Few ingredients say Thanksgiving quite like sweet potatoes. Naturally sweet, colourful and wonderfully versatile, they can be baked, mashed, roasted or turned into dessert, earning them a well-deserved spot on almost every holiday table. Whether you’re a fan of the classic marshmallow-topped casserole or want to try something new, there’s a sweet potato dish for every taste. Here are 12 delicious sweet potato recipes to add to your Thanksgiving menu this year.

Classic Sweet Potato Casserole With Marshmallows

No Thanksgiving is complete without a sweet potato casserole. Creamy mashed sweet potatoes are mixed with butter, brown sugar, cinnamon and a splash of vanilla, then topped with mini marshmallows and baked until golden and gooey. It’s a nostalgic favourite that kids and adults love.

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Tip: Add the marshmallows in the last 10 minutes of baking so they toast without burning.

Sweet Potato Casserole With Pecan Streusel

If you prefer a little crunch, swap the marshmallows for a buttery pecan streusel made with chopped pecans, brown sugar, flour and butter. The nutty topping balances the creamy sweet potato base perfectly and gives the dish a more grown-up feel.

Maple-Roasted Sweet Potatoes

For a simple side, toss cubed sweet potatoes in olive oil, maple syrup, salt and a pinch of cinnamon or smoked paprika, then roast at about 220°C (425°F) until caramelised and tender. Finish with fresh thyme or toasted pecans for extra flavour.

Brown Butter and Sage Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Take mashed sweet potatoes up a notch with nutty brown butter and crispy fried sage leaves. This savoury twist pairs beautifully with turkey and gravy and makes a great alternative to traditional mashed potatoes.

Classic Sweet Potato Pie

A Southern Thanksgiving staple, sweet potato pie has a silky, spiced filling made with mashed sweet potatoes, eggs, evaporated milk, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger, all baked in a flaky pie crust. Serve it with whipped cream for the perfect end to the meal.

Hasselback Sweet Potatoes

Hasselback sweet potatoes are as impressive as they are tasty. Thinly slice each potato almost all the way through, brush with melted butter and herbs or a maple glaze, and roast until the edges turn crisp. They make a beautiful, elegant side dish.

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Tip: Place the potato between two wooden spoons while slicing to stop the knife cutting all the way through.

Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes

Bake whole sweet potatoes until soft, scoop out the flesh and mix it with butter, cream cheese and spices. Spoon it back into the skins and bake again with a topping of brown sugar and pecans or melted cheese. Twice-baked sweet potatoes are easy to make ahead and look great on the table.

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Creamy Sweet Potato Gratin

For a rich, comforting side, layer thinly sliced sweet potatoes with cream, garlic, thyme and grated Gruyère or Parmesan, then bake until bubbling and golden. This sweet potato gratin is a delicious alternative to classic potato dauphinoise.

Roasted Sweet Potato Salad

Add a fresh, colourful dish to your spread with a roasted sweet potato salad. Toss roasted sweet potato cubes with spinach or kale, dried cranberries, toasted pecans, crumbled feta or goat’s cheese and a maple-Dijon dressing. It’s a lighter option that balances the heavier holiday dishes.

Candied Sweet Potatoes

Often called candied yams, candied sweet potatoes are sliced and baked in a glossy syrup of butter, brown sugar, cinnamon and a hint of orange juice. The result is tender, sweet and sticky, a true Southern holiday classic.

Sweet Potato Soup

Start your Thanksgiving meal with a warming bowl of sweet potato soup. Blend roasted sweet potatoes with onion, garlic, stock and a touch of ginger or curry powder until smooth and creamy. Top with a swirl of cream or coconut milk and toasted pumpkin seeds.

Sweet Potato Dinner Rolls

Add a festive twist to your bread basket with soft, fluffy sweet potato rolls. Mashed sweet potato gives the dough a lovely golden colour, gentle sweetness and tender texture. Brush them with honey butter while warm for an irresistible finish.

Sweet Potato Recipes at a Glance

Tips for Cooking Sweet Potatoes

• Choose the right potatoes. Look for firm sweet potatoes with smooth skin and no soft spots.
• Roast for the best flavour. Roasting rather than boiling brings out their natural sweetness and reduces wateriness in mashes and pies.
• Cut evenly. Even pieces cook at the same rate, so nothing ends up burnt or undercooked.
• Prep ahead. Many sweet potato dishes can be made a day or two ahead and reheated, freeing up oven space on Thanksgiving Day.
• Balance the sweetness. Pair sweeter dishes with savoury ones, and use herbs, spices and salt to keep flavours balanced.

The Bottom Line

Sweet potatoes are one of the most versatile ingredients on the Thanksgiving table. From classic marshmallow casserole and candied sweet potatoes to savoury gratin, fresh salads, soups, rolls and pie, these 12 recipes offer something for every guest. Pick a few favourites and make sweet potatoes the star of your holiday spread this year.

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FAQ

Can I make sweet potato casserole ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare the sweet potato base up to two days ahead and store it in the fridge. Add the topping just before baking.

What is the difference between sweet potatoes and yams?
In the U.S., the orange-fleshed vegetables often labelled “yams” are actually a type of sweet potato. True yams are a different, starchier tuber with rough, bark-like skin.

Is it better to boil or roast sweet potatoes for mash?
Roasting gives a richer, sweeter flavour and a less watery texture, while boiling is quicker. Both work well for mashing.

What goes well with sweet potatoes at Thanksgiving?
Sweet potatoes pair well with roast turkey, ham, green beans, stuffing, cranberry sauce and savoury gravy.