baking time largely depends on the size of your sweet potato as well as your desired level of doneness. A medium-sized potato could take anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour at 400°F (200°C) until it's fork-tender—the surest sign that it's ready to eat.

Question 4

4. Are there any alternate methods for cooking baked sweet potatoes (i.e., in microwave or pressure cooker)?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Microwaving is by far the fastest method—you can cook one large potato in five minutes—but may produce unevenness in texture, so it's best to use this method only when pressed for time. Pressure cooking is another option that allows you to cook sweet potatoes in a fraction of the time, but requires more specialized equipment.

Question 5

5. How can I tell if my sweet potato is done?

Accepted Answer

The easiest way to test doneness is by inserting a fork or knife into the flesh of your potato. If it feels soft and slides through easily with no resistance, it's ready to eat. Additionally, the skin will appear wrinkled and pull away from the flesh slightly.

Question 6

6. Should I season my sweet potatoes before or after baking?

Accepted Answer

You can do either! Some prefer to rub their sweet potatoes with oil or butter as well as salt and pepper before baking for added flavor. Others choose to add seasoning afterwards when serving alongside toppings or simply on their own.

Question 7

7. Can I freeze baked sweet potatoes?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Simply let them cool completely before peeling off the skin and wrapping tightly in plastic wrap or foil. They should keep in the freezer for up to four months.