Baked White Sweet Potatoes: A Simple and Delicious Side Dish
If you’ve ever spotted white sweet potatoes at the grocery store and wondered how to cook them, you’re in the right place. Baking is the easiest way to bring out their naturally creamy texture and mild sweetness. With just a little olive oil, flaky salt, and time in the oven, you’ll have a simple, healthy side dish that pairs with almost anything.
A Happy Accident
I went to the store for a potato and walked out with something weird… The first time I ever made a white sweet potato it was on accident. A happy accident as they are even more delicious than a regular potato in my book. I was in a hurry and didn’t even notice what I’d grabbed. When I was slicing it open at home I thought, “Is this a sweet potato? Why is it white? Did I buy the wrong thing?” So, I googled: “What the heck is a white sweet potato, and what am I supposed to do with it?” I decided to cook the white sweet potatoes exactly the same way I bake regular potatoes. The skins get lightly crisp, the inside becomes fluffy and creamy, and they’re perfect loaded with your favorite toppings. It’s a nutrient-dense side dish you can make instead of regular potatoes to go with your favorite proteins, breakfast or fresh salad!
White Sweet Potatoes: What They Are, How They Taste & How to Cook Them
You bought one. You cut it open. It’s white. Did you accidentally buy a potato?
What Is a White Sweet Potato and What Do They Taste Like?
Ok, don’t stress. A white sweet potato is a root vegetable with light tan skin and a pale white interior. They have a milder sweetness than the familiar orange sweet potato, but they’re just as creamy when Baked. Their subtle flavor makes them delicious with both sweet toppings like cinnamon butter and savory toppings like sour cream, cheese, or herbs. It’s almost like a cross between a yukon gold and orange sweet potato. And it is delicious!
White Sweet Potatoes vs. Orange Sweet Potatoes
A white sweet potato is more mild and less sugary than its orange neighbor with a slightly drier texture. I personally love that it has a little nuttiness to it.
| White | Orange |
|---|---|
| Cream-colored flesh | Bright orange flesh |
| Mild sweetness | Sweeter |
| Dense, creamy texture | Softer texture |
| Great with savory toppings | Great with sweet or savory toppings |
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need three simple ingredients to make perfectly Baked white sweet potatoes. A little olive oil helps the skins crisp beautifully in the oven, while flaky sea salt enhances their naturally mild sweetness.
- White Sweet Potatoes: Choose potatoes that are firm with smooth, unblemished skin. Try to select potatoes that are similar in size so they bake evenly.
- Olive Oil: Lightly coats the skin to help it crisp while roasting.
- Flaky Sea Salt: Adds texture and enhances the natural flavor of the sweet potatoes.
How to Make Baked White Sweet Potatoes
This couldn’t be easier. Just season, bake, and enjoy!
Prep: Preheat the oven to.