Share some healthy Thanksgiving sweet potato recipes! For some of my favorite holiday recipes, check out this post!
Now that Halloween is over, my full Thanksgiving excitement can begin. I love Thanksgiving, especially because it has all the *fun* of Christmas, minus all the gifting. We spend time as a family, eat delicious food (my nana goes ALL out with desserts) and top it off with shopping and pie, and I’m as happy as a clam.
A Thanksgiving favorite that we also enjoy year-round: sweet potatoes. They tend to be popular for Thanksgiving recipes because of their natural sweetness, versatility, and seasonal abundance. They are easy to find, cheap, you can dress them up or dress them down. Always a crowd pleaser.
Today, I wanted to share a collection of healthy Thanksgiving sweet potato recipes to balance out the traditional feast. If you have a sweet potato recipe, please share it in the comments section below!
5 Healthy Thanksgiving Sweet Potato Recipes
Sweet potatoes are a nutritious staple and a great ingredient for Thanksgiving side dishes and desserts. I’ve always been a fan of the classic sweet potato casserole, but I’ve also recently been introduced to sweet potato pie, and omg it’s amazing. We also love them for savory casseroles, baked dishes, and unique sweet treats, like these sweet potato brownies.
Are sweet potatoes healthy?
Sweet potatoes are nature’s candy, but they’re also packed with nutrients and antioxidants.
Vitamin A: can boost immunity and support eye health
Vitamin C: can support immunity and skin health
Fiber: ideal for digestion and satiety
Antioxidants: help reduce inflammation
These nutrients make sweet potatoes a healthy choice, especially to balance out a festive holiday meal.
What to make with sweet potatoes for Thanksgiving
Healthy Sweet Potato Casserole
A lighter, healthier spin on the classic casserole, using mashed sweet potatoes, cinnamon and a nut topping.
What makes it special: Packed with flavor but low in sugar and calories for a healthy side of Thanksgiving.
Ingredients
12–15 sweet potatoes, depending on size
2 tablespoons of melted butter
2 teaspoons of sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
pinch of sea salt
1/2–1 cup almond milk or milk of choice
For the crumble:
1 cup oats (you can use gluten free)
1/2 cup almond meal
1/2 cup dark brown sugar, packed
4 tablespoons of melted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla
pinch of sea salt
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 400. Wash the sweet potatoes, pierce them a few times with a fork and bake them on a baking sheet for an hour until they are soft.
2. Let the potatoes cool slightly, peel them and put them in the mixer, together with the butter, vanilla, milk, sugar, salt and vanilla.
3. Mix well until they are homogeneous. Spread the potatoes evenly in a deep baking dish or pan.
4. Prepare the crumble mixture in a separate bowl by mixing all the ingredients.
5. Stuff the sweet potatoes with the crumble mixture and bake for 35 minutes.
Baked sweet potatoes with maple syrup and cinnamon
Easy baked sweet potatoes with a touch of maple syrup and warm cinnamon.
What makes it special: Simple ingredients with plenty of flavor, making it a quick side dish in 30 minutes. You can serve it on its own or use it in a salad with arugula, goat cheese, candied pecans and dried cranberries with balsamic dressing.
Ingredients
Sweet potatoes, olive oil, maple syrup, cinnamon, salt.
Instructions
Step 1: Peel and dice the sweet potatoes and place them in a mixing bowl.
Step 2: Pour in olive oil, maple syrup, cinnamon and salt.
Step 3: Spread on a baking sheet and bake for 20-30 minutes at 375 until golden brown.
Mashed sweet potatoes
Creamy sweet potato puree with hints of vanilla and brown sugar for a warm, slightly sweet taste. You can also go more on the savory side and season with garlic powder, salt, pepper and a little cayenne.
What makes it special: A delicious, mild side that pairs beautifully with savory Thanksgiving dishes.
Ingredients
Sweet potatoes, vanilla extract, brown sugar, butter, salt.
Instructions
Step 1: Boil or steam the sweet potatoes until soft. I like to cook them in the Instant Pot on manual for 30 minutes – they are super soft and fall apart.
Step 2: Mash with vanilla extract, brown sugar and butter until smooth.
Step 3: Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve hot.
Sweet Potato Brownies
A unique, healthier sweet potato dessert option perfect for Thanksgiving. These taste even better the next day!
What makes it special: Sweet potatoes add a moist texture and natural sweetness, making these brownies a guilt-free treat.
Here is the link to try them out!
Savory Bake with Sweet Potato Egg
Description: A great prep dish that incorporates protein and sweet potatoes for a balanced option.
What makes it special: Perfect for Thanksgiving brunch or as a protein-rich side.n
Here is the recipe link!
How to Plan a Thanksgiving Menu
Tip 1: Balance hearty dishes with lighter sides
Thanksgiving foods tend to be carb heavy (which is so delicious). I like to pair the meal with a hearty salad (like the salad mentioned above or a shaved brussels sprouts salad), roasted vegetables, or eggs to balance out the heartier main dishes.
Tip 2: Include seasonal ingredients
Try incorporating seasonal produce like sweet potatoes, squash and Brussels sprouts for fresh flavors and added nutrients. I love all the pumpkins and squashes available this season! It’s also fun to add local ingredients if you have something native to where you live. (Something that came to mind in A-Z is green corn from Chile.)
Tip 3: Make friendly recipes ahead
I’m a big fan of reducing holiday stress, so I do everything I can in advance. Also, if it’s not that important, I order it from Whole Foods catering lol. Sweet Potato Casserole, Baked Eggs, Salad Sides, Mashed Potatoes, Stuffing can be made in advance.
Please let me know if you try any of the recipes above and please shout out your favorite sweet potato recipes in the comments!
Xoxo
