Pumpkin treats get all the praise come fall, but sweet potato recipes are definitely worth your time this season, too—and the spuds are more versatile than you may think. With the right prep, you can toss them in everything from breakfast to dinner to dessert.
Sweet potatoes add warm flavors, tender textures, and lively colors to all kinds of dishes. The root vegetable is also loaded with nutrients, For example, they’re packed with fiber, which helps regulate your poop and stabilize your blood sugar, she explains. They’re also rich sources of beta-carotene, a pigment that gives them their orange hue and is responsible for making vitamin A in your body, That’s important, since the nutrient helps support your eye, hair, and skin health, Rizzo says. Eat just one cup of sweet potatoes, and you’ll more than meet your daily recommended dietary allowance for vitamin A, according to the US Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Sure, you can go the classic sweet potato casserole or pie route to bring the root vegetable to your table, but there are a whole bunch of other ways to use it, too. We’ve rounded up 15 tasty and creative sweet potato recipes that are perfect for meal prep, holiday side dishes, weeknight slow cooker dinners, or anything in between. So pull out your spuds or canned puree and get ready to test out some fun new ideas this season.
Sweet Potato and Sausage Frittata
Double this recipe, and then store your sweet potato frittata in the fridge for an easy morning meal. If eating the same flavors for breakfast every day bores you, switch up the extras that you’re tossing into your egg batter. Try adding in some roasted vegetables or crumbling in some sausage.
Vegan Sweet Potato Mac and Cheese
For a creamy vegan mac and cheese, try making a sauce out of blended cashews, nutritional yeast, seasonings like pepper and paprika, and vegan butter. Need to eat gluten-free? No worries: Just swap traditional pasta for one made out of brown rice.
Roasted Sweet Potato Kale Salad
Just because sweet potato is a winter squash, it doesn’t mean you can’t toss it into a summery salad. This is a great appetizer to serve if you are planning a dinner party—it’s hearty yet refreshing. It’s customizable too, so you can top it with your favorite dressing, like a light vinaigrette or creamy Caesar.
Vegan Mega Burritos
For the ultimate comfort food, add sweet potatoes to your burritos. The starch pairs well with most common fixings, like creamy queso, crisp lettuce, spicy salsa, and savory beans.
Lemony Feta and Sweet Potato Mash
Headed to a Friendsgiving and looking for a low-lift recipe that still packs some unique flavors? Try this mash—just spritz fresh lemon juice and tangy feta crumbles on tender sweet potatoes.
Sweet Potato Breakfast Bowl
For breakfast, try swapping your oatmeal for a bed of warm mashed sweet potatoes. Then, top it off with granola, berries, and a dollop of Greek yogurt for extra flavor and protein.
Roasted Sweet Potato Black Bean Tacos
The best part about making tacos is getting creative with the filling. This stuffing mixes tender sweet potatoes, hearty black beans, and fresh herbs like parsley and oregano. To add some extra flavor, top it off with a cilantro crema.
Air Fryer Bako Sweet Potato Wedges
Everyone needs a good sweet potato fry recipe on hand. It’s a hearty and tasty side dish that complements all kinds of meals, like grilled cheeses or veggie burgers.
Sweet Potato Curry
Sweet potatoes add flavor and vibrant colors to stews. Grab your slow cooker and try this recipe that combines the spuds with coconut milk, chickpeas, red curry paste, peanut butter, and lime juice for a zesty finish.
Sweet Potato Quinoa Nachos
Nachos are great for movie nights, parties, or weeknight meals. Try swapping the tortilla chips for crispy sweet potato slices to make them a bit heartier. Then add your favorite toppings like queso, beans, guacamole, corn, sour cream, and salsa.
Vegan Sweet Potato Quesadillas
If you need a quick lunch idea, try out this quesadilla recipe. Stuff tender sweet potatoes, cashew cheese, and corn into soft flour tortillas. Then grill until the filling is gooey and melted, and the outside is golden and crispy. Serve it with spicy salsa or creamy avocado.
Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
Did you know you can microwave sweet potatoes? Heat them up for a few minutes, and then once they’re tender, toss on delicious toppings like beans, avocado, and feta cheese.
Sweet Potato Lasagna
Swap the noodles for sliced sweet potatoes if you’re looking for a new way to add flavor to your classic lasagna recipe. For some richness, layer on creamy ricotta, melty mozzarella, or tangy tomato sauce.
Roasted Sweet Potato and Chickpea Kale Apple Salad With Bacon
This fall-inspired sweet potato salad combines the best of the season’s bounty, like juicy apples and hearty kale. Top it off with a zesty vinaigrette made with maple syrup and apple cider vinegar.
Sweet Potato Pancakes
The next time you make pancakes, do yourself a favor and mix in a scoop of canned sweet potato puree to give your flapjacks some color and moist texture. Then get extra creative with the toppings: Add a dollop of Greek yogurt for creaminess, sprinkle on some granola for crunchiness, or slice on bananas for sweetness.