How to Season Sweet Potatoes

Using Herbs and Spices

Sprinkle cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar for a classic flavor. Top sweet potatoes with a dash of cinnamon and nutmeg and a sprinkle of brown sugar to nicely complement the natural sweetness of the sweet potato. You can do this to whole, baked sweet potatoes, or to ones that have been diced and roasted in the oven. For a single potato, use about a 1/4 teaspoon (.5 grams) each of cinnamon and nutmeg and about a 1/2 teaspoon (2 grams) of brown sugar. You could also bake the sweet potato topped with a small handful of mini marshmallows to emulate the classic holiday sweet potato casserole.

Make a sweet and spicy dish with spices and brown sugar. Dice 1 to 2 sweet potatoes and sprinkle them with 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon (1 gram) of chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon (1 gram) of paprika, and 1 tablespoon (12 grams) of brown sugar. Bake them in the oven at 425 °F (218 °C) for 30 minutes, stirring and flipping the potatoes at the 15 minute mark. For a little extra spice, add in a 1/2 teaspoon (1 gram) of cayenne pepper. Use regular paprika, or try smoked paprika for a smokier flavor.

Incorporate a fresh pesto and caramelized onions for a fresh dish. Use either diced, roasted sweet potatoes or whole baked sweet potatoes. If you’re dicing them, toss 1 to 2 sweet potatoes in 2 tablespoons (30 mL) of pesto and then cook them on the stovetop with the caramelized onions for about 7-10 minutes. If you’re using whole sweet potatoes, bake the sweet potatoes in the oven at 350 °F (177 °C) for about 45 minutes. When you’re done, cut them in half lengthwise and spread pesto over them, and then top them with the caramelized onions. You could even gently mash up the sweet potatoes, pesto, and caramelized onions and toss some freshly cooked pasta in the mixture for a more substantial meal.

Use garlic and smoked paprika for a more savory side option. Dice and roast or bake 1 to 2 sweet potatoes. Sprinkle the sweet potatoes with 2 cloves of minced garlic, 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of olive oil, and 1 teaspoon (2 grams) of paprika before you bake them. If you don’t have fresh garlic, you could also use the prepared kind you find in the refrigerated section of the grocery store.

Integrating Fresh Produce

Roast sweet potatoes along with mushrooms, shallots, and baby kale. Roast 1 to 2 diced sweet potatoes, sprinkled with salt and pepper and drizzled with about 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of olive oil. While they’re roasting, sauté rinsed mushrooms and minced shallots in a pan on the stove top in 1 teaspoon (4.9 mL) of olive oil. Once everything is done, you will toss the sweet potatoes, mushrooms, and shallots with 2 cups (85 grams) of baby kale. This makes a tasty side dish, or you could serve it as the main component of a meal.

Pair sweet potatoes with creamy goat cheese for a decadent dish. Use diced sweet potatoes that you’ve sprinkled with salt and pepper and a little olive oil. Add about 1 ounce (28 g) of goat cheese, and crumble it overtop of the sweet potatoes. Roast everything in the oven at 425 °F (218 °C) for about 25 minutes. Try drizzling the sweet potatoes and goat cheese with a little balsamic glaze for a tart flavor to pair with the creaminess of the cheese and sweetness of the potatoes. You could also try out different herbed goat cheeses for a varied flavor element, like honey and walnut or garlic and herb.

Top roasted sweet potatoes with lime juice and cilantro for a fresh side. After you roast the diced sweet potatoes in the oven, you will put them into a bowl and toss them with 1 teaspoon (4.9 mL) of olive oil, about 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of fresh lime juice, and 2 tablespoons (2 grams) of chopped cilantro. This dish is great on its own, but it also makes a great taco or burrito filling. Mix it up with some black beans or your other favorite taco ingredients for a filling and nutritious meal.

Serve sweet potatoes with roasted brussels sprouts and walnuts. Dice 1 to 2 sweet potatoes and 16 ounces (450 g) of brussels sprouts, and chop 1 cup (125 grams) of walnuts. Combine everything in a bowl and toss them with 2 tablespoons (30 mL) of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread everything out on a baking sheet and bake in the oven at 350 °F (177 °C) for about 45 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes and brussels sprouts are fork-tender. You could also add carrots, peppers, onions, or other favorite vegetables to this dish.

Creating a Savory Dish

Make sweet potato fajitas for a vibrant, nutrient-dense dinner. Roast the diced sweet potatoes in the oven along with sliced multi-colored bell peppers. You could sprinkle 1 teaspoon (2 grams) of taco seasoning over the potatoes before cooking them to add a more specific mexi-cuisine flavor. Serve the sweet potatoes and peppers with warm tortillas, black beans, chorizo, and any other toppings you love. You could also switch up this dish and make sweet potato and black bean quesadillas.

Pair a decadently prepared duck or pork dish with sweet potatoes. When you make a main dish that is a bit more rich and fatty, pairing it with either roasted sweet potatoes or whole baked sweet potatoes is a great way to complement the flavor profile of the meat. Prepare the sweet potatoes simply, just with a little oil, salt, and pepper, and serve them alongside the meat. You could also make a mashed sweet potato and serve the meat component on top of it for a nice presentation.

Prepare a gnocchi skillet with sweet potatoes and kale. Dice 1 sweet potato into squares, drizzle them with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and bake them in a cast-iron skillet in the oven at 350 °F (177 °C) for about 15 minutes. While that is cooking, cook 1 pound (0.45 kg) of gnocchi according to the instructions. Drain the gnocchi once it’s done, and add it and 2 cups (85 grams) of kale to the skillet with the sweet potatoes. Continue baking everything in the oven for another 12 to 15 minutes. You could top this dish with some freshly shaved parmesan or 1 to 2 ounces (28 to 57 g) of goat cheese.

Assemble a stuffed sweet potato for a filling, personalized meal. This is a great option if you have a picky family, as everyone can fill their own sweet potato with whatever ingredients are available! Bake 1 whole sweet potato per person at 375 °F (191 °C) for 45-60 minutes. When they’re done, cut them in half lengthwise. Top them with diced avocado, crumbled bacon, tomatoes, shredded chicken, chili, ham and pineapple, buffalo chicken, sausages, or whatever else you might have on hand. This is also a great way to use up leftovers while still creating a meal that is full of vitamins and nutrients from the sweet potato.