Potato salad has had a good run. It shows up at every cookout, every family gathering, and every summer potluck like its spot is guaranteed.
But lately, I have found myself reaching for sweet potatoes instead. They bring more color, more personality, and enough versatility to work in everything from hearty sides to surprisingly good salads.
These 15 recipes make a strong case for giving sweet potatoes a little more attention. In fact, a few of them might have you questioning whether potato salad deserves its automatic invitation to the table.
Sweet Potato Casserole with Hazelnuts
If you are tired of soft pecans, topping your mash with toasted hazelnuts adds a whole new layer of loud crunch. You get that warm, comforting sweet potato base, but the deep, nutty topping makes the whole dish feel way more interesting than a standard holiday side.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Casserole with Hazelnuts
Sweet Potato Stuffing
I promise stuffing is allowed on the table outside of November, especially when it is loaded with sweet potato chunks. It combines the root veggies with classic savory herbs, absorbing all the pan juices to make a hearty side that goes great with grilled steak.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Stuffing
Sweet Potato Casserole With Marshmallows and Pecans
Sometimes you just need that nostalgic, gooey comfort food that everyone at the party reaches for first. This version balances a smooth, spiced potato base with a buttery pecan layer and melted marshmallows, making it a crowd-favorite side that doubles as a treat.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Casserole With Marshmallows and Pecans
Sweet Potato Cornbread
Whenever you have a single lonely sweet potato on your counter and a house full of people asking for a snack, make this. Mixing the mashed potato right into your cornmeal batter keeps the bread ridiculously moist and gives it a beautiful golden color without needing extra oil.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Cornbread
Maple Tahini Sweet Potatoes
Drizzling a nutty, savory tahini sauce over roasted sweet potato chunks is the flavor combination you didn't know you were missing. The rich sesame paste cuts right through the sweet maple glaze, creating a fast side dish that feels totally fresh next to a burger.
Get the Recipe: Maple Tahini Sweet Potatoes
Middle Eastern Caramelized Slices With Date Syrup
This is my go-to when I want a side dish that looks elegant but takes almost zero actual effort. You just slice the potatoes thin, cook them carefully in a pan until the edges get nice and dark, and serve them over a cool layer of cream cheese with a drizzle of date syrup.
Get the Recipe: Middle Eastern Caramelized Slices With Date Syrup
Hasselback Sweet Potatoes with Honey
Cutting those signature thin slits all the way down the potato lets the honey, cinnamon, and nutmeg seep deep into the middle. It makes the inside incredibly tender and looks beautiful on a plate, plus you can fully prep them ahead and just warm them up right before everyone eats.
Get the Recipe: Hasselback Sweet Potatoes with Honey
Crispy Roasted Sweet Potatoes in the Oven
Getting a perfectly caramelized edge on your roasted potato cubes just takes a hot oven and a reliable sheet pan. They turn out wonderfully fork-tender in the middle, making them a versatile side that goes with everything from hot dogs to grilled chicken.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Roasted Sweet Potatoes in the Oven
Creamy Mashed Purple Sweet Potatoes
If your dinner table is looking a little dull, dropping a bowl of vivid purple mash down will instantly wake it up. These specific potatoes have a gorgeous, deep color and a slightly earthier flavor that pairs with a splash of savory melted butter.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mashed Purple Sweet Potatoes
Baked Sweet Potato
You really cannot beat the simplicity of a whole baked sweet potato when you are too tired to actually cook. Just poke it with a fork, let it get soft and tender in the oven, and split it open for a naturally sweet canvas that is ready for sour cream and chives.
Get the Recipe: Baked Sweet Potato
Sweet Potato Fries
Cutting your spuds into thin matchsticks is a foolproof way to satisfy a fry craving at home. They develop a rich, deeply caramelized flavor as they bake in the oven, giving you a colorful, easy alternative to standard French fries.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Fries
Parmesan Herb Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes
Tossing your potato cubes in the air fryer is the fastest way to a quick weeknight side without heating up the whole kitchen. Coating them in savory parmesan and dried herbs adds a punch of salt that balances the natural sweetness while keeping the insides soft and tender.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Herb Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes
Candied Sweet Potatoes
This melt-in-your-mouth classic transforms humble root veggies into a rich, glistening treat using a simple sweet-and-savory glaze. It brings a dose of old-school kitchen nostalgia to the table, and the leftovers taste even better the next day.
Get the Recipe: Candied Sweet Potatoes
Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes with Parmesan and Rosemary
Throwing fresh rosemary and parmesan into the mix adds a wonderful woodsy aroma to your quick air fryer routine. The hot air cooks the potato cubes down into a soft, pillowy texture that makes them a comforting, colorful addition to your dinner plate.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes with Parmesan and Rosemary
Spicy Roasted Sweet Potato Spirals with Guacamole
Turning your sweet potatoes into fun curls is a great trick for a quick snack or a fun party platter. Roasting them with a heavy dusting of chili powder creates a spicy kick that is perfect for scooping up cool, creamy guacamole.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Roasted Sweet Potato Spirals with Guacamole
Go ahead and give potato salad a little competition this summer!
