Baked Sweet Potato

A healthier take on a classic comfort dish, these dairy- and gluten-free Baked Sweet Potatoes are both satisfying and nutritious.

Baked potatoes have long been a comfort food for many. The flavors of the dish are so popular that it has evolved into soups, appetizers, and more. Though regular potatoes aren’t part of a Paleo diet, you can still enjoy Baked Sweet Potatoes as a side or a whole meal.

Sweet potatoes are packed with health benefits and are often considered a “superfood.” They can improve vision, promote gut health, and even support brain health and cognition. [1-3] Not only are they delicious, but they also add a natural sweetness to recipes.

What baked potato would be complete without sour cream? Though you can source dairy-free sour cream at your grocery store, we recommend making it at home to ensure this dish stays TRUEPALEO™.

For a fun addition to your next dinner party, consider setting up a baked sweet potato bar! Arrange your favorite Paleo toppings in bowls and let guests mix and match to their liking. You can provide savory ingredients as shown in this recipe or include sweeter options such as pecans, coconut flakes, blackberries, orange zest, cinnamon, or dairy-free yogurt.

TIPS:

To make your Baked Sweet Potatoes a heartier dish or meal, consider adding protein. Ground turkey, ground beef, or pork belly pair especially well with sweet potato’s flavor.
Autoimmune Protocol (AIP) omissions and substitutions are listed in the recipe ingredients.

Baked sweet potatoes taken out of the oven with slits.

Baked sweet potatoes plated with pumpkins.

References

Sun, M., Lu, X., Hao, L., Wu, T., Zhao, H., & Wang, C. (2015). The influences of purple sweet potato anthocyanin on the growth characteristics of human retinal pigment epithelial cells. Food & Nutrition Research, 59(1), 27830. https://doi.org/10.3402/fnr.v59.27830
Topping, D. L., & Clifton, P. M. (2001). Short-Chain Fatty Acids and Human Colonic Function: Roles of Resistant Starch and Nonstarch Polysaccharides. Physiological Reviews, 81(3), 1031–1064. https://doi.org/10.1152/physrev.2001.81.3.1031
Cho, J., Kang, J. S., Long, P. H., Jing, J., Back, Y., & Chung, K.-S. (2003). Antioxidant and memory enhancing effects of purple sweet potato anthocyanin and cordyceps mushroom extract. Archives of Pharmacal Research, 26(10), 821–825. https://doi.org/10.1007/bf02980027

The Paleo Diet Newsletter

Baked Sweet Potato

Recipe by:
Serves: 2
Meal: Dinner

Serves: 2
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 43 minutes

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Ingredients

2 large sweet potatoes
4 tbsp olive oil
4 tsp black pepper (AIP – omit or sub with ground ginger)
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 yellow onion, diced and caramelized
1/4 cups thyme, finely chopped
1/3 cups green onions, thinly sliced
Paleo sour cream, for topping

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Directions

Preheat oven to 400°F.
Place each sweet potato on a 12-inch square of tinfoil. Prick potatoes several times with a fork. Brush all over with olive oil and wrap with tinfoil.
Place sweet potatoes on a baking sheet and bake for 30 minutes.
After 30 minutes, cut an opening down the middle of each sweet potato. Put pepper, garlic, and diced onion into the slits, then place back in oven for another 10 minutes.
Remove sweet potatoes from oven and let cool for about 10 minutes.
Top with thyme, green onion, and a dollop of Paleo sour cream to serve.