how long to bake a sweet potato in the oven

The baking time for a sweet potato in the oven depends on its size, shape, and desired level of doneness. Here are some general guidelines:

Small to medium-sized sweet potatoes (1-1.5 pounds):

• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Pierce the sweet potato with a fork a few times to allow steam to escape.
• Bake for 45-60 minutes, or until the sweet potato is tender when pierced with a fork.

Large sweet potatoes (1.5-2.5 pounds):

• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Pierce the sweet potato with a fork a few times to allow steam to escape.
• Bake for 60-90 minutes, or until the sweet potato is tender when pierced with a fork.

Extra-large sweet potatoes (over 2.5 pounds):

• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Pierce the sweet potato with a fork a few times to allow steam to escape.
• Bake for 90-120 minutes, or until the sweet potato is tender when pierced with a fork.

You can also check for doneness by gently squeezing the sweet potato. If it’s tender, it should yield to pressure.

Tips:

• Wrap the sweet potato in foil to retain moisture and promote even cooking.
• If you prefer a softer, more caramelized sweet potato, bake at 425°F (220°C) for a shorter amount of time (about 30-45 minutes).
• If you’re short on time, you can also microwave a sweet potato for 3-5 minutes, or until tender. However, oven baking is generally preferred for its even cooking and caramelization.

Remember, the key to perfectly baked sweet potatoes is to cook them until they’re tender, but not overcooked. Enjoy!