Creating perfectly baked sweet potatoes is incredibly simple. Follow these step-by-step instructions for success:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Wash the Sweet Potatoes: Thoroughly wash each sweet potato under running water. Dry them with a clean kitchen towel.

3. Poke Holes: Using a fork, poke several holes into each potato. This allows steam to escape during cooking.

4. Oil and Season (Optional): If desired, rub a tiny bit of olive oil over the skins and sprinkle with sea salt for extra flavor.

5. Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the sweet potatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or directly on the oven rack.

6. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 45-60 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. To check for doneness, stick a fork into the thickest part; it should slide in effortlessly.

7. Cool: Once cooked, carefully remove the sweet potatoes from the oven and allow them to cool slightly.

8. Serve: Cut a slit in the top of the potato and fluff with a fork to enhance the texture. Serve hot.

These straightforward steps will guide you toward sweet potato perfection!