Add Some Carbs To the Kitchen: 20 Healthy Sweet Potato Recipes

By Kaitlin Bitz Candelaria | August 23, 0016
If you don’t love sweet potatoes, well…what can we say, besides you’re wrong?


Sweet potatoes are the perfect complex carbohydrates. Although eating them in excess can lead to weight gain, they make a perfect addition to a balanced meal and have many nutritional benefits including beta-carotene, vitamin C and manganese.


Another excellent argument for including sweet potatoes into your diet is their versatility. Don’t believe us? Sweet potatoes go so far beyond a sad little yam wrapped up in aluminum foil or a Thanksgiving dish.


We’ve got 20 super-creative ways to work sweet potatoes into your regular routine.


20 Healthy Sweet Potato Recipes

1. Sweet Potato Skins

Source: FitnessHQ, 11 Healthy Super Bowl Snack Ideas
Looking for a great party dish? These potato skins are a great alternative to their white potato counterparts and make a great addition to any Paleo get together.


Ingredients


  • 3 large sweet potatoes
  • 1/2 pound of bacon
  • 4 ounces of mushrooms
  • 1/2 cup of coconut milk
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon of pepper
To check out the rest of this recipe, click here.


2. Twice-Baked Chicken Fajita Sweet Potatoes

Source: Cafe Delites
Looking to put a Mexican spin on sweet potatoes? These twice-baked chicken fajita sweet potatoes are quick, low-calorie and super tasty.


Ingredients


  • 3 sweet potatoes
  • Olive oil
  • ½ of a red onion
  • 9 ounces of cooked chicken breast, sliced into 1-inch strips
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 small orange bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 small green bell pepper, sliced
  • ¼ cup tinned black beans, washed and rinsed
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon of sweet paprika
  • 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese
  • 1 lime, juiced
  • ¼ cup of cilantro leaves
  • Extra lime wedges to serve
  • 1 avocado, diced
  • Salsa to serve
To check out the rest of the recipe, click here.


3. Sweet Potato Pizza

Source: The Soccer Mom Blog
Who says pizza has to be bad for you? This sweet potato crust pizza is delicious, tangy and super healthy.


Ingredients


  • 3 medium sweet potatoes
  • 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup spinach, chopped
  • 1 cup pre-cooked rotisserie chicken, shredded
  • 1 egg
  • 1 cup almond flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
  • 1/2 cup tomato sauce
To check out the full recipe, click here.


4. Sweet Potato Nacho Dip

Source: My Heart Beets
Mind blown yet? Who knew sweet potatoes could be used as a nacho cheese substitute? This golden goodness is dairy free and is very easy to make.


Ingredients


5. Sweet Potato-Crusted Spinach Quiche

Source: SweetasHoney
Whether you need a sophisticated dish or you’re just looking for a yummy way to incorporate sweet potatoes and spinach into your weekly routine, this quiche hits the spot.


Ingredients


  • 2 sweet potatoes
  • 400 g frozen blanched whole leaves spinach
  • 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
  • 1 large brown onion, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoon olive oil
  • 4 eggs
  • 3/4 cup almond milk or milk of your choice
  • 1 pinch of ground nutmeg
  • 1 handful grated cheese
To check out the full recipe, click here.


6. Hasselback Sweet Potatoes

Source: Cafe Delites
This saucy little side dish is a great partner to well…anything. These savory hasselback potatoes will be the envy of any main course.


Ingredients


  • 4 medium sweet potatoes
  • 4 tablespoons garlic butter
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 teaspoon finely chopped rosemary
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • Extra herbs to garnish
To check out the full recipe, click here.


7. Sweet Potato Tots

Source: Real Food RN
Sweet potato fries, move over. There’s a new sweet potato snack in town.


Ingredients


  • 3 cups sweet potatoes
  • 1 cup grated raw parmesan cheese, plus more for rolling tots in
  • salt and pepper to taste
To check out the full recipe, click here.


8. Shoestring Sweet Potato Fries

Source: Sweet C’s Designs
If the sweet potato tots weren’t enough to deter you from sweet potato fries for forever, this is a great twist on your usual side dish. Not only that, but the ingredients are incredibly simple.


Ingredients


  • 1 large sweet potato
  • 2 tablespoons of olive oil
  • Celtic sea salt, to taste
To check out the full recipe, click here.


9. Sweet Potato Hummus

Source: It Doesn’t Taste Like Chicken
Ingredients


  • 1 medium sweet potato (about 1 Cup Mashed)
  • 1 cup of cooked chickpeas
  • 1 clove of garlic
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder
  • Pepper to taste
To check out the full recipe, click here.


10. Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie

Source: The Lemon Bowl
Ingredients


  • 1 pound ground sirloin (turkey, chicken or lamb also work)
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon ground sage
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne
  • 2 carrots – diced
  • 1 medium onion – diced
  • 3 garlic cloves – grated
  • 2 tablespoons white whole wheat flour (or all-purpose)
  • 2 cups beef or chicken broth – low sodium
  • 1 cup peas – frozen
  • 4 cups Maple Whipped Sweet Potatoes
  • 6 ounces shredded Manchego cheese (or other sharp cheese)
To check out the full recipe, click here.


11. Whipped Bourbon-Bacon Sweet Potatoes

Source: How Sweet It Is
Looking for a fancy side dish to take to the next family dinner? These whipped bourbon-bacon sweet potatoes are sure to wow.


Ingredients


  • 4 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1 1/2-inch chunks
  • 4 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
  • 15 to 20 sage leaves
  • 1/2 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1/3 cup milk
  • 4 tablespoons brown butter
  • 2 tablespoons bourbon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
To check out the full recipe, click here.


12. Sweet Potato Sliders

Source: Emilie Eats
Ingredients


To check out the full recipe, click here.


13. Foil Packet Sweet Potato Tacos

Source: Mel’s Kitchen
Ingredients


  • 2 pounds ground turkey or beef
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
  • 1/2 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 2 teaspoons ground coriander
  • 16 ounces tomato sauce
  • 1 jalapeño, seeded, membranes removed and finely chopped (keep seeds for more heat, if desired)
  • 1/3 cup water
  • 2 cups chopped fresh spinach
  • 2 cans (15-ounces each) beans (black, pinto, white), rinsed and drained
  • 4 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped small (1/2-inch pieces)
To check out the full recipe, click here.


14. Blender Sweet Potato Waffles

Source: Emilie Eats
Looking to really get original with some sweet potatoes? Check out this healthier alternative to waffles.


Ingredients


  • 1 tablespoon flax meal + 2.5 tablespoons water
  • 1½ cups old-fashioned oats
  • ¾ cup sweet potato, mashed (about 1 medium potato)
  • ½ cup almond milk
  • 2 tablespoons + 1 teaspoon tapioca starch/flour, divided
  • 2 tablespoons agave nectar or maple syrup, or a few drops of stevia extract
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 3 teaspoons vanilla extract, divided
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup blueberries, fresh or frozen
To check out the full recipe, click here.


15. Grilled Sweet Potato Kabobs

Source: The Yummy Life
We’re headed into the fall months, but that doesn’t mean it’s too late to pull out the grill for a couple of these sweet potato kabobs.


Ingredients


  • 3 pounds sweet potatoes, washed and scrubbed
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt
  • Pepper, freshly ground
  • Additional spices (optional); choose from cumin, cinnamon, cayenne, chili powder, garlic powder, or other preferred spice
  • Chopped fresh herbs for garnish (optional); choose from parsley, mint, thyme, dill, sage, basil, or other preferred herb
To check out the full recipe, click here.


16. Sweet Potato Soup

Source: PositiveMed
This super soup may be just be a miracle cure. If not, it’s yummy and packed full of healthy ingredients.


Ingredients


  • 1 cup mashed sweet potato
  • 1/2 cup+ No-Chicken Broth (or substitute vegetable broth)
  • 1/2 cup soy milk or almond milk
To check out the full recipe, click here.


17. Chicken, Apple, Sweet Potato and Brussel Sprout Skillet

Source: Well-Plated By Erin
This fall dish combines several different flavors to make a complex and savory dish.


Ingredients


  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 4 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
  • 3 cups Brussels sprouts, trimmed and quartered (about 3/4 pound)
  • 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and cut into 1/2 inch cubes (about 8 ounces)
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored and cut into 3/4 inch cubes
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 teaspoons)
  • 2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 cup reduced-sodium chicken stock, divided
To check out the full recipe, click here.


18. Ground Turkey and Sweet Potato Stuffed Peppers

Source: Primavera Kitchen
These stuffed peppers are zesty and incredibly healthy.


Ingredients


  • 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 cups of ground turkey
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup of onions, diced
  • 1⅔ cups of sweet potato, diced
  • ½ cup of homemade tomato sauce
  • Red chili flakes to taste (optional)
  • Salt and pepper
  • 2 big bell peppers cut in half
  • Feta cheese (don’t add cheese if you want to make this recipe Paleo-friendly) and fresh parsley, chopped
To check out the full recipe, click here.


19. Slow Cooker Chicken, Kale and Sweet Potato Stew

Source: Real Food Whole Life
This Whole30-friendly soup is great for summer or winter.


Ingredients


  • 2 large or 4 small sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped into 1-inch pieces</a></h3>
     1 bunch Lacinato kale, stems removed and thinly sliced (about 10-oz with stems removed)
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 2 32-oz boxes low-sodium chicken stock
  • 2-3 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • Extra virgin olive oil, to serve

20. Sweet Potato Nachos

Source: Savory Style
The only thing better than nachos? This healthy sweet potato nacho alternative.


Ingredients


  • 2 large sweet potatoes, sliced ¼ inch thick
  • 1 tablespoon of olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon of paprika
  • 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup canned black beans, rinsed
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • ¼ cup chopped green onions
  • 1 avocado, diced or smashed
  • Greek yogurt or sour cream
  • Salsa
To check out the full recipe, click here.


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