Baked sweet potatoes are naturally sweet, creamy, and packed with nutrients. This simple recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or holiday sides, and it’s ready with minimal prep.
Step 1: Prep the Sweet Potatoes
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash 4 medium sweet potatoes thoroughly and pat them dry. Use a pastry brush to evenly coat each potato with a little olive oil, ensuring the skins crisp up nicely during baking.
Step 2: Season the Potatoes
Once coated in oil, sprinkle each sweet potato lightly with salt. The pastry brush helps you control the oil distribution so you don’t overdo it, and it keeps the skin from getting soggy.
Step 3: Bake
Place the sweet potatoes on a baking sheet and bake for 45–60 minutes, depending on size, until tender when pierced with a knife. For extra flavor, you can use the pastry brush to apply a light coat of cinnamon, paprika, or your favorite herb mix before baking.
Step 4: Serve
Once baked, slice open each sweet potato and fluff the inside with a fork. Top with butter, vegan butter, maple syrup, or savory toppings like black beans, avocado, or sautéed greens.
Pro Tip: One Tool for Perfect Sweet Potatoes
A pastry brush makes applying oil, butter, or seasonings effortless and even, ensuring perfectly crispy skin and a golden finish every time.
Explore our selection of pastry brushes here!
