The Sweet Spot: 11 Creative Ways to Cook Sweet Potatoes

This post contains affiliate links and may earn commissions on recommended products. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Sweet potatoes are so much more than just a holiday side dish—they’re a versatile ingredient that can transform any meal! From sweet to savory, their natural sweetness and tender texture make them perfect for a wide range of dishes. In this collection, we’re showcasing deliciously distinctive sweet potato recipes that highlight their versatility, from fluffy sweet potato waffles for breakfast to a vibrant sweet potato salad for lunch and a comforting sweet potato chili for dinner. Whether you’re cooking up something cozy for dinner or looking to shake up your usual side dish routine, these recipes will inspire you to see sweet potatoes in a whole new light!

Overhead of a bowl of sweet potato and kale salad with chickpeas. — Roasted Sweet Potato Salad. Photo credit: Stetted.

Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili

Naturally sweet and not too spicy, this sweet potato black bean chili is a staple dish you can make for Meatless Monday, or any night of the week. Serve with your favorite cornbread or biscuits.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili

Sweet Potato Cornbread

Cornbread with butter on a plate. — Sweet Potato Cornbread. Photo credit: Stetted.

Sweet potato cornbread is the ultra-moist and tender cornbread recipe you’ve been looking for! Perfect with chili, turkey dinners, and more.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Cornbread

Sweet Potato Waffles

Tender sweet potato waffles make the most of leftover mashed sweet potatoes. They freeze great for meal prep, too!
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Waffles

Sweet Potato Muffins

An unwrapped sweet potato muffin as shown from above. — Sweet Potato Muffins. Photo credit: Stetted.

Tender sweet potato muffins are not too sweet, giving you a delicious start to the day or a satisfying tea time snack.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Muffins

Roasted Sweet Potato Salad with Chickpeas and Kale

A sweet potato salad in a bowl with kale and chickpeas. — Roasted Sweet Potato Salad with Chickpeas and Kale. Photo credit: Stetted.

For a light but hearty lunch or dinner, try this roasted sweet potato salad. It features tenderized kale and chickpeas, along with a simple dressing, for an invigorating dish.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Sweet Potato Salad with Chickpeas and Kale

Smashed Sweet Potatoes

A serving dish of baked sweet potato circles. — Smashed Sweet Potatoes. Photo credit: Stetted.

Smashed sweet potatoes are a great take on the classic holiday side dish! They’re double-cooked and drizzled with a spiced butter.
Get the Recipe: Smashed Sweet Potatoes

Sweet Potato Biscuits

Tender sweet potato biscuits are fluffy biscuits with just a bit of sweetness. Serve alongside brunch, chili, or Thanksgiving dinner!
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Biscuits

Sweet Potato Wedges

Seasoned sweet potato wedges are a flavorful side dish, game-day appetizer, or snack! They’re baked for a deliciously crisp outside and tender inside.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Wedges

Tex-Mex Sweet Potatoes

A baked sweet potato filled with meat and topped with cheese and guacamole. — Tex-Mex Sweet Potatoes. Photo credit: Stetted.

These loaded baked sweet potatoes feature your favorite taco fillings for a Tex-Mex inspired dish. Great for a lighter dinner or lunch.
Get the Recipe: Tex-Mex Sweet Potatoes

Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Dried Figs

A plate of sweet potato wedges with figs and cured meat on top. — Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Dried Figs. Photo credit: Stetted.

Figs and goat cheese top these simple roasted sweet potatoes, for a unique side dish option for the holidays.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Dried Figs

Persimmon Sweet Potato Soup

Persimmon sweet potato soup is a savory way to enjoy persimmons and tender sweet potatoes. It comes together quickly for a weeknight dinner or easy lunch.
Get the Recipe: Persimmon Sweet Potato Soup