If you’re like many of us, you’ve probably found yourself with leftover cooked sweet potatoes in the fridge, unsure of what to do with them. Well, you’re in luck! With a little creativity, these nutritious roots can be transformed into a variety of delicious dishes. In fact, we’ve curated a list of 19 innovative recipes that will help you make the most of your leftovers and keep them fresh for up to 5 days.
From sweet treats like waffles and bread pudding, to savory options like curried soup and fritters, there’s something for everyone. And if you’re looking to stockpile your sweet potatoes for a rainy day, we’ve also got some tips on how to freeze them properly. So, whether you’re in the mood for something classic or something new and exciting, this post has got you covered.
Sweet Potato Pancakes
Indulge in a breakfast twist by incorporating leftover sweet potatoes into your pancake recipe. This unique combination requires minimal adjustments to the traditional formula: simply add mashed sweet potatoes and substitute buttermilk with regular milk and sour cream to maintain the batter’s texture and enhance its flavor. Finish your pancakes off with a drizzle of maple syrup or butter, just as you would with your favorite breakfast treat.
For optimal results, be sure to follow these cooking tips for cutting sweet potatoes: [insert tips here]
Fried Sweet Potatoes & Runny Eggs
Kick-start your day with a speedy yet satisfying breakfast! When time is of the essence, this recipe is a perfect solution. By repurposing leftover sweet potatoes, you can create a filling morning meal in mere minutes. Simply fry them until crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, then top with eggs for added protein and flavor. A pinch of salt adds a touch of savory goodness to bring everything together.
The result is a delightful breakfast combination that’s perfect for busy individuals like yourself. With this quick and easy dish, you’ll be ready to take on the day in no time.
Cheesy Mashed Sweet Potato Cakes
The harmonious union between sweet potatoes and cheese is truly exceptional. This combination creates a delightful flavor profile that’s hard to resist. When it comes to the type of cheese, feel free to experiment with your favorite variety. However, for an added layer of creaminess, mozzarella makes a superb choice. To ensure the best texture, opt for breadcrumbs instead of flour. As for cooking methods, you have two options: oven-baking or stovetop cooking.
Ultimately, the choice is yours, allowing you to tailor the dish to your personal preference.
Leftover Sweet Potato Casserole Oatmeal
Transform your leftover sweet potatoes into a scrumptious breakfast dish by combining them with warm oatmeal. Simply mix in some mashed or roasted sweet potato with the oatmeal, adding a burst of natural sweetness to your morning meal. To take it up a notch, toss in some dried fruits for an extra layer of flavor and texture. Finally, add a sprinkle of cinnamon to awaken your senses with its warm, comforting aroma and taste.
Sweet Potato Waffles
While a food processor can be helpful in combining the ingredients, it’s also possible to use a hand whisk if you don’t have one on hand. To craft this delectable breakfast dish, you’ll need mashed sweet potato, oats, flour, milk, eggs, baking powder, and some added seasonings. The versatility of this recipe is one of its best features, as you can enjoy it as is or take it to the next level by adding a fried egg on top.
Sweet Potato Croquettes
When planning outdoor summer gatherings, this finger food is a must-have! Its crispy exterior and soft interior, paired with an explosive cheesy filling, are sure to be a hit. For added depth of flavor, try mixing in different spices to elevate the taste of your leftover sweet potatoes. If you prefer a spicy kick, red chili peppers will deliver just that. Alternatively, add some savory flair with pancetta or chopped ham for a meaty twist.
And don’t worry about indulging – baking these sweet bites ensures they’re guilt-free!
Sweet Potato Patties
When you’re left with leftover mashed or roasted sweet potatoes, consider transforming them into these delightful patties. While they may not be the most conventional party appetizer, they can serve as an impressive substitute for traditional sweet potato casserole. The best part? It’s a breeze to prepare, requiring only pantry staples. Simply fry the patties to achieve that crispy texture and top with a dollop of creamy guacamole or sour cream infused with herbs.
Trust us, your guests will be impressed. If you’re new to sweet potato cooking, check out our resources on how to determine if a sweet potato is still good for inspiration.
Holiday Leftover Sweet Potato Cake
While it may be tempting to omit these delectable baked treats from our list, we simply can’t justify doing so given their irresistible flavor. The sweetness provided by the leftover sweet potatoes is more than sufficient, rendering excessive sugar addition unnecessary. Furthermore, the natural moisture contributed by the sweet potatoes elevates the cake’s overall palate appeal. And, of course, a judicious splash of beer lends a subtle depth to the flavor profile without overpowering the senses.
Baked Sweet Potato Donuts
Want to surprise your kids with a sweet potato treat that’s both fun and delicious? Look no further! These donuts are an absolute hit with little ones, and let’s be honest, adults love ’em too. They’re so soft and light, it’s impossible to resist grabbing one for a quick snack. Plus, making this recipe with your kids is a great way to get them involved in the cooking process – just let them choose their favorite toppings!
Sweet Potato Spice Muffins
Sweet potatoes can be a versatile ingredient in muffin-making, extending beyond traditional options like pumpkin and banana. Leftover sweet potatoes can seamlessly replace these ingredients, bringing moisture and natural sweetness to every bite. When baked with spices, the sweet potato’s inherent flavors are fully realized, making it an ideal choice for family brunches or as a satisfying accompaniment to hot cocoa or coffee.
If you’re short on time, cooking sweet potatoes in the microwave can be a quick solution, allowing you to whip up a batch of these tasty treats in no time.
Curried Sweet Potato Soup
As the irresistible aroma wafts through the air, your senses will be tantalized and your stomach will growl in anticipation. This sweet potato masterpiece is another creative way to repurpose leftover spuds, elevating them from mere scraps to a new culinary experience. Whether you’re looking for a side dish to accompany a hearty main course or a comforting pick-me-up on a chilly afternoon, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings and leave you feeling cozy and content.
Sweet Potato Pie
Indulge in the sweet and savory fusion of southern cuisine with this beloved recipe, often used as a show-stopping alternative to traditional pumpkin pie. The twist? A crispy graham crust topped with a luscious sweet potato custard that’s elevated by the warmth of vanilla extract, ground nutmeg, ground cloves, and ginger. Each spoonful is a symphony of flavors that will leave you craving more. Take it to the next level by topping it with a dollop of whipped cream for an unbeatable treat.
Perfect for special occasions like Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner, this recipe is sure to become a new family favorite.
Sweet Potato Bread
Indulge in the heavenly aroma and appearance of perfectly baked bread, already making your mouth water in anticipation. This innovative recipe transforms leftover sweet potatoes into a culinary masterpiece. Just remember, in bread making, overmixing is a cardinal sin. A gentle hand-mixing approach, just enough to combine ingredients, will yield optimal results. For an instant treat, consider whipping up mini loaves instead.
Repurposed Apple Sweet Potato Dumplings
Far from being run-of-the-mill, these dumplings are a creative twist on a traditional Asian dish. In fact, they’re the perfect recipe for using up leftovers in your kitchen. Imagine being able to repurpose vegetables, sweet potatoes, and even cranberry sauce into a delicious and flavorful meal. With this versatile recipe, you can get as inventive as you like with the ingredients you have on hand.
Simply combine leftover veggies and sweet potatoes with some dumpling goodness, shape into bite-sized morsels, and cook to perfection. And when it’s time to serve, don’t forget to pair them with a tangy cranberry sauce for an added layer of flavor.
Sweet Potato Biscuit
If you’re still dealing with an abundance of sweet potato casseroles leftover from Thanksgiving, consider yourself lucky! These biscuits are the ideal way to repurpose your excess sweet potatoes and reduce waste. Not only do they make a great addition to any finger food spread at family gatherings, but they’re also sure to be a crowd-pleaser. To take them to the next level, simply top with marshmallows for an irresistible treat that’s perfect for snacking.
Harissa Sweet Potato Fritters
For those who crave a fiery kick in their dishes, this recipe is sure to tantalize the taste buds. The addition of Harissa brings a slow-building heat that will leave you wanting more – but don’t worry, it’s easily customizable to suit your desired level of spiciness. With its perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and salty flavors, this dish is guaranteed to steal the show at any meal. And did you know?
You can also harness Harissa’s power by mixing it into your mayonnaise for an instant flavor boost – talk about elevating a simple dip!
Sweet Potato Bread Pudding
Transforming leftover roast sweet potatoes into a delectable dessert is a game-changer. The deep, smoky flavor infused into the potato takes on a new dimension when combined with cinnamon and vanilla, resulting in an added layer of depth and warmth. This comforting treat is the perfect pick-me-up for those looking to brighten their mood and satisfy their sweet tooth.
Sweet Potato Alfredo
While it may seem unconventional to use leftover mashed sweet potatoes in a pasta dish, I highly recommend giving this unique recipe a try. The natural starchiness of sweet potatoes, combined with the richness of whole milk, creates a decadent sauce that’s surprisingly perfect for pasta. This creative twist on traditional pasta recipes is sure to impress family and friends at your next gathering.
Sweet Potato Smoothie
The sweet potato smoothie is a game-changer. Yes, you read that right – a sweet potato smoothie! It’s surprisingly delicious and can be made using leftover sweet potatoes. Simply blend them with your favorite milk, along with some ginger, turmeric, cinnamon, and pitted dates to bring out the natural sweetness. If you want to take it to the next level, add in some frozen bananas for an extra special treat.
We’re not just stopping at this recipe, though – we also love whipping up sweet potato fries in the air fryer!
The bottom line
We’re excited to showcase our favorite ways to repurpose leftover sweet potatoes, ensuring that every last bit is transformed into a scrumptious dish. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast or an impressive dinner party option, we’ve curated a selection of recipes that are sure to impress your family and friends. We can’t wait for you to get cooking and share your thoughts in the comments below!
With their incredible versatility, cooked sweet potatoes lend themselves perfectly to a variety of creative applications, making them an ideal canvas for experimentation. Our list of leftover sweet potato recipes is designed to inspire you to think outside the box and make the most of every last morsel.
