Baked Yams or Sweet Potatoes

Elevate your side dish game with these perfectly Baked Yams or Sweet Potatoes, a simple yet delicious recipe that's both wholesome and versatile. These naturally sweet tubers are coated in a light layer of olive oil, seasoned with sea salt and ground black pepper, and roasted to tender, caramelized perfection in just under an hour. Whether served as a savory complement to your main course or enhanced with indulgent toppings like butter, cinnamon, or honey, this recipe is a must-try for any occasion. With minimal prep time and a straightforward method, these baked yams or sweet potatoes are an easy, nutrient-rich option that's sure to please. Perfect for weeknight dinners or holiday feasts, they deliver a satisfying balance of flavor, texture, and nutrition in every bite.

Nutriscore Rating: 73/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 medium-sized yams or sweet potatoes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 0 to taste optional toppings (e.g., butter, cinnamon, or honey)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.

Step 2

Wash and scrub the yams or sweet potatoes thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel.

Step 3

Using a sharp knife, carefully poke 4–5 small slits into each yam or sweet potato. This step helps steam escape during baking and prevents them from bursting.

Step 4

Rub each yam or sweet potato with olive oil, ensuring they are evenly coated. Sprinkle them with sea salt and ground black pepper to taste.

Step 5

Place the prepared yams or sweet potatoes directly onto the lined baking sheet, leaving a small gap between each one for even cooking.

Step 6

Bake in the preheated oven for 40–50 minutes or until they are fork-tender. The baking time may vary depending on the size of the yams or sweet potatoes.

Step 7

Once baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool for 5 minutes. Use a knife to make a slit down the center of each yam or sweet potato and gently fluff the insides with a fork.

Step 8

Serve warm with your choice of toppings, such as butter, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or a drizzle of honey, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	648.1 grams (648.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	874

Total Fat 40.00g	51%
Saturated Fat 11.70g	59%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 31mg	10%
Sodium 2739mg	119%
Total Carbohydrate 121.70g	44%
Dietary Fiber 18.30g	65%
Total Sugars 24.90g
Protein 9.50g	19%

Vitamin D 9IU	45%
Calcium 193mg	15%
Iron 4mg	23%
Potassium 2039mg	43%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 40.7%

Protein: 4.3%

Carbs: 55.0%