Fluffy Baked Sweet Potatoes

Our recipe offers three topping variations: classic, savory, and sweet.

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Servings:
4

The easiest way to enjoy a sweet potato: Bake it. Butter, coarse salt, and cracked pepper flavor this potato, but the flesh takes well to many toppings, including sage butter and goat cheese, or pecans, cinnamon, and brown sugar.

Ingredients

  • 4 small (7 ½ ounces each) sweet potatoes, scrubbed well

  • Classic, Savory, or Sweet Topping

Directions

  1. Bake the Potato:

    Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Place potatoes directly on middle rack, lining lower rack with foil. Bake until tender, 45 to 50 minutes. Slit potatoes lengthwise, and open. Fluff with a fork, and add topping.

  2. Choose a Topping:

    Classic Topping

    Divide 1/2 cup sour cream or creme fraiche among potatoes. Crumble 4 slices cooked bacon and sprinkle 2 tablespoons chopped chives over tops. Season with coarse salt and freshly ground pepper.

    Savory Topping

    Melt 1/4 cup unsalted butter over medium heat, swirling pan, until just beginning to brown. Swirl in 1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage. Divide sage butter and 2 ounces crumbled goat cheese among potatoes. Season with coarse salt and cayenne pepper.

    Sweet Topping

    Combine 1/2 cup toasted, chopped pecans, 1/4 cup unsalted butter, 1/4 cup packed brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Divide among potatoes. Season with coarse salt.

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