Are you Looking for a quick and hassle-free way to enjoy the deliciousness of baked sweet potatoes? Look no further! Our guide will show you how to make perfectly tender and flavorful baked sweet potato in the microwave.
This method not only saves you time but also ensures you have a delightful side dish or snack in a matter of minutes. Whether you’re in a rush, craving a nutritious treat, or simply looking to simplify your cooking routine, this microwave-baked sweet potato recipe has got you covered.
With a few simple steps, you’ll have a piping hot, fluffy sweet potato ready to enjoy, complete with your favorite toppings. So, let’s dive in and discover how to make this microwave marvel!
Why a Microwave Baked Sweet Potato
You may ask yourself, why should I make microwaved sweet potato? The key may come down to convenience and quickness.
Whether you want to cook a baked sweet potato for a side dish or snack, or you need the sweet potatoes cooked for a recipe such as Old Fashioned Southern Sweet Potato Casserole, baking or cooking them in the microwave is so convenient!
This cooking process is by far the best one I have found yet and it is my favorite way to bake a sweet potato. It is almost a foolproof method.
Baking a sweet potato in the oven the conventional way can take upwards of an hour to an hour and a half. Cooking in the microwave takes a fraction of the time and will reduce the cooking time down to five to ten minutes. As you can see, the microwave is far superior and by far the fastest way to cook a sweet potato.
A Perfect Side Dish
Sweet potatoes make a perfect and easy side dish. They are a much healthier option than their cousins the regular potatoes (white potatoes), and are packed with nutrients such as fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
According to Healthline, sweet potatoes are nutritious, good for your gut, may have cancer-fighting properties, support healthy vision, may help with brain function, and support your immune health. No wonder so many people love them.
Not only can they be part of a healthy meal as a side dish, but they can also make the perfect main dish meal. Add a little grilled chicken or pork tenderloin on top for a well-rounded meal.
How to cook baked sweet potato
The ingredients for this recipe are super simple, you really only need a few things. I am also going to include optional toppings as well. Don’t forget to check the recipe card down below for a printable recipe so you can save it for later.
Ingredients
- Medium sweet potato- If you have a larger one, you may need to adjust the cooking time.
- Olive oil: This makes the skin of a sweet potato tender. If you do not like olive oil, use coconut oil or any vegetable oil you wish.
Optional (sweet) toppings
- Pat of butter
- Sprinkle of cinnamon and sugar
- Brown sugar
- Marshmellow fluff
- Honey
- Maple syrup
Optional (savory) toppings
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Garlic powder
- Cumin
Tools needed to make baked sweet potato in the microwave
- Microwave
- Fork
- Paring knife
- Oven mitt
- Microwave-safe plate
- Tea towel
Note: For a rundown of brands I suggest, take a look at the Kitchen Essential Tools page.
Preparation
- Wash and scrub the sweet potato to remove any dirt. Make sure to dry it afterward.
- Using the fork tines, punch small holes around the sweet potato.
- Rub a little olive oil on the skin of the potato.
Microwaving
- Place on a microwave-safe plate.
- Cover the sweet potato with a damp paper towel or a microwave-safe cover.
- Microwave on high power.
- For a medium potato, cook for 5-6 minutes or until the center of the potato is fork tender.
Pro Tip: Adjust the time depending on the size of the potato. If you have a larger potato, after 5 minutes, microwave in 30-second increments then check the potato to see if the center of the potato is done.
How to Serve Baked Sweet Potato
- Cut the potato with the paring knife down the center and let the steam escape.
- Using a kitchen towel, grab each end and push towards the center.
- This will cause the potato to form a pocket where you will add your toppings. Add toppings of choice.
Conclusion
In just a matter of minutes, you’ve learned how to create a delectable side dish that’s not only quick and convenient but also brimming with nutrition and flavor. Baked sweet potatoes in the microwave are a culinary marvel that proves that fast doesn’t mean sacrificing taste.
Whether you’re looking to add color to your plate, satisfy your sweet tooth the healthy way, or simply enjoy a fuss-free culinary experience, these tender and customizable gems are your answer. So, savor each bite, experiment with toppings, and make this your go-to side dish for any occasion. Happy cooking!
FAQ’s
For a typical medium sweet potato, it takes 5-6 minutes on high power in the microwave.
To me, a sweet potato cooked in the oven has a slightly richer flavor, most would not be able to tell though.
The simple answer is you have not cooked it long enough. Try cooking for additional time in 1-minute to 30-second intervals until the center is tender when pricked with the tines of a fork.
If baking in the oven or microwave, there is no need to peel a sweet potato. If you prefer to parboil them, you may want to peel them first.
Yes. Poking holes allows the steam to escape while baking which helps the sweet potato to cook faster.
Yes. The skin of the microwave sweet potato is safe to eat and also nutritious according to many experts.
The simple answer is the microwave is best if you are in a time crunch. One that has been baked may have a richer flavor. Some experts claim that boiling or microwaving sweet potato allows the vitamins to remain intact in the peeling while baking can diminish it.
Thanks for stopping by Southern Food Junkie. It is our hope that you enjoy this recipe sharing it with friends, family, and coworkers. Make sure to take time to give thanks to the creator, God, by which all blessings flow.
-Ronnie | Let’s Get Food Junked
John 6:35
How to Make Baked Sweet Potato in the Microwave
Quick & healthy microwave-baked sweet potatoes - a perfect side dish in minutes! Enjoy natural sweetness & customizable toppings.
Ingredients
- Medium sweet potato
- Olive oil (or other neutral oil)
Sweet Toppings
- Butter
- Cinnamon and Sugar
- marshmallow fluff
- Honey
- Maple syrup
Savory Toppings
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Garlic powder
- Cumin
Instructions
Preparation
- Wash and scrub the sweet potato to remove any and all dirt. Make sure to dry it afterward.
- Using the fork tines, punch small holes around the sweet potato.
- Rub a little olive oil on the skin of the potato.
Microwaving
- Place on the microwave-safe plate.
- Cover the sweet potato with a damp paper towel or a microwave-safe cover.
- Microwave on high power.
- For a medium potato, cook for 5-6 minutes or until the center of the potato is fork tender.
- Adjust the time depending on the size of the potato. If you have a larger potato, after 5 minutes, microwave in 30-second increments and check the potato to see if the center of the potato is done.
Serving
Cut the potato with the paring knife down the center and let the steam escape. Using a kitchen towel, grab each end and push towards the center. This will cause the potato to form a pocket where you will add your toppings. Add toppings of choice.