40 Easy and Delicious Sweet Potato Recipes

Want a delicious way to get your beta-carotene today? Try these recipes with sweet potato in them.

Stack of Three Sweet Potato Buttermilk Pancakes Topped With Syrup and Nuts
Photo: HEAMI LEE

If you're looking for sweet potato recipes that are easy to cook and also tasty, look no further. Sweet potatoes aren't just an orange alternative to standard white-fleshed spuds. These root vegetables are versatile and unique enough that they have their own genre of recipes you'd never dream of making with white potatoes—like pie and bread.

Perfect for chilly nights when craving something comforting and warm, sweet potatoes may be known as delicious Thanksgiving side dishes, but they can also be cooked quickly enough to serve on a weeknight dinner plate.

Including entrees, side dishes, snacks, and desserts, each recipe was crafted to highlight what's so special about the sweet potato—its natural sweetness, creamy flesh, and versatility. Whatever your reason for looking for recipes with sweet potatoes, these options are sure to offer something you'll enjoy making and eating.

01 of 40

Black Bean Tostadas With Sweet Potato and Poblanos

Black Bean Tostadas With Sweet Potato and Poblanos Served With Lime Wedges on a White Plate on a White Wooden Table, Surrounded by Beer Glasses
Victor Protasio

This recipe for black bean tostadas is about to be your go-to easy vegetarian dish. It comes together in just 35 minutes and is packed with heart-healthy ingredients, like cabbage, black beans, sweet potatoes, peppers, and fresh herbs. Crema ties it all together, and if you want to add even more richness, top it off with a crumble of cotija cheese.

02 of 40

Slow Cooker Vegetarian Chili With Sweet Potatoes

Slow Cooker Vegetarian Chili With Sweet Potatoes, Beans, and Tomatoes Topped With Corn Chips in a Bowl
Con Poulos

When you can't add meat to your vegetarian chili, bulk it up with lots of veggies, like red onions, bell peppers, sweet potatoes, and tomatoes. To round it out, two different kinds of beans add interest and bulk, so this sweet potato chili has staying power—whether as a weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing main for your next tailgate.

03 of 40

Zucchini and Black Bean Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Zucchini and Black Bean Stuffed Sweet Potatoes Served With Greens and Lime Wedges on a White Plate
Greg DuPree

Here, cooking sweet potatoes in the microwave saves cooking time, meaning you can have this fiber-packed meal on the table in just 20 minutes. While the potato is cooking, the black bean filling comes together on the stove.

Just before serving, top each potato with white Cheddar cheese and serve with a lime wedge. Be sure to save any leftovers—the veggie-bean mixture would be great tucked inside tacos or on top of nachos.

04 of 40

Vanilla Sweet Potato Cheesecake

Vanilla Sweet Potato Cheesecake on a Plate With a Serving Knife on a Fall Table With Flowers and Coffee
Victor Protasio

This tasty cheesecake boasts just enough sweet potato, ample cream cheese, and a brown butter-based graham cracker crust. The result is a nostalgic yet elevated dessert—and the best part is it only requires 20 minutes of hands-on work. If you're in a rush, microwave the sweet potato before scooping out the flesh and mashing it up.

05 of 40

Molasses and Chile Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Molasses and Chile Roasted Sweet Potato Wedges on a Baking Sheet
Caitlin Bensel

You might think that earthy molasses is a bit too strong for sweet potatoes that already have a hint of sweetness, but pairing the thick, brown syrup with the kick of jalapeño and tang of stone-ground mustard opens up a world of flavor. The sweet potato wedges are just a crisp-tender canvas for their great flavors.

06 of 40

Loaded Sweet Potatoes With Coconut and Kale

Loaded Sweet Potatoes With Coconut and Kale Served on Two White Plates
Victor Protasio

Microwaving sweet potatoes is a handy way to speed up the cooking process. You can shave off about 30 minutes of your total time with this step, helping this sweet potato dinner come together in just 30 minutes. Kale and chiles tenderize while the potatoes cook, and hints of citrus juice and ground allspice elevate the potatoes' natural sweetness and earthy notes.

07 of 40

Sheet Pan Chicken and Sweet Potatoes

Sheet Pan Chicken and Sweet Potato Wedges Served on a White Plate With Metal Fork for Eating
Greg DuPree

Sheet-pan dinners are a dream come true for busy cooks. You can cook everything you need for your meal—in this case, chicken leg quarters and sweet potato wedges—at the same time and on the same dish. This saves you time, mess, and a whole lot of effort.

This meal is quite simple, which is why it's so great for weeknights. You can change up the herbs (it calls for sage, but rosemary would also work) and switch the greens from watercress to butter lettuce or anything you have on hand.

08 of 40

Baked Sweet Potatoes

Baked Sweet Potato Half Topped With Butter and Served on a Blue Plate
Joy Skipper/Getty Images

Roasting sweet potatoes in the oven intensifies their natural sweetness. This classic baked sweet potato recipe renders perfectly cooked potatoes every time. You can eat them as-is, right from the oven, or use them as a base for any number of toppings you might want to add.

09 of 40

Mustardy Kale Salad With Roasted Sweet Potato and Apple

Mustardy Kale Salad With Roasted Sweet Potato and Apple Served in a Bowl Sitting on Yellow and Blue Placemats
Roland Bello

Packed with protein and fiber, this hearty main course salad is a nutritional powerhouse. Combine the kale, roasted sweet potato, chopped apple, and almonds in a large bowl and drizzle with a tangy mustard vinaigrette. Once dressed, massage the kale with clean hands to make the salad more palatable.

10 of 40

Sweet Potato Buttermilk Pancakes

Stack of Three Sweet Potato Buttermilk Pancakes Topped With Syrup and Nuts
Heami Lee

Adding mashed sweet potatoes to pancake batter turns traditional pancakes into an irresistibly fluffy, tender, and better-for-you version. This batter also includes cinnamon, nutmeg, and maple syrup, adding warm caramel and vanilla notes to the meal. Adding buttermilk gives the pancakes a subtle tang.

11 of 40

Farro Bowl With Pomegranate Vinaigrette

Farro Bowl With Pomegranate Vinaigrette and Sweet Potatoes Served in a White Bowl
Caitlin Bensel

This hearty grain bowl includes nutty farro, caramelized sweet potato, crisp fennel, and salty feta. The healthy meal comes together courtesy of a pomegranate vinaigrette that takes everything to the next level. Trust us, you'll love it!

12 of 40

Cheesy Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Cheesy Roasted Sweet Potatoes on a Dark Baking Sheet
Marcus Nilsson

These sweet potato wedges are topped with two varieties of gooey cheese, creating a balanced blend of sweet and savory. Plus, they cook in under 30 minutes and require just four ingredients. They're so good you may want to double the recipe—they'll likely be gobbled up that quickly.

13 of 40

Sweet Potato and Apple Soup With Cheese and Walnuts

Sweet Potato and Apple Soup Served With Cheese and Walnuts
William Brinson

The lusciousness of a sweet potato, combined with tender onions, helps give this easy soup a delicious creaminess without a speck of cream. Nutmeg brings out the sweetness of the cooked sweet potato and apple, and a side of tangy blue cheese and crisp apples are the perfect pair for this classic fall-flavor meal.

14 of 40

Chickpea-Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Three Chickpea-Stuffed Sweet Potatoes Topped With Greek Yogurt on a Serving Platter
Caitlin Bensel

Need more protein in your diet? Whip up these vegetarian chickpea-stuffed sweet potatoes topped with a dollop of seasoned yogurt.

The chickpeas are flavored with a spicy cinnamon and cumin combo, as well as flat-leaf parsley and chives, but feel free to switch up the herbs if you wish. Basil, dill, and tarragon also work.

15 of 40

Sweet Potato Puree With Maple

Sweet Potato Puree With Maple Topped With Butter, Served in a White Bowl With a Metal Spoon for Eating
Justin Bernhaut

Sweet potatoes taste best when you use a sweetener with a depth of flavor, like honey, molasses, or maple syrup. Plain sugar—even brown sugar—works well, of course, but the earthy flavors of the potatoes highlight the unique flavors of these natural sweeteners.

In the case of this puree, maple syrup stands in with a kick of additional flavor from ground nutmeg. The sour cream may seem unusual—it's standard in white potato purees—but it adds richness and a creaminess you can only get with dairy.

16 of 40

Sweet Potato and Bean Burritos With Corn Salsa

Sweet Potato and Bean Burrito Cut in Half and Served on a Wooden Cutting Board With Corn Salsa on the Side, Surrounded by Lime Wedges and Tortillas
Jennifer Causey

These burritos are stuffed with crisp-tender shoestring sweet potatoes, fresh tomato-corn salsa, beans, and plenty of cheese. First, peel the potatoes, then grate them before roasting and adding to the burrito filling. If you have any leftovers, feel free to freeze them by wrapping the burritos in parchment paper.

Make sure all ingredients are thoroughly cooled before rolling them up to prevent the burritos from getting soggy.

17 of 40

Quinoa With Sweet Potatoes, Kale, and Pesto

Quinoa With Sweet Potatoes, Kale, and Pesto Served in a White Bowl
Anna Williams

This vegetarian sweet potato meal doesn't lack protein—it packs a whopping 14 grams per serving thanks to fiber-rich quinoa and cubed sweet potatoes. One cup of the slightly sweet spud has 2 grams of protein. Plus, all of the ingredients in this dish provide a bounty of vitamins and minerals.

18 of 40

Roast Chicken With Sweet Potatoes and Chickpeas

Roast Chicken With Sweet Potatoes and Chickpeas Served on a White Bowl With Metal Fork for Eating
Sang An

Dinner in three easy steps: Pile ingredients on a sheet pan. Roast. Eat. The potatoes tenderize, the chicken cooks, and the chickpeas turn crispy in the oven. A drizzle of store-bought pesto brings everything together for a dinner that only requires 20 minutes of hands-on time.

19 of 40

Sweet Potato Casserole With Coconut

Sweet Potato Casserole With Coconut in a White Serving Bowl With a Spoon on the Side
Chris Court

If your family enjoys sweet potato casserole and is game to try something different, delight them with this version of the classic holiday side dish. The shredded coconut, pecans, and brown sugar toppings are decadent additions to the Thanksgiving staple. Get your scoop first—there likely won't be any leftovers.

20 of 40

Slow Cooker BBQ Sweet Potato Bakers

Slow Cooker BBQ Sweet Potato Bakers on a White Serving Platter With a Metal Spatula
Max Kelly

Dust off your trusty slow cooker and use it to whip up these baked potatoes. Each slow-baked spud is topped with rotisserie chicken—a fantastic time saver—Cheddar cheese, barbecue sauce, and sour cream. What's not to love?

21 of 40

Sweet Potato Pie

Sweet Potato Pie on a Wooden Table With a Slice Removed
qSang An

There are two camps of holiday dessert fans—those who can't imagine a Thanksgiving meal without pumpkin pie and those who've not yet tried sweet potato pie. Once they do, they'll be converted. Some people may not even notice the difference with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of powdered sugar.

22 of 40

Smoky Turkey Chili

Smoky Turkey Chili in a Yellow Pot With a Metal Ladle With a Served Bowl on the Side
Caitlin Bensel

Feed a crowd with this smoky chili that draws inspiration from Mexican ingredients like tomatillos, poblano peppers, and even a pinch of cinnamon. You'll also find a mix of beans, corn, and sweet potato, which round out this healthy yet comforting recipe. If you've got leftovers, stash them in the freezer, then defrost them for the next game-day meal.

23 of 40

Sweet Potato Latkes With Brie Cheese and Balsamic Vinegar

Sweet Potato Latkes With Brie Cheese and Balsamic Vinegar on a White Plate
Heath Goldman

Fried potato latkes are never a bad idea, whether it's Hanukkah or a random Tuesday. This version, however, is special because of its use of sweet potatoes and the decadent addition of creamy brie cheese. A drizzle of balsamic vinegar gives the latkes a sharp contrast, but the combination of flavors makes for a delicious meal or side dish.

24 of 40

Roasted Sweet Potato and Bulgur Salad

Roasted Sweet Potato and Bulgur Salad on a White Plate
Charles Masters

This simple salad recipe has something for everyone—roasted sweet potatoes, hearty bulgur, peppery watercress, salty feta, crunchy pistachios, and pungent onion. You'll start by tossing the sweet potatoes with cumin and roasting them; then, cook the bulgur and whisk it with a touch of vinegar and olive oil. Once the whole grain is done, assemble the salad and chow down.

25 of 40

Sweet Potato Risotto

Sweet Potato Risotto Served in Two White Bowls With a Metal Fork on the Side
Kan Kanbayashi

This filling risotto combines sweet potatoes and rice for a veggie-filled version of the classic rice dish. If all you know of risotto is that you have to constantly stir, don't fret.

While stirring is involved, this recipe won't require a constant vigilant eye. The whole thing is ready in 40 minutes but is impressive enough to serve when you have friends over.

26 of 40

Sweet Potato and Gruyère Turnovers

Sweet Potato and Gruyère Turnovers Served With a Side Salad on a White Plate With a Metal Fork for Eating
Hans Gissinger

Fill flaky crusts with silky, wilted Swiss chard, tender sweet potato, and softened onions. Bake with sharp Gruyère cheese for a fun, hand-held dinner that's especially satisfying on chilly nights. To complete this meal, serve with a green side salad and a hardy grain, like quinoa or barley.

27 of 40

Maple Sweet Potatoes With Spicy Pecan Praline

Maple Sweet Potato Wedges With Spicy Pecan Praline Served on a Plate With a Glass of Wine
Victor Protasio

If you can't decide between sweet and savory, give this recipe a whirl. Sweet potato wedges are coated with a pepper-infused, buttery maple glaze, then showered with cayenne- and lime-flecked candied pecans. While this dish is a no-brainer for Thanksgiving, it also works as an elegant dinner party side dish.

28 of 40

Smoky-Sweet Potato Burgers

Three Smoky-Sweet Potato Burgers Topped With Lettuce, Tomato, and Red Onion and Served on a White Cutting Board
Alison Miksch

Sure, you can buy pre-made veggie burgers at the grocery store, but meat-free patties are also surprisingly easy to make yourself. In this recipe, you'll combine sweet potato, beans, oats, and chia to create the base and toss in a bit of chipotle chili to add a ton of smoky flavor. Feel free to make these easy burgers ahead of time and stash them in the freezer for nights when you can't figure out what you want for dinner.

29 of 40

Sweet Potato and Brie Flat Bread

Slice of Sweet Potato and Brie Flat Bread on a White Plate With a Side of Greens
Christopher Baker

Whether as an appetizer or a main meal (paired with a side salad), this flatbread is a simple way to satisfy your pizza cravings while sneaking in veggies. Instead of mozzarella, this dish uses brie for an ultra-creamy topping. It's quite easy to make—everything cooks at once in the oven—so this could easily become a go-to option for game nights, book clubs, or anytime you need a simple but impressive dish.

30 of 40

Sweet Potato and Kale Tortilla Soup

Sweet Potato-and-Kale Tortilla Soup
Alison Miksch

This perfectly spiced tortilla soup is made with nourishing sweet potato and kale joined by crispy corn tortilla strips that bring the crunch. Keep this meal vegetarian or stir in shredded rotisserie chicken for added protein, and garnish the whole thing with radishes, avocado, and cilantro.

31 of 40

Boiled Sweet Potatoes

A bowl of boiled sweet potato chunks, surrounded by fresh vegetables like onions, garlic, and scallions

Getty Images

Sometimes, a simple cooking method highlights the natural goodness of a vegetable. Such is the case when boiling sweet potatoes. Whether you keep the skin on or remove it is a personal preference. Either way, you'll have deliciously tender sweet potatoes to eat as-is or for use in other recipes.

32 of 40

Roasted Sweet Potatoes With Chipotle-Black Bean Chili

Roasted Sweet Potatoes With Chipotle-Black Bean Chili on Top, Served on a White Plate
Antonis Achilleos

Using canned black beans for this vegetarian chili and meal helps speed up the cooking time. Cook the chili while sweet potatoes roast in the oven. Top with sour cream, cilantro, cotija cheese, avocado, or any other toppings you prefer.

33 of 40

Creamy Sweet Potato and Leek Soup

Creamy Sweet Potato and Leek Soup in a Small White Ramekin With a Spoon on the Side

Greg Dupree

This rich and creamy soup recipe combines sauteed leeks (cooked in bacon fat) with sweet potatoes and chicken broth. Adding heavy cream helps thicken up the soup and makes for a luscious texture. Top with chives and crispy bacon before serving for a tasty and comforting meal.

34 of 40

Sweet Potato Latkes

Sweet Potato Latkes on a Baking Sheet With Herb Sour Cream on the Side
Emily Kinni

Combining two types of potatoes—grated sweet potatoes and russet potatoes—gives this latke recipe a unique flavor and consistency. For a crispier texture, be sure to remove as much liquid as you can from the potato mixture. Serve with seasoned herb sour cream for a delicious appetizer or snack.

35 of 40

Salmon and Sweet-Potato Frittata

Slice of Salmon and Sweet-Potato Frittata Served with Broccoli
David Prince

Frittatas are an excellent breakfast or brunch recipe, but who says they're not equally delicious for dinner? This frittata features fresh sweet potatoes and salmon for a delicious and hearty combination. Coming together in less than an hour, you will love the ease of this simple recipe.

36 of 40

Garlicky Herb-Butter Layered Potatoes

Garlicky Herb-Butter Layered Potatoes served in a cast iron skillet and displayed on a table with other holiday dishes.
Victor Protasio

Simple to make, this delicious potato side dish combines Yugon Gold potatoes with sweet potatoes for a comforting dish that's crispy on the outside and creamy in the middle. It takes a bit of time to assemble, but it's easy to do and oh-so worth it.

Purchase potatoes that are similar in size and shape for even layers.

37 of 40

Quinoa With Mushrooms, Kale, and Sweet Potatoes

Quinoa With Mushrooms, Kale, and Sweet Potatoes Served in a White Bowl
Christopher Baker

Filled with nutritious kale, quinoa, mushrooms, and sweet potatoes, this vegetarian dish works wonderfully as a stand-alone meal but would also be great paired with chicken or salmon. It only takes 30 minutes to make, so it's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

Leave out the Parmesan cheese and white wine for a vegan version of this recipe.

38 of 40

Winter Lentil Soup

Winter Lentil Soup in a Large White Pot With a Metal Ladle for Serving
Kana Okada

Full of fiber-rich vegetables and lentils, this vegetarian soup cooks in one pot for ease and convenience. Sweet potatoes add an earthy sweetness to the meal, which works perfectly any night of the week, especially on a chilly night.

39 of 40

Lentil Stew With Mustard Greens and Sausage

Lentil Stew With Mustard Greens, Sausage, and Sweet Potatoes in a White Bowl
Christopher Baker

Combining lentils with sweet potatoes and mustard greens gives this meaty stew a healthy dose of vegetables and nutrients. Try simmering the mustard greens along with the lentils and sweet potatoes to help tame their bitterness. Then, enjoy with a nice piece of crusty bread to sop up the broth.

40 of 40

Veggie Pancakes With Sesame Fried Eggs

Veggie pancakes with sesame fried eggs

Greg Dupree, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless, Food Stylist: Emily Neighbors Hall

Traditional veggie pancakes get a boost from sweet potatoes in this tasty Korean-inspired recipe. Combined with umami-rich cremini mushrooms and spicy scallions in a light batter, sweet potatoes shine in this delectable dish. You top the whole thing with a sesame fried egg over easy, so the rich yolk will mix in with the pancake for the perfect bite.

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