Classic Baked Sweet Potato with Herb Butter
A simple and comforting side dish featuring perfectly baked sweet potatoes topped with a fragrant homemade herb butter. This recipe enhances the natural sweetness of the potatoes with fresh herbs and a touch of garlic, making it an ideal accompaniment to any American meal.
Ingredients
Check ingredients as you go.
- Main Ingredients
- Herb Butter
Let’s make it
Preparation
Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Prick each sweet potato several times with a fork to allow steam to escape during baking.
Baking Sweet Potatoes
Place the sweet potatoes directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the skin feels crisp and a fork pierces the flesh easily.
Herb Butter Preparation
While the potatoes bake, prepare the herb butter. In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, chopped thyme, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated.
Resting
Once the sweet potatoes are fully baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly, about 5 minutes, so they are easier to handle.
Serving
Slice each sweet potato lengthwise down the center. Gently fluff the inside with a fork and add a generous dollop of the prepared herb butter into the opening, allowing it to melt into the warm potato. Serve immediately.
Tips & notes
To achieve extra crispy skin, you can rub the sweet potatoes lightly with oil and sprinkle a pinch of salt before baking. Fresh herbs are best for the herb butter but dried can be used in a pinch—adjust quantities accordingly. Let the baked sweet potatoes rest briefly to distribute heat evenly before adding the butter.
Saving it for later
Store any leftover baked sweet potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store herb butter separately wrapped tightly in plastic wrap in the fridge, use within 5 days.
Reheating
Reheat baked sweet potatoes in a 180°C (350°F) oven for 15-20 minutes until warmed through. The herb butter can be added fresh after reheating to maintain its flavor and texture.
