Last month I brought you the ultimate steakhouse style baked potato and today I'm following it up with the end all be all of Baked Sweet Potato. Our potato game at WGC is stronger than ever!
Table of Contents
Why I Love This Recipe
I love a potato in any form. Mashed, baked, fried, you name it. But give me a soft buttery Baked Sweet Potato with a Smokey Chipotle Maple Butter on top and it's game over. It's my definition of perfection and I shall be making it for the rest of fall and winter like it's my job!
The Smokey Chipotle Maple Butter is a little sweet and a little smoky and I would like to drizzle it on just about everything for the rest of time.
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Sweet potatoes
- Kosher salt
- Pecans
- Flaky sea salt and pepper
- Unsalted butter
- Maple syrup
- Brown sugar
- Chipotles in adobo
- Garlic
How to Make
- Preheat the oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with foil.
- Wash each sweet potato thoroughly and, while still wet, generously rub kosher salt over the entire surface. Place the potatoes directly on the foil-lined baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining sweet potatoes.
- Bake for 45-60 minutes, until the inside is tender and the skin is crisp. Flip the sweet potatoes halfway through baking (around the 25-minute mark) for even cooking. To test for doneness, pierce a sweet potato with a sharp paring knife; it should slide in without resistance.
- When ready to serve, slice the top of each sweet potato lengthwise. Using a kitchen towel to protect your hands, gently squeeze from the sides to open it up. Fluff the inside with a fork.
- Serve the Baked Sweet Potato immediately with Smoky Chipotle Maple Butter, a sprinkle of chopped pecans, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- To make the Smoky Chipotle Maple Butter: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or using a hand mixer), combine the softened butter, maple syrup, brown sugar, chipotles in adobo and garlic. Beat on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until well mixed and fluffy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Tips & Tricks
Choose the Right Size: Opt for sweet potatoes that are similar in size for even cooking. Smaller ones will cook faster, while larger ones may take longer.
Use a Baking Sheet: Place the sweet potatoes on a foil- or parchment-lined baking sheet to catch any syrupy juices that might leak out.
Bake Until Tender: Bake for 45-60 minutes, depending on size, turning them halfway through. You'll know they're done when a fork or skewer slides easily into the thickest part.
Let Them Rest: After removing them from the oven, let them sit for a few minutes before cutting open. This helps the interior finish cooking and makes them easier to handle.
Enhance the Flavor: Once the Baked Sweet Potatoes are done, top with Smoky Chipotle Maple Butter for max flavor.
FAQ's
How long should I bake sweet potatoes?
Sweet potatoes typically bake for 45-60 minutes at 400-425°F. The exact time depends on their size. To check for doneness, insert a fork or knife into the thickest part—it should glide through with no resistance.
Should I wrap sweet potatoes in foil before baking?
It's not necessary, but you can wrap them in foil if you prefer a softer skin. For a crispier skin, bake them directly on the baking sheet without foil.
How can I store baked sweet potatoes?
Store leftover baked sweet potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. To reheat, place them in the oven or microwave until heated through.
What’s the difference between a sweet potato and a yam?
In the U.S., sweet potatoes are often mislabeled as yams, but they are different vegetables. True yams are starchy and dry, whereas sweet potatoes are moist and sweet. The orange-fleshed variety of sweet potatoes is most common and is often referred to as a "yam."
Can I bake sweet potatoes in advance?
Yes, you can bake sweet potatoes ahead of time. Store them in the fridge and reheat them in the oven or microwave when ready to serve.
Similar Recipes
Baked Sweet Potatoes with Smokey Chipotle Maple Butter
Ingredients
For the Baked Sweet Potatoes
- 6 sweet potatoes of similar weight and size
- 4 tablespoons kosher salt
- ½ cup roasted pecans chopped
- Flaky salt for serving
For the Smokey Chipotle Maple Butter
- 1 cup unsalted butter at room temperature
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 4 chipotles in adobo minced
- 1 tablespoon adobo sauce
- 1 clove garlic minced
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with foil.
- Wash each sweet potato thoroughly and, while still wet, generously rub kosher salt over the entire surface. Place the potatoes directly on the foil-lined baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining sweet potatoes.
- Bake for 45-60 minutes, until the inside is tender and the skin is crisp. Flip the sweet potatoes halfway through baking (around the 25-minute mark) for even cooking. To test for doneness, pierce a sweet potato with a sharp paring knife; it should slide in without resistance.
- When ready to serve, slice the top of each sweet potato lengthwise. Using a kitchen towel to protect your hands, gently squeeze from the sides to open it up. Fluff the inside with a fork.
- Serve immediately with Smoky Chipotle Maple Butter, a sprinkle of chopped pecans, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
For the Smoky Chipotle Maple Butter
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or using a hand mixer), combine the softened butter and remaining ingredients for the butter. Beat on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until well mixed and fluffy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Use immediately on freshly baked sweet potatoes, or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Let it soften slightly before serving if chilled.
This looks so delicious! Sweet potatoes are the best!!