The sweet potato is like the potato's cooler older cousin. It's more stylish (colorful), and full of spunk (flavor). It's generally pretty sweet, but it'll give you that extra kick when you need it. Plus, it's pretty darn healthy — you can always count on sweet potato recipes for vitamins, fiber, and even calcium. Simply put, it's the cool kid of the family.
And while sweet potato is popular in the world of pies and fries, it sure has been making its rounds. Thankfully, the brilliant bloggers of the universe have been chaperoning, ready to report on its delicious ability to spice up your fall dishes.
If there is anything I’ve learned, it’s that sweet potato adds instant personality to every meal. Maybe it’s the rich texture or the vibrant hue reminiscent of autumn. Or maybe it’s the burst of flavor with every bite. Or maybe it’s all of the above. Whatever it is, I’m totally into it. To top it off, sweet potato’s thick consistency makes it perfect for replacing flour, winning a place in the heart of anyone who eats a gluten-free diet.
Here’s what the family’s cool kid has been up to — I promise it won’t let you down.
1. Sweet Potato Chili
Nothing beats a warm bowl of chili. Add some cheese and crushed up crackers on top? Oooh girl, now we’re talking.
Made with hamburger beef, carrots, and sweet potatoes, this non-traditional chili is the ultimate comfort food. I can only imagine how much flavor the sweet potato brings in. And while this chili can steal the spotlight all by itself, it’s also extremely versatile. Try adding it to a bread bowl, or stuffing it in peppers. Eat it as a nacho dip, or on top of scrambled eggs. How about on top of pasta? A sandwich? Everything? Yes please.
To take this recipe on, visit Tastes of Lizzy T.
2. Sweet Potato Quesadillas
I’ve never met a quesadilla I didn’t like. And if I didn’t like it, it probably wasn’t even a quesadilla. That’s how much I like them.
But then I came across these sweet potato quesadillas. That “like” turned into “love,” and no, I don’t think we’re moving too fast. The connection is real. I can feel it… re-fried beans and all.
The concept is simple, easy, and ridiculously delicious. The recipe provides suggestions for a dairy-free and gluten-free version, but you can switch it up to fit your preferences and dietary needs. Whatever you do, I bet it’ll taste amazing. I hope you consider sending me some.
For this non-traditional Mexican dish, visit The Pretty Bee.
3. Sweet Potato And Chicken Enchiladas
While we’re on the topic of unconventional Mexican food, can we just talk about these enchiladas? Filled with a medley of chicken, beans, and sweet potato, this dish is full of flavor and amazingness. It also involves salsa verde. Ten points in my book.
For a heartier version, try making these enchiladas with pulled pork or lean ground beef. If you want a vegetarian dish, scrap the meat all together and bring in some rice. I have a feeling some grilled eggplant would be amazing in this, too.
Shimmy on over to The Cookie Rookie to learn how to make them.
4. Sweet Potato Chips
Since snacking is practically a sport, I felt compelled to include a snack recipe. How else are you going to win the snacking game? With this recipe, obviously. I got your back.
One might argue that oven-baked sweet potato chips aren’t anything fancy. But when you compare them to their store-bought white potato counterparts, they are SO much healthier for you. Less salt and more flavor? I’m in. Plus, you won’t have to deal with opening up a bag of chips to find an undesirable chip-to-air ratio. I know you know what I mean.
To whip up your own sweet potato chips, check out The Cookie Rookie.
5. Sweet Potato Rolls
If your inner Martha Stewart is feeling adventurous, try your hand at these soft sweet potato rolls. This particular recipe offers some inside tips on how to make your rolls extra fluffy. Apparently it comes down to scalding (aka burning) the milk. Who knew?
And since normal potato dinner rolls are pretty darn delicious, this version is sure to win over your taste buds. And if it doesn't, I suggest getting your taste buds checked out. They may be broken.
To make your own tasty batch of sweet potato rolls, head to Oh Sweet Basil.
6. Sweet Potato Banana Bites
OK, these guys are stinkin’ adorable. Made with just four main ingredients, these bite-sized muffins are perfect for anyone on the go. All it takes is some smashing, mixing, and 25 minutes of your time.
These babies are gluten-free and dairy-free. They can also be peanut-free if you skip the nut butter. This is where sunflower butter comes in and saves the day for those of us with nut allergies (I feel your pain, ladies). The recipe also suggests mixing in vanilla extract, fruit, or dark chocolate chips for extra flavor. The possibilities are endless, and I’m so into it.
To make a batch (or six) for yourself, check out the recipe at The Lean Green Bean.
7. Sweet Potato Ravioli With Kale Pesto
For a fool-proof way to make amends with your enemies, try your hand at this sweet potato ravioli recipe. Complete with homemade dough and kale pesto, there is no way anyone can be mad at you after eating this. Of course, I’d suggest not ticking off people to begin, with so you can keep this entire dish for yourself.
This meal would be amazing with some roasted veggies, a side of pumpkin pie, and apple cider. Talk about some serious autumn vibes.
Visit The First Mess for the complete recipe.
8. Sweet Potato Breakfast Cups
As an experienced brunch eater, I’ve made many breakfast cups with sliced bread. And while those are deliciously amazing, these sweet potato versions are on an entirely new level.
For an easy peasy meal, follow the recipe, and use frozen sweet potato tater tots. If you have a little extra time on your hands, opt for fresh sweet potatoes. Just cook them in the microwave or oven, mash them up, and mold them into a muffin tin. So good.
The original recipe also uses ham, but you can always bring in some bacon, veggies, and cheese. Anything goes!
To win Sunday morning brunch, click on over to Easyhealth Living.
9. Sweet Potato Crust BBQ Chicken Pizza
And just like that, so many amazing things were said in one breath. BBQ, chicken, and sweet potato crust? Yeah, you read that right.
This magical crust is more than just a flat spread of mashed sweet potato. Thanks to some flour and egg, the sweet potato turns into a flavorful dough. Once baked, it becomes crispy along the edges and holds whatever toppings your heart desires. In this case, we’re talking BBQ chicken and veggies. Unsurprisingly, those are the only things my heart desires.
To make your own, click on over to The Soccer Mom Blog.
10. Sweet Potato Hamburger Bun
Hold on to your chairs/bed/selves, ladies. Sweet potato buns are a thing. For such a simple idea, it sure is breathtaking. Just look at this view. I’m tearing up just looking at it.
The best part is that it’s insanely easy. It’s more about the creative use instead of the actual method. Even if cooking terrifies you, I have no doubt that you can pull this one off. Just pair it with your favorite burger recipe, and you’ve got yourself an amazing meal.
And when you’re done? Thank Our Savory Life, not me.
Looking for more great food ideas? Check out Bustle on YouTube.
Images: Tastes of Lizzy T; The Pretty Bee; The Cookie Rookie; The Cookie Rookie; Oh Sweet Basil; The Lean Green; The First Mess; Easyhealth Living; The Soccer Mom Blog; Our Savory Life
