how long does it take to bake a sweet potato

The time it takes to bake a sweet potato depends on several factors, including the size of the sweet potato, the temperature of the oven, and the 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).
• 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).
• Bake for 60-90 minutes, or until the sweet potato is tender when pierced with a fork.

Extra-large sweet potatoes (2.5 pounds or larger):

• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
• 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. If it’s still hard, bake for an additional 15-30 minutes and check again.

Tips:

• Wrap the sweet potato in foil to help retain moisture and promote even cooking.
• Pierce the sweet potato with a fork a few times to allow steam to escape.
• You can also bake sweet potatoes at a lower temperature (375°F/190°C) for a longer period of time (1-2 hours) for a more tender and caramelized result.

Remember, the key to perfectly baked sweet potatoes is to cook them until they’re tender and caramelized. So, keep an eye on them and adjust the cooking time as needed!