how long do i bake a sweet potato

The baking time for a sweet potato 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, be careful not to overcook, as this can lead to a dry, unappetizing texture.

Remember, the key to perfectly baked sweet potatoes is to cook them until they’re tender, but still slightly firm in the center. Enjoy!