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Hi Friends,

I often hear from readers searching for quick and easy recipes. My best advice? Use your microwave to prep ingredients within the recipe whenever possible.

I rarely cook an entire recipe in the microwave. However, I often use it to prepare vegetables, mix sauces, make a roux, brown butter, or defrost small amounts of frozen food, etc.

Today, I'm cooking sweet potatoes in a microwave because it's one of the easiest ways to prepare them.

Keep reading for some great tips and recipes to try!

Why microwave sweet potatoes?

• Faster—Good for busy days.
• Healthier—Nutrients stay locked in, unlike boiling.
• More convenient—You won't need to heat up your big oven (especially if you need only one or two).

How to microwave sweet potatoes:

1. Scrub them under running water and pierce them with a fork (so they don’t explode!).
2. Wrap them in a damp paper towel for even cooking and to keep them moist.
3. Microwave on HIGH for 5-8 minutes, flipping halfway. Check with a fork for tenderness, adding time as needed.
4. Let them rest to allow heat to distribute.

Cooking tips for sweet potatoes in a microwave:

1. Cooking more than one? Use similar-sized sweet potatoes for even results.
2. Want to peel them? It’s easier after cooking.
3. Love crispy skin? Bake them in the oven instead!

Recipes with Sweet Potatoes

Even if you don't have or like to use a microwave, it doesn't matter. You can always bake them in the oven or an air fryer.

Glazed Sweet Potato Rolls (Made with a Bread Machine) These soft, glazed, sweet potato rolls are effortless with a bread machine—use the DOUGH cycle, shape, proof, and bake. Click here to see the recipe.

Potato and Sweet Potato Mash--No Sugar Cook white and sweet potatoes together, then mash separately. Combine the potatoes for a colorful, flavorful, perfectly balanced side—not too sweet or heavy. ​ Click here to see the recipe

Sweet Potato Balls This Potato and Sweet Potato Mash recipe blends white and sweet potatoes for a colorful, flavorful, perfectly balanced side—not too sweet or heavy. Click here to see the recipe

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Here's to cooking a delicious dinner in a hurry,

Paula

p.s. If you are a foodie and like an easy read, check out Ina Garten's new autobiography, "Be Ready When the Luck Happens: A Memoir." I really enjoyed it and think you might, too.

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