Healthy, hearty and versatile, sweet potatoes are an ingredient you should really get to know. While you can usually find them on the Thanksgiving table covered in roasted marshmallows, if you're looking for a different side dish, we've got you covered.
These 16 unique sweet potato recipes should get you started when it comes to shaking up your traditional Thanksgiving.
1. Sweet Potato Bread
Hearty and healthy, this recipe for the best sweet potato bread is great to bake in advance and grab as you get going in the morning.
2. Sweet Potato Pancakes
https://www.instagram.com/p/BNCX8m9A4OJ/?tagged=sweetpotatopancakes
Sweet, simple, and easy to make, these roasted sweet potato pancakes are great in the fall - and just about any other time of year. Mix things up with nuts, fruit, bacon, or just about any other add-in your heart desires.
Find the recipe here.
3. Sweet Potato Pie Cookies w/ Orange Glaze
Warm, spicy, and soft, this recipe for sweet potato pie cookies, drizzled with a to-die-for orange glaze, is a fantastic finisher to your Thanksgiving feast.
4. Chili-Spiked Sweet Potato Fries
These coin-shaped "fries" are a little sweet, a little spicy, and more than a little easy to make. Get the recipe here.
5. Sliced Sweet Potato Pie
https://www.instagram.com/p/BNH0E77h7Jm/?tagged=sweetpotatopie
NOW we're talking. Grab that caramelized brown sugar and pour some on top. Get the recipe here and get baking!
6. Slow-Cooker Sweet Potatoes with Bacon
Sweet potatoes are even sweeter cooked slow and low, simmering all day until it's time to serve.
Sweeten up your Thanksgiving with this recipe.
7. Sweet Potato Fettuccine
How's that for unique? In butter, sauté thin strips of sweet potato until al dente, then enjoy!
Find the recipe here.
8. Sweet Potato-Apple Cobbler
This sweet potato and apple cobbler is topped with maple-leaf cut dough - a beautiful addition to your family's fall table.
The recipe is here.
9. Quick Sweet Potato Hash
Quick and easy, this recipe for Mexican-inspired sweet potato hash is perfect for the morning after Thanksgiving and beyond.
10. Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Rosemary
Why didn't I think of this? For a sweet spin on a Thanksgiving classic, mashed sweet potatoes are a must. Here's the recipe.
11. Sweet Potato Chili
Loaded with black beans, zucchini, onion, and, of course, sweet potatoes, this vegan-friendly sweet potato chili recipe is a great way to warm up all year round.
12. Sweet Potato and Spinach Quesadilla
Simple and healthy, this recipe for sweet potato and spinach quesadilla is great for the on-the-go diner. Almost no cook time!
13. Sweet Potato Chocolate Pudding
Rich, chocolatey, decadent (and vegan-friendly), this recipe for sweet potato chocolate pudding is a sweet surprise indeed.
14. Balsamic-Glazed Sweet Potato Pasta
Just five ingredients - sweet potato, pasta, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and spinach - go into this quick, healthful dish that can also be served as a side dish. Carbohydrates for the win!
Find the recipe here.
15. No-Bake Sweet Potato Bars With Raw Gingerbread Crust
These no-bake, no-fuss dessert bars combine two of fall's favorite flavors into one undeniably delicious treat.
Find the recipe here.
16. Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes
If there's one thing I like more than a baked potato, it's a twice-baked potato. For a unique spin, try sweet potatoes instead! Don't forget the sour cream that will pair well with the yummy comfort food.
The recipe can be found here.
Editors Note: This article was originally published on November 23, 2016.
