Baked Purple Sweet Potatoes

Name: Baked Purple Sweet Potatoes
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 60 min
Ingredients: 4 medium purple sweet potatoes; 2 tbsp olive oil; Salt to taste; Butter ((optional for serving) )

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If you’re looking for a simple side dish that delivers both nutrition and flavour, baked purple sweet potatoes are a winner.

All you need is a little olive oil and your oven does the rest. The result? Perfectly tender, naturally sweet potatoes with a stunning purple colour to brighten up your plate!

2 baked potatoes in baking dish with butter added on top

Ingredient Highlights

Purple sweet potatoes: Packed with fibre, vitamins, and antioxidants, especially anthocyanins (the compounds that give them their purple colour).
Olive oil: Helps the skin crisp slightly and enhances flavour.

Health Benefits

High in fibre to support digestion.
Rich in antioxidants like anthocyanins, which promote heart and brain health.
Good source of complex carbs for long-lasting energy.
Naturally sweet without added sugar.

Ingredients

2–4 medium purple sweet potatoes
1–2 teaspoon olive oil
Salt to taste
Butter (optional for serving)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Set to 400°F (200°C).

2. Prepare the potatoes: Wash and scrub your sweet potatoes thoroughly. Pat dry.

3. Poke holes: Use a fork to pierce small holes all around each potato (this lets steam escape).

4. Oil them up: Rub the potatoes lightly with olive oil.

potatoes fresh out of oven cut in half for the baked potato look

5. Bake: Place on a baking sheet and roast for 40 minutes, remove from oven and slice down the middle place back in the oven to let cook for a final 10 minutes

6. Serve: Add some butter in the middle and serve as a side dish!

Storage Tips

Refrigerator: Store cooled baked potatoes in an airtight container for up to 4–5 days.
Freezer: Wrap each potato in foil or place in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Warm in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Equipment Needed

Baking sheet
Fork
Knife
Oven + oven mitts

Tips for Success

Choose potatoes that are similar in size so they bake evenly.
Test doneness by inserting a fork the potato should feel soft all the way through.

What to Serve With Purple Sweet Potatoes

These potatoes are versatile and pair well with:

Grilled chicken, salmon, or tofu
Roasted vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts
Salads, grain bowls, or wraps
Plant-based proteins like beans, chickpeas, or lentils

FAQs: Baked Purple Sweet Potatoes

Do you eat the skin?

Yes! The skin contains fibre and nutrients. Just make sure to scrub them well before baking.

Can I microwave instead of baking?

Yes, but the texture won’t be as fluffy. Bake for best results.

Why are purple sweet potatoes different from orange ones?

Purple varieties are slightly drier and less sweet, but they’re packed with anthocyanins (powerful antioxidants).

Veggie Sides Dishes

Recipe

baked sweet potatoes in baking dish cut open

Juliana Crimi, RD