The Many Delicious Ways to Cook Sweet Potatoes
Steve Giralt
Sweet potatoes are brighter, sweeter (obviously) and more fun than your everyday spud. Plus, they’re the only vegetables that make eating marshmallows during dinnertime perfectly acceptable. (If you’ve tried Sunny Anderson’s kid-favorite and adult-approved recipe [pictured above], you get it.) Below are some of our favorite ways to cook the orange-fleshed beauties at this time of year.
Matt Armendariz, 2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved
Baking draws out sweet potatoes’ natural sugary qualities. It may also be the easiest way to cook and enjoy them — you just need to allot about an hour for oven time. Follow our step-by-step instructions here. Then dig in and enjoy them straight-up with a pat of butter, or use the soft and creamy flesh for another recipe.
A simple baked potato is good, but a twice-baked potato is twice as nice. Do as Bobby Flay does, and make a sweet and spicy filling with cream, chipotle pepper and maple syrup. Or go for Guy Fieri’s more classic sugar-pecan topping. If you prefer to go in an entirely savory direction, Food Network Magazine’s poblano-cheddar recipe with lime crema will not disappoint.
Alice Gao, 2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved
As far as Thanksgiving sides go, you can’t go wrong with Food Network Kitchen’s quintessential sweet potato casserole. If you’re looking for a crispy streusel on top, Anne Burrell’s version with an oatmeal-walnut topping will satisfy your craving. Bonus: It’s flavored with orange zest and honey, so one scoop won’t send you into sugar overload.
Photographer: Corey Behnke, Monday Sessions Media Inc.
Covered in a sweet and sticky glaze, roasted sweet potatoes are a staple at the holiday table. This year, try adding molasses and bourbon to the glaze.
No heavy cream is required for crowd-pleasing mashed sweet potatoes. This recipe is flavored with orange juice, maple syrup and a splash of chicken broth and can be made a day ahead. If your Thanksgiving table isn’t complete without classic mashed potatoes, get the best of both worlds with Food Network Magazine’s marbled recipe.
Armando Rafael; Armando Rafael, 2015, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved
Pumpkin isn’t the only autumnal produce to bake with. Transform sweet potato casserole into adorable holiday cupcakes topped with toasted marshmallows. Or, for a more traditional sweet treat, make a pie. Just remember, there’s always room to go a little crazy with toppings.