how to bake sweet potatoes

To bake sweet potatoes:

1. Preheat the oven to 400-450°F (about 200-230°C).
2. Wash and scrub the sweet potatoes well, then dry them.
3. Pierce the sweet potatoes several times with a fork to allow steam to escape.
4. Optional: Rub the skins lightly with olive oil and sprinkle with salt for better crispy skin.
5. Place the sweet potatoes directly on the oven rack, with a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment below to catch drips.
6. Bake for 45 to 60 minutes, depending on size, until the sweet potatoes are tender inside and a fork can easily pierce through.
7. Let cool for a few minutes, then serve with toppings of choice such as butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, or savory options.

This method yields tender, fluffy sweet potatoes with a nicely textured skin.