What Pairs Well with Sweet Potatoes: 10 Delicious Toppings, Perfect Side Dishes & Creative Recipes

Introduction

Sweet potatoes are a nutritious, tasty and versatile ingredient that can be used in many different meals. From mashed sweet potatoes to roasted sweet potatoes, they can be enjoyed as a side dish or as the main course. But what pairs well with sweet potatoes? This article explores 10 delicious toppings, perfect side dishes and creative recipes for sweet potato combinations.

10 Delicious Toppings for Sweet Potatoes

Topping your sweet potatoes with the right ingredients can take them from ordinary to extraordinary. Here are some of the best toppings for sweet potatoes:

• Cheese: Cheese is always a crowd pleaser, and it goes great with sweet potatoes. Try topping your sweet potatoes with shredded cheddar, feta cheese or goat cheese.
• Bacon: Bacon adds a smoky, salty flavor to sweet potatoes that can’t be beat. Try crumbling cooked bacon over your sweet potatoes before baking.
• Nuts: Nuts such as pecans, almonds or walnuts add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor to sweet potatoes. Sprinkle them over your sweet potatoes before baking.
• Seeds: Seeds like pumpkin, sesame or sunflower seeds are a great way to add extra nutrition and crunch to your sweet potatoes. Try adding them to the top of your sweet potatoes before baking.
• Fried onions: Fried onions are a classic topping for sweet potatoes. They add a savory flavor and crunchy texture that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the potatoes.
• Fresh herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley, thyme or rosemary add an herbal flavor that complements the sweetness of the potatoes. Try sprinkling them over your sweet potatoes before baking.
• Maple syrup: Maple syrup is a classic topping for sweet potatoes. It adds a subtle sweetness that balances out the savory flavors of the potatoes.
• Honey: Honey is another great topping for sweet potatoes. It adds a subtle sweetness and helps to caramelize the potatoes when baked.
• Applesauce: Applesauce is a great way to add sweetness and moisture to your sweet potatoes. Try spreading it over your sweet potatoes before baking.
• Yogurt: Yogurt is a creamy topping that adds a tangy flavor to sweet potatoes. Try topping your sweet potatoes with Greek yogurt for added protein and creaminess.

The Perfect Side Dishes to Complement Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are a great side dish for any meal, but there are some side dishes that pair especially well with them. Here are some of the best side dishes to serve alongside sweet potatoes:

• Grains: Grains like quinoa, rice or couscous are a great way to add extra nutrition and bulk to your meal. Try serving them alongside your sweet potatoes.
• Beans: Beans like black beans, pinto beans or chickpeas are a great source of plant-based protein and fiber. Try serving them with your sweet potatoes.
• Salads: Salads are a great way to add freshness and nutrition to your meal. Try making a simple green salad to serve alongside your sweet potatoes.
• Roasted vegetables: Roasted vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, carrots or bell peppers are a great way to add flavor and texture to any meal. Try roasting them with your sweet potatoes for an easy and delicious side dish.

5 Savory Sauces to Serve with Sweet Potatoes

Adding a sauce to your sweet potatoes can take them from good to great. Here are some of the best sauces to serve with sweet potatoes:

• Hollandaise sauce: Hollandaise sauce is a classic French sauce made from butter, egg yolks and lemon juice. It adds a creamy, rich flavor to sweet potatoes.
• Béchamel sauce: Béchamel sauce is a creamy white sauce made from butter, flour and milk. It adds a rich, creamy flavor to sweet potatoes.
• Chimichurri: Chimichurri is an Argentinian sauce made from garlic, parsley, oregano and olive oil. It adds a bright, herby flavor to sweet potatoes.
• Cilantro lime sauce: Cilantro lime sauce is a zesty sauce made from cilantro, lime juice, garlic and jalapeño. It adds a spicy, tangy flavor to sweet potatoes.
• Chipotle aioli: Chipotle aioli is a creamy sauce made from mayonnaise, chipotle peppers and lime juice. It adds a smoky, spicy flavor to sweet potatoes.

5 Creative Recipes for Sweet Potato Combinations

Sweet potatoes can be used in all sorts of creative recipes. Here are some of the best recipes for sweet potato combinations:

• Sweet potato fritters: Sweet potato fritters are a tasty way to use up leftover mashed sweet potatoes. They are easy to make and go great with a variety of toppings.
• Loaded sweet potato skins: Loaded sweet potato skins are a fun twist on traditional potato skins. Stuff them with your favorite toppings for a delicious snack or appetizer.
• Sweet potato burritos: Sweet potato burritos are a tasty way to enjoy sweet potatoes as a main course. Fill them with your favorite fillings and top with salsa, sour cream and guacamole.
• Sweet potato burgers: Sweet potato burgers are a delicious and nutritious alternative to traditional hamburgers. Top them with your favorite toppings and serve on a bun.
• Sweet potato enchiladas: Sweet potato enchiladas are a flavorful way to enjoy sweet potatoes. Fill them with your favorite fillings and top with enchilada sauce and cheese.

Roasted Vegetables that Pair Perfectly with Sweet Potatoes

Roasting vegetables is a great way to bring out their natural sweetness and enhance their flavor. Here are some of the best vegetables to roast with sweet potatoes:

• Broccoli: Broccoli has a mild flavor that pairs well with the sweetness of sweet potatoes. Try roasting them together for a flavorful side dish.
• Brussel sprouts: Brussel sprouts have a slightly bitter flavor that complements the sweetness of sweet potatoes. Try roasting them together for a delicious side dish.
• Carrots: Carrots have a sweet, earthy flavor that pairs well with sweet potatoes. Try roasting them together for a nutritious side dish.
• Onions: Onions have a sweet, savory flavor that pairs well with sweet potatoes. Try roasting them together for a flavorful side dish.
• Bell peppers: Bell peppers have a sweet, mild flavor that pairs well with sweet potatoes. Try roasting them together for a colorful side dish.

A Guide to Spices and Herbs that Enhance Sweet Potatoes

Using the right spices and herbs can take your sweet potatoes from good to great. Here are some of the best spices and herbs to use with sweet potatoes:

• Cinnamon: Cinnamon adds a warm, sweet flavor to sweet potatoes. Try adding it to your mashed sweet potatoes for a delicious flavor.
• Nutmeg: Nutmeg adds a warm, spicy flavor to sweet potatoes. Try adding it to your mashed sweet potatoes for a flavorful twist.
• Paprika: Paprika adds a smoky, spicy flavor to sweet potatoes. Try sprinkling it over your roasted sweet potatoes for a flavorful side dish.
• Garlic: Garlic adds a savory, aromatic flavor to sweet potatoes. Try adding it to your mashed sweet potatoes for a delicious flavor.
• Rosemary: Rosemary adds a woodsy, herbal flavor to sweet potatoes. Try adding it to your roasted sweet potatoes for a flavorful side dish.
• Thyme: Thyme adds a savory, herbal flavor to sweet potatoes. Try adding it to your mashed sweet potatoes for a delicious flavor.

Conclusion

Sweet potatoes are a nutritious, tasty and versatile ingredient that can be used in many different meals. From delicious toppings to perfect side dishes and creative recipes, this article explored what pairs well with sweet potatoes. With the right ingredients, you can create a meal that is both flavorful and nutritious. So next time you’re looking for something to pair with your sweet potatoes, try one of these delicious ideas.