Recipe

Healthy Baked Sweet Potato Recipe

Fluffy baked sweet potatoes topped with a zippy citrus yogurt sauce, crunchy pepitas, and fresh herbs. Cozy, bright, and weeknight easy.

By Matt Campbell

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4.8

A real photo of baked sweet potatoes split open on a sheet pan, topped with citrus yogurt sauce, toasted pepitas, and chopped cilantro with lime wedges nearby

Jump to Recipe

Sweet potatoes already know how to be comforting. They bake up soft and caramely with basically zero effort, then they sit there thinking, please put something fun on me. That is where this bright citrus moment comes in.

Instead of going the usual butter-and-brown-sugar route, we are leaning into fresh lime and orange, a quick yogurt sauce, and a shower of crunchy pepitas. It is the kind of healthy dinner that still feels like a treat, and it is flexible enough to work as a side, a lunch bowl base, or an easy meal prep move.

A real photo of a hand squeezing a lime over an open baked sweet potato on a plate with a spoonful of citrus yogurt sauce

Why It Works

Big flavor, minimal ingredients: citrus zest and juice do the heavy lifting, so you get brightness without a complicated sauce.
Great texture: fluffy sweet potato, creamy topping, crisp pepitas, and fresh herbs in every bite.
Truly weeknight-friendly: hands-on time is tiny, and the sauce comes together while the potatoes bake.
Easy to customize: keep it vegetarian, or add protein like black beans, shredded chicken, or salmon.

Pairs Well With

Storage Tips

How to Store Leftovers

Sweet potatoes: Cool completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Citrus yogurt sauce: Store separately in a sealed container for up to 4 days. For the freshest flavor, it is best within 2 to 3 days. Stir before using. If it thickens, loosen with a teaspoon of water or more citrus juice.
Reheating: Warm potatoes in the microwave (1 to 2 minutes) or in a 375 F oven until hot. Add the sauce and toppings after reheating so they stay fresh.
Freezing: The baked sweet potatoes freeze well for up to 3 months. Freeze without sauce or herbs. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat.

Common Questions

Do I need to wrap sweet potatoes in foil?

You do not have to. Foil steams the skin, so it turns out softer. Baking uncovered gives you a drier skin with more caramelization. Choose your vibe. If you want extra crisp edges, bake directly on the oven rack with a sheet pan underneath to catch drips.

How do I know when a sweet potato is done?

A knife should slide in with almost no resistance, and the potato will feel soft when you squeeze it (use a towel, it is hot). Most medium sweet potatoes take 45 to 60 minutes at 425 F.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes. Swap the Greek yogurt for a thick plant-based yogurt, or use tahini thinned with orange juice and a little warm water. Keep the salt and zest in there so it still pops.

What if I only have lemons, not limes?

Use lemon. You will still get brightness. If you have orange, keep that in the mix for a rounder, less sharp citrus flavor.

How can I add more protein?

Top with black beans, chickpeas, shredded rotisserie chicken, or a fried egg. This recipe is basically a cozy base that loves a protein add-on.

Matt Campbell

I have always had a huge passion for the culinary arts, people, working as a team, and so on. I wanted to pursue my love for cooking initially at Virginia Commonwealth University with a culinary arts degree; however, I instead decided to apply myself and acquire more practical skills. My end goal is to eventually open my own restaurant or similar establishment.

Kitchen Essentials

Sheet pan
Parchment paper (optional, for easier cleanup)
Fork (for poking sweet potatoes)
Small bowl and whisk (for the sauce)
Microplane or fine grater (for zest)
Chef knife and cutting board

I started making versions of this when I wanted dinner that felt like comfort food, but my fridge was mostly produce and good intentions. Sweet potatoes were always there, like the reliable friend who shows up on time. The citrus yogurt sauce happened after one of those “I wonder if…” moments with a leftover orange and a lonely lime. One bite in and I was sold. It is cozy, sure, but the citrus keeps it lively. That is my favorite kind of weeknight food.