10 Healthy Sweet Potato Recipes, According to a Registered Dietitian

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

“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

“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

Vegetarian Sheet Pan Burritos

"Too many veggie burritos have mushy beans and bland rice, lacking texture and color. In this vegan burrito recipe, the hot oven sears tender sweet potato, lively jalapeño, lightly crisped chickpeas, and crunchy walnuts for a flavorful filling." —Robin Asbell, Simply Recipes Contributor

Twice Baked Southwestern Sweet Potatoes

“These potatoes are so unique and delicious! I like that the basic ingredients keep for awhile so you can make it a week or two after your grocery shopping. The flavors work so well together and it is a beautiful dish. I highly recommend adding the chorizo. I served it as a topping so diners could control how much they ate. Although this is filling on its own, pairing it with simply dressed greens on the side makes for a perfect meal!” —Susan, Simply Recipes Reader

Apple Cider Chicken Thighs with Sweet Potatoes

“These chicken thighs are a perfect all-in-one skillet dish, full of fall’s best flavors. Adults will love it even if they don’t love chicken thighs (my wife attests to this), and kids should eat it, too.” —Nick Evans, Simply Recipes Contributor

Sweet Potato Waffles with Fried Egg, Bacon, and Scallions

“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

“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

Sweet Potato and Chickpea Stew with Ras el Hanout

“Absolutely fantastic! Warm spices, with a bit of a kick. Don't leave out the lemon and the apricot. Perfect on a cold January night.” —VC, Simply Recipes Reader

Roasted Sweet Potato Soup

“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

“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