As much as I like to make new and exciting dishes for the holidays, there is absolutely nothing wrong with sticking to the classics.
Especially those dishes that remind me of my Nan.
And for some reason, she really had a thing for sweet potatoes!
But my Nan isn’t the only reason I make these dishes. They’re super easy, straightforward, and use just a few pantry staples.
That’s because the sweet potatoes do most of the work on their own and have a really comforting and tradition taste to them.
So if you’re looking for nostalgic sweet potato dishes, here are some of my Nan’s greatest hits and other simple recipes:
1. Old-Fashioned Candied Sweet Potatoes
Peel and slice sweet potatoes into thick rounds, then simmer them in a skillet with butter, brown sugar, and a splash of water until they’re coated in a shiny, caramel-like glaze.
Add a little cinnamon and salt to balance the sweetness.
If the syrup gets too thick, stir in a spoonful of water to loosen it.
For extra crunch, toss in chopped pecans during the last few minutes so they soak up all that syrupy goodness.
2. Classic Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows
Can’t forget this classic!
Boil peeled sweet potatoes until fork-tender, then mash with butter, brown sugar, vanilla, and a bit of milk until smooth.
Spread into a casserole dish and cover the top with mini marshmallows.
Bake until the marshmallows turn golden and gooey.
A pinch of orange zest adds brightness, or you can swap the marshmallows for a brown sugar pecan topping if you prefer more crunch than fluff.
3. Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Brown Sugar and Butter
Boil sweet potatoes until soft, drain, then mash with melted butter, brown sugar, a splash of cream, and a pinch of salt.
Mix until creamy or leave a few chunks for texture.
I love adding a drizzle of maple syrup when I make these.
Leftovers can be turned into sweet potato pancakes the next day, which might be my favorite part.
4. Glazed Sweet Potato Slices with Molasses
Slice sweet potatoes into half-inch rounds and layer them in a baking dish.
Whisk together melted butter, molasses, brown sugar, and a little ground ginger, then pour it over the top.
Bake until the glaze bubbles and the edges caramelize.
The molasses adds a deep, almost smoky sweetness, but if you prefer a lighter flavor, mix in honey or maple syrup instead.
A sprinkle of sea salt at the end makes everything pop.
5. Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Honey and Pecans
Cut sweet potatoes into bite-size chunks and toss them with olive oil, salt, and a drizzle of honey.
Roast at a high temperature until crisp on the edges and soft inside.
Halfway through, sprinkle chopped pecans on top so they toast in the oven.
Add a dash of smoked paprika for depth or cinnamon for a warmer, sweeter finish.
A little cayenne turns them into a surprisingly good side for roasted chicken or salmon.
6. Old-Fashioned Sweet Potato Fritters
Grate peeled sweet potatoes and mix them with a beaten egg, a few spoonfuls of flour, sugar, and a pinch of salt.
Drop spoonfuls into hot oil and fry until each side is golden and crisp.
Drain them on paper towels and dust with cinnamon sugar while they’re still warm.
They’re especially good with a drizzle of honey or maple syrup.
My grandma used to serve them with butter and call it dinner, which honestly sounds like a solid plan.
7. Sweet Potato Cornbread
Mash cooked sweet potatoes and mix them into your favorite cornbread batter.
The sweet potato makes the bread extra moist and gives it a beautiful orange tint.
Bake until the edges are golden and the center springs back when touched.
Try stirring in shredded cheddar or corn kernels for a twist.
A warm slice with honey butter melting over the top is comfort food perfection.
8. Sweet Potato Biscuits
Mash cooked sweet potatoes and stir them into a basic biscuit dough made with flour, baking powder, butter, and milk.
Roll it out and cut into rounds, then bake until puffed and golden.
The sweet potato keeps them soft and tender inside.
These pair perfectly with fried chicken or even slathered in apple butter for breakfast.
o get that layered, flaky texture, make sure your butter stays cold before mixing it in.
9. Sweet Potato Pancakes
Whisk together mashed sweet potatoes, eggs, flour, milk, brown sugar, and a little cinnamon until smooth.
Pour small scoops of batter onto a hot griddle and cook until bubbles form on top, then flip until golden on both sides.
Serve with butter and maple syrup or sprinkle toasted pecans for crunch.
You can even swap half the flour for oat flour for a heartier version.
They smell like fall mornings in the best way.
10. Southern Sweet Potato Pie
Boil or bake sweet potatoes until tender, then mash and mix with butter, sugar, eggs, milk, and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.
Pour into an unbaked pie crust and bake until set in the center.
The filling should be silky and rich, with just a little jiggle when you shake it.
Some folks like a touch of lemon juice for brightness, but I always go heavy on the nutmeg.
11. Sweet Potato Pudding
Mash cooked sweet potatoes and whisk them with milk, eggs, brown sugar, melted butter, and a bit of vanilla.
Pour into a greased baking dish and bake until the edges set but the middle stays creamy.
Sprinkle a little cinnamon or nutmeg on top before baking for that warm spice flavor.
Sometimes I add some raisins, but toasted coconut gives it a fun twist too.
Serve it warm with a spoonful of whipped cream.
12. Baked Sweet Potato Custard
Blend together mashed sweet potatoes, cream, eggs, sugar, and a hint of maple syrup until smooth.
Pour into ramekins and set them in a water bath so the texture turns out silky.
Bake until the custard barely wobbles in the center.
A pinch of cardamom adds a lovely floral note, or use ginger if you like more spice.
13. Sweet Potato Pound Cake
Cream together butter and sugar, then beat in eggs, mashed sweet potatoes, and vanilla.
Mix with flour, baking powder, and a little cinnamon until you get a thick, velvety batter.
Pour into a loaf or bundt pan and bake until golden and fragrant.
The sweet potato keeps it moist and rich.
You can glaze it with maple icing or leave it plain with a dusting of powdered sugar.
14. Sweet Potato Bread with Cinnamon and Nutmeg
Combine mashed sweet potatoes with oil, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla, then stir in flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Pour the batter into a loaf pan and bake until a toothpick comes out clean.
It slices beautifully and makes the whole kitchen smell like a holiday candle.
Add chopped walnuts or chocolate chips for something extra.
Toast a slice the next day and spread with cream cheese for breakfast.
15. Sweet Potato Soufflé
Mash sweet potatoes until smooth, then mix with butter, sugar, milk, eggs, and a touch of vanilla.
Pour into a greased dish and bake until puffed and golden.
The inside stays soft and airy like a dessert cloud.
If you want it fancier, top with crushed pecans and brown sugar before baking.
A little lemon zest gives it brightness without making it tart.
16. Sweet Potato Dumplings in Syrup
Cut cooked biscuit dough into small pieces and wrap each around a slice of sweet potato.
Arrange them in a baking dish and pour over a warm mixture of butter, sugar, and water until it turns syrupy.
Bake until golden and bubbling.
The dough absorbs the syrup and turns soft and caramelized.
For extra richness, serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of cream.
17. Sweet Potato Muffins with Maple Glaze
Mix mashed sweet potatoes with eggs, brown sugar, oil, and milk, then stir in flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Fill muffin cups and bake until the tops spring back when touched.
While they cool, whisk together powdered sugar, maple syrup, and a splash of milk for a quick glaze.
Dip the muffin tops and let them set.
They make great breakfast treats, especially with coffee.
18. Sweet Potato Cookies with Browned Butter Icing
Combine mashed sweet potatoes with sugar, butter, eggs, and vanilla, then stir in flour, baking soda, and cinnamon.
Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet and bake until golden around the edges.
For the icing, brown butter on the stove, then mix it with powdered sugar and a splash of milk until smooth.
Spread it over the cooled cookies for a nutty, caramel flavor.
They stay soft for days (if they even last that long!).
19. Sweet Potato Cobbler
Layer thick slices of cooked sweet potatoes in a baking dish and sprinkle each layer with sugar, cinnamon, and a bit of butter.
Pour a simple batter of flour, milk, and sugar over the top and bake until the crust rises through the syrup and turns golden.
The inside becomes gooey and rich.
Try using dark brown sugar for deeper flavor.
It’s especially good with vanilla ice cream melting on top!
20. Sweet Potato Ice Cream
Okay here me out:
This tastes sooo much better than it sounds!
Blend mashed sweet potatoes with cream, milk, sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of cinnamon until smooth.
Chill the mixture, then churn in an ice cream maker until thick and creamy then freeze until firm.
You can fold in crushed pralines or bits of candied pecans for crunch.
It tastes like frozen pie filling…and a drizzle of caramel sauce never hurts either.
And for more healthy sweet potato recipes here’s some more ideas for you:
- Sweet Potato Gnocchi with Brown Butter Sage Sauce – Soft, pillowy gnocchi made with mashed sweet potatoes, served in a nutty brown butter sauce with crispy sage leaves.
- Spicy Sweet Potato and Black Bean Tacos – Roasted sweet potato cubes tossed with chili and cumin, stuffed in tortillas with black beans, avocado, and lime crema.
- Sweet Potato Breakfast Hash – Diced sweet potatoes sautéed with onions, peppers, and crispy bacon, topped with a fried egg for a hearty breakfast.
- Sweet Potato Pie Bars – A twist on classic sweet potato pie with a buttery graham crust and creamy spiced sweet potato filling, baked and cut into bars.
- Sweet Potato Lentil Curry – A cozy vegan curry made with red lentils, coconut milk, and tender sweet potato chunks simmered in curry spices.
Why Grandma’s Sweet Potato Recipes Still Win Every Time
Sweet potatoes have a way of turning any meal into something comforting.
The recipes might be old-fashioned, but that’s part of the charm.
My nan always said the secret to a good sweet potato dish was “a heavy hand with the butter and a light hand with the rules,” and she wasn’t wrong!
These dishes certainly prove it.
