10+ Sweet Potato Recipes to Brighten Your Meal Times

Sweet potatoes are tasty and healthy, and you can toss them into all kinds of dishes. They’re easy to cook and work as a side or even as the main event.

You can keep it simple or get creative—sweet potatoes have a natural sweetness and flavor that shine in both classic and inventive recipes.

Maybe you like them baked, roasted, or mashed—doesn’t matter, honestly. Sweet potatoes fit into all sorts of meals and you can tweak them to your taste.

Trying new sweet potato recipes can shake up your routine and sneak in some extra nutrition.

1) Classic Candied Sweet Potatoes with brown sugar and butter

This one’s simple and sweet. Peel and slice your sweet potatoes into thick rounds, then cook them in a mix of butter, brown sugar, water, and a pinch of salt.

As they bake, that sugar and butter melt together into a rich, glossy glaze. The potatoes turn soft and flavorful, but not too heavy.

It’s a classic side for holidays or just a cozy dinner.

Ingredients

• 6 yellow-fleshed sweet potatoes
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• ½ cup butter
• ½ cup water
• 1 teaspoon salt

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Peel and slice sweet potatoes into 1/2-inch rounds.
3. Place them in a baking dish.
4. Mix butter, brown sugar, water, and salt in a saucepan. Heat until the butter melts and sugar dissolves.
5. Pour the syrup over the potatoes.
6. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
7. Remove foil and bake another 20 minutes, or until they’re tender and the glaze is thick.

2) Roasted Sweet Potatoes with garlic and herbs

Roasted sweet potatoes with garlic and herbs make a simple, satisfying side. Garlic brings a kick, and fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme give it an earthy note.

Toss the potatoes in olive oil and butter so they brown up nicely. Roast them at 400°F (200°C) until they’re tender and a little crispy.

These go with almost anything—meat, veggies, you name it. They also hold up well for leftovers, which is always a plus.

Ingredients

• 3–4 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 tablespoons butter or ghee
• 1 tablespoon fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, or parsley)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Set oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a big bowl, mix sweet potatoes with olive oil, butter, garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread them on a baking sheet.
4. Roast for 35–40 minutes, turning halfway through.
5. Check for tenderness and golden edges before serving.

For more tips, check out garlic roasted sweet potatoes recipes.

3) Mediterranean Baked Sweet Potatoes with chickpeas and parsley salad

Bake sweet potatoes until they’re soft and tender. While those are baking, roast chickpeas with olive oil and spices to get them crispy.

Make a fresh parsley salad with lemon juice and olive oil. That bright salad balances the sweet potato and the crunchy chickpeas.

Serve everything together for a filling, healthy meal. It’s quick—about 30 minutes from start to finish.

Ingredients

• 4 medium sweet potatoes
• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, rinsed and drained
• 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Pierce sweet potatoes with a fork and bake for 45 minutes, until soft.
3. Toss chickpeas with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast on a baking sheet for 20 minutes at 400°F (200°C) until crispy.
4. Mix parsley with lemon juice, a pinch of salt, and a drizzle of olive oil.
5. Split sweet potatoes open, top with roasted chickpeas, and spoon parsley salad on the side.

4) Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes with Black Beans and Cheese

Twice-baked sweet potatoes are hearty and satisfying. Start by baking them whole until they’re soft, then scoop out the insides.

Mix the sweet potato flesh with black beans, onion, garlic, and spices. Stuff that back into the skins and top with cheese.

Bake again to melt the cheese and heat everything through. It’s a solid dinner or meal prep option.

Ingredients

• 4 medium sweet potatoes
• 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 cup shredded cheese (Cheddar or Cabot)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Bake sweet potatoes whole for 45-50 minutes until tender.
3. Let cool a bit, then cut in half and scoop out the flesh.
4. Mix sweet potato flesh with beans, onion, garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper.
5. Spoon mixture back into skins.
6. Sprinkle cheese on top.
7. Bake for 15 minutes at 400°F (200°C) until cheese melts.

Give this one a try for a flavorful, filling meal. For more inspiration, check The Redhead Baker’s version.

5) Sweet Potato Fries seasoned with chili powder

Sweet potato fries with chili powder? Yes, please. The chili powder brings a little heat and smoky flavor that works perfectly with sweet potatoes.

Toss the fries in olive oil, chili powder, cumin, paprika, and salt. A bit of cornstarch helps them crisp up in the oven.

Bake at 425°F (220°C) until they’re golden and a little crunchy on the edges. I love dipping these in sour cream with cilantro or even plain yogurt.

Ingredients

• 2 large sweet potatoes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Peel and cut sweet potatoes into fries.
3. Toss fries in cornstarch until coated.
4. Add olive oil, chili powder, cumin, paprika, and salt. Mix well.
5. Spread fries in a single layer on a baking sheet.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy and golden.

6) Mashed Sweet Potatoes with garlic and broth

Mashed sweet potatoes get a boost from roasted garlic and broth. The broth keeps things moist without needing heavy cream or butter.

Roast the garlic until it’s soft, then mash it into your cooked sweet potatoes. Stir in warm broth until you hit the texture you like.

Season with salt and pepper, and toss in herbs like thyme if you’re feeling it. This is a lighter side that still feels cozy.

Ingredients

• 3 large sweet potatoes
• 1 head garlic
• 1 cup vegetable or chicken broth, warmed
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roast garlic wrapped in foil for 30-35 minutes until soft.
3. Boil sweet potatoes until tender, about 20 minutes.
4. Peel roasted garlic and mash with the sweet potatoes.
5. Stir in warm broth slowly until smooth and creamy.
6. Add salt, pepper, and thyme if using. Mix well and serve.

7) Sweet Potato Bread, similar to banana bread

Sweet potato bread is like banana bread’s cousin—moist, sweet, and comforting. Mix mashed sweet potatoes with flour, sugar, and spices for a soft, flavorful loaf.

You can add nuts or extra cinnamon if you want. Bake it low and slow for about an hour.

It’s a fantastic way to use up leftover sweet potatoes. I like it for breakfast or a snack.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cooked, mashed sweet potatoes
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup chopped pecans (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).
2. In a bowl, mix mashed sweet potatoes with eggs, oil, and vanilla until smooth.
3. In another bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
4. Stir dry ingredients into the wet mix just until combined.
5. Fold in pecans if you’re using them.
6. Pour batter into a greased loaf pan.
7. Bake for 55 to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
8. Let it cool before slicing.

For a banana twist, check this banana sweet potato bread recipe.

8) Sweet Potato Soufflé for a fluffy side dish

Sweet potato soufflé is light and fluffy—great for a holiday meal or just when you want something special. Start with creamy mashed sweet potatoes, then mix in eggs, sugar, and butter for a smooth base.

Add a crunchy pecan or brown sugar topping for extra texture and sweetness. Bake until golden so you get that nice crust, but the inside stays soft.

You can prep this ahead of time and bake it right before serving. I think it’s one of those dishes that makes any meal feel a bit fancier.

Ingredients

• 3½ pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 cup sugar
• 5 large eggs
• ½ cup butter, melted
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chopped pecans or brown sugar for topping

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Boil and mash the sweet potatoes until they’re smooth.

3. Mix in sugar, eggs, melted butter, and cream. Stir until everything’s well blended.

4. Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish.

5. Sprinkle pecans or brown sugar on top if you want some crunch.

6. Bake for 45-55 minutes. The top should turn golden and look set.

7. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

9) Stuffed Sweet Potatoes with savory fillings

Stuffed sweet potatoes are honestly one of those meals that feel both comforting and simple. You can fill them up with all sorts of savory things—beans, veggies, cheese, you name it.

All these fillings give sweet potatoes a boost of flavor and make them way more satisfying. Try black beans, corn, and salsa if you’re in the mood for something southwestern.

Or maybe go Mediterranean with chickpeas, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes. Tossing some cheese or a dollop of avocado crema on top makes it extra creamy.

Baked sweet potatoes with sausage and veggies? That works too. It’s warm, hearty, and honestly, just what you want for dinner after a long day.

Ingredients

• 4 medium sweet potatoes
• 1 cup black beans (cooked)
• 1 cup corn (cooked)
• 1 cup spinach (fresh)
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup avocado crema or sour cream
• 1 cup cooked sausage or plant-based alternative

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Pierce the sweet potatoes with a fork. Bake for 45-50 minutes until they’re soft.

3. While the potatoes bake, get your fillings ready.

4. Once the potatoes are done, cut them open and fluff the insides with a fork.

5. Stuff them with your favorite fillings. Top with cheese or a spoonful of crema.

6. Pop them back in the oven for about 5-10 minutes to melt the cheese or warm things up.

7. Serve while they’re still warm. Enjoy!

10) Sweet Potato and Turkey Thanksgiving Side Dish

Sweet potato and turkey together? It just feels right for Thanksgiving. Roast diced sweet potatoes with herbs and spices until they’re tender.

Cook up some turkey breast or use leftovers, then mix it in. A little maple syrup or cranberry sauce on top brings everything together.

You can make this dish ahead and just reheat it when you’re ready. It fits right in with the rest of the meal and adds a hint of sweetness next to the turkey.

Ingredients

• 3 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 cup cooked turkey breast, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup or cranberry sauce

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Toss sweet potatoes with olive oil, thyme, salt, and pepper.

3. Roast them for 25 to 30 minutes. You want them tender and a little golden.

4. Warm up the turkey pieces in a pan.

5. Mix the turkey with those roasted sweet potatoes.

6. Drizzle some maple syrup or cranberry sauce on top. Serve right away.