The ways to flavor sweet potatoes are virtually endless, which is great news now that Thanksgiving is creeping up on us pretty quickly. The great thing about sweet potatoes is that you can make them savory or sweet and still wind up with a dish everyone is going to love. Whether you’re looking for something new this year or have never tried cooking with sweet potatoes, you have come to the right place. Check out these yummy ways to flavor sweet potatoes and you’ll see just what I mean.
1 Cinnamon and Sugar
One of the most popular ways to flavor sweet potatoes is with cinnamon and sugar. This is a great way to get that sweet taste you love without going overboard. Bake a sweet potato, then top it with a small pat of butter. Sprinkle on a small dash of cinnamon and brown sugar and you’ll have a delicious side dish for any meal.
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This combination provides a comforting and familiar taste that pairs wonderfully with the natural sweetness of the potato. The warm spice of the cinnamon and the rich caramel-like notes from the brown sugar create a harmony of flavors that elevate the humble sweet potato to a decadent treat. It’s simple, yet utterly satisfying, whether you are craving something sweet for breakfast or looking for a cozy dessert alternative. Plus, it’s a healthier option that can still satisfy your sweet tooth in an indulgent way.
This is probably one of my favorite ways to add flavor to my sweet potatoes. I like savory over sweet any day of the week. Sea salt and pepper works great for pretty much any way you cook sweet potatoes. You can sprinkle it on baked, roasted, grilled or fried sweet potatoes for a taste that can’t be beat. Use kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper for big bursts of flavor in every bite.
3 Garlic and Rosemary
I love this flavor combination. It works really well on pork chops, but you can’t beat its flavor on sweet potatoes either. The best way to do this is to cut your sweet potato into wedges and drizzle them with olive oil. Then sprinkle them with freshly minced garlic cloves and fresh rosemary sprigs, and bake them at 450 degrees for about 30 to 45 minutes. Serve with turkey or chicken or fish.
4 Ginger
Ginger is one of the best flavors to complement sweet potatoes. You can sprinkle roasted sweet potatoes with ground ginger as an easy way to enjoy the combination. Another great way to combine ginger with sweet potatoes is to make soup. Toss some apples and nutmeg in there for a tasty sweet potato soup that everyone will love.
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Ginger is a root vegetable that is widely used in cooking for its strong, spicy flavor. It has been used in traditional medicine for centuries to treat various ailments, including nausea, indigestion, and colds. In addition to adding flavor to sweet potatoes, ginger also has several health benefits. Studies have shown that ginger can help reduce inflammation, improve digestion, and even reduce the risk of certain cancers. Furthermore, ginger contains many essential vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C, magnesium, and potassium.
5 Brown Sugar and Pecans
If you can’t pass up the sweet version of this yummy orange veggie, this is kind of a healthy way to do it without having to give up a sweet treat. Spread mashed sweet potatoes into a casserole dish, then top with a dab of brown sugar and some chopped pecans. Bake the mixture until it’s runny on top and the nuts are roasted. Make extra because this dish is going to go fast.
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This delicious and healthy sweet potato dish is a great way to satisfy your sweet tooth without overindulging. The sweet potatoes are mashed and spread into a casserole dish, then topped with a sprinkling of brown sugar and chopped pecans. The dish is then baked until the top is runny and the pecans are roasted. This dish is sure to be a hit with everyone and can easily be made in advance and kept in the refrigerator. It's also a great way to use up any leftover sweet potatoes you may have. Serve it with your favorite sides for a complete meal.
6 Spice It up
This is the flavoring choice for anyone who loves things spicy. Sweet potatoes are the perfect backdrop for something with a bit of bite to it. Sprinkle mashed or roasted sweet potatoes with cayenne pepper, crushed red pepper, chipotle powder or any other spicy seasoning you love.
7 Honey
Here’s another sweet way to add flavor to your sweet potatoes. Mash the cooked potatoes, then drizzle with honey. You can add this puree to baked goods or stir it into Greek yogurt. Or you can drizzle roasted sweet potatoes with honey just before serving them.
Do you love sweet potatoes? I hope this list gives you some new ideas for serving them this year. Which one will you try first?
