15 Sweet Potato Recipes That Go Way Beyond the Marshmallow Casserole

Sweet potatoes are cheap, filling, full of vitamins and naturally sweet, so why do most of us only cook them once a year? These sweet potato recipes take them from breakfast to dessert, with a few holiday classics and plenty of easy weeknight ideas. If regular spuds are more your thing, check out our potato side dishes that always steal the spotlight. Ready to see what one humble orange root can do..

Sweet Potato Recipes Start With the Classic Marshmallow Casserole

We had to start with the legend. Creamy, buttery mashed sweet potatoes under a golden blanket of toasted marshmallows and crunchy pecans. Some people call it dessert pretending to be a side dish, and honestly, they are not wrong. Quick poll: A) Marshmallows only B) Pecans only C) Both, always D) Neither, keep it plain. Of all the sweet potato recipes here, this is the one that starts the most friendly family fights.

You will need: 4 pounds sweet potatoes, 1/2 cup butter, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/2 cup milk, 2 eggs, 1 teaspoon vanilla, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 cup chopped pecans, 3 cups mini marshmallows.

How to make it: 1. Bake or boil the sweet potatoes until very soft, then peel. 2. Mash with butter, brown sugar, milk, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon and salt. 3. Spread in a buttered baking dish. 4. Bake at 350 F for 25 minutes. 5. Top with pecans and marshmallows and bake 10 minutes more until golden.

Sweet Potato Recipes Everyone Craves: Crispy Baked Fries

Getting sweet potato fries crispy at home is tricky, but there is a secret: cornstarch. A light dusting pulls out moisture so the outside crisps up while the inside stays soft. Bake them in a single layer with plenty of space and do not flip too early. Serve with a quick chipotle mayo dip. Do you like yours salty, spicy or sweet with cinnamon?

You will need: 2 large sweet potatoes cut into thin sticks, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon salt. Dip: 1/2 cup mayo, 1 teaspoon chipotle in adobo, squeeze of lime.

How to make it: 1. Soak the sticks in cold water for 30 minutes, then dry them very well. 2. Toss with cornstarch, then oil and spices. 3. Spread on two lined sheet pans without touching. 4. Bake at 425 F for 15 minutes, flip and bake 10 to 12 minutes more. 5. Salt right away and stir together the dip.

Sweet Potato Recipes for Dessert: Old Fashioned Pie

In many Southern homes, sweet potato pie is the real Thanksgiving pie, not pumpkin. It is smoother, a little lighter and full of warm spice. This recipe tastes like the one Grandma baked from memory, no measuring needed. Let it cool fully so it slices clean. Team sweet potato pie or team pumpkin pie? You have to pick one!

You will need: 1 unbaked 9 inch pie crust, 2 cups mashed cooked sweet potatoes, 1/2 cup butter melted, 1 cup sugar, 1/2 cup evaporated milk, 2 eggs, 1 teaspoon vanilla, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, pinch of salt.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 350 F. 2. Beat the sweet potatoes with butter until smooth. 3. Mix in sugar, milk, eggs, vanilla, spices and salt. 4. Pour into the crust. 5. Bake 55 to 60 minutes until the center barely jiggles, then cool at least 2 hours.

Sweet Potato Recipes for Busy Nights: Spice Roasted Cubes

This is the easiest of all sweet potato recipes and maybe the most useful. Cube, toss with spices, roast, done. Eat them as a side, throw them on salads, pile them in tacos or snack on them straight from the pan. A handful of sesame seeds adds crunch. Make a big tray on Sunday and use them all week. What spice would you add first?

You will need: 2 pounds sweet potatoes cubed, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 tablespoon sesame seeds.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 425 F. 2. Toss the cubes with oil, spices and salt. 3. Spread on a sheet pan in one layer. 4. Roast 25 to 30 minutes, stirring once. 5. Drizzle with honey, sprinkle sesame seeds and roast 3 minutes more.

Creamy Ginger Soup for Cold Nights

On a cold night, this soup feels like a hug. It is silky and creamy without much cream, thanks to the sweet potatoes. Fresh ginger and a little curry powder give it gentle warmth. It freezes perfectly, so make a double batch. Serve with crusty bread or grilled cheese. Who in your house would love a bowl of this tonight?

You will need: 3 large sweet potatoes peeled and cubed, 1 onion, 2 cloves garlic, 1 tablespoon fresh ginger grated, 1 teaspoon curry powder, 4 cups vegetable broth, 1 can coconut milk, 2 tablespoons olive oil, salt, pepper.

How to make it: 1. Cook onion, garlic and ginger in oil for 5 minutes. 2. Add curry powder and stir 1 minute. 3. Add sweet potatoes and broth and simmer 20 minutes until soft. 4. Blend until smooth and stir in most of the coconut milk. 5. Season and swirl the rest of the coconut milk on top.

Whipped Feta Toast for a Cozy Breakfast

Toast does not have to mean bread. Try topping crusty toast with mashed roasted sweet potato, whipped feta and seeds for a breakfast that keeps you full until lunch. Or slice the sweet potato itself into planks and toast them in the toaster as a gluten free base. Sweet, salty, creamy and crunchy all in one bite. Would you try it for breakfast?

You will need: 2 slices sourdough bread toasted, 1 cup mashed roasted sweet potato, 1/2 cup feta, 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon pumpkin seeds, chili flakes, fresh herbs, drizzle of honey.

How to make it: 1. Roast or microwave a sweet potato until soft and mash it with a pinch of salt. 2. Blend feta and yogurt until fluffy. 3. Spread the feta on the toast. 4. Top with the mashed sweet potato. 5. Finish with seeds, chili flakes, herbs and honey.

Warm Sweet Potato Salad With Greens

A salad that actually fills you up. Roasted sweet potato cubes go on top of greens with wild rice, toasted pecans, dried cranberries and a maple mustard dressing. It is great for lunch, a holiday side or a light dinner. It also tastes good at room temperature, so it is perfect for potlucks. What would you add, goat cheese or feta?

You will need: 4 cups mixed greens, 2 cups roasted sweet potato cubes, 1 cup cooked wild rice, 1/3 cup pecans, 1/3 cup dried cranberries. Dressing: 3 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon maple syrup, 1 tablespoon cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, salt.

How to make it: 1. Roast the sweet potato cubes at 425 F for 25 minutes. 2. Toast the pecans in a dry pan. 3. Whisk all the dressing ingredients. 4. Toss greens and rice with half the dressing. 5. Top with sweet potatoes, pecans and cranberries and drizzle the rest.

Homemade Gnocchi in Brown Sage Butter

Making gnocchi sounds fancy, but it is basically mashed potato and flour. These soft little pillows are tender and just a bit sweet, perfect with brown butter and crispy sage. It is a fun weekend project with kids, because rolling the dough is like playing with clay. Have you ever made pasta from scratch?

You will need: 1 1/2 cups mashed baked sweet potato, 1 egg yolk, 1/2 cup ricotta, 1/2 cup Parmesan, 1 1/2 to 2 cups flour, 1/2 teaspoon salt. Sauce: 4 tablespoons butter, 10 sage leaves.

How to make it: 1. Mix sweet potato, yolk, ricotta, Parmesan and salt. 2. Add flour slowly until a soft dough forms. 3. Roll into ropes and cut into 1 inch pieces. 4. Boil in salted water until they float, about 2 to 3 minutes. 5. Brown butter with sage and toss the gnocchi in it.

Sweet Potato Recipes for Lunch: The Power Bowl

A good bowl is the easiest healthy lunch you can make. Rice, crispy sweet potato, creamy avocado, black beans and a squeeze of lime. Pack it in jars for the whole work week. Among sweet potato recipes, this one gets the most love from people trying to eat better without feeling hungry. Rate your lunch this week from 1 to 10. Be honest!

You will need: 1 cup cooked rice, 1 cup roasted sweet potato cubes, 1/2 avocado sliced, 1/2 cup black beans, 1/4 cup corn, lime, cilantro, 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt mixed with hot sauce, salt.

How to make it: 1. Roast the sweet potato cubes with oil and cumin until crisp. 2. Warm the beans and corn with a pinch of salt. 3. Add rice to a bowl. 4. Top with sweet potato, beans, corn and avocado. 5. Finish with lime juice, cilantro and the spicy yogurt.

Cheesy Twice Baked Spuds With Bacon

Everyone loves twice baked potatoes, so why not try the sweet version? Bake the sweet potatoes, scoop out the soft middle, mix it with cheese and bacon, and stuff it back in. Then bake again until bubbly and golden. They make a great side or a full meal with a salad. Sweet and salty together is a winning combo. Agree?

You will need: 4 medium sweet potatoes, 2 tablespoons butter, 1/4 cup sour cream, 1 cup shredded cheddar, 4 slices cooked bacon crumbled, 2 green onions sliced, salt, pepper.

How to make it: 1. Bake the sweet potatoes at 400 F for 45 to 50 minutes. 2. Cut in half and scoop the insides into a bowl, leaving a thin shell. 3. Mash with butter, sour cream, half the cheese, salt and pepper. 4. Fill the skins, top with the rest of the cheese and bacon. 5. Bake 15 minutes more and sprinkle with green onions.

Coconut Chickpea Curry in 30 Minutes

This one pot curry is cozy, creamy and ready in half an hour. Sweet potatoes soak up the coconut milk and spices, and chickpeas make it filling enough for a hungry family. It is naturally vegetarian, but you can add chicken if you like. The leftovers are even better the next day. How spicy do you like your curry, mild or hot?

You will need: 2 sweet potatoes cubed, 1 can chickpeas drained, 1 can coconut milk, 1 can diced tomatoes, 1 onion, 3 cloves garlic, 1 tablespoon ginger, 2 tablespoons curry paste, 2 cups spinach, lime, rice to serve.

How to make it: 1. Cook onion, garlic and ginger in a little oil for 5 minutes. 2. Stir in the curry paste for 1 minute. 3. Add sweet potatoes, tomatoes and coconut milk and simmer 15 minutes. 4. Add chickpeas and spinach and cook 5 minutes more. 5. Finish with lime and serve over rice.

Sweet Potato Hash With Eggs and Avocado

Breakfast for dinner, anyone? This hash is crispy, colorful and made in one pan. Sweet potatoes, onions, peppers and a bit of sausage cook until golden, then eggs cook right on top. Add avocado and hot sauce and you have a meal that makes weekend mornings feel special. Quick poll: A) Runny yolk B) Firm yolk C) Scrambled D) No eggs, just hash.

You will need: 2 sweet potatoes diced small, 1 onion, 1 bell pepper, 1/2 pound breakfast sausage (optional), 4 eggs, 1 avocado, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon paprika, salt, pepper, hot sauce.

How to make it: 1. Cook the sausage in a large skillet and remove it. 2. Add oil and sweet potatoes and cook 10 minutes, stirring now and then. 3. Add onion, pepper and paprika and cook 5 minutes more. 4. Stir the sausage back in, make 4 wells and crack in the eggs. 5. Cover and cook until the eggs are set, then top with avocado.

Fluffy Fall Pancakes With Cinnamon

These pancakes taste like fall on a plate. Mashed sweet potato makes them tender and moist, and cinnamon and nutmeg make the whole kitchen smell amazing. They are a great way to use up leftover sweet potatoes after the holiday. Serve with maple syrup, honey or a little whipped butter. How many pancakes can you eat in one sitting?

You will need: 1 cup mashed cooked sweet potato, 1 1/2 cups flour, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 1/4 cups milk, 2 eggs, 2 tablespoons melted butter.

How to make it: 1. Whisk the dry ingredients in a bowl. 2. In another bowl, mix sweet potato, milk, eggs and butter. 3. Stir both together until just combined. 4. Cook 1/4 cup scoops on a buttered griddle over medium heat. 5. Flip when bubbles form and cook 1 to 2 minutes more.

Sweet Potato Recipes With a Twist: Fudgy Brownies

Yes, you can hide sweet potato in brownies, and nobody will know. It makes them extra fudgy and lets you use less butter and sugar. The flavor is all chocolate. This is a fun trick for picky eaters or anyone who wants a slightly lighter treat. Would you tell your family what is inside, or keep it a secret?

You will need: 1 cup mashed cooked sweet potato, 1/2 cup peanut butter or almond butter, 1/3 cup maple syrup, 2 eggs, 1/2 cup cocoa powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, pinch of salt, 1/2 cup chocolate chips.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 350 F and line an 8 inch pan. 2. Mix sweet potato, nut butter, maple syrup and eggs until smooth. 3. Stir in cocoa, baking soda and salt. 4. Fold in the chocolate chips and spread in the pan. 5. Bake 22 to 25 minutes and cool completely before cutting.

Black Bean Tacos for Meatless Taco Night

Taco night does not always need meat. Crispy spiced sweet potatoes with black beans, crunchy cabbage and a creamy lime sauce make tacos that even meat lovers enjoy. They are cheap, quick and full of color. Kids love building their own. This might be the most fun of all the sweet potato recipes on the list. What topping is a must for you?

You will need: 2 sweet potatoes diced, 1 can black beans, 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, 8 small tortillas, 1 cup shredded cabbage, 1 avocado, cilantro, lime. Sauce: 1/2 cup sour cream, juice of 1 lime, pinch of salt.

How to make it: 1. Toss sweet potatoes with oil, chili powder and cumin and roast at 425 F for 25 minutes. 2. Warm the black beans with a pinch of salt. 3. Stir together the lime sauce. 4. Warm the tortillas. 5. Fill with sweet potatoes, beans, cabbage and avocado and drizzle with sauce.