I’m sharing some healthy sweet potato recipes for Thanksgiving! For some of my favorite Christmas recipes, check out this post!
Now that Halloween is over, all my excitement for Thanksgiving can begin. I love Thanksgiving, especially because it has all the *fun* of Christmas, minus all the gift-giving stuff. We spend time as a family, eat delicious food (my nana makes EVERYTHING with the desserts), and finish with shopping and cake, and I’m as happy as a clam.
A favorite Thanksgiving staple that we also enjoy year-round: sweet potatoes. They are often popular in 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 are always a hit with the public.
Today I wanted to share a collection of healthy Thanksgiving recipes using sweet potatoes to balance the traditional feast. If you have a sweet potato recipe, please share it in the comments section below!
5 Healthy Sweet Potato Recipes for Thanksgiving
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 recently I was also introduced to sweet potato pie and OMG it’s amazing. We also love them for savory casseroles, roast dishes, and unique sweet treats, like these sweet potato brownies.
Are sweet potatoes healthy?
Sweet potatoes are naturally sweet, but they are also packed with nutrients and antioxidants.
Vitamin A: can boost immunity and promote eye health
Vitamin C: May support immunity and skin health.
Fiber: excellent for digestion and satiety.
Antioxidants: to help reduce inflammation.
These nutrients make sweet potatoes a healthy choice, especially to balance a holiday meal.
What to make with sweet potatoes for Thanksgiving
Healthy Sweet Potato Casserole
A lighter, healthier version of the classic casserole, using mashed sweet potatoes, cinnamon, and a pecan topping.
What makes it special: Full of flavor but reduced in sugar and calories for a healthy Thanksgiving side.
Ingredients
12 to 15 sweet potatoes, depending on size
2 tablespoons melted butter
2 teaspoons of sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
pinch of sea salt
1/2– 1 cup almond milk or milk of your choice
For the crumble:
1 cup oats (you can use gluten free)
1/2 cup almond flour
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, pierce them a few times with a fork, and bake on a baking sheet for an hour until soft.
2. Let the potatoes cool a little, peel them and place them in a blender, 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 saucepan.
4. Prepare the crumble mixture in a separate container by mixing all the ingredients.
5. Cover the sweet potatoes with the crumble mixture and bake for 35 minutes.
Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Maple and Cinnamon Syrup
Easy roasted sweet potatoes with a touch of maple syrup and warm cinnamon.
What makes it special: Simple ingredients with lots of flavor, making it a quick side option in 30 minutes. You can serve it alone or use it in a salad with arugula, goat cheese, candied walnuts, and dried cranberries with a basalmic dressing.
Ingredients
Sweet potatoes, olive oil, maple syrup, cinnamon, salt.
Instructions
Step 1: Peel and cut the sweet potatoes into cubes and place in a bowl.
Step 2: Toss with olive oil, maple syrup, cinnamon, and salt.
Step 3: Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20 to 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 salty side and season with garlic powder, salt, pepper, and a little cayenne.
What makes it special: A delicious, mild side dish that pairs wonderfully with savory Thanksgiving dishes.
Ingredients
Sweet potato, vanilla extract, brown sugar, butter, salt.
Instructions
Step 1: Boil or steam sweet potatoes until soft. I love cooking them in the Instant Pot by hand for 30 minutes; They are super soft and fall apart.
Step 2: Blend with vanilla extract, brown sugar and butter until smooth.
Step 3: Season with salt to taste and serve hot.
Sweet Potato Brownies
A unique and healthy dessert option with sweet potato, 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 try them!
Tasty Egg and Sweet Potato 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.
Here is the link to the recipe!
How to Plan a Thanksgiving Menu
Tip 1: Balance hearty dishes with lighter side dishes
Thanksgiving food tends to be high in carbohydrates and heavy (and therefore very tasty). I like to accompany the meal with a hearty salad (like the salad mentioned above or a shaved Brussels sprout salad), roasted vegetables, or deviled eggs to balance out the richer main dishes.
Tip 2: Include seasonal ingredients
Try incorporating seasonal produce like sweet potatoes, squash, and Brussels sprouts for fresh flavors and additional nutrients. I love all the pumpkins and gourds available this time of year! It’s also fun to add local ingredients if you have something that’s native to where you live. (Something that came to mind in Arizona is green chile cornbread.)
Tip 3: easy to prepare recipes
I’m a big fan of reducing holiday stress, so I prepare as much as I can in advance. Also, if it’s not that important, I’ll order it from Whole Foods catering lol. Sweet potato casserole, baked eggs, salad components, mashed potatoes, and stuffing can be made ahead.
Let me know if you try any of the recipes above and mention your favorite sweet potato recipes in the comments!
Xoxo
