Sweet potato has become the root of my obsession……(get it? Root…because it’s a root vegetable) [insert pity laugh here].
I jumped on the sweet potato train…and I’m not getting off anytime soon. This amazing root vegetable is so versatile and can be used in both sweet and savory dishes. They are chock full of vitamin A, potassium, and antioxidants. They are high in fiber and low on the glycemic index. And they’re just so darn delicious!
I’m not picky when it comes to potatoes. I could roast them and eat them plain! Or with a dollop of peanut butter for a balanced snack. No matter how simple or complex the recipe, you can’t go wrong with the sweet potato.
So in honor of National Sweet Potato Day, here are 6 of my favorite recipes to try!
Baked Sweet Potato Fries
Sweet potato fries have swept the nation, and for good reason! But why not make this delicious side dish at home, baked in the oven, to preserve all those nutritional benefits!
Stuffed Sweet Potatoes with Spinach and Bacon
My stuffed potatoes are similar to a twice-baked potato, but with the addition of veggies and the always popular bacon, are a great option for breakfast! I make a batch on Sunday, and then enjoy them all week for a quick and filling meal!
Sweet Chili and Sweet Potato Salmon Cakes
Salmon cakes are a delicious and easy way to get your recommended dose of omega 3’s! The addition of sweet chili sauce and mashed potato gives these salmon cakes a unique twist that is sure to please the taste buds. You can make a large batch ahead of time and then freeze until later! This must try recipe can be found here.
Potato Toasts
Different types of toasts have recently gained popularity. Avocado toast, or mashed avocado over top toasted bread and a variety of toppings is a favorite of min. However, sweet potato toasts have recently taken over social media, and for good reason. Who wouldn’t love a slice of roasted sweet potato covered with a variety of delicious toppings? The possibilities are endless. I usually start with vanilla yogurt (the siggi’s 4% vanilla is definitely my favorite), nut butter, or mashed avocado. Then you can add whatever else you want! Chopped nuts, chia seeds, coconut, fruit, a fried egg, cheese…it’s up to you! This easy recipe can be found here.
Hasselback Sweet Potatoes
If you’re searching for a beautiful and interesting way to serve sweet potatoes, this is definitely it! Hasselback potatoes are sliced very thinly (but not all the way through), then slathered with butter and roasted to perfection. Traditionally, they are baked with garlic in between the slices. However, because this is using sweet potatoes, I roasted them in just a little butter, then sprinkled with cinnamon and brown sugar. Yum!
Potato Hash
Smoky and spicy sweet potato hash pairs perfectly with fried eggs and creamy avocado. Serve with corn tortillas for a delicious breakfast taco! This dish is a brunch necessity and sure to please a crowd! Try this recipe here.
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Blog reviewed and updated June 2020.
An award winning recipe developer, Dietitian Kaitlin’s mission is to empower others to reach their health goals by encouraging them to get back into the kitchen. Co-author of Nourished: 10 Ingredients to Happy, Healthy Eating and Cooking with Diabetes.
Thank you for the great recipes. However I am confused about sweet potatoes. Kaitlin says that sweet potatoes are low on the glycemic index, but my online research shows otherwise. I love sweet potatoes but have been cutting way back on them. I read that if you boil sweet potatoes, the GI is lower than if you back them.
Hi Dorothy!
Thank you for the comment! According to the American Diabetes Association, sweet potatoes are a low GI food. While some research does indicate some differences in glycemic index based on cooking method, I think the most important consideration for enjoying sweet potatoes is paying attention to portion size, and making sure to balance your plate with protein and plenty of non-starchy vegetables!