Skip to content

Top Navigation

Cooking Light Cooking Light
  • Recipes
  • Cooking 101
  • Eating Smart
  • Healthy Living
  • News

Profile Menu

Your Account

Account

  • Email Preferences

Manage Your Subscription

  • All Access Subscribers
  • Magazine Subscribers
  • Cooking Light Diet Subscribers
Login
Logout
SUBSCRIBE
Pin FB

Explore Cooking Light

Cooking Light Cooking Light
  • Explore

    Explore

    • 31-Day Healthy Meal Plan

      Our 31-day calendar of meals and tips shows you how to cook more and love it with fun, family-friendly meals that come together quickly and deliciously. Read More
    • Dinner Tonight: Quick and Healthy Menus in 45 Minutes (or Less)

      Hundreds of delicious recipes, paired with simple sides, that can be on your table in 45 minutes or less. Read More
    • Our Favorite Healthy Air Fryer Recipes

      Who ever said that chicken wings, doughnuts, and pizza couldn't be healthy? Read More
  • Recipes

    Recipes

    See All Recipes
    • Breakfast & Brunch
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
    • Drinks
    • Recipe Makeovers
    • Quick & Healthy
    • Diabetic
    • Gluten-Free
    • Vegetarian
    • Cooking Light Live
  • Cooking 101

    Cooking 101

    See All Cooking 101
    • Essential Ingredients
    • Cooking Techniques
    • Meet the Chef
    • Cooking Resources
    • Budget Friendly
    • Smart Choices
  • Eating Smart
  • Healthy Living

    Healthy Living

    See All Healthy Living
    • Weight-Loss
    • Health
    • Fitness
    • Home
    • Travel
    • Nutrition 101
  • News

Profile Menu

Your Account

Account

  • Email Preferences

Manage Your Subscription

  • All Access Subscribers
  • Magazine Subscribers
  • Cooking Light Diet Subscribers
Login
Logout
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. Home
  2. Recipes
  3. 29 Surprising Ways to Use Sweet Potatoes

29 Surprising Ways to Use Sweet Potatoes

September 08, 2016
Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
Skip gallery slides
Pin
Credit: Photo: Justin Walker; Styling: Kaitlyn Duross Walker
Sweet potatoes are the new cranberry—they’re everywhere! Unlike cranberries, however, sweet potatoes haven’t found their way into our apple juice yet (phew!), and they can stand alone as the star of many dishes and courses. You’ve already had sweet potatoes baked, mashed, fried, and in casseroles—now take them to the next level with one of our creative, and sometimes, surprising recipes. Tater tots? Yep. Biscuits? We’ve got them. Tamales and flan? You know it!
Start Slideshow

1 of 30

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Sweet Potato Noodles with Shrimp and Thai-Style Almond Sauce

Credit: Photo: Iain Bagwell; Styling: Heather Chadduck Hillegas
View Recipe: Sweet Potato Noodles with Shrimp and Thai-Style Almond Sauce

Smarter carbs are easy with the handy spiralizer—it works like a pencil sharpener to create long strands of veggies. Find the tool at kitchen stores and amazon.com. Spiralized veggies are showing up everywhere—in salads, in place of pasta, and even in desserts. These sweet potato "zoodles" transform a traditional pad thai recipe into a fun twist on a weeknight favorite. The best news? This recipe comes together in 20 minutes, making it a go-to for any busy weeknight. Break out your spiralizer, get the family involved, and get cooking on your new favorite recipe featuring the best of fall flavor.

1 of 30

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 30

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Sweet Potato and Shrimp Cakes with Nuoc Cham

Credit: Photo: Iain Bagwell; Styling: Heather Chadduck Hillegas
View Recipe: Sweet Potato and Shrimp Cakes with Nuoc Cham

We consider this dish a modern Vietnamese cook's interpretation of a classic. If you can find white sweet potatoes, use them—they're drier and less sweet than their orange cousins, but traditional sweet potatoes will work just fine, too. Place the dipping sauce in a bowl surrounded by the lettuce and herbs so guests can build their own lettuce wraps as they like. If your family enjoys crab cakes or salmon cakes, break out this recipe to expand the weeknight menu rotation and give everyone a chance to practice their chopstick skills. This dish cooks from start to finish in only about 30 minutes.

2 of 30

3 of 30

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Spinach and Feta Quiche with Sweet Potato Crust

Credit: Photo: Hector Manuel Sanchez; Styling: Mindi Shapiro Levine
View Recipe: Spinach and Feta Quiche with Sweet Potato Crust

The simple, scalloped shell made from thinly sliced rounds of sweet potatoes makes this version of a popular brunch (or supper) dish gluten-free. Choose potatoes with comparable diameters to create uniform slices for the easy-to-make crust. A mandoline makes slicing quick and precise, but a sharp chef's knife will work too. You can also slice the potatoes in the food processor using the slicing blade.

3 of 30

Advertisement

4 of 30

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Workout Recovery

Credit: Photo: Jennifer Causey
View Recipe: Workout Recovery

We were amazed at how delectably creamy the sweet potato becomes in the juicer, plus it's a bit higher in calories and loaded with potassium to balance and replenish your electrolytes after exercise.

4 of 30

5 of 30

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Gingered Sweet Potato Soup with Marshmallow and Peanut Topper

Credit: Photo: Jennifer Causey; Styling: Kira Corbin
View Recipe: Gingered Sweet Potato Soup with Marshmallow and Peanut Topper

Enjoy the taste of sweet potato casserole in soup form by topping pureed sweet potatoes with unsalted peanuts and mini marshmallows.

5 of 30

6 of 30

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Sweet Potato Gnocchi with Bacon and Sage

Credit: Photo: Jennifer Causey
View Recipe: Sweet Potato Gnocchi with Bacon and Sage

Smoky bacon and salty cheese, such as pecorino Romano, provide the perfect balance to lightly sweet gnocchi.

 

6 of 30

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 30

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Spiralized Sweet Potato Noodles

Credit: Photo: Rebecca Longshore
View Recipe: Spiralized Sweet Potato Noodles

Smoky bacon and earthy Brussels sprouts unite to bring a punch of flavor and texture to this naturally sweet veg. Add a couple of cashews for a touch of crunch, and you’ve got a healthy main course meal that feels just as decadent and satisfying as your average pasta dish.

7 of 30

8 of 30

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Sweet Potato Biscuits with Honey-Pecan Butter

Credit: Photo Courtesy of Oxmoor House
View Recipe: Sweet Potato Biscuits with Honey-Pecan Butter

Baking a sweet potato brings out its natural sweetness, but if you’re short on time, use the microwave instead. Or look for canned mashed sweet potato at specialty markets. Try these split and stuffed with Virginia ham, without the Honey-Pecan Butter.

8 of 30

9 of 30

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Sweet Potato and Sausage Strata

Credit: Photo: Linda Pugliese
View Recipe: Sweet Potato and Sausage Strata

Hand over the reins: Let the kids assemble this savory-sweet oven-baked treat. If you make this dish ahead, bring it to room temperature before baking so it will reheat evenly.

9 of 30

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 30

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Grilled Sweet Potato and Napa Cabbage Salad with Lime Vinaigrette

Credit: Photo: Johnny Autry
View Recipe: Grilled Sweet Potato and Napa Cabbage Salad with Lime Vinaigrette

To save time, you could also cook the pumpkin seeds in a skillet directly on the grill.

10 of 30

11 of 30

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Sweet Potato Tots

Credit: Sara Tane
View Recipe: Sweet Potato Tots

Take a break from sweet potato fries and try out tots instead. Oven-baked until they're brown and crispy, these tots will satisfy your wildest savory cravings without overloading you with calories and fat. Served with a zippy jalapeño ranch dipping sauce that's loaded with protein and fresh herbs, these cute sweet potato tots make for the perfect appetizer or mid-afternoon snack that your kids will devour.

11 of 30

12 of 30

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Clean Sweet Potato Pancakes

Credit: Photo: Rebecca Longshore
View Recipe: 2-Ingredient Sweet Potato Pancakes

Light, fluffy, and most importantly, 2 ingredients—these pancakes are absolutely to die for! The best part—they’re simple enough for weekdays, yet feel indulgent enough for weekend brunch (even though they’re not indulgent at all). Simply combine one roasted sweet potato with two eggs, and you have clean pancake batter ready to be cooked. 

12 of 30

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 30

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Sweet Potato Gratin

Credit: Photo: Oxmoor House
View Recipe: Sweet Potato Gratin

Put a twist on a conventional side dish by substituting sweet potatoes. A sprinkle of Parmesan and thyme adds unique flavor to this savory sweet potato gratin.

13 of 30

14 of 30

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Sweet Potato and Chickpea Cakes with Avocado Salsa

Credit: Photo: Jason Wallis
View Recipe: Sweet Potato and Chickpea Cakes with Avocado Salsa

Onion and spicy jalapeño serve as a flavorful contrast to the sweet potato in these quick and easy cakes.

14 of 30

15 of 30

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Black Bean and Sweet Potato Tamales with Tomatillo Sauce

Credit: Photo: John Autry
View Recipe: Black Bean and Sweet Potato Tamales with Tomatillo Sauce

Not your average tamale–this recipe calls for a unique combination of black beans and sweet potatoes that will serve up an unforgettable dinner dish.

15 of 30

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 30

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Sweet Potato and Pecan Flapjacks

View Recipe: Sweet Potato and Pecan Flapjacks

Cornmeal adds crunch, and mashed sweet potatoes lend creaminess to this weekend favorite. Yellow- or white-fleshed sweet potatoes have a dry and crumbly texture when baked and are not moist enough to make tender pancakes, so use the orange variety. For convenience, roast a sweet potato the night before. Serve with maple syrup, butter, and fresh fruit, if desired.

16 of 30

17 of 30

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Sweet Potato Soufflé

Credit: Photo: Howard L. Puckett
View Recipe: Sweet Potato Soufflé

Savory and sweet, this soufflé can be served as a side dish or dessert. With our easy-to-handle recipe you'll be enjoying your delicious confection in no time.

17 of 30

18 of 30

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Sweet Potato and Black Bean Empanadas

Credit: Photo: John Autry
View Recipe: Sweet Potato and Black Bean Empanadas

Mild sweet potatoes and black beans take on smoky, spicy tastes from cumin and chiles. These pies are great served hot out of the oven at a party; leftovers also make a tasty room-temperature snack. 

Round out the menu with a mixed salad featuring your favorite greens and Chipotle-Yogurt Dressing, an easy, flavor-packed dressing.

18 of 30

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 30

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Sweet Potato Chile Mac

Credit: Photo: Johnny Autry
View Recipe: Sweet Potato Chile Mac

Crispy bits of Mexican chorizo (fresh, crumbly sausage — not to be confused with Spanish chorizo) create a delicious topping for this sweet-spicy take on mac and cheese. There's a fair amount of heat here, so for mild palates and kids, use less chipotle.

19 of 30

20 of 30

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Roasted Pumpkin and Sweet Potato Pilau

Credit: Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Roasted Pumpkin and Sweet Potato Pilau

Hearty pumpkin and creamy sweet potatoes steal the show in this cool-weather pilaf. It’s an ideal way to add fiber to your diet and a beautiful showcase for some underused winter vegetables.

20 of 30

21 of 30

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Spicy Veggie Hash

Credit: Photo: Jennifer Causey
View Recipe: Spicy Veggie Hash

Time: 35 minutes

Prep Tip: Wrap the bowl of grilled onions in plastic wrap so they "sweat," producing a mellow, slightly sweet liquid for the dressing

Serve with Grilled Onion Salad with Lime Vinaigrette

21 of 30

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

22 of 30

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Chili-Roasted Sweet Potato Nuggets

View Recipe: Chili-Roasted Sweet Potato Nuggets

Sweet potatoes are so good for you. They’re an excellent source of vitamin B6, C, and D, and contain iron and magnesium. Dice them up and bake them at a really high temperature. The results are delicious!

22 of 30

23 of 30

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Sweet Potato-Bourbon Tart

Credit: Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner
View Recipe: Sweet Potato-Bourbon Tart

This post-dinner treat is going to be a holiday hit. Bourbon packs a kick of flavor that guests will find irresistible.

23 of 30

24 of 30

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Sweet Potato-Pecan Burgers with Caramelized Onions

Credit: Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Sweet Potato-Pecan Burgers with Caramelized Onions

Choose breads labeled 100 percent whole wheat or whole grain to make sure you're getting their benefits. Nuts add healthful unsaturated fats and filling protein to this tasty vegetarian sandwich.

24 of 30

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

25 of 30

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Flan from Leftover Sweet Potato

Credit: Photo: John Autry
View Recipe: Sweet Potato Buttered Rum Flan

This flan—Spanish baked custard—is best when made with leftover sweet potatoes that have been simply prepared and minimally seasoned. Use ground nutmeg in place of grated whole nutmeg, if you prefer.

25 of 30

26 of 30

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Buttered Sweet Potato Knot Rolls

Credit: Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Buttered Sweet Potato Knot Rolls

Don't be scared to make homemade bread. Take some time to learn the process, and you'll enjoy the payoff. Here canned sweet potato adds moisture and sweet notes to delectable rolls.

26 of 30

27 of 30

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Moroccan Shepherd's Pie

Credit: Photo: John Autry
View Recipe: Moroccan Shepherd's Pie

Sweet potatoes provide a nice foil for the full-flavored lamb, tangy olives, and earthy spices. You can also bake the entire mixture in an 8-inch square baking dish. Assemble up to a day ahead, cover, refrigerate, and bake just before serving.

27 of 30

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

28 of 30

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Microwave Sweet Potato Chips

Credit: Photo: Romulo Yanes
View Recipe: Microwave Sweet Potato Chips

You won't want to miss these sweet potato chips. You'll need a mandoline to slice the potato thin enough to crisp. The results are delicious and easy, sans the hassle of the oven.

28 of 30

29 of 30

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Sweet Potato Bread

Credit: Photo: Hannah Whitaker
View Recipe: Sweet Potato Bread

Inspired by carrot cake, we created a cream cheese-frosted bread. This treat is peppered with sweet raisins and crunchy pecans and frosted with cream cheese that has a lemony zing.

29 of 30

30 of 30

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Fish House Sweet Potato Hash

Credit: Photo: Justin Walker; Styling: Kaitlyn Duross Walker
View Recipe: Fish House Sweet Potato Hash

We absolutely love this simple, comforting hash. It pairs well with almost anything—Grilled Trout with Cherry Compote, as well as roast chicken, pork chops, steak, and even sunny-side-up eggs. If you would like to get a head start on the recipe, you can bake the sweet potatoes a day or two ahead; then you'll only need about 15 minutes to pull the dish together.

30 of 30

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 30 Sweet Potato Noodles with Shrimp and Thai-Style Almond Sauce
    2 of 30 Sweet Potato and Shrimp Cakes with Nuoc Cham
    3 of 30 Spinach and Feta Quiche with Sweet Potato Crust
    4 of 30 Workout Recovery
    5 of 30 Gingered Sweet Potato Soup with Marshmallow and Peanut Topper
    6 of 30 Sweet Potato Gnocchi with Bacon and Sage
    7 of 30 Spiralized Sweet Potato Noodles
    8 of 30 Sweet Potato Biscuits with Honey-Pecan Butter
    9 of 30 Sweet Potato and Sausage Strata
    10 of 30 Grilled Sweet Potato and Napa Cabbage Salad with Lime Vinaigrette
    11 of 30 Sweet Potato Tots
    12 of 30 Clean Sweet Potato Pancakes
    13 of 30 Sweet Potato Gratin
    14 of 30 Sweet Potato and Chickpea Cakes with Avocado Salsa
    15 of 30 Black Bean and Sweet Potato Tamales with Tomatillo Sauce
    16 of 30 Sweet Potato and Pecan Flapjacks
    17 of 30 Sweet Potato Soufflé
    18 of 30 Sweet Potato and Black Bean Empanadas
    19 of 30 Sweet Potato Chile Mac
    20 of 30 Roasted Pumpkin and Sweet Potato Pilau
    21 of 30 Spicy Veggie Hash
    22 of 30 Chili-Roasted Sweet Potato Nuggets
    23 of 30 Sweet Potato-Bourbon Tart
    24 of 30 Sweet Potato-Pecan Burgers with Caramelized Onions
    25 of 30 Flan from Leftover Sweet Potato
    26 of 30 Buttered Sweet Potato Knot Rolls
    27 of 30 Moroccan Shepherd's Pie
    28 of 30 Microwave Sweet Potato Chips
    29 of 30 Sweet Potato Bread
    30 of 30 Fish House Sweet Potato Hash

    Share & More

    Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
    Cooking Light

    Magazines & More

    Learn More

    • Customer Service this link opens in a new tab
    • Advertise
    • Content Licensing
    • Accolades this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    MeredithCooking Light is part of the Allrecipes Food Group. © Copyright 2023 Meredith Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Cooking Light may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright Cooking Light. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.cookinglight.com

    View image

    29 Surprising Ways to Use Sweet Potatoes
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.