how long does it take a sweet potato to bake
The baking time for a sweet potato can vary depending on its size, shape, and the temperature of your oven. 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 (over 2.5 pounds):
- 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 soft and yields to pressure, it’s done. 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 (about 1-2 hours).
Remember, the baking time may vary depending on your oven’s performance and the sweet potato’s size and shape. Keep an eye on it and adjust the baking time as needed.