With temperatures cooling down, I find myself wanting to jump into fall full-force. All I want to do is wear sweaters, lace up my best boots, go apple picking, and, of course, eat warm and comforting food. I love the abundance of healthy root vegetables available this time of year. Although I’ve never really met a root vegetable I haven’t liked, sweet potato definitely has to be my favorite. 

When I first got to college, the thought of being separated from one of my favorite foods for so long was pretty depressing. Instead of accepting this as my new reality, I decided to find a solution. College kids can cook anything in a microwave, right? Although this might not be 100% true, the number of foods you can prepare in a microwave is pleasantly surprising, and, to my glee, sweet potato just happens to be one of those foods. 

Table of Contents

“Baked” Sweet Potatoes

What You’ll Need:

• Small sweet potato 
• Microwave

Topping Ideas:

• Black beans, avocado, salsa, and Greek yogurt
• Almond butter (or any nut butter you like) and cinnamon

How to Make It:

First, pierce your sweet potato all around with a fork so that there are tiny holes around the whole thing. Next, place your potato on a microwave-safe plate and put it into the microwave for 10 minutes. Note: If your sweet potato is on the bigger side, you may have to keep it in a bit longer. After 10 minutes, you’ll have yourself a sweet potato so good, it’ll be as if it came right out of the oven. 

Sweet potato is a great option because it is quick to prepare, cheap, healthy, and totally customizable. If you’re more of a savory person, try cutting your sweet potato in half and topping it with black beans, avocado, salsa, and a dollop of Greek yogurt, for a healthier version of sour cream. You’ll get your Mexican food fix in no time! Do you have more of a sweet tooth? Top your sweet potato with your favorite nut butter and some cinnamon!