Got a little mountain of leftover sweet potatoes staring at you from the fridge? I’ve been there, more times than I can count.
That humble orange root is basically a blank canvas for all sorts of cozy, crispy, ridiculously good things. I’ve rounded up 16 of my favorite ways to give those leftovers a whole new life.
1. Sweet Potato Pie
Is it even a holiday without sweet potato pie? I don't think so.
But once you taste this, you'll be making it all year long. All the classic components are here — that buttery cracker crust and silky custard filling — wrapped up in an easy, single-serving recipe that's dangerously convenient.
2. Fried Sweet Potatoes and Eggs
I absolutely saved the best for last. This is the kind of breakfast they probably serve up in heaven.
It's almost shocking how simple it is for something so decadent. Just fry your potatoes until they're beautifully golden and crisp, then crack an egg right on top. It's cheap, it's quick, and it's my all-time favorite way to power through that late-morning slump.
3. Sweet Potato Bread
This easy quick bread works as mini loaves or one impressive big loaf. It walks that beautiful line between savory and sweet, so it plays nicely with just about anything.
Slather it with jam and butter at breakfast, or serve it alongside a roast at dinner. The choice is entirely yours.
4. Holiday Leftover Sweet Potato Cake
Thrifty cooks are going to adore this one. It takes those holiday yams or sweet potatoes and spins them into a cake that’s impossibly moist and fluffy. There’s even a splash of beer in the batter to help everything rise beautifully… and maybe help you unwind a little too.
5. Sweet Potato Waffles
If you went a little overboard on the candied sweet potatoes at Thanksgiving, I have the perfect day after plan. Their subtle sweetness absolutely sings in a waffle batter that’s anything but ordinary. Go all out with a drizzle of maple syrup and a scatter of pecans for a truly indulgent brunch.
6. Sweet Potato Spice Muffins
Baking with sweet potato lets you dial back the flour and still end up with that dreamy, moist, cakey crumb. These muffins come out unbelievably soft and fluffy with a sweet-spicy warmth that gets me every time. They're light enough to nibble alongside your morning coffee or to brighten up a leisurely brunch spread.
7. Sweet Potato Hash
A hash is basically a glorious hot mess of everything good thrown into one pan. It's my go-to when I need a nourishing, flavor-packed meal in a hurry. This version brings the sweet potatoes together with seasoned sausage and a rainbow of veggies for a seriously satisfying supper.
8. Sweet Potato Biscuits
If your leftover sweet potatoes are the marshmallow-topped, sugary casserole kind, don't you worry one bit. You can absolutely turn that excess into mouthwatering desserts. Just scoop up whatever's left of that casserole and fold it into a simple batter for a treat that feels brand new.
9. Chai Spiced Sweet Potato Pudding
The warm, fragrant spices of chai get swirled into a silky sweet potato paste here for something really special. With just four ingredients, you can whip up a healthy, delicious pudding that feels like a fancy mousse without any of the fuss.
10. Sweet Potato Gnocchi
Making gnocchi from scratch takes a little effort, but oh my, those pillowy, cheesy, melty results are worth every minute. This recipe delivers perfectly soft and tender little dumplings and then takes them over the top with a fragrant sage and walnut sauce. It's a labor of love you'll want to make again.
11. Sweet Potato Croquettes
Think of these as the rounder, denser cousin of the potato cake. They’re little handheld bundles that fry up into bites you’ll crave, with a satisfyingly crisp outside. Dunk them in something creamy and you’ve got an appetizer that’ll disappear fast.
12. Sweet Potato Alfredo
I love a recipe where the star ingredient is hidden in plain sight. And no, this isn't about swapping pasta for potato noodles.
Here, regular noodles get downright cozy in a rich, velvety sweet potato sauce brightened up with fresh parsley, parmesan, and garlic. It's the sneakiest, most delicious trick.
13. Baked Sweet Potato Donuts
These baked beauties are a far cry from your average fried donut. The sweet potato slips right into a lightly spiced dough that bakes up golden and gets finished with a maple brown butter glaze you’ll swoon over. Tuck one into a lunchbox and brace yourself for the Parent of the Year award.
14. Sweet Potato Brownies
This one goes out to the sweet potato skeptics out there. Yes, you.
These ridiculously moist, deeply chocolatey brownies will turn even the biggest doubter into a true believer. They're so fudgy and decadent, your new convert might just swear they're eating a pan of pure fudge. Your secret is safe with me.
15. Cheesy Sweet Potato Cakes
Cheese and potatoes just get each other, you know? They’re that perfect duo where one goes all gooey and melty right into the carby sweetness of the other.
Smash your leftovers into a mash and shape them into little patties. Fry them up until they’re gorgeously golden and crispy. It’s the kind of snack that’ll make you unreasonably proud of yourself.
16. Sweet Potato Hummus
Hummus is a permanent resident in my fridge and I love tinkering with it constantly. This sweet potato version is next on my must-make list. I mean, how could I possibly resist the combination of creamy potatoes, chickpeas, earthy cumin, nutty tahini, and bright lemon?