With the holidays fast approaching, you may be looking for ways to host a beautiful dinner without stressing out. The best Thanksgiving dinner menu finds the balance between decadent feasting and realistic oven timing. You may want to prep your meal ahead of time or skip a few unnecessary steps, like sifting flour or peeling potatoes.
One simple way to save time is to leave the skin on your sweet potatoes. Can you eat sweet potato skin? Yes, it’s safe to eat—and tasty too. Eating sweet potatoes with the skin on saves prep time while adding nutrients and texture to recipes.
Is it safe to eat sweet potato skin?
Yes, it’s safe to eat sweet potato skin. Whether you roast them, mash them or fry them, sweet potatoes with skin provide loads of nutrients and flavors. Sweet potatoes may be orange, white, or purple, and the skin is safe to eat on all types. Just be sure to wash them first; scrub your potatoes under cool running water.
Is sweet potato skin healthy?
Yes, sweet potato skin is healthy, and leaving it on your spuds adds nutrients to your meal. Sweet potatoes are rich in fiber and vitamins A and C, and these nutrients are most concentrated in the skin. A 2021 study found that peeling sweet potatoes cuts the fiber content by up to 64%.Fiber is an important nutrient for all of us. It lowers the risk of heart disease and promotes the growth of healthy bacteria in the gut.
Sweet potatoes are also rich in antioxidants like beta carotene and vitamins C and E. These compounds prevent damage to our cells and even lower the risk of chronic health conditions like heart disease and cancer. Most of the antioxidants in sweet potatoes are located in the underrated, hard-working skin.
What to Do with Sweet Potato Skin
There are endless ways to enjoy sweet potato skins. You can’t go wrong with the lazy (and smart) technique of simply leaving the skin on sweet potato recipes like these:
- Baked Sweet Potato Fries
- Easy Grilled Sweet Potatoes
- Hasselback Sweet Potatoes
- Sweet Potato and Turkey Couscous
Feeling a bit more adventurous? Convert your beloved bacon cheddar potato skins into baked sweet potato skins. The only sweet potato dishes that need peeled potatoes? Most sweet potato dessert recipes are better without the skin. No one wants to bite into a creamy slice of sweet potato pie and be met with a mouthful of rough skin.
Be sure to avoid these other sweet potato mistakes too. Now break out those yams and toss your peeler. It’s time for tasty, nutritious side dishes!
Our Best Sweet Potato Recipes 1 / 46 One-Dish Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe photo by Nicole Perry for Taste of Home Ground Turkey Sweet Potato SkilletGet a one-pan dinner on the table with this ground turkey sweet potato skillet, featuring smoky turkey, tender sweet potatoes and vibrant kale in a savory tomato broth, topped with creamy avocado. Go to Recipe Also, check outthese best Potato Recipes for people who love spuds. Suzan Najjar for Taste of Home Harissa Sweet Potato FrittersI had leftover sweet potatoes and had to think up a new way to use them. We love spice, so I flavored these fun fritters with harissa, just enough for flavor but not too spicy. If you want more heat, you can always adjust the spice to please your taste buds. —Teri Rasey, Cadillac, Michigan Go to Recipe Sweet Potato and Crab SoupThis sweet and savory soup is quick and easy to prepare. You can substitute butternut squash or pumpkin for the sweet potatoes, depending on what you have on hand. —Judy Armstrong, Prairieville, Louisiana Go to Recipe Blueberry Chops with Cinnamon Sweet Potatoes Recipe photo by Taste of Home Blueberry Chops with Cinnamon Sweet PotatoesA sweet and spicy combo is the perfect accent for meaty chops. With a fresh green veggie on the side, this is a hearty summer meal. It’s easy, yet impressive enough to serve to company. —Laura Davis, Chincoteague, Virginia Go to Recipe Also, take a look at these amazing sweet potato desserts! GRACE NATOLI SHELDON FOR TASTE OF HOME Mushroom and Sweet Potato PotpieThe last time I was in the U.S., I had an amazing mushroom and beer potpie at a small brewpub. It was so rich and comforting. I tried numerous versions when I got home and I think I've come pretty close! —Iben Ravn, Copenhagen, Denmark Go to Recipe Bacon-Wrapped Sweet Potato Bites Recipe photo by Taste of Home Bacon-Wrapped Sweet Potato BitesAfter making little bacon-wrapped sausages for years, I needed a change! I had an extra sweet potato and half a package of bacon on hand, so I put on my thinking cap and came up with this treat. —Kelly Williams, Forked River, New Jersey Go to Recipe Taste of Home Fiesta Chorizo-Chicken SoupJust place some crusty rolls on the table when you serve this soup and you'll have a hearty, comforting meal that will chase away winter's chill. The slightly spicy soup is chock-full of veggies.—Kathy Rodenbeck, Fort Wayne, Indiana Go to Recipe Spiced Sweet Potato Fries Recipe photo by Taste of Home Spiced Sweet Potato FriesA spicy homemade seasoning blend shakes up everyone’s favorite finger food in this rendition of sweet potato fries. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen Go to Recipe Sheet-Pan Chicken Curry Dinner Recipe photo by Taste of Home Sheet-Pan Chicken Curry DinnerThis sheet-pan chicken curry is a quick way to get a meal on the table without fuss. Everyone loves it, and it's healthy to boot! Serve it with a side of jasmine rice. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho Go to Recipe Air-Fryer Honey Sweet Potatoes Recipe photo by Taste of Home Air-Fryer Sweet PotatoesLooking for a classic sweet potato air-fryer recipe? Look no further than these honey-infused sweet potato cubes that you can pair with nearly any protein. Go to Recipe ELLIE CROWLEY FOR TASTE OF HOME Air-Fryer Sweet Potato FriesThese air-fryer sweet potato fries are ready in a snap! Go to Recipe Chicken and Sweet Potato ChiliI enjoy this comforting chili on its own but it's wonderful spooned over a bed of steamed rice or an extra helping of protein-packed quinoa. —Brynn Rader, Olympia, Washington Go to Recipe Alejandro Monfort for Taste of Home Sweet Potatoes au GratinSweet Potato Gratin is a rich and comforting side dish that beautifully balances the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with a creamy, savory sauce. Its velvety texture and aromatic flavors make it a standout addition to any meal, ensuring every bite is a delightful experience. Go to Recipe Sausage Sweet Potato Sheet-Pan Dinner Recipe photo by Taste of Home Sausage Sweet Potato Sheet-Pan DinnerThis foolproof weeknight dinner is naturally gluten free, and is on your table in no time! It is easily adaptable and can be made using seasonal fruits or veggies. —Melissa Erdelac, Valparaiso, Indiana Go to Recipe Moroccan Chickpea Stew Recipe photo by Taste of Home Moroccan Chickpea StewThis spicy stew was the main dish at our family's Christmas Eve dinner. The guests, including three vegetarians, were thrilled with the abundance of squash, potatoes, tomatoes and onion. —Cindy Beberman, Orland Park, Illinois Go to Recipe Taste of Home Sheet-Pan Tandoori ChickenThis tandoori chicken recipe is easy for weeknights since it bakes in one pan, but it is also special enough for guests. The best part? There isn’t much to clean up when dinner is over! —Anwar Khan, Iriving, Texas Go to Recipe Hoisin Sriracha Sheet-Pan Chicken Recipe photo by Taste of Home Hoisin Sriracha Sheet-Pan ChickenThe convenience and simplicity of this chicken dinner make it extra awesome. Feel free to change the veggies throughout the year—the sticky-spicy-sweet sauce is tasty on everything!! —Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland Go to Recipe Air-Fryer Sweet Potato Chips Recipe photo by Julia Hartbeck for Taste of Home Air-Fryer Sweet Potato ChipsCrispy, spiced and perfectly paired with a tangy dip—these air-fryer sweet potato chips are the ultimate homemade snack. Go to Recipe Lemon-Dijon Pork Sheet-Pan SupperMost nights I need something that I can get on the table with minimal effort and delicious results. This sheet-pan supper has become an all-time favorite, not only because of its bright flavors but also because of its speedy cleanup time. —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah Go to Recipe Mom's Sweet Potato Salad Recipe photo by Taste of Home Mom’s Sweet Potato SaladMy mother used to make this sweet potato salad recipe. We all liked it back then—and now my family likes it too! —Willard Wilson, Woodsfield, Ohio Go to Recipe Smoked Salmon-Potato Brunch Bake Recipe photo by Taste of Home Smoked Salmon-Potato Brunch BakeThe two different potatoes, fresh herbs and different textures make this savory brunch bake unique and special.—Victoria Johnson, Gilbert, Arizona Go to Recipe Roasted Rosemary Sweet PotatoesThese rosemary sweet potatoes are simply one of the best recipes we've ever made. Roasting them brings out all of the wonderful sweetness! —Kristin Stone, Little Elm, Texas Go to Recipe Turkey Sweet Potato Chili Recipe: How to Make It Recipe photo by Eric Kleinberg for Taste of Home Turkey Sweet Potato ChiliOur turkey sweet potato chili recipe is a wonderful variation on chili and contains no beef or tomatoes. The sweet potatoes are packed with vitamins and minerals and the turkey is a welcome alternative to ground beef. Go to Recipe Air-Fryer Stuffed Sweet PotatoesThese stuffed sweet potatoes are the perfect holiday side dish. Try preparing them ahead of time in the morning and then bake just before serving. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas Go to Recipe Sweet Potato Pancakes with Cinnamon Cream Recipe photo by Taste of Home Sweet Potato Pancakes with Cinnamon CreamTopped with a rich cinnamon cream, these pancakes are an ideal dish for celebrating the tastes and aromas of fall. —Tammy Rex, New Tripoli, Pennsylvania Go to Recipe DAN ROBERTS FOR TASTE OF HOME Butternut Squash JumbleI took this to a Thanksgiving potluck one year when I couldn't go home for the holiday. It was a huge hit. I like it because it's something different without being too nontraditional. It's also good at room temperature, so it's one less thing to worry about when you're trying to time serving everything. I like Gorgonzola for this, but any blue cheese would work. If you can find the precrumbled cheese, even better. —Kara Brocious, Indianapolis, Indiana Go to Recipe Maple Miso Sweet Potato CasseroleThis recipe takes a beloved holiday side dish and gives it a savory twist. —Sara Schwabe, Bloomington, Indiana Go to Recipe Smoky Sweet Potato and Black Bean Enchiladas Recipe photo by Taste of Home Smoky Sweet Potato and Black Bean EnchiladasMy hearty, delicious and nutrient-packed vegetarian dish is amazingly healthy. Everyone I've made it for has loved it—even carnivores! I always make two batches and freeze one. You'll want to eat this every week! —Elizabeth Lindemann, Salem, Massachusetts Go to Recipe Chicken Sweet Potato Skillet Recipe photo by Taste of Home Chicken Sweet Potato SkilletReinvent leftover cooked chicken into a saucy, southwestern chicken sweet potato skillet with veggies. Using jarred salsa in the simmering liquid helps give it lots of flavor with minimal effort. Go to Recipe Creamy Vegetable Chowder Recipe photo by Taste of Home Creamy Vegetable ChowderThis rich, comforting soup recipe can easily be doubled or tripled. You can lower the fat content by using turkey bacon, vegetable broth and skim milk. It's delicious either way. —Suzanna VandeBrake, Peyton, Colorado Go to Recipe This Indian-style dish seems to develop a devoted following. Prepared sauce makes it easy to bring the rich flavors of Indian cuisine to your family. Feel free to use more or less tikka masala sauce according to your personal taste. —Erica Polly, Sun Prairie, Wisconsin Go to Recipe Chipotle Sweet Potato Salad Recipe photo by Taste of Home Chipotle Sweet Potato SaladI love the velvety taste and texture of sweet potatoes. A friend served sweet potatoes cooked with peppers and they tasted delicious together. I took those flavors and developed them into this creamy, smoky potato salad. —Carolyn Eskew, Dayton, Ohio Go to Recipe Coconut Chicken and Sweet Potato Stew Recipe photo by Taste of Home Coconut Chicken and Sweet Potato StewThis stew tastes as if you spent hours in the kitchen. The flavors of coconut milk, sweet potato and coriander nicely complement the chicken. A garnish of cilantro and toasted coconut adds a bit of sophistication. —Nicole Filizetti, Stevens Point, Wisconsin Go to Recipe Taste of Home Sweet Potato ChiliOur vegetarian sweet potato chili recipe is delicious on a cool day, or any day! Sweet potato, black beans and diced tomato team up to provide lots of flavor, but two secret ingredients (coffee and honey) take things to a whole new level! There's a reason this contest-winning recipe gets rave reviews! Go to Recipe Duo Tater Bake Recipe photo by Taste of Home Duo Tater BakeI made this creamy and comforting potato dish for Thanksgiving and it was a winner with my family. They said to be sure to include it at every holiday dinner. It's a keeper! —Joan McCulloch, Abbotsford, British Columbia Go to Recipe Grilled Sweet Potatoes Recipe photo by Taste of Home Grilled Sweet PotatoesIf you're tired of the usual summer side dishes, try these grilled sweet potatoes. The Gorgonzola cheese spread is a perfect match for the caramelized sweetness of the potatoes. Go to Recipe Slow-Cooker Sweet Potato Chocolate Mole Soup Recipe photo by Taste of Home Slow-Cooker Sweet Potato Chocolate Mole SoupThis recipe is perfect for those days when you’re craving something just a little bit different. It’s spicy, flavorful and a delightful excuse to open up a bar of chocolate—if you’re the type of person who needs an excuse! —Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia Go to Recipe DAN ROBERTS FOR TASTE OF HOME Sweet Potato PilafThe combination of sweet potatoes, bacon, asparagus and kale makes this simple Sweet Potato Kale Pilaf taste amazing! To save time and dishes, you can easily cook the rice in an Instant Pot and also use it to saute the other ingredients. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas Go to Recipe Sweet Potato Latkes Recipe photo by Taste of Home Sweet Potato LatkesI have great memories of making this recipe for family holidays. Shredded russet potatoes can be used instead of sweet for a change of pace. Serve these with sour cream, applesauce or a sprinkling of chopped chives. —Paula Freud, Minden, Nevada Go to Recipe Taste of Home Beefy Sweet Potato ChiliThere's no better way to warm up than with a bowl of this chili. We created this recipe with friends when we lived in Seattle, where cold and rainy days are plentiful. Sweet potatoes are the secret ingredient, but even if you leave them out, you'll still have a tasty basic chili. —Jonell Tempero, Omaha, Nebraska Go to Recipe Taste of Home Beefy Sweet Potato SoupI hate being cold, but one of the best remedies for that is warm soup. I took my mother’s water-based vegetable soup recipe and worked with it to make the flavors richer. The meat and veggies in this dish are the perfect cure for a cold night and a hungry family. —Lisa Cooper, Leander, Texas Go to Recipe SARAH TRAMONTE FOR TASTE OF HOME Sweet Potato ChipsPut down that bag! Making sweet potato chips in the oven is a breeze with simple ingredients and minimal prep. Go to Recipe Curried Chicken and Sweet Potatoes Recipe photo by Taste of Home Curried Chicken and Sweet PotatoesThis chicken and sweet potato dish is a delicious combination of sweet and savory flavors. I like to add a bit more spice. Make sure to keep the sweet potato chunks large so they keep their integrity over the long cooking time. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho Go to Recipe TMB STUDIO How to Make Super Easy Air-Fryer Chicken NuggetsI was looking for ways to spice up traditional chicken nuggets and came up with this recipe. The coating adds a crunchy texture and flavor, while the meat is tender on the inside. —Kristina Segarra, Yonkers, New York Go to Article Pressure-Cooker Salsa London Broil Recipe photo by Taste of Home Pressure-Cooker Salsa London BroilI love using my pressure cooker for this recipe—the dish comes together so quickly but still has that long, slow-cooked flavor. The veggies semi-melt into the sauce to give it an added savory taste and the lime gives it a pleasant finish. —Ann R Sheehy, Lawrence, Massachusetts Go to Recipe Alejandro Monfort for Taste of Home Vegetable Barley SoupVegetable barley soup is a hearty-tasting yet low-calorie, healthy soup that's perfect for cold winter evenings or Sunday afternoons. Go to Recipe