Regardless of the season, sweet potatoes are always a versatile, healthy option for a colorful, filling meal. Not only are they beautiful, but they’re also loaded with fiber and nutrients, including beta-Carotene, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants. They can be grilled, baked sautéed, and prepared in a huge variety of dishes — as you’ll learn from perusing this list of 45 healthier recipes (featuring the sweet potato!) sourced from around the web [1]. Read on and get cooking!
Breakfast and Brunch
Sweet Potato Hash
1. Quick Sweet Potato Hash
Antioxidant-rich red bell peppers, onions, lycopene-rich grape tomatoes, and spicy cayenne all combine with our star ingredient in a quick and easy hash. Add an egg on top for some extra protein, or eat it as a side or small meal.
Antioxidant-rich red bell peppers, onions, lycopene-rich grape tomatoes, and spicy cayenne all combine with our star ingredient in a quick and easy hash. Add an egg on top for some extra protein, or eat it as a side or small meal.
2. Roasted Sweet Potato and Kale with Poached Eggs
Talk about your breakfast of champions: Sweet potatoes, heart-healthy olive oil, a whole bunch of kale (which is a great source of fiber, calcium, iron, and vitamins K, A, and C), and some protein-rich eggs offer up a filling, well-balanced morning meal.
Talk about your breakfast of champions: Sweet potatoes, heart-healthy olive oil, a whole bunch of kale (which is a great source of fiber, calcium, iron, and vitamins K, A, and C), and some protein-rich eggs offer up a filling, well-balanced morning meal.
3. Baked Sweet Potato Latkes
These are a delightfully simple, healthier version of the classic latke: Sweet potatoes mix with onions, protein-rich eggs, a few spices, and the flour of your choice (choose whole-wheat for an extra health boost) are baked — not fried — into pancake-y perfection.
These are a delightfully simple, healthier version of the classic latke: Sweet potatoes mix with onions, protein-rich eggs, a few spices, and the flour of your choice (choose whole-wheat for an extra health boost) are baked — not fried — into pancake-y perfection.
4. Sweet Potato Scone
These cute little scones make great fare as part of a relaxed weekend brunch. Vegan and free of gluten, soy, and dairy, these little morsels still manage to pack a health punch thanks to their low sugar content as well as the addition of cinnamon, pecans (which are a good source of magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, and additional nutrients), and quinoa flour.
These cute little scones make great fare as part of a relaxed weekend brunch. Vegan and free of gluten, soy, and dairy, these little morsels still manage to pack a health punch thanks to their low sugar content as well as the addition of cinnamon, pecans (which are a good source of magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, and additional nutrients), and quinoa flour.
5. Sweet Potato Pie Smoothie
Yes, you read that correctly. This smoothie packs in sweet potato, soymilk (or a milk of your choosing), protein-rich yogurt, honey, anti-inflammatory cinnamon, and some vanilla to taste. It’s like liquid pie (without all the sugar and crust and stuff).
Yes, you read that correctly. This smoothie packs in sweet potato, soymilk (or a milk of your choosing), protein-rich yogurt, honey, anti-inflammatory cinnamon, and some vanilla to taste. It’s like liquid pie (without all the sugar and crust and stuff).
6. An ‘Egg’cellent Baked Sweet Potato
These are so cool. Bake a sweet potato, cut it in half, scoop out a little bit of the flesh, add a tiny bit of butter, and crack an egg in the hole. Bake, season with salt and pepper, and shabam: You’ll be full til lunch, for sure. (Alongside a small green salad, this could also make a great lunch or light dinner!)
These are so cool. Bake a sweet potato, cut it in half, scoop out a little bit of the flesh, add a tiny bit of butter, and crack an egg in the hole. Bake, season with salt and pepper, and shabam: You’ll be full til lunch, for sure. (Alongside a small green salad, this could also make a great lunch or light dinner!)
7. Sweet Potato Pancakes
These pancakes are full of healthy, wholesome ingredients: Whole woats, a bit of almond milk, an egg, some pecans, and super-spice cinnamon bring the structure and flavor, while sweet potato brings a beautiful orange shade and healthy dose of fiber to these cheerful morning ‘cakes.
These pancakes are full of healthy, wholesome ingredients: Whole woats, a bit of almond milk, an egg, some pecans, and super-spice cinnamon bring the structure and flavor, while sweet potato brings a beautiful orange shade and healthy dose of fiber to these cheerful morning ‘cakes.
Snacks, Sides, and Small Bites
Sweet Potatoes with Pecans and Goat Cheese
8. Sweet Potatoes with Pecans and Goat Cheese
"Wow" your dinner guests with these adorable little bites, each of which is packed with flavor (thanks to some pepper, red wine vinegar, and Dijon mustard) as well as protein from goat cheese, healthy fats from pecans and olive oil, and vitamins from sweet potatoes, celery, and shallots.
"Wow" your dinner guests with these adorable little bites, each of which is packed with flavor (thanks to some pepper, red wine vinegar, and Dijon mustard) as well as protein from goat cheese, healthy fats from pecans and olive oil, and vitamins from sweet potatoes, celery, and shallots.
9. Spiced Sweet Potato Hummus
Hummus just got even more exciting. The standard chickpea-tahini-olive oil recipe takes a turn on the wild side with the addition of garlic, sweet potato, Sriracha, nutmeg, and cinnamon. For an extra-sweet-potato-ey snack, pair this dip with the sweet potato crackers below.
Hummus just got even more exciting. The standard chickpea-tahini-olive oil recipe takes a turn on the wild side with the addition of garlic, sweet potato, Sriracha, nutmeg, and cinnamon. For an extra-sweet-potato-ey snack, pair this dip with the sweet potato crackers below.
10. Sweet Potato Crackers
These cheery little crackers share the color of Goldfish — only their hue comes naturally, thanks to the sweet potatoes. Add in the baking flour of your choice and just a wee bit of butter, salt, sugar, and baking powder, and you’re good to go.
These cheery little crackers share the color of Goldfish — only their hue comes naturally, thanks to the sweet potatoes. Add in the baking flour of your choice and just a wee bit of butter, salt, sugar, and baking powder, and you’re good to go.
11. Honey-Roasted Root Vegetables
Perfect for meeting your veggie quotient on a cool day, these roasted sweet potatoes, carrots, and parsnips get kicked up a notch with the addition of heart-healthy walnuts and honey, which research suggests can have strong antibacterial properties, especially in raw form.
Perfect for meeting your veggie quotient on a cool day, these roasted sweet potatoes, carrots, and parsnips get kicked up a notch with the addition of heart-healthy walnuts and honey, which research suggests can have strong antibacterial properties, especially in raw form.
12. Roasted Rosemary Sweet Potatoes
This one’s pretty much as simple as it gets. Gather your sweet potatoes, some rosemary, sea salt, pepper, some heart-healthy olive oil, and garlic — and that’s it. Mix ‘em all together, pop ‘em in the oven and in no time you’ll have a nutritious savory side or snack.
This one’s pretty much as simple as it gets. Gather your sweet potatoes, some rosemary, sea salt, pepper, some heart-healthy olive oil, and garlic — and that’s it. Mix ‘em all together, pop ‘em in the oven and in no time you’ll have a nutritious savory side or snack.
13. Baked Sweet Potato Fries
As if we’d forget! These are so good you won’t even miss the Burger King variety. Grab some parchment paper and a baking sheet, some sweet potatoes, and any seasonings of choice (experiment with sweet options —like cinnamon or nutmeg — and savory ones — like cayenne pepper or curry powder— to vary the flavors of this one-ingredient dish). Cut them into your favorite shapes, bake, and enjoy!
As if we’d forget! These are so good you won’t even miss the Burger King variety. Grab some parchment paper and a baking sheet, some sweet potatoes, and any seasonings of choice (experiment with sweet options —like cinnamon or nutmeg — and savory ones — like cayenne pepper or curry powder— to vary the flavors of this one-ingredient dish). Cut them into your favorite shapes, bake, and enjoy!
14. Healthy Sweet Potato Chips
This healthier take on chips is delicate, beautiful, and made with only three ingredients: sweet potatoes, coconut oil (one of our favorite cooking oils thanks to its connection to digestive health), and sea salt.
This healthier take on chips is delicate, beautiful, and made with only three ingredients: sweet potatoes, coconut oil (one of our favorite cooking oils thanks to its connection to digestive health), and sea salt.
15. Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Rosemary
No need to add the marshmallow topping: These yams bring all the necessary sweetness to the table. Add in some olive oil, rosemary, and an optional garnish of toasted pecans, and you’ve got yourself a much healthier version of this classic comfort food.
No need to add the marshmallow topping: These yams bring all the necessary sweetness to the table. Add in some olive oil, rosemary, and an optional garnish of toasted pecans, and you’ve got yourself a much healthier version of this classic comfort food.
Soups and Salads
Sweet Potato ChiliPhoto: Chocolate-Covered Katie
16. Sweet Potato Chili
Loaded with onions, zucchini, tomatoes, and protein-rich black beans, this vegan recipe is hearty and packed full of nutrients. Bonus: The recipe only uses one pot for easy clean-up!
Loaded with onions, zucchini, tomatoes, and protein-rich black beans, this vegan recipe is hearty and packed full of nutrients. Bonus: The recipe only uses one pot for easy clean-up!
17. Sweet Potato Bisque
This vegetarian bisque provides a dose of protein thanks to the addition of peanut butter. A slew of veggies and superfoods, including garlic and fresh ginger all pack a nutritional punch.
This vegetarian bisque provides a dose of protein thanks to the addition of peanut butter. A slew of veggies and superfoods, including garlic and fresh ginger all pack a nutritional punch.
18. Caramelized Onion and Sweet Potato Soup
This recipe gives away nearly all its ingredients in the title. Good-for-you onions and sweet potatoes combine with some chicken broth, a bit of butter and sugar, and several fragrant spices (including nutmeg and thyme) for seasoning. It’s simple, tasty, and perfect for hot or cold weather.
This recipe gives away nearly all its ingredients in the title. Good-for-you onions and sweet potatoes combine with some chicken broth, a bit of butter and sugar, and several fragrant spices (including nutmeg and thyme) for seasoning. It’s simple, tasty, and perfect for hot or cold weather.
19. “No Cook” Carrot and Sweet Potato Soup with Spinach
If you own a blender, you’re ready to “cook” this easy-peasy soup recipe. Sweet potatoes, carrots, avocado, dates, spinach, and a few spices combine in a creamy, nutrient-packed, colorful concoction.
If you own a blender, you’re ready to “cook” this easy-peasy soup recipe. Sweet potatoes, carrots, avocado, dates, spinach, and a few spices combine in a creamy, nutrient-packed, colorful concoction.
20. Caramelized Onion and Sweet Potato Salad
Grilled sweet potatoes mix with sweet-and-sour onions for a simple, pretty side salad. This one’s ideal for warmer weather — who wants to grill on the deck when it’s 32 degrees outside?
Grilled sweet potatoes mix with sweet-and-sour onions for a simple, pretty side salad. This one’s ideal for warmer weather — who wants to grill on the deck when it’s 32 degrees outside?
21. Mexican Sweet Potato Quinoa Salad
Hearty enough to be a light meal, this salad is packed with filling quinoa, a plethora of nutrient-rich veggies, some avocado (and its healthy fats), a bit of olive oil, and a fresh squeeze of lime.
Hearty enough to be a light meal, this salad is packed with filling quinoa, a plethora of nutrient-rich veggies, some avocado (and its healthy fats), a bit of olive oil, and a fresh squeeze of lime.
22. Roasted Beet and Sweet Potato Salad
This beautiful salad is chock full of nutrients, color, and crunch thanks to antioxidant-rich beets and sweet potatoes and avocado and pumpkin seeds, which provide healthy fats.
This beautiful salad is chock full of nutrients, color, and crunch thanks to antioxidant-rich beets and sweet potatoes and avocado and pumpkin seeds, which provide healthy fats.
23. Curried Sweet Potato Salad
No spring potluck or tailgate is complete without potato salad. Try this healthier twist on the classic favorite: sweet potatoes, protein-rich Greek yogurt, toasted cashews, and some sweet and salty additions make this side dish good for the body and the taste buds.
No spring potluck or tailgate is complete without potato salad. Try this healthier twist on the classic favorite: sweet potatoes, protein-rich Greek yogurt, toasted cashews, and some sweet and salty additions make this side dish good for the body and the taste buds.
Main Entrees
Sweet Potato Samosas
24. Curry-Spiced Sweet Potato Samosas with a Persimmon-Tomato Marmalade
This name alone makes us drool. A sweet and garlicky sauce gets paired with a surprisingly good-for-you dough (it’s full of healthy spices such as superfoods ginger, turmeric, and cinnamon) and a delicious, wholesome filling of onions, sweet potatoes, curry paste, carrots, garlic, coconut milk, and lime juice.
This name alone makes us drool. A sweet and garlicky sauce gets paired with a surprisingly good-for-you dough (it’s full of healthy spices such as superfoods ginger, turmeric, and cinnamon) and a delicious, wholesome filling of onions, sweet potatoes, curry paste, carrots, garlic, coconut milk, and lime juice.
25. Balsamic Glazed Sweet Potato Pasta
Man, this is a beautiful dish. Sweet potatoes, pasta of your choice (go with whole-wheat for a healthier twist), a little olive oil and balsamic vinegar, and a few heaping cups of superfood spinach make for a healthy, filling, meal that’s fit for lunch or dinner and hot or cold weather. Nom!
Man, this is a beautiful dish. Sweet potatoes, pasta of your choice (go with whole-wheat for a healthier twist), a little olive oil and balsamic vinegar, and a few heaping cups of superfood spinach make for a healthy, filling, meal that’s fit for lunch or dinner and hot or cold weather. Nom!
26. Black Bean and Sweet Potato Burger
Black beans bring the fiber and protein, ginger and garlic bring the flavor (and nutrients!), and almond butter adds some healthy fats and a creamy texture to these easy-to-make vegetarian burgers.
Black beans bring the fiber and protein, ginger and garlic bring the flavor (and nutrients!), and almond butter adds some healthy fats and a creamy texture to these easy-to-make vegetarian burgers.
27. Quinoa Sweet Potato Cakes
These versatile little cakes can be used in a variety of ways: top a salad, eat it as a veggie burger, toss it in a pita with some veggies and tzatziki, or just eat ‘em on their own. Veggies, garlic, quinoa, eggs, a small amount of whole-wheat breadcrumbs, and our dear sweet potatoes form the base for these pretty, wholesome little entrees.
These versatile little cakes can be used in a variety of ways: top a salad, eat it as a veggie burger, toss it in a pita with some veggies and tzatziki, or just eat ‘em on their own. Veggies, garlic, quinoa, eggs, a small amount of whole-wheat breadcrumbs, and our dear sweet potatoes form the base for these pretty, wholesome little entrees.
28. Tempeh and Sweet Potato Collard Wraps
These wraps are stuffed with veggies (and wrapped in ‘em) in addition to tempeh and hummus. Perfect for a light lunch on a warm spring day.
These wraps are stuffed with veggies (and wrapped in ‘em) in addition to tempeh and hummus. Perfect for a light lunch on a warm spring day.
29. Baked Sweet Potato with Kale and Ricotta
Say goodbye to bacon bits: Top a baked sweet potato with garlic, olive oil, a whole bunch of kale, and protein-packed ricotta for complete meal that’ll leave you full ‘til the next one.
Say goodbye to bacon bits: Top a baked sweet potato with garlic, olive oil, a whole bunch of kale, and protein-packed ricotta for complete meal that’ll leave you full ‘til the next one.
30. Sweet Potato-Quinoa Tacos with Chipotle Sauce
Yes, these are as healthy as they sound: Veggies, avocado, and fruits such as cherry tomatoes, red bell pepper, and lime combine with the complete protein of quinoa and (of course) sweet potatoes to make the filling for these little corn tortillas. The sauce calls for half mayo, half plain yogurt — but feel free to up the yogurt ratio if you’re looking to cut back on calories.
Yes, these are as healthy as they sound: Veggies, avocado, and fruits such as cherry tomatoes, red bell pepper, and lime combine with the complete protein of quinoa and (of course) sweet potatoes to make the filling for these little corn tortillas. The sauce calls for half mayo, half plain yogurt — but feel free to up the yogurt ratio if you’re looking to cut back on calories.
31. Baked Sweet Potato Falafel
A healthier falafel? Yes, please! Chickpea flour, a whole bunch of spices, some garlic, and a baked sweet potato are all mixed together and then baked, not fried. Serve them just as you would the real deal.
A healthier falafel? Yes, please! Chickpea flour, a whole bunch of spices, some garlic, and a baked sweet potato are all mixed together and then baked, not fried. Serve them just as you would the real deal.
32. Wild Rice Pilaf, Heavy on the Veggies
This hearty dish is chock full of veggies (seriously — we’re talking 12-plus varieties of produce!). It works well as a side dish (or a full meal if you’re not in the mood for protein).
This hearty dish is chock full of veggies (seriously — we’re talking 12-plus varieties of produce!). It works well as a side dish (or a full meal if you’re not in the mood for protein).
33. Whole-Wheat Sweet Potato Gnocchi with Chicken Sausage and Kale
This creative dish is not only beautiful to behold; it’s also full of protein and good-for-you ingredients like whole-wheat pastry flour, sweet potatoes, olive oil, garlic, kale, and just a bit of white wine (which is rich in antioxidants).
This creative dish is not only beautiful to behold; it’s also full of protein and good-for-you ingredients like whole-wheat pastry flour, sweet potatoes, olive oil, garlic, kale, and just a bit of white wine (which is rich in antioxidants).
34. Sweet Potato Sushi with Brown Rice
Better-for-you brown rice is rolled up with vitamin-rich sweet potato, bell pepper, and spinach to make a pretty, light lunch or dinner.
Better-for-you brown rice is rolled up with vitamin-rich sweet potato, bell pepper, and spinach to make a pretty, light lunch or dinner.
35. Curried Lentils and Sweet Potatoes
Save this warm, hearty curry for a cooler day to maximize the comfort-food element. A whole bunch of good-for-you spices go into this mixture of protein-rich lentils (which are also a good source of folate, iron, potassium, and antioxidants), nutrient-packed veggies, and a garnish of superfood almonds for crunch.
Save this warm, hearty curry for a cooler day to maximize the comfort-food element. A whole bunch of good-for-you spices go into this mixture of protein-rich lentils (which are also a good source of folate, iron, potassium, and antioxidants), nutrient-packed veggies, and a garnish of superfood almonds for crunch.
36. Sweet Potato-Stuffed Bell Peppers
You might want to wear sunglasses while cooking: This meal is seriously bright. Cook together onions, garlic, cauliflower, sweet potato, a tomato, raw cashews, and a slew of healthy spices (including cumin, turmeric, and cayenne pepper) with lentil sprouts before scooping them into red and orange pepper “bowls.” They’re sure to dazzle guests and delight your senses any day of the week.
You might want to wear sunglasses while cooking: This meal is seriously bright. Cook together onions, garlic, cauliflower, sweet potato, a tomato, raw cashews, and a slew of healthy spices (including cumin, turmeric, and cayenne pepper) with lentil sprouts before scooping them into red and orange pepper “bowls.” They’re sure to dazzle guests and delight your senses any day of the week.
37. Braised Coconut Spinach and Chickpeas with Lemon Over a Baked Sweet Potato
Here’s another one for a cool spring day. Veggies, chickpeas, spinach, and seasonings are sautéed together to form a warm, nutrient-rich topping to be ladled over a baked sweet potato. It’s nutritious, comforting, and lovely all at the same time.
Here’s another one for a cool spring day. Veggies, chickpeas, spinach, and seasonings are sautéed together to form a warm, nutrient-rich topping to be ladled over a baked sweet potato. It’s nutritious, comforting, and lovely all at the same time.
38. Spinach and Sweet Potato Quesadilla
These bright little quesadillas are filled with baked sweet potato, chopped spinach, and a little bit of cheese before getting all kinds of gooey in the oven. Top with fresh salsa and, if you’re feeling extra healthy, Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
These bright little quesadillas are filled with baked sweet potato, chopped spinach, and a little bit of cheese before getting all kinds of gooey in the oven. Top with fresh salsa and, if you’re feeling extra healthy, Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
39. Sweet Potatoes with Coconut, Pomegranate, and Lime
Fruit, veggies, low-sugar sweetness, oh my! Pomegranate’s rich red color complements the sweet potato’s orange hue, while shaves of coconut and cilantro make this baked sweet potato almost two pretty to eat.
Fruit, veggies, low-sugar sweetness, oh my! Pomegranate’s rich red color complements the sweet potato’s orange hue, while shaves of coconut and cilantro make this baked sweet potato almost two pretty to eat.
Sweets
Chocolate Sweet Poato Pudding
40. Sweet Potato Chocolate Pudding
Um, YES. Pureed sweet potatoes provide the base for this remarkably healthy pudding recipe, which gains more sweetness and flavor from just a bit of maple syrup, almond milk, unsweetened cocoa powder, espresso powder, and vanilla extract. We’ll take three cases to go, please.
Um, YES. Pureed sweet potatoes provide the base for this remarkably healthy pudding recipe, which gains more sweetness and flavor from just a bit of maple syrup, almond milk, unsweetened cocoa powder, espresso powder, and vanilla extract. We’ll take three cases to go, please.
41. Sweet Potato and Apple Casserole
Healthy spices, apples (a superfood in our book), a couple sweet potatoes, and a smidgen of maple syrup make for a pretty, healthier take on dessert.
Healthy spices, apples (a superfood in our book), a couple sweet potatoes, and a smidgen of maple syrup make for a pretty, healthier take on dessert.
42. Crustless Gluten-Free Sweet Potato Pie
This one offers further proof that going gluten-free doesn’t have to mean going without baked goods for the rest of your life. This wholesome-looking pie is made with only six ingredients: eggs, mashed sweet potatoes, some sugar, pumpkin pie spice, coconut milk, and some gluten-free flour. Pop it in the oven and you’ll be spooning pie in no time.
This one offers further proof that going gluten-free doesn’t have to mean going without baked goods for the rest of your life. This wholesome-looking pie is made with only six ingredients: eggs, mashed sweet potatoes, some sugar, pumpkin pie spice, coconut milk, and some gluten-free flour. Pop it in the oven and you’ll be spooning pie in no time.
43. Gluten-Free Chocolate Cake with Sweet Potato
Yet another gluten-free option, these gooey, flourless cakes are held together with sweet potatoes, potassium-rich bananas, honey, egg, and plenty of antioxidant-rich dark chocolate.
Yet another gluten-free option, these gooey, flourless cakes are held together with sweet potatoes, potassium-rich bananas, honey, egg, and plenty of antioxidant-rich dark chocolate.
44. Sweet Potato Cake Bites
Dates and fiber-rich oats hold together these bite-size morsels, which draw added sweetness from coconuts and honey and a healthy crunch from chopped walnuts.
Dates and fiber-rich oats hold together these bite-size morsels, which draw added sweetness from coconuts and honey and a healthy crunch from chopped walnuts.
45. Fudgy Sweet Potato Brownies
We may have saved the best for last. These chewy brownies look like the old-school variety, but use some seriously healthy replacements for classic pantry staples. Sweet potatoes, dates, avocado, apple sauce, almond meal, vanilla, and raw cacao make for a sweet (yet relatively low-sugar), gooey, concoction perfect for capping off a backyard potluck. Bonus: they’re also gluten-free!
We may have saved the best for last. These chewy brownies look like the old-school variety, but use some seriously healthy replacements for classic pantry staples. Sweet potatoes, dates, avocado, apple sauce, almond meal, vanilla, and raw cacao make for a sweet (yet relatively low-sugar), gooey, concoction perfect for capping off a backyard potluck. Bonus: they’re also gluten-free!
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