Sharing some healthy Thanksgiving recipes for sweet potatoes! For some of my favorite go-to holiday recipes, check out this post!
Now that Halloween is over, my full excitement for Thanksgiving can begin. I looooove Thanksgiving, especially because it has all of the *fun* of Christmas, minus the whole gift thing. We get the spend time as a family, eat delicious food (my nana goes ALL OUT with the desserts), and end it with shopping and pie, and I’m just as happy as a lil clam.
A favorite Thanksgiving staple that we also enjoy all year: sweet potatoes. They tend to be popular for Thanksgiving recipes due to their natural sweetness, versatility, and seasonal abundance. They’re easy to find, inexpensive, you can dress them up or dress them down. They’re always a crowd hit.
Today, I wanted to share a collection of healthy Thanksgiving recipes featuring sweet potatoes to balance the traditional feast. If you have a go-to sweet potato recipe, please share it in the comments section below!
5 Healthy Thanksgiving Recipes for Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are a nutritious staple and a wonderful ingredient for Thanksgiving side dishes and desserts. I’ve always been a fan of classic sweet potato casserole, but was also recently introduced to sweet potato pie, and omg it’s amazing. We also love them for savory casseroles, roasted 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: great for digestion and satiety
Antioxidants: to help reduce inflammation
These nutrients make sweet potatoes a healthy choice, particularly for balancing a festive holiday meal.
What To Make With Sweet Potatoes For Thanksgiving
Healthy Sweet Potato Casserole
A lighter, healthier twist on the classic casserole, using mashed sweet potatoes, cinnamon, and a nutty topping.
What Makes It Special: Packed with flavor yet reduced in sugar and calories for a healthy Thanksgiving side.
Ingredients
12–15 sweet potatoes, depending on size
2 tablespoons melted butter
2 teaspoons sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
pinch sea salt
1/2– 1 cup almond milk or milk of choice
For the crumble:
1 cup oats (can use gluten-free)
1/2 cup almond meal
1/2 cup dark brown sugar, packed
4 tablespoons melted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla
pinch of sea salt
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 400. Wash the sweet potatoes, poke them each a few times with a fork, and bake on a cookie sheet for an hour until soft.
2. Let the potatoes cool slightly, peel them, and place in a mixer, along with the butter, vanilla, milk, sugar, salt and vanilla.
3. Mix well until smooth. Spread the potatoes evenly in a deep baking dish or casserole dish.
4. Prepare the crumble mixture in a separate bowl by mixing all of the ingredients.
5. Top the sweet potatoes with the crumble mixture, and bake for 35 minutes.
Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Maple Syrup and Cinnamon
Easy roasted sweet potatoes with a touch of maple syrup and warm cinnamon.
What Makes It Special: Simple ingredients with loads of flavor, making it a quick side dish option in 30 minutes. You can serve this on its own, or use it in a salad with arugula, goat cheese, candied pecans, and dried cranberries with a baslsamic dressing.
Ingredients
Sweet potatoes, olive oil, maple syrup, cinnamon, salt.
Instructions
Step 1: Peel and cube sweet potatoes and place in a mixing bowl.
Step 2: Toss with olive oil, maple syrup, cinnamon, and salt.
Step 3: Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20–30 minutes at 375 until golden brown.
Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Creamy mashed sweet potatoes with hints of vanilla and brown sugar for a warm, slightly sweet flavor. 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, smooth side that pairs beautifully with savory Thanksgiving dishes.
Ingredients
Sweet potatoes, vanilla extract, brown sugar, butter, salt.
Instructions
Step 1: Boil or steam sweet potatoes until soft. I love to cook them in the Instant Pot on manual for 30 minutes – they’re super soft and falling apart.
Step 2: Mash with vanilla extract, brown sugar, and butter until smooth.
Step 3: Season with salt to taste and serve warm.
Sweet Potato Brownies
A unique, healthier dessert option with sweet potatoes, ideal 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 give these a try!
Savory Sweet Potato Egg Bake
Description: A great make-ahead 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 link to the recipe!
How To Plan a Thanksgiving Menu
Tip 1: Balance Hearty Dishes with Lighter Sides
Thanksgiving food tends to be carb-y and heavy (which is they’re so dang tasty). I like to pair the meal with a hearty salad (like the salad mentioned above or a shaved Brussels sprout salad), roasted veggies, or deviled eggs to balance out richer main course items.
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 of the squashes and gourds available this time of year! It’s also fun to add in local ingredients if you have anything that’s native to where you live. (Something that came to mind in AZ is green chile cornbread.)
Tip 3: Make-Ahead Friendly Recipes
I’m a huge fan of reducing holiday stress, so I make anything I can in advance. Also, if it’s not that important, I order it from Whole Foods catering lol. Sweet potato casserole, egg bakes, salad components, mashed potatoes, stuffing can all be made in advance.
Please let me know if you give any of the above recipes a try and please shout out your favorite sweet potato recipes in the comments!
Xoxo
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