30 Sweet Potato Recipes That Go Way Beyond Fries
I always buy sweet potatoes with good intentions and then end up wondering what to actually make with them. There are only so many times I can do fries before I fancy something different.
The good thing is you can do loads with them. I’ve got everything in here from easy dinners and soups to cinnamon rolls, brownies and cake, so definitely not just the usual side dishes.
I’ve pulled together 30 of my favorite ideas below. Some are really simple, some are a bit different, but they all make good use of a sweet potato or two.
Why You’ll Love These Recipes
- Loads of different ideas – there’s everything from fries and easy dinners to cakes, brownies and cinnamon rolls.
- They’re not all side dishes – I love sweet potatoes as a side, but there’s so much more you can do with them.
- Perfect for this time of year – as soon as fall rolls around, sweet potatoes seem to find their way into everything in our house.
- Plenty of easy ones – because I’m definitely not looking for complicated recipes on a busy weeknight.
- A good mix of sweet and savory – which is one of the things I love most about cooking with sweet potatoes.
1. Sweet Potato Cinnamon Rolls
These are soft, fluffy and packed with plenty of cinnamon and brown sugar, with sweet potato mixed right into the dough. They’re especially good warm from the oven with that cream cheese frosting melting into the swirls.
2. Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
You get lovely crispy edges without having to mess around with a pan of hot oil. They’re really easy to make too and are great with burgers, sandwiches or simply dipped in your favorite sauce.
3. Sweet Potato Casserole
This is such a good one for Thanksgiving, with creamy cinnamon-spiced sweet potato underneath a layer of gooey toasted marshmallows. The candied pecans on top add a lovely bit of crunch too.
4. Sweet Potato Brownies
If you fancy something chocolatey, these are an easy way to sneak some sweet potato into a batch of brownies. They’re rich and fudgy with plenty of chocolate, and you’d never guess there was sweet potato in there.
GET THE RECIPE5. Texas Roadhouse Loaded Sweet Potatoes
Image credit: thecookinchicks
These are loaded up with butter, brown sugar, cinnamon and plenty of gooey toasted marshmallows. They’re a fun copycat to make at home when you fancy something a little more indulgent.
6. Sweet Potato Pie with Chocolate and Marshmallows
This one takes a classic pie and adds plenty of chocolate and gooey marshmallows into the mix. It’s rich, sweet and a fun one to bring out for Thanksgiving or a fall dessert.
7. Roasted Sweet Potato Meal Prep Breakfast Bowls
Image credit: moderatelymessyrd
A bowl like this is a really easy way to get sweet potatoes into breakfast, especially if you like to prep ahead. They’re packed with protein and fiber too, so they should keep you going for a good while.
8. Sweet Potato Gnocchi
Image credit: veggieideas
Making gnocchi from scratch might sound a bit fiddly, but this version is actually pretty simple. They’re soft and pillowy with a slightly sweet flavor and make a lovely cozy dinner.
9. Sweet Potato Bites
A little maple syrup turns these into such a lovely sweet side, especially once the marshmallows get all golden and toasted. The pecan on top adds a nice bit of crunch too, and they’d be perfect for Thanksgiving.
GET THE RECIPE10. Sweet Potato Taco Bowl
Image credit: spendwithpennies
This is a proper loaded bowl with seasoned beef, roasted sweet potato, avocado and a creamy cilantro lime sauce. A drizzle of hot honey finishes it off and gives the whole thing a nice sweet and spicy kick.
11. 30 Minute Sweet Potato & Corn Chowder
Image credit: thefamilyfoodkitchen
Ready in just 30 minutes, this is a good one for those nights when you want something warm without spending ages cooking. It’s creamy and packed with sweet potato, corn, leeks and crispy pancetta.
12. Brown Sugar Roasted Root Vegetables
A little brown sugar makes these roasted veggies lovely and caramelized around the edges. They’re an easy fall side dish with sweet potatoes, carrots and parsnips all roasted together on one pan.
GET THE RECIPE13. Sausage & Sweet Potato Pasta
Image credit: spendwithpennies
This is such a good way to turn sweet potatoes into a proper weeknight dinner rather than just serving them on the side. It’s got Italian sausage, roasted veggies and rigatoni all tossed together with Parmesan, a little lemon and a bit of heat.
14. Vegan Maple Sweet Potato Cake
Image credit: earthly-provisions
Maple syrup and warm fall spices give this cake loads of flavor, with the mashed sweet potato keeping it nice and soft. It’s completely vegan too, right down to the fluffy vanilla frosting on top.
15. Sweet Potato Breakfast Hash Skillet with Eggs
Image credit: hungrywhisk
This is the sort of breakfast that’ll actually keep you going, with crispy sweet potatoes, peppers and eggs all cooked in one skillet. A little smoked paprika, cumin and balsamic vinegar gives it loads of flavor without making it complicated.
16. Sweet Potato and Chorizo Stew
Image credit: mychefsapron
For a really cozy dinner, this is packed with chunks of sweet potato, spicy chorizo and plenty of peppers and onions. It all goes in the slow cooker too, so there’s not much to do once you’ve got everything in there.
17. Air Fryer Sweet Potato Jackets
If you want something really simple, these come out lovely and soft inside with hardly any effort. Load them up with butter and your favorite toppings, or serve them alongside dinner instead of regular baked potatoes.
GET THE RECIPE18. Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
Image credit: belleofthekitchen
Here’s a really easy way to turn a baked sweet potato into a full dinner without much extra work. They’re piled with taco-seasoned beef and salsa, then you can add as much cheese, avocado, sour cream and tomato as you like.
19. Sweet Potato and Red Pepper Soup
Image credit: itsavegworldafterall
A big bowl of this is perfect when you want something warm and cozy but still nice and simple. The sweet potato and red pepper are blended until smooth and creamy, with plenty of flavor from garlic and spices.
20. Sweet Potato Tacos with Halloumi
Image credit: foodess
Halloumi makes these a bit different, especially once it’s roasted until golden alongside the spiced sweet potato. Add avocado, red onion and that creamy lime sauce and you’ve got a really tasty meat-free dinner.
21. Sweet Potato Salad
Image credit: iheartnaptime
This has loads going on with crispy roasted sweet potato, creamy avocado, cranberries, feta and crunchy pecans. The balsamic on top brings it all together and makes it a lovely fall lunch or side dish.
22. Thai Green Curry with Sweet Potato, Spinach and Mushrooms
Image credit: cookmefree
For something a bit different, this curry is packed with sweet potato, mushrooms and spinach in a creamy coconut sauce. The green curry paste gives it plenty of flavor and a nice bit of heat too.
23. Vegan Sweet Potato Waffles
Image credit: yumveganlunchideas
These are a nice change from the usual breakfast waffles, with sweet potato and cinnamon blended right into the batter. They crisp up on the outside and are really good piled with maple syrup and whatever toppings you fancy.
24. Glazed Sweet Potato Coins
Image credit: thekitchenismyplayground
Brown sugar, butter and a little lemon turn these simple slices into a lovely sticky, caramelized side dish. They take a bit of time in the oven, but there’s hardly any hands-on work involved.
25. Italian Chicken Meatballs & Sweet Potato Spaghetti
Image credit: strengthandsunshine
Instead of regular pasta, this one uses spiralized sweet potatoes topped with homemade chicken meatballs and a rich tomato sauce. There are olives, capers, mushrooms and plenty of herbs in there too, so it’s packed with flavor.
26. Vegan Sweet Potato Soup with Coconut
Image credit: thefamilyfoodkitchen
For an easy lunch on a chilly day, this is lovely and creamy without using any dairy. The coconut milk works really well with the sweet potatoes and carrots, and everything gets blended until silky smooth.
27. Sweet Potato and Black Bean Tacos
Image credit: thecandidcooks
These have a lovely smoky kick from the chipotle, with caramelized sweet potato, black beans, corn and poblano piled into warm tortillas. Add plenty of avocado, cilantro and a squeeze of lime and you’ve got a really tasty meat-free dinner.
28. Roasted Sweet Potato Brussels Sprouts with Lemon Honey Vinaigrette
Image credit: imperfectlywabisabi
A drizzle of lemon and honey is such a simple way to brighten up these roasted veggies. The sweet potatoes and Brussels sprouts get lovely and golden in the oven, then the vinaigrette adds a little sweetness and tang at the end.
29. Sweet Potato Pecan Bundt Cake
Image credit: thevgftable
If you like a cake with plenty of texture, this one has a sticky maple caramel and pecan topping hiding underneath. The sweet potato keeps the cake lovely and soft, with brown sugar and cinnamon giving it plenty of cozy fall flavor.
30. Gluten-Free Sloppy Joe Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
Image credit: fitasamamabear
Sloppy Joes are even better piled into a soft baked sweet potato instead of the usual bun. You get that sweet and savory combination, and it’s an easy way to make the whole thing gluten-free too.
There are so many good ways to use sweet potatoes, I’m not sure I could pick a favorite from this lot. I do love the fries, but those cinnamon rolls are pretty hard to beat too! I hope you’ve found a few new ideas to try next time you’ve got some sweet potatoes to use up.
