Are you tired of feeling like you’re stuck in a rut when it comes to cooking with sweet potatoes? Do you find yourself making the same old mashed or roasted dishes over and over again? Well, we’re here to change that! With their natural sweetness and versatility, sweet potatoes are the perfect ingredient for a wide range of creative recipes. And what better way to use up leftover sweet potatoes than by transforming them into something entirely new?
From breakfast to dinner, and even dessert, we’ve scoured the internet for the most innovative and delicious ways to repurpose leftover sweet potatoes. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy snack or a hearty meal to impress your friends and family, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll be sharing 20 creative recipes that showcase the amazing versatility of sweet potatoes. From classic comfort food dishes to international flavors and unexpected twists, get ready to take your cooking game to the next level with these mouthwatering leftover sweet potato recipes!
Sweet Potato Breakfast Hash
Start your day with a hearty and delicious breakfast hash made with sweet potatoes, crispy bacon, and scrambled eggs. This recipe is perfect for a weekend brunch or a quick weeknight meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
– 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
– 4 eggs
– 1 small onion, diced
– 1 clove of garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss the sweet potatoes with a pinch of salt and spread on a baking sheet.
3. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and lightly caramelized.
4. Meanwhile, scramble the eggs in a bowl and set aside.
5. In a large skillet, cook the diced onion and minced garlic over medium heat until softened.
6. Add the crumbled bacon to the skillet and stir to combine.
7. Add the roasted sweet potatoes to the skillet and toss with the bacon mixture.
8. Make 2-3 wells in the hash and pour in the scrambled eggs.
9. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the eggs are set.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Sweet Potato Pancakes
Sweet Potato Pancakes Recipe
Start your day with a delicious twist on traditional pancakes using sweet potatoes! These fluffy and flavorful treats are perfect for breakfast or brunch.
Ingredients:
– 2 large sweet potatoes, cooked and mashed
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 large egg
– 2 tablespoons melted butter
– Honey or maple syrup for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
2. Add mashed sweet potatoes, milk, egg, and melted butter to the dry ingredients. Whisk until smooth.
3. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Drop tablespoon-sized batter onto the pan.
4. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until bubbles appear on the surface and edges start to dry. Flip pancakes and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until golden brown.
5. Serve warm with honey or maple syrup, if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Yield: 8-10 pancakes
Sweet Potato and Black Bean Tacos
Sweet Potato and Black Bean Tacos: A flavorful and nutritious twist on traditional tacos!
Ingredients:
– 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 8-10 corn tortillas
– Optional toppings: avocado, salsa, shredded cheese, cilantro
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss sweet potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes or until tender.
3. In a large skillet, heat cumin over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic; cook for 2-3 minutes or until softened.
4. Add black beans to the skillet and stir to combine with the onion mixture. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Warm tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds.
6. Assemble tacos by placing roasted sweet potato, black bean mixture, and desired toppings onto each tortilla.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie
This recipe puts a delicious spin on the traditional shepherd’s pie by swapping out regular mashed potatoes for sweet potato goodness. The result is a sweet and savory dish that’s perfect for a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
– 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1 onion, diced
– 1 pound ground beef or lamb
– 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
– 1 cup beef broth
– 2 tablespoons tomato paste
– 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Boil the sweet potatoes until tender, then mash with butter and season with salt and pepper.
3. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef or lamb over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
4. Add the onion, peas and carrots, beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and thyme to the skillet. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Transfer the meat mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish. Top with the mashed sweet potatoes.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the sweet potatoes are golden brown.
Cooking Time: 40-50 minutes
Sweet Potato and Kale Soup
This comforting soup is a perfect blend of sweet potatoes’ natural sweetness and kale’s earthy flavor, making it a delicious and nutritious meal for any time of the year.
Ingredients:
– 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 4 cups of chicken or vegetable broth
– 2 cups of kale leaves, stems removed and chopped
– 1/2 teaspoon of ground cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: 1 tablespoon of olive oil
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, sauté the onion and garlic in olive oil until softened.
2. Add the diced sweet potatoes, broth, and cumin. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes or until sweet potatoes are tender.
3. Stir in chopped kale leaves and cook until wilted, about 5 minutes.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Sweet Potato Gnocchi
Get ready to fall in love with these soft and pillowy sweet potato gnocchi! This recipe is a twist on the classic Italian dish, using sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for added natural sweetness.
Ingredients:
– 2 large sweet potatoes
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup semolina flour
– 1 egg
– 1 teaspoon salt
– Water as needed
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Pierce the sweet potatoes with a fork several times and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until soft.
3. Let the sweet potatoes cool, then peel and mash in a bowl.
4. Mix in flour, semolina flour, egg, and salt.
5. Knead the dough on a floured surface until smooth.
6. Divide the dough into 4 equal pieces and roll each into a long rope.
7. Cut the ropes into 1-inch (2.5 cm) pieces to form the gnocchi.
8. Cook in boiling water for 3-5 minutes, or until they float to the surface.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Sweet Potato and Chickpea Curry
This hearty and flavorful curry is a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors, making it a delicious and nutritious meal option for any time. With the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes and the creamy texture of chickpeas, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1 can (14 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
– 2 medium onions, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon curry powder
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
– 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add onions, garlic, curry powder, cumin, turmeric, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook until onions are translucent.
3. Add sweet potatoes and chickpeas to the saucepan. Stir well to combine.
4. Pour in coconut milk and season with salt and pepper.
5. Bring to a simmer and cook for 20-25 minutes or until sweet potatoes are tender.
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Sweet Potato Brownies
Take your brownie game to the next level with these moist and fudgy sweet potato brownies, packed with the natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes.
Ingredients:
– 2 large sweet potatoes, cooked and mashed
– 1 cup (200g) unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 1/2 cup (100g) sugar
– 1/4 cup (50g) all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup (120g) dark chocolate chips
– 2 large eggs
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, combine mashed sweet potatoes, butter, sugar, and eggs. Beat until smooth.
4. Melt chocolate chips in the microwave or in a double boiler. Allow to cool slightly.
5. Fold in the melted chocolate and flour mixture into the sweet potato mixture.
6. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Sweet Potato and Quinoa Salad
This hearty salad combines the natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes with the nutty flavor of quinoa, perfect for a healthy lunch or dinner. With its vibrant colors and satisfying texture, it’s sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
– 2 cups water or vegetable broth
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss sweet potatoes with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes or until tender.
2. Cook quinoa according to package instructions using 2 cups water or broth. Fluff with fork.
3. In a large bowl, combine roasted sweet potatoes, cooked quinoa, parsley, remaining olive oil, and apple cider vinegar. Toss to combine.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Sweet Potato Casserole Muffins
These moist and flavorful muffins combine the comfort of sweet potato casserole with the convenience of a portable snack. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet treat any time of day.
Ingredients:
– 2 large sweet potatoes, cooked and mashed
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine mashed sweet potatoes, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth.
4. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Sweet Potato and Bacon Frittata
A delicious breakfast or brunch option that combines the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with the savory flavor of crispy bacon. This recipe is perfect for a special occasion or a lazy Sunday morning.
Ingredients:
– 2 large eggs
– 1 medium-sized sweet potato, peeled and diced
– 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs and a pinch of salt.
3. In a non-stick skillet, sauté diced sweet potatoes over medium heat until tender, about 5 minutes.
4. Add crumbled bacon and cook for an additional minute.
5. Pour in the egg mixture and stir gently to combine with the sweet potato and bacon mixture.
6. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until eggs are set.
7. Remove from oven and sprinkle with shredded cheese (if using). Garnish with chopped parsley (if desired).
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Servings: 4-6
Sweet Potato and Spinach Quesadillas
These quesadillas combine the natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes with the savory flavor of wilted spinach, all wrapped up in a crispy tortilla. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal or snack.
Ingredients:
– 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 1 package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
– 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 4 large tortillas
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional toppings: sour cream, salsa, avocado
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss sweet potatoes with olive oil and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender.
3. In a pan, heat spinach over medium heat until wilted.
4. Place a tortilla in the pan, top with roasted sweet potatoes, wilted spinach, and cheddar cheese.
5. Fold tortilla in half and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until crispy and melted.
6. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Sweet Potato and Lentil Stew
Warm up with this hearty and comforting stew, packed with the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes and the earthy goodness of lentils. Perfect for a cozy night in or a nutritious meal prep option.
Ingredients:
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 1 cup red lentils, rinsed and drained
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, sauté the onion and garlic in a little water until softened.
2. Add the sweet potatoes, lentils, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, and cumin. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes or until the sweet potatoes are tender.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Garnish with chopped cilantro, if desired.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Sweet Potato and Marshmallow Bars
Sweet Potato and Marshmallow Bars: A Delicious Twist on Classic S’mores
These Sweet Potato and Marshmallow Bars combine the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with the fluffy texture of marshmallows, all wrapped up in a crispy graham cracker crust. Perfect for a unique dessert or snack.
Ingredients:
– 2 large sweet potatoes, cooked and mashed
– 1 cup marshmallows
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together sugar, flour, and salt.
3. Add mashed sweet potatoes, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
4. Press half of the mixture into prepared baking dish.
5. Top with marshmallows.
6. Spread remaining sweet potato mixture over marshmallows.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until lightly golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Sweet Potato and Cheddar Biscuits
A delightful twist on traditional biscuits, these sweet potato and cheddar treats are perfect for a comforting breakfast or brunch. The natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes pairs beautifully with the richness of the cheddar cheese.
Ingredients:
– 2 large sweet potatoes, cooked and mashed
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– 3/4 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add the mashed sweet potatoes, cold butter, and cheddar cheese. Mix until a dough forms.
4. Gradually add the heavy cream, mixing until the dough comes together in a ball.
5. Roll out the dough to about 1 inch (2.5 cm) thickness. Cut into desired shapes.
6. Place on prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Sweet Potato and Pecan Pie
This unique pie combines the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with the richness of pecans, creating a delightful dessert perfect for fall gatherings.
Ingredients:
– 2 large sweet potatoes, cooked and mashed
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup light brown sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 1/2 cups pecan halves
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together mashed sweet potatoes, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
3. Stir in pecan halves.
4. Pour mixture into a 9-inch pie dish lined with parchment paper.
5. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is set.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Sweet Potato and Turkey Chili
This hearty chili recipe combines the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with the savory flavor of turkey, creating a deliciously comforting dish perfect for a chilly day. With minimal prep time and a short cooking duration, this recipe is ideal for busy weeknights or weekend meals.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground turkey
– 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, chopped
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Water, as needed
Instructions:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the turkey over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon, until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Add the sweet potatoes, onion, garlic, and bell pepper to the pot. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Stir in the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Add water as needed to achieve desired consistency.
5. Simmer the chili for 20-25 minutes or until the sweet potatoes are tender.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Sweet Potato and Coconut Curry Soup
This creamy and comforting soup combines the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with the rich flavors of coconut milk and Indian spices, making it a perfect treat for any time of year.
Ingredients:
– 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
– 1 cup vegetable broth
– 1 teaspoon curry powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, sauté the onion, garlic, and ginger in a little oil until softened.
2. Add the sweet potatoes, coconut milk, vegetable broth, and curry powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the sweet potatoes are tender.
4. Use an immersion blender or transfer the soup to a blender and puree until smooth.
5. Serve hot, garnished with cilantro leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Sweet Potato and Avocado Toast
Sweet Potato and Avocado Toast Recipe
Transform your morning toast into a nutritious and delicious treat with this simple recipe featuring roasted sweet potatoes and creamy avocados.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe avocados, sliced
– 1 large sweet potato, peeled and cubed
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 4 slices whole grain bread (e.g. baguette or ciabatta)
– Optional: red pepper flakes for added spice
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss sweet potato cubes with olive oil, salt, and any desired red pepper flakes. Roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until tender.
3. Toast bread until lightly browned.
4. Spread mashed avocado on top of toasted bread.
5. Top with roasted sweet potato, slicing into wedges if needed.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes (sweet potato) + 2-3 minutes (toasting bread)
Sweet Potato and Chocolate Chip Cookies
These soft-baked cookies combine the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with the richness of dark chocolate chips, making them a perfect treat for any time of day.
Ingredients:
– 2 large sweet potatoes, cooked and mashed
– 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup dark chocolate chips
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in eggs and vanilla extract.
4. Add mashed sweet potatoes and mix until well combined.
5. Gradually add flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix until just combined.
6. Stir in chocolate chips.
7. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, leaving 2 inches between each cookie.
8. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Summary
Discover 20 creative ways to use up leftover sweet potatoes with these delicious recipes! From breakfast dishes like Sweet Potato Breakfast Hash and Sweet Potato Pancakes, to savory options like Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie and Sweet Potato and Black Bean Tacos, there’s something for everyone. You’ll also find sweet treats like Sweet Potato Brownies and Sweet Potato Marshmallow Bars, as well as comforting soups and stews. Get creative with these innovative recipes and reduce food waste while enjoying a variety of flavors and textures.
Leave a Reply