By Lisa Esile, MS,
Last Updated:Quick-cooking, easy to store, and oh-so-delicious, the humble sweet potato is a nutritionally rich, colorful, extremely handy vegetable to keep around. Baked, roasted, steamed, boiled, stuffed, or pureed, sweet potato boasts a velvety texture and earthy-sweet flavor that's great in both sweet and savory dishes. To showcase their tasty versatility we've put together a collection of vegan sweet potato recipes. Bonus: All recipes are free from oil, meat, dairy, and heavily processed ingredients!
Sweet Potato Shawarma
In this Turkish-inspired vegan shawarma, a robust spice blend made with everyday spices transforms roasted sweet potato and cauliflower into a melt-in-your-mouth experience. Serve with quinoa, lettuce, cucumber, red onion, and tahini dressing. Shares a commenter, “This is my new favorite meal. Fantastic flavors!”
Quinoa-Chickpea-Sweet Potato Bowls with Peanut Sauce
For an evening weeknight meal that’s equal parts delicious and easy-to-make, these hearty grain bowls are a winner. Earthy red quinoa, chewy chickpeas, tender sweet potato, and wilted greens are transformed into something special with a dollop of lime- and ginger-infused peanut sauce.
Barbecue Stuffed Sweet Potatoes with Smoky Jackfruit
In this comforting family-friendly meal, baked sweet potatoes are topped with a smoky jackfruit and lentil tomato mix. Top with quick-pickled red onion for extra flavor and crunch.
Bean and Sweet Potato Enchiladas with Cilantro-Orange Crema
Looking for a new “wow this is good” kind of meal? These baked enchiladas filled with white beans and mashed sweet potatoes are perfectly paired with a tangy tomato sauce and an orange-infused cashew-based crema. As one reviewer puts it: “OMG my husband and I love this dish. It has such great flavors.”
Roasted Vegetable Breakfast Hash
Loaded to the gunnels with veggies such as sweet potato, red potato, onion, parsnip, beets, carrot, and Brussels sprouts, this veggie-strong hash is a great way to start the day. The key to this recipe is to coat the veggies in a creamy sweet and sour mustard sauce before cooking and again just before serving. Don’t you love it when things are simple!
Vegan Sweet Potato Pie
No eggs required in this vegan twist on a classic Southern dessert; instead, the luxurious sweet potato filling is thickened with flaxseed. Warming spices give rich flavor, applesauce cuts the sweetness of the sweet potato perfectly, and a no-fuss, three-ingredient oat crust is so good you’ll want to repurpose it for other pies.
Microwave Sweet Potato and Kale Chili
Need a hearty meal in a hurry? This 20-minute microwave chili features tender cubes of sweet potato, earthy chopped kale, and silky white beans for added heft. Convenient seasonings such as pico de gallo, chili powder, and garlic powder boost the flavor with minimum effort. This is perfect for dorm room or hotel cooking. Note: The recipe calls for cooked brown rice, so be sure to have that on hand.
Sweet Potato and Shiitake Mushroom Dumplings
In this special-occasion appetizer, tender dumplings are filled with velvety sweet potato, earthy mushrooms, and ginger-garlic seasonings. Once filled, the dumplings only take a couple of minutes to cook in boiling water. Serve with a sesame-soy dipping sauce.
Kale and Sweet Potato–Stuffed Vegan Ravioli
Mama mia, it’s a vegan ravioli recipe! The creamy sweet potato and kale filling in these delightful homemade pasta parcels is infused with the savory flavors of rosemary, garlic, and nutritional yeast to deliver pure deliciousness in each bite. The homemade whole wheat dough adds a light nutty flavor to the pasta, while a classic topping of tangy marinara sauce rounds out this date-night-worthy dish.
Roasted Cauliflower and Sweet Potato Soup
The sweet and creamy tones of sweet potato are perfectly paired with mild-flavored cauliflower and onion in this hearty soup. Coat the veggies in a curry powder paste before roasting; then add them to a savory broth. The flavor is incredible!
Sweet Potato Chocolate Pudding with Pecan Crumble
Naturally sweetened with dates, maple syrup, and sweet potato, this gooey chocolatey pudding, topped with a nifty fall-spiced nut crumb, has restaurant-quality written all over it.
Sweet Potato Crostini with Avocado Salsa
Switch up your standard bruschetta appetizer with these delectable canapés that replace bread with baked sweet potato rounds. A Southwest-inspired topping of black beans, scallions, corn, avocado, and jalapeño adorns each slice and is sprinkled with smoky chipotle powder as a finishing touch. Cute and colorful, you’ll be amazed at how quickly these crostini get gobbled up!
Sweet Potato Spoon Pudding
Fluffy and sweet, this gorgeous sweet potato pudding bursts with fall flavor while a hint of apple adds subtle fruity notes. The secret to the light and airy texture is whipped aquafaba. For special occasions, top with candied nuts or fresh cranberry relish.
Sweet Potato Bread
Fragrant with fall spices and packed with tangy dried fruit, this moist sweet potato loaf is a keeper. Flaxseed is used as a binder; sweet potato, applesauce, and cane sugar lend sweetness; and raw pepitas add an appealing crunch. "I plan on eating it for breakfast, as well as dessert," shares one reader.
Vegan Sweet Potato Gratin
This deliciously creamy multi-color medley of sweet potatoes is the perfect side dish for a chilly night. The cheesy cashew-based sauce is infused with warming spices and fresh sage to perfectly compliment the earthy sweetness of this edible mosaic.
Za’atar-Spiced Sweet Potato Lettuce Cups
Za’atar—a Middle Eastern spice blend of oregano, thyme, marjoram, sumac, and sesame seeds—plays a starring role in these tantalizing sweet potato wraps. Each orange plank is coated in the savory spices, baked to tender perfection, and placed inside a crisp lettuce leaf alongside a tangy mixture of dried apricots, pomegranate seeds, and oranges. Your taste buds will thank you for this absolute symphony of scrumptiousness.
Polenta and Sweet Potato Mash with Mushroom Sauce
You’ll relish every bite of this sweet potato and polenta mash topped with a veggie sauce, loaded with whole cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, and spinach. Note: This recipe uses tube polenta, which is a great way to cut down preparation time.
Sweet Potato Butter
Sick of the same old toast-toppers? You’ll love this cinnamon- and nutmeg-infused sweet potato butter. Spread it on bread, or for an extra sweet potato hit, try it on Sweet Potato Bread or Single-Rise Sweet Potato Rolls.
The Great Purple Sweet Potato Pie
Want to see jaws drop at your next dinner party? Bring out this showstopping dessert to ensure your meal ends with a grand finale. Purple sweet potatoes give the pie its signature color, while a homemade blueberry sauce adds to both the aesthetic appeal and the to-die-for flavors. Lime zest is laced throughout the pie to deliver refreshing bursts of citrus, and a cinnamon-scented crust perfectly complements the creamy filling.
“Stuffinged” Sweet Potatoes
These baked sweet potatoes are hearty and impressive enough to take center-table on any holiday spread.
Black Bean and Sweet Potato Quesadillas
Packed with sweet potato, rice, spinach, salsa, and beans, these vegan quesadillas are far tastier than the traditional cheese-laden version.
Incredible Chocolate Sweet Potato Cake
One satisfied reader writes, “This is the best cake I’ve ever tasted!” And we have to agree. Dreena Burton’s stunning recipe is a major win for chocolate lovers who want to have their cake and eat it, too. The combination of moist sweet potatoes, hearty spelt flour, and mild coconut sugar make it an incredibly satisfying dessert that’s chock-full of healthy ingredients.
Rainbow Sweet Potato Hash
Whip up this easy and tasty recipe for a weekend brunch! Multi-color sweet potatoes are mixed with crunchy bell pepper, sweet onion, and earthy kale to create a good-for-you medley that's topped with a silky smooth avocado crema.
Spiced Sweet Potato Tacos
The tender flesh of steamed sweet potato makes a great taco filling. Beans and corn add heft for an easy weeknight meal the whole family will enjoy.
Sweet Potato Steaks with Grilled Salsa
Dig into this knife-and-fork dinner the next time you’re craving a hearty, filling meal packed full of luscious flavors. Each sweet potato “steak” is brushed in a spicy lime marinade and cooked over the grill until smoky char marks form. Top each meaty plank with a zesty avocado corn salsa and a dash of hot sauce, and you’ll be in plant-based heaven after the first bite.
Sweet Potato, Pear, and Blueberry Flatbreads
In this luscious vegan flatbread pizza, mashed sweet potato is spread over a Homemade Oil-Free Pizza Dough and topped with grilled pear, fresh blueberries, and toasted walnuts.
Sweet Potato Hummus
Made with sweet potato instead of chickpeas, this light, golden hummus tastes amazing with whole grain crackers, with veggie sticks, or in sandwiches and salads.
Brussels Sprouts, Sweet Potato, and Balsamic Pizza
This sweet potato and roasted vegetable pizza, drizzled with balsamic glaze, is sure to get your tastebuds tingling.
Caribbean Sweet Potato Stew
Invite island living into your home with this hearty stew, which calls on the exquisite flavors of the Caribbean. Sweet potatoes serve as the hearty base ingredient while black beans, potatoes, poblano peppers, and plenty of aromatic spices join forces to create a plant-based medley that tastes like the tropics. Finish each serving with a scoop of rice, a drizzle of cilantro sauce, and a sprinkle of toasted coconut for a meal that warms your belly and your heart.
Sweet Potato Bisque
Almond milk keeps this simple sweet potato soup creamy, cinnamon and nutmeg add delicious fall flavors, and orange zest and juice adds a citrusy zing.
Sweet Potato Soup with Cannellini Beans and Rainbow Chard
Ready in as few as 20 minutes, this veggie soup is packed with satisfying goodness. If you don't have rainbow chard use green chard, kale, or spinach.
Kale and Sweet Potato Salad with Dried Cranberries
In this robust green salad, the soft texture of sweet potato perfectly complements the curly grassiness of kale. Dried cranberries pack a fruity punch, cashews add crunch, and a smokey tahini dressing ties it all together.
Roasted Celeriac Steaks with Mushrooms and Sweet Potato Mash
Not sure what to do with celeriac? This excellent recipe slices the root veggie into steaks and serves it over a garlicky sweet potato mash with roasted mushrooms and a vegan steak sauce. A side of crusty whole grain bread would be a great addition to soak up any extra sauce or to use as an edible utensil for this veggie-packed dish.
Sweet Potato Stuffed Mushrooms
As if baked mushrooms weren't delicious enough: Add a melt-in-your-mouth filling of chickpea, spinach, and sweet potato for a heavenly appetizer or main dish.
Sweet Potato Mac and Cheese
In this family-friendly mac and cheese, creamy sweet potato plus garlic and nutritional yeast make for scrumptious cheesy flavors.
Sweet Potato Lasagna
With layers of tomato sauce, sweet potato filling, cashew cheese, and lasagna noodles, it's not hard to see why this vegan lasagna is a fan favorite.
Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes
A curried pea-chickpea filling takes baked sweet potatoes to the next level. Serve with tofu Sour Cream and a green salad.
Spiralized Daikon and Sweet Potato Noodles with Spicy Korean Tofu
Curly sweet potato spirals make this veggie and Korean tofu stir-fry incredibly fun to eat. Daikon radishes, broccoli, and bell pepper join forces with the tasty orange tubers to create a plant-powered bowl that will leave you looking forward to leftovers. Tangy scallions, sweet mango, and a zesty lime-tahini sauce punch up the flavor profile so each bite features complex tastes and textures. Add a serving of brown rice to make it extra satisfying.
Sweet Potato Casserole with Herbed Mushroom Stuffing
Fresh herbs, plenty of mushrooms, and a creamy-cheesy cashew dressing make this sweet potato casserole a delicious main course.
Single-Rise Sweet Potato Dinner Rolls
Sweet potato keeps these whole grain dinner rolls moist and adds golden color. Even better, they're ready in 90 minutes, and that includes an hour of rising time.
Sweet Potato Soup with Cannellini Beans and Rainbow Chard
Creating gourmet meals doesn’t have to be complicated; just take it from this slurpable soup recipe, which features just eight easy ingredients! Chunks of sweet potato are sautéed with savory leeks and simmered in a lemony broth that gets an extra kick of flavor from sun-dried tomato powder. Nutrient-dense rainbow chard leaves and cannellini beans offer extra heft to ensure each bowl keeps your tummy satisfied for hours after you enjoy this five-star dish.
Roasted Sweet Potato Wedges
These lightly spiced sweet potato wedges are great as a snack or served with your favorite plant-based burger and ketchup.
Sweet Potato Chili with Kale
In this tasty chili, sweet potato with kale and kidney beans gives a satisfying earthiness, while orange juice adds citrusy overtones.
Baked Sweet Potatoes Stuffed with Chickpea Chili
Using pantry staples such as canned chickpeas and frozen corn, these rustic stuffed sweet potatoes are an ideal fallback meal for when you're running low on fresh supplies.
Lentil, Chard & Sweet Potato Curry
This satisfying sweet potato stew is made even heartier with the addition of yellow lentils. Lime juice, Swiss chard, and vegan yogurt make it a comforting and well-balanced curry.
Smoky Chili with Sweet Potatoes
Liquid smoke (yes, it's a thing!) adds a divine grilled flavor to this bean and sweet potato chili.
Sweet Potato Bruschetta with Avocado-Tomato Topping
Is there nothing sweet potato can't do! For these bread-less bruschetta, thin slices of sweet potato are baked then topped with avocado, fresh basil, and tomato.
Tricolor Sweet Potato Kugel
This plant-based take on a traditional Jewish dish uses three different varieties of sweet potato to give a striated effect. Serve with Tofu Sour Cream. (The recipe also works well with one type of sweet potato.)
Rainbow Sweet Potato Breakfast Bowl
Brighten up your morning meal with this colorful sweet potato breakfast bowl topped with banana, pumpkin seeds, and berries.
Hidden Berry Dessert Squares
For these gorgeous squares, a light sweet potato filling houses fresh berries. A date-sweetened crumble is used for the base as well as the topping.
Mini Peach Tarts
The velvety texture of sweet potato combined with fresh peaches is a match made in heaven in these scrumptious tarts.
This article was originally published on Oct. 26, 2020, and has been updated.
About the Author
About the Author
Lisa Esile, MS
As an author, Do Nothing meditation instructor, and wellness coach, Lisa Esile combines her love for food and nutrition with her mental health background and delights in helping people find a stress-free way to make lasting lifestyle changes. Esile has a master’s degree in human nutrition and is the co-author/illustrator of Whose Mind Is It Anyway? Get Out of Your Head and Into Your Life. Learn more at lisaesile.com.
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