The Many Delicious Ways to Cook Sweet Potatoes

Find our favorite ways to cook sweet potatoes at this time of year, including casseroles, cupcakes and more.

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marshmallow sweet potatoes

FNM_NOV2014_Bobby_TGIVING_109515.tif

Photo by: Steve Giralt

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.

baked sweet potatoes

HOW TO BAKE SWEET POTATOES Food Network Kitchens Sweet Potatoes

Photo by: Matt Armendariz ©2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Matt Armendariz, 2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Baked

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.

twice-baked sweet potatoes
Twice-Baked

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.

sweet potato casserole

Food Network Kitchen's Sweet Potato Casserole as seen on Food Network

Photo by: Alice Gao ©2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Alice Gao, 2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

In a Casserole

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.

candied sweet potatoes

Photo by: Photographer: Corey Behnke ©Monday Sessions Media Inc.

Photographer: Corey Behnke, Monday Sessions Media Inc.

Roasted and Candied

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.

mashed sweet potatoes
Mashed

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.

sweet potato cupcakes

FNK Development; Thanksgiving Cupcakes; Sweet Potato Mini

Photo by: Armando Rafael; Armando Rafael ©2015, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Armando Rafael; Armando Rafael, 2015, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Baked Again (But as Dessert!)

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.

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