Baked Sweet Potatoes - Yams

3 servings Prep: 5 m Cook: 1 h 15 m Total: 1 h 20 m Beginner
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Baked Sweet Potatoes - Yams
My Mom baked the best sweet potatoes. For years I tried to replicate hers and always blamed my not having a gas oven as to why mine were not quite as juicy and as flavorful. In fact I tried wrapping in foil but they still were not perfect. My problem was not the gas oven or wrapping in foil it was not having my heat high enough. For a melt in your mouth sweet potato try this recipe. No butter needed; the sweet potato will make its own juices. Quick question - do you eat the skins? Do I? Yes, MawMaw does!

Ingredients

3 servings
  • 3 to 4 sweet potatoes

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
  2. Place foil under the sweet potatoes to catch the juice spills.
  3. Place potatoes on the foil and bake a minimum of one hour and fifteen minutes.
  4. If potatoes are thicker cook longer.
  5. Generally if you smell the aroma; potatoes are done.
  6. Rather than piercing the potato, use the squeeze method to determine if they are tender enough.

Common Problems and Solutions

Q: Why aren't my sweet potatoes as juicy as I remember?

A: The key is baking at 425°F, not a lower temperature. Many cooks bake at 350-375°F which results in drier potatoes. The high heat caramelizes the natural sugars and creates those delicious juices.

Q: Should I wrap sweet potatoes in foil?

A: No need to wrap them. Just place foil underneath to catch drips. Wrapping them steams the potatoes rather than baking them, which changes the texture.

Q: How do I know when they're done without piercing them?

A: Use the squeeze method - gently squeeze the potato with an oven mitt or towel. If it gives easily, it's done. You'll also smell a sweet aroma when they're ready.

Tips and Techniques

Place foil on the rack below the potatoes rather than wrapping them. This catches the dripping juices while allowing the skins to crisp up properly. The squeeze test is more reliable than a fork because it doesn’t let precious juices escape.

Equipment Needed

  • Aluminum foil
  • Oven mitt or kitchen towel (for squeeze test)

Historical Context

Sweet potatoes have been a staple in Southern cooking since colonial times. In Louisiana, they’re often called “yams” though true yams are a different vegetable entirely. The simple preparation - just heat and time - reflects the traditional farm cooking philosophy of letting quality ingredients speak for themselves.