Thanksgiving Sweet Potato Recipes: From Classic to Creative
Thanksgiving wouldn't be the same without a delicious side of sweet potatoes! This year, elevate your Thanksgiving feast with these incredible sweet potato recipes, ranging from classic comfort food to exciting new twists. We've got something for every palate and skill level.
Classic Candied Sweet Potatoes
This recipe is a Thanksgiving staple, beloved for its simple elegance and undeniable deliciousness. It's the perfect balance of sweet and savory, guaranteed to please even the pickiest eaters.
Ingredients:
- 3 lbs sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Boil or steam the sweet potatoes until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked sweet potatoes, butter, brown sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Mash gently until combined but still slightly chunky.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Crumble Topping
This recipe takes the classic candied sweet potatoes to the next level with a crunchy, nutty pecan crumble topping. It's the perfect combination of textures and flavors.
Ingredients:
(For the sweet potato filling, use the same ingredients as the Classic Candied Sweet Potatoes recipe)
Pecan Crumble Topping:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans
- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
Instructions:
- Prepare the sweet potato filling as directed in the Classic Candied Sweet Potatoes recipe.
- Make the crumble topping: In a medium bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, and pecans. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Pour the sweet potato filling into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the top.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
Spicy Sweet Potato and Black Bean Salad
Looking for a lighter, fresher option? This vibrant salad offers a delightful twist on traditional sweet potato dishes. The combination of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors is irresistible.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs sweet potatoes, roasted and cubed
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
- 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced (optional)
- Dressing:
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Roast the sweet potatoes: Toss cubed sweet potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until tender.
- Combine all ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the roasted sweet potatoes, black beans, red onion, cilantro, and jalapeño (if using).
- Whisk together the dressing ingredients in a small bowl.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Serve warm or cold.
These are just a few ideas to get you started. Feel free to experiment with different spices, herbs, and toppings to create your own unique Thanksgiving sweet potato masterpiece! Remember to adjust seasoning according to your taste preferences. Happy Thanksgiving!
