- Holidays and Events Recipes
- Thanksgiving
- Side Dishes
- Sweet Potatoes
By
Bailey Fink
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Bailey Fink
Bailey Fink is a devout home cook and assistant editor at Allrecipes. She has written over 200 stories covering everything from cooking methods and storage techniques to grocery shopping on a budget, how-to guides, product reviews, and important food-related news.
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Updated on October 24, 2023
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Sweet potatoes weren't on the menu at the first Thanksgiving, but they have since become a staple on Thanksgiving tables across the country. And while you'll often find them topped with a layer of toasty marshmallows, there are so many other ways to serve sweet potatoes, too. If you're looking for delicious sweet potato side dishes that will steal the show this Thanksgiving, these recipes are here to help. We've rounded up our most popular recipes for Thanksgiving sweet potatoes, including classics like candied yams and sweet potato casserole, as well as new favorites like mashed sweet potatoes and sweet potato soufflé. Scroll through to see these sweet sensations (with or without marshmallows).
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Yummy Sweet Potato Casserole
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Behold our number one sweet potato casserole, with its sweet and crunchy layer of brown sugar, butter, and pecans on top. Some home cooks top half the casserole with marshmallows for their Thanksgiving guests who like it like that. Everyone's happy!
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Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows
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This easy sweet potato casserole is made with fresh sweet potatoes — though reviewers have also used canned — brown sugar, orange juice, margarine, and cinnamon and topped with marshmallows. Some reviewers recommend using less orange juice if you don't want an orange taste to be present. "DELICIOUS!!! I got many compliments on this at the Thanksgiving table. Three hours after dinner was over, my sister went back to heat up more of this," says reviewer MomSavedbyGrace.
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Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Vegetables with Thyme and Maple Syrup
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Roasted sweet potatoes, carrots, and parsnips are drizzled with maple syrup and topped with fresh thyme in this flavorful side dish. These veggies are easy to make and will bring a different, sweet flavor to the Thanksgiving table.
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Mashed Jalapeño-Cilantro Sweet Potatoes
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If you want a less sweet dish, try these savory mashed potatoes. The sweet potatoes mask the heat of the jalapeños, while the jalapeños mask the sweetness of the sweet potatoes to create the perfect, balanced side. If you want some extra spice, reviewers recommend using two jalapeños.
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Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes
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This traditional candied sweet potato recipe takes some extra time to make but gives you a perfectly sweet side dish. "I saw another reviewer say that after it was done, they didn't want to make it again because of the work. I had the complete opposite reaction. We liked these so much that I would definitely do these again. Don't get me wrong, it is time-consuming… but we believe they are totally worth it. We found French vanilla Cool Whip and ate this as a dessert the next day," says reviewer Momof2.
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Roasted Beets 'n Sweets
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If you like the combo of sweet and salty flavors, this side dish with roasted sweet potatoes, beets, and onions is for you. Reviewers suggest using fresh garlic instead of garlic powder and brown sugar instead of white sugar. "This is so good — If you think you don't like beets, you're wrong! Make them this way, and you'll be a beetaholic! I do it in bowls, no need to waste a bag. LOVE this dish," says home cook Starlet.
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Candied Yams
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The recipe title says yams, but you know they actually mean sweet potatoes, right? You can use canned or fresh sweet potatoes to make this marshmallow-topped recipe. If you're using canned sweet potatoes, make sure to drain the can. If you're using fresh sweet potatoes, reviewers recommend microwaving them first and peeling them. Reviewers like to sprinkle cinnamon on top of the butter. "I made this last Thanksgiving — had never made this dish before because I thought I did not like candied yams. Well, either I was missing out, or this is just a really good recipe," says home cook Susan Gibbons.
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Roasted Sweet Potatoes & Onions
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Reviewer Jacqui says, "Out of this world!! The sweet potatoes and onions were caramelized and delicious, and the almonds were a surprising crunch — great combination! The sweetness of the amaretto was just right. I did cheat a little — rather than toast the almonds, I just added them to the last 20 minutes of baking. They were perfectly toasted without the extra step. Great recipe!!"
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Gourmet Sweet Potato Soufflé
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"This is one of my most-requested dishes, and it's perfect for Thanksgiving or any time you need a fancy side dish. It looks much more difficult to make than it is, and guests are always impressed! Even people who don't like sweet potatoes ask for second helpings! Maple syrup can be substituted for the vanilla extract," says recipe creator Tina Hayes. Reviewers like to use brown sugar instead of white sugar and serve topped with whipped cream or candied pecans.
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Chef John's Sweet Potato Casserole
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"Unlike many sweet potato casseroles, this one is not too sweet," says recipe creator Chef John. "It smells so amazing, with subtly sweet potatoes accentuated with maple syrup and a pistachio topping. It's a wonderful combination of taste and textures."
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More Inspiration
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- Sweet Potato Side Dishes for Thanksgiving
- 50 Best Thanksgiving Side Dishes
- Thanksgiving Sweet Potato Recipes
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Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
Bailey Fink: A Devout Home Cook and Assistant Editor at Allrecipes
As an assistant editor at Allrecipes, an online platform dedicated to providing recipes and culinary inspiration, I have developed a deep understanding and expertise in the world of cooking and food. I have written over 200 stories covering various topics, including cooking methods, storage techniques, grocery shopping on a budget, how-to guides, product reviews, and important food-related news. My goal is to share my passion for cooking and help others explore the world of flavors and ingredients.
Expertise in Holiday and Event Recipes
One area of expertise that I have developed is in holiday and event recipes. I am well-versed in creating dishes that are perfect for special occasions, such as Thanksgiving. In this article, "Holidays and Events Recipes: Thanksgiving Side Dishes: Sweet Potatoes" by Bailey Fink, I would like to provide information related to all the concepts used.
Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is a holiday celebrated in the United States on the fourth Thursday of November. It is a time for families and friends to come together and express gratitude for the blessings in their lives. One of the key aspects of Thanksgiving is the traditional Thanksgiving meal, which typically includes dishes like roasted turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and various side dishes.
Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are a versatile and nutritious root vegetable that is often enjoyed as part of Thanksgiving meals. They have a sweet and earthy flavor and can be prepared in a variety of ways. In the article, several recipes featuring sweet potatoes are highlighted, ranging from classic dishes like candied yams and sweet potato casserole to new favorites like mashed sweet potatoes and sweet potato soufflé.
Sweet Potato Casserole
Sweet potato casserole is a popular Thanksgiving side dish that combines the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with a crunchy, sugary topping. The article features two sweet potato casserole recipes: Yummy Sweet Potato Casserole and Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows. Both recipes use ingredients like brown sugar, butter, and pecans to create a delicious and indulgent dish.
Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Vegetables with Thyme and Maple Syrup
Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Vegetables with Thyme and Maple Syrup is a flavorful side dish that combines sweet potatoes with carrots, parsnips, maple syrup, and fresh thyme. The roasting process enhances the natural sweetness of the vegetables and creates a caramelized and savory flavor profile.
Mashed Jalapeño-Cilantro Sweet Potatoes
For those who prefer a less sweet dish, Mashed Jalapeño-Cilantro Sweet Potatoes offer a savory twist. The jalapeños add a hint of heat, while the cilantro provides freshness. Reviewers of the recipe suggest adjusting the number of jalapeños to taste.
Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes
Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes are a traditional recipe that requires some extra time and effort but results in a perfectly sweet side dish. The sweet potatoes are cooked in a syrupy mixture, creating a caramelized coating that enhances their natural sweetness. Some reviewers of the recipe even enjoy them as a dessert.
Roasted Beets 'n Sweets
Roasted Beets 'n Sweets is a side dish that combines sweet potatoes, beets, and onions, creating a harmonious balance of sweet and salty flavors. Reviewers recommend using fresh garlic and brown sugar to enhance the dish's taste. This recipe has converted many beet skeptics into "beetaholics."
Candied Yams
Candied Yams, despite the name, are actually made with sweet potatoes. This recipe can use either canned or fresh sweet potatoes, and the dish is typically topped with marshmallows. Reviewers advise microwaving fresh sweet potatoes before peeling them and sprinkling cinnamon on top of the butter.
Roasted Sweet Potatoes & Onions
Roasted Sweet Potatoes & Onions is a flavorful dish in which sweet potatoes and onions are caramelized during the roasting process. This recipe also includes toasted almonds, which add a delightful crunch. Reviewers recommend using amaretto for a subtle sweetness.
Gourmet Sweet Potato Soufflé
Gourmet Sweet Potato Soufflé is a fancy side dish that is perfect for Thanksgiving or any special occasion. The dish is made with sweet potatoes, eggs, vanilla extract (which can be substituted with maple syrup), and other ingredients. Reviewers suggest using brown sugar instead of white sugar and serving the soufflé topped with whipped cream or candied pecans.
Chef John's Sweet Potato Casserole
Chef John's Sweet Potato Casserole is a unique take on the classic dish. It is not overly sweet, as some other recipes can be, and features the flavors of sweet potatoes, maple syrup, and a pistachio topping. This casserole offers a wonderful combination of taste and textures.
These recipes demonstrate the versatility of sweet potatoes and provide a range of options for Thanksgiving side dishes. Whether you prefer a sweet or savory flavor profile, there is a recipe to suit your taste. With my expertise in cooking and food, I am confident in providing guidance and answering any questions you may have about these recipes or any other culinary topics.
