Baked Sweet Potato Halves (Viral Method)

Roasted sweet potato halves with caramelized edges and a pat of melting butter, served on a wooden platter.

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Baked Sweet Potato Halves (Viral Method)

These Baked Sweet Potato Halves roast cut-side down until the natural sugars caramelize into a deeply golden, glossy surface. This simple sheet pan method transforms sweet potatoes into something incredibly soft, rich, and almost candy-like.

Prep Time10

Cook Time1

Total Time1 10

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Servings:

Calories: 87kcal

Author: Valerie Brunmeier

Ingredients

2 medium red-skinned sweet potatoes
4 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil or as needed
Kosher salt to taste
Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375 °F with a rack set in the center position.
Scrub the sweet potatoes under cool water and dry them well with paper towels. Using a sharp knife, carefully slice each one in half lengthwise.
Drizzle the cut side of each sweet potato half with olive oil, using your hands to lightly coat both the cut side and skin. Season the cut side with kosher salt and pepper, to taste.
Place the sweet potatoes cut-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until very tender and deeply caramelized on the cut side. Cooking time will vary depending on the size of your sweet potatoes.
Let the sweet potatoes rest for a few minutes before removing them from the baking sheet. Serve as is or with butter, if desired.

Notes

For deeper caramelization: You can bake the sweet potatoes directly on an unlined baking sheet. The cut sides will brown more deeply, but be sure to check them near the end of the cooking time to prevent over-browning.

Serving tip: These sweet potatoes are delicious on their own, but can also be served with a pat of butter or your favorite toppings.

Storage: Store leftover sweet potato halves in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheating: Place them on a baking sheet and warm in a 350 degree F oven until heated through. This helps restore some of the caramelized texture. They can also be reheated in the microwave, but the texture will be softer.

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