6 Healthy Sweet Potato Recipes, According to a Registered Dietitian

Think beyond sweet potato casserole.

By
Sara Haas, RDN, LDN
Sara Haas
Sara Haas, RDN, LDN
Sara Haas, RDN, LDN, is a food and nutrition expert with formal culinary training. She works as a writer, recipe developer, food photographer, media authority, public speaker, and consultant dietitian/chef. Former culinary and nutrition instructor and National Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Spokesperson. 
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Updated November 10, 2024
Sara Haas
2017-01-23-moroccan-stew-17
Sabrina Modelle

Thanks to my Midwest upbringing, I thought the only potato worth eating was the Russet potato. If it weren’t for Thanksgiving or Christmas, I’m not sure I would’ve known that sweet potatoes existed. Those holiday meals always included a sweet potato casserole made by my grandma, who would toss canned sweet potatoes with sugar, then pour them into a casserole dish and top it with a healthy smattering of marshmallows.

Fortunately, after years of studying nutrition in school, I learned that sweet potatoes could play a larger, more delicious role in my life than just a sugary side dish. It turns out that I like sweet potatoes, not just because they taste awesome but also because they are packed with vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that support everything from eye and gut health to preventing disease.

While a simple baked sweet potato is perfect and delicious, other fun ways exist to enjoy it (beyond that sweet potato casserole!). Here is a list of my favorite recipes to get you started!

  • Roasted Sweet Potato Salad

    Plate of Roasted Sweet Potato Salad with a Fork, Surrounded by a Bowl with More Salad, Glasses, a Small Bowl with Salt, a Cutting Board with a Lime Half, and a Kitchen Towel

    Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe

    “Regular potatoes might get all of the glory when it comes to salads, but sweet potatoes deserve just as much love and attention. This roasted sweet potato salad shows off the orange-hued root vegetable, setting off its naturally sweet flavor with chili powder. 

    "With earthy black beans, pickled red onion, baby spinach, salty feta cheese crumbles, and a vibrant lime vinaigrette, this is a colorful, hearty vegetarian salad that can be enjoyed a number of ways.” —Sheela Prakash, Simply Recipes Contributor

  • African Chicken Peanut Stew

    African Chicken Peanut Stew
    Elise Bauer

    “Chicken, sweet potatoes, and peanuts are one of those magical flavor combinations that make me feel all warm and happy. 20 years ago I met some fellow University of Wisconsin students from Ghana who made this stew at their apartment. This is my version, inspired by my colleagues at UW.” —Hank Shaw, Simply Recipes Contributor

  • Sweet Potato Waffles with Fried Egg, Bacon, and Scallions

    Sweet potato waffles on a plate, topped with a sunny side up egg and chives

    Simply Recipes / Sally Vargas

    “Make these sweet potato waffles with fried egg, bacon, and scallions for breakfast, lunch, or dinner! A great way to use up leftover sweet potatoes.” —Sally Vargas, Simply Recipes Contributor

  • Sweet Potato Latkes

    Plate of Sweet Potato Latkes Topped with Dollops of Sour Cream and Next to It, a Small Bowl with More Sour Cream

    Simply Recipes / Micah Siva

    “For a twist on the classic potato latke, swap russets for colorful sweet potatoes. These slightly sweet but mostly savory latkes are crispy and delicious, especially with sour cream.” —Micah Siva, RD, Simply Recipes Contributor

    Continue to 5 of 6 below

  • Roasted Sweet Potato Soup

    A bowl of roasted sweet potato soup
    Elise Bauer

    “This is SO good! I'm not a huge sweet potato fan, but I know how good they are for me, so I went in search of a recipe for sweet potato soup. I found this one and I'm so glad I did. I could eat it every single day.” —Alyce, Simply Recipes Reader

  • Grilled Sweet Potatoes

    Grilled sweet potato slices on a black plate
    Elise Bauer

    “Sliced sweet potatoes are delicious grilled, especially when they're slathered in a cilantro-lime dressing. Grilled sweet potatoes make the perfect grilling side dish.” —Elise Bauer, Simply Recipes Founder

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