One Ingredient, Five Delicious Ways: Sweet Potato Edition
- Piece of Cake Staff
- Jun 20
- 4 min read
Written by Lindsay Grohs
Sweet potatoes are a staple in my kitchen and my life. Not only are they packed with flavor, but they also offer numerous health benefits. They’re rich in fiber and antioxidants, which support gut and brain health while helping protect your body from harmful free radicals (Julson, 2024). High in beta carotene—a powerful antioxidant that converts to vitamin A—sweet potatoes also promote healthy vision and a strong immune system. Plus, they’re an excellent source of potassium, an electrolyte that helps the body maintain a healthy blood pressure (Whitcomb, 2024). Pairing with their health benefits, this vegetable comes in a variety of colors—from classic orange to purple and white—each with its own flavor and nutritional profile.
Whether roasted, mashed, baked, or blended, this ingredient can swing whichever way you please—sweet or savory, simple or gourmet. Versatile, nutrient-packed, and undeniably delicious, sweet potatoes are the superfood you didn’t know you needed. In this edition of "One Ingredient, Five Ways," discover how this vegetable can be transformed into five unexpected and flavorful dishes!
1. Sweet Potato Nachos
Think nachos, but make them root-to-table. In this recipe, you are swapping the traditional tortilla chip for thinly sliced, roasted sweet potatoes. This swap creates a whole new level of nutritional value added to a classic dish. The natural sweetness of the sweet potato pairs beautifully with savory toppings such as ground turkey/beef, black beans, cheese, and various sauces. This dish is perfect for a game day appetizer, weeknight dinner, or light lunch. It’s just one of the dishes that proves sweet potatoes really can do it all.
2. Sweet Potato Pizza
Pizza night just got an extra nutrient boost! After incorporating sweet potato into the dough—mixing mashed sweet potato, flour (or oats and an egg), olive oil, and a blend of seasonings—you get a crust that’s gluten-free, subtly sweet, and rich in fiber and antioxidants. When baked, this dough comes out soft in the middle and crispy on the edges. It can be paired with any of your favorite toppings, but my recommendations are the combination of goat cheese, caramelized onions, arugula, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze or BBQ sauce; shredded chicken, sliced red onion, smoked gouda, and cilantro. The first combo offers a creamy, tangy, peppery flavor that balances beautifully with the natural sweetness of the crust. The second one offers a more smoky, sweet combination that’s equally satisfying. Regardless of your preference, sweet potato pizza is guaranteed to hit the spot!
3. Sweet Potato Casserole
When I think of this dish, Thanksgiving instantly comes to mind—the casserole dish filled with mashed sweet potatoes topped with golden, gooey marshmallows. While it may have looked displeasing as a kid, I'm now able to appreciate the true goodness of the delicious flavor combination this dish offers. This cozy dish combines mashed sweet potatoes—seasoned with brown sugar, cinnamon, and a hint of vanilla—with a toasted layer of golden, gooey marshmallows. The soft, spiced sweet potato base paired with the sweet, melty marshmallow topping creates a nostalgic flavor that’s perfect for the holidays—and honestly, any other time of year. To take it up a notch, I recommend adding a sprinkle of crunchy pecans or streusel for an extra layer of crunch and flavor.
4. Sweet Potato Mac & Cheese
This versatile vegetable can be worked into yet another one of your favorite comfort foods: mac & cheese! Blending mashed sweet potato into the cheesy sauce adds a velvety, rich texture, a hint of natural sweetness, and a boost of vitamins and fiber. The subtle sweetness of the sweet potato strikes a perfect balance with the saltiness of the cheese. Perfect for a cozy fall dinner, summer side dish, or a weeknight classic with a twist. No matter the season, this dish is sure to satisfy both your cravings and nutritional needs.
5. Sweet Potato Brownies
Ending on a sweet note, we have a twist on your favorite classic, fudgy brownies. This sweet potato version offers high nutritional value without compromising flavor. The mashed sweet potato adds natural sweetness and moisture to the dessert, making the brownies soft, gooey, and satisfying while minimizing the added sugar. It’s also a sneaky way to sneak lots of fiber and antioxidants into a dessert item. Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven or chilled straight from the fridge, these brownies are a treat in any form. They’re yet another example of how sweet potatoes can be combined into a dish that is both indulgent and nourishing.
From savory nachos and nutrient-packed pizza to cozy casseroles and warm brownies, sweet potatoes have proven their versatility time and time again. Their natural sweetness, variety of vibrant colors, and array of health benefits make them a true MVP ingredient. These five sweet potato recipes offer creative and delicious ways to incorporate this kitchen staple into meals, sides, and desserts all year round. So, what are you waiting for? Grab a sweet potato and get cooking!
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