17 Ways to Cook with Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes show up in more than just side dishes and casseroles, they’re a surprisingly flexible ingredient that fits into every part of the day. From waffles and toast at breakfast to meatballs, tacos, and skillet meals for dinner, these recipes make the most of their natural sweetness and hearty texture. You’ll find sweet and savory ideas, quick weeknight meals, and even a few impressive dishes for guests. It’s all about using sweet potatoes in ways that keep things fresh and flavorful.

Vegan Sweet Potato Soup

A bowl of creamy orange soup with a swirl of cream and a sprinkle of black pepper, placed next to a spoon on a textured surface. — Vegan Sweet Potato Soup. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

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This blended soup is creamy without using any cream, thanks to the texture of the sweet potatoes. It’s seasoned with garlic, onions, and warm spices that balance the sweetness. The result is rich and smooth with minimal effort. Top with herbs or a drizzle of oil.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Sweet Potato Soup

Sweet Potato Waffles

A stack of waffles topped with blueberries and a pat of butter on a white plate, with a fork and a bowl of syrup nearby. — Sweet Potato Waffles. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Mashed sweet potato brings moisture and flavor to these golden waffles. They’re crisp on the outside and soft inside, with just enough sweetness to pair with syrup or fruit. You can also go savory with eggs or hot sauce. Make a batch and freeze extras for later.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Waffles

Sweet Potato Skins

A baked sweet potato half topped with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, melted cheese, and chopped herbs on parchment paper. — Sweet Potato Skins. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Baked sweet potato halves are filled with cheesy, savory toppings and roasted until crispy. The filling can be customized with anything from black beans to bacon bits. The skins hold their shape and crisp up beautifully. Serve them hot as an appetizer or snack.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Skins

Sweet Potato Tacos

Two tacos on a plate with a sauce. — Sweet Potato Tacos. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Roasted sweet potato cubes add body and flavor to tacos filled with black beans, avocado, and fresh slaw. The combination is colorful, satisfying, and full of texture. A squeeze of lime or drizzle of hot sauce finishes it off. These work well for a meatless dinner.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Tacos

Sweet Potato Toast Recipe – Topped with Avocado and Eggs

A plate with a fried egg garnished with herbs and chili flakes, next to mashed avocado on a slice of roasted sweet potato. — Sweet Potato Toast Recipe – Topped with Avocado and Eggs. Photo credit: The Honour System.

Thick slices of sweet potato take the place of bread in this creative breakfast or lunch. They’re roasted or toasted until tender, then topped with creamy avocado and soft eggs. A sprinkle of seasoning pulls everything together. It’s simple but surprisingly satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Toast Recipe – Topped with Avocado and Eggs

Sweet Potato Turkey Meatballs

Grated sweet potato helps keep these meatballs moist and flavorful. They bake up tender and are seasoned just enough to pair with sauces or grains. Serve them with rice, pasta, or even in wraps. They’re easy to prep and reheat well.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Turkey Meatballs

Sweet Potato Turkey Patties

Two vegetable patties stacked on mixed greens, topped with a dollop of white sauce and garnished with fresh herbs, next to a fork on a plate. — Sweet Potato Turkey Patties. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Mashed sweet potato and ground turkey come together in these skillet-fried patties. They hold their shape well and have a mild flavor that works with many sides. Great with salad, rice, or tucked into buns. Quick to make and freezer-friendly.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Turkey Patties

Sweet Potato Noodles

A white bowl filled with creamy tomato pasta garnished with spinach and shredded cheese, with a fork resting inside the bowl. — Sweet Potato Noodles. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Spiralized sweet potatoes cook into tender, colorful noodles that can take on bold sauces. They stay firm enough for stir-fries or quick sautés. The flavor is slightly sweet but neutral enough to go savory. Try them with garlic, greens, or creamy dressings.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Noodles

Sweet Potato Mac and Cheese

A bowl of macaroni and cheese with spinach sits on a wooden table, next to a striped towel and a skillet containing more macaroni. — Sweet Potato Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Mashed sweet potatoes blend into a creamy cheese sauce for a twist on a comfort food classic. The result is thick, smooth, and slightly sweet with a bold cheesy finish. It looks great and tastes even better. Kids and adults both go for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Mac and Cheese

Sweet Potato Gnocchi

A green skillet filled with cooked gnocchi, topped with grated cheese and herbs, sits on a wooden table. — Sweet Potato Gnocchi. Photo credit: Xoxo Bella.

Made from mashed sweet potato and flour, these soft gnocchi cook quickly and hold up well in sauce. They’re slightly sweet and pair nicely with browned butter, sage, or garlic oil. Pan-frying them after boiling adds texture. A great weekend cooking project.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Gnocchi

Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Green Beans

This easy sheet pan combo brings together caramelized sweet potatoes and crisp green beans. A quick toss in oil and seasoning is all it takes. It’s colorful, simple, and works well alongside chicken, beef, or fish. Serve warm or room temperature.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Green Beans

Roasted Sweet Potatoes With Honey Garlic

Roasted sweet potatoes with feta and walnuts. — Roasted Sweet Potatoes With Honey Garlic. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

Cubed sweet potatoes roast until golden, then get tossed in a sticky honey garlic glaze. The edges turn crisp while the centers stay soft. Sweet, savory, and just a little garlicky. They’re great with grilled meat or on their own.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Sweet Potatoes With Honey Garlic

Roasted White Sweet Potatoes

A white bowl filled with seasoned, roasted diced potatoes, with a wooden spoon and sprigs of fresh herbs on the side. Salt shakers are visible in the background. — Roasted White Sweet Potatoes. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

These roast into firm, golden cubes with a more subtle flavor than the orange variety. The texture is a little denser, which makes them great for holding their shape. Just a touch of oil and salt brings out their natural flavor. Try them as a side or in bowls.
Get the Recipe: Roasted White Sweet Potatoes

Rosemary Hasselback Sweet Potatoes

Sliced baked sweet potatoes topped with chopped onions and herbs on a white plate, with a fork and fresh herbs on the side. — Rosemary Hasselback Sweet Potatoes. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Thin slices are cut into whole sweet potatoes, then roasted with oil and rosemary. The edges get crispy while the insides stay soft. It’s an eye-catching way to serve them that’s easier than it looks. A little garlic or salt finishes it off.
Get the Recipe: Rosemary Hasselback Sweet Potatoes

Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet

Close-up of a colorful dish with ground meat, diced sweet potatoes, tomatoes, melted cheese, herbs, and lime wedges. — Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Ground beef and cubed sweet potatoes cook together in one pan with bold spices and vegetables. It’s filling and flavorful with minimal cleanup. The mix of textures keeps it interesting. Serve it with rice or eat it as is.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet

Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Kale Skillet

A skillet filled with a cooked mixture of chopped kale, diced sweet potatoes, cherry tomatoes, ground meat, and melted shredded cheese. — Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Kale Skillet. Photo credit: Xoxo Bella.

This one-pan dish combines ground turkey, diced sweet potatoes, and wilted kale for a complete meal. It’s balanced, simple, and comes together quickly. The flavors work well together without needing much else. Great for meal prep or leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Kale Skillet

Creamy Mashed Purple Sweet Potatoes

A bowl of mashed purple sweet potatoes topped with cracked black pepper, with a wooden spoon resting on the side. — Creamy Mashed Purple Sweet Potatoes. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

These mashed potatoes are bright purple and incredibly smooth. The natural color makes them stand out, and a bit of butter or cream brings out their flavor. Slightly earthier than the orange kind, but just as rich. They’re a fun twist for any meal.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mashed Purple Sweet Potatoes