Craving a warm, fluffy, and naturally sweet side dish in minutes? This Microwave Sweet Potato recipe is the ultimate time-saving hack! No need to turn on the oven—just a few minutes in the microwave, and you’ll have a perfectly tender sweet potato, ready to enjoy. Whether you love it plain, topped with butter and cinnamon, or transformed into a creamy mash, this method is fast, foolproof, and full of flavor!
Ingredients and Preparation Steps
Making a Microwave Sweet Potato is as simple as it gets! Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients
- 1 medium sweet potato (about 7 oz)
- Optional: 1 tbsp butter, ¼ tsp salt, cinnamon, honey, or olive oil
Step 1: Prep the Sweet Potato
Start by washing the sweet potato thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt. Pat it dry with a paper towel. Do not peel it—the skin helps retain moisture and flavor. Using a fork, pierce the skin several times to allow steam to escape while cooking.
Step 2: Microwave Until Tender
Place the sweet potato on a microwave-safe plate or directly on a paper towel. Microwave on high for 3 minutes. Then, carefully flip it and cook for another 2 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a fork—it should slide in easily. If needed, microwave in 30-second increments until fully tender.
Step 3: Let It Rest & Serve
Once done, let the sweet potato rest for 2 minutes to finish cooking internally. Carefully cut it in half and fluff the flesh with a fork. Enjoy as is, or add your favorite toppings like butter, salt, cinnamon, or a drizzle of honey!
The Best Time to Savor Your Microwave Sweet Potato
There’s never a wrong time to enjoy a warm and fluffy Microwave Sweet Potato! It’s a fantastic side dish for weeknight dinners, a healthy meal prep option, or even a quick and nutritious snack. Pair it with grilled chicken or salmon for a balanced meal, or add a sprinkle of cinnamon and honey for a naturally sweet treat.
Looking for more easy and delicious meals? Try our Simple Salmon Bowls or Herb-Crusted Chicken!
Frequently Asked Questions About Microwave Sweet Potato
Can I microwave more than one sweet potato at a time?
Yes! If cooking multiple sweet potatoes, make sure they are similar in size. You may need to add an extra 1-2 minutes per potato, checking for doneness along the way.
Do I need to wrap the sweet potato in plastic wrap?
No, wrapping isn’t necessary. Simply piercing the skin with a fork allows steam to escape, preventing it from bursting.
How do I make a mashed sweet potato in the microwave?
Once cooked, scoop out the flesh and mash it with a fork. For extra creaminess, mix in a little butter or olive oil, and season to taste!
What’s the best way to reheat a microwave sweet potato?
Reheat in the microwave for about 1 minute, or until warmed through. If it seems dry, add a small pat of butter or a splash of water before reheating.
Can I eat the skin of a microwave sweet potato?
Absolutely! The skin is rich in fiber and nutrients. Just make sure to wash it thoroughly before cooking.
For more microwave cooking tips, check out this guide!
Pro Tips for Perfect Microwave Sweet Potato
Want to make sure your Microwave Sweet Potato turns out perfectly every time? Follow these expert tips!
- Choose the right potato: Opt for a medium-sized sweet potato (about 7 oz). Larger potatoes take longer to cook, while smaller ones may dry out.
- Don’t skip the fork pricks: Piercing the skin prevents steam buildup, which can cause the potato to burst.
- Adjust cooking time: Microwave power varies. If your potato isn’t tender after 5 minutes, continue microwaving in 30-second increments.
- Let it rest: Allowing the potato to sit for 2 minutes after microwaving helps distribute heat evenly for a softer texture.
- Enhance the flavor: For a sweet touch, drizzle with honey and cinnamon. For a savory twist, try olive oil, smoked paprika, or a sprinkle of garlic powder.
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you have leftover Microwave Sweet Potato, here’s how to store and reheat it properly.
- Refrigeration: Store cooked sweet potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Scoop out the flesh, mash it, and store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Microwave for about 1 minute, checking to ensure it’s warmed through. Add a bit of butter or water to keep it moist.
- Avoid drying out: When reheating, cover the sweet potato with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
Perfect Pairings for Microwave Sweet Potato
Looking for the best dishes to serve alongside your fluffy and delicious Microwave Sweet Potato? Here are some perfect pairings:
- For a healthy meal: Pair with Simple Salmon Bowls for a nutritious and balanced plate.
- For a protein-packed dinner: Serve with Herb-Crusted Chicken for a delicious and satisfying meal.
- For a comforting combo: Enjoy with roasted vegetables or a side of steamed greens.
- For a sweet treat: Top with Greek yogurt, honey, and a sprinkle of granola for a healthy dessert.
There you have it—the easiest, fluffiest Microwave Sweet Potato you’ll ever make! Whether you enjoy it as a quick snack, a nutritious side, or a sweet treat, this method saves time while delivering amazing flavor.
Have you tried this recipe? Let us know in the comments below! What’s your favorite way to top a sweet potato—classic butter and cinnamon, or something creative? We’d love to hear your ideas!
For more easy and delicious recipes, check out our Simple Salmon Bowls and Herb-Crusted Chicken. Looking for more microwave-friendly recipes? Visit this guide for additional inspiration!
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Happy cooking!
Print
Microwave Sweet Potato
- Total Time: 13 minutes
- Yield: 1
Description
Need a quick, easy, and delicious side dish? This Microwave Sweet Potato is soft, fluffy, and naturally sweet in just minutes! Whether you enjoy it plain or with a drizzle of butter and cinnamon, this simple method will save you time without sacrificing flavor. Perfect for a quick snack, meal prep, or an effortless side!
Ingredients
– 1 medium sweet potato (about 7 oz)
– Optional: 1 tbsp butter, ¼ tsp salt, cinnamon, honey, or olive oil
Instructions
1. First, wash and dry the sweet potato. Do not peel. Pierce the skin a few times with a fork.
2. Next, place it on a paper towel and microwave on high for 3 minutes. Flip and cook for another 2 minutes, or until fork-tender.
3. After cooking, let it rest for 2 minutes. Carefully cut in half.
4. Finally, enjoy as is or top with butter, salt, cinnamon, or a drizzle of honey for extra flavor!
Notes
For a savory twist, sprinkle with smoked paprika, cumin, or a little garlic powder! Want a creamy mash? Scoop out the flesh and mash with a touch of butter or olive oil.
- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 8 mins
Nutrition
- Calories: 178kcal
- Sodium: 71 mg
- Carbohydrates: 41 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 4 g