
Have you ever noticed that when people say baked potatoes are on the menu, they are more often than not talking about russet potatoes? There's nothing wrong with these starchy white potato treats, but when overly focusing on the white potato, there's really a missed opportunity for baked sweet potato.
Sweet potato is packed with vitamins and minerals and it is easier for many people to digest than russet potatoes. Besides, there are all kinds of things that you can make once you have a few baked sweet potatoes at your disposal. Here's what you need to know about what you can make with a baked sweet potato.
The Perfect Side
Baked sweet potato can be the perfect side for a number of dishes. Add some brown sugar and butter and you'll find that they are a lovely companion for a steak dinner or baked chicken dish. There is nothing like the taste of brown sugar, butter, and a perfectly baked sweet potato to go alongside pork of any kind, whether you want to pull pork and have a spicy meal or whether you are enjoying a pork loin.
You may be surprised by just how many entrees baked sweet potatoes can accompany. Even better, baked sweet potatoes can be made ahead of time or left to sit for hours before you're ready to eat, which means you won't have to worry about them while you're focusing on getting your entree right.
Sweet Potato Casserole
Sweet potato casserole is a favorite at many Thanksgiving dinners. Lots of family recipes call for marshmallows and pecans to top the baked and mashed sweet potato, and generally, some brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla is involved as well.
You can also keep it savory and a little bit healthier by sticking with less sweet ingredients like salt, pepper, and herbs. Regardless of how you like to make your sweet potato casserole, this is a great dish to have as a side or as a snack. You may find that you enjoy sweet potato casserole so much that you chow down on it as a primary meal.
Sweet Potato Pie
For many people, when they think of the South, they think of sweet potato pie. The creamy texture and sweet taste of baked sweet potatoes is absolutely perfect for making pie. If you struggle with baking, you may also be thrilled by just how easy it is to make a delicious sweet potato pie. Truthfully, the process is pretty similar to sweet potato casserole, with the key difference being that sweet potato pie is blended to a very smooth texture, and of course, more sugar is added. Spices like cinnamon and nutmeg are favorite flavorings, and it's never a bad idea to throw some pecans in as well.
Sweet Potato Macaroni and Cheese
If you're like many American parents, you spend a fair amount of time and effort trying to convince or trick your kids into eating healthier foods. Sweet potato is packed with vitamins and minerals and is an awesome source of fiber.
Most kids loves baked sweet potato when cut open and smothered with a little bit of butter, salt, and pepper, and it is hard to find a kid who will turn down a sweet potato pie or casserole, but if you are looking for ways to expand your children's healthy eating with sweet potatoes, give sweet potato macaroni and cheese a try.
Simply gently puree your sweet potatoes by lightly mashing them with a fork, add cooked pasta of your choice, throw in some delicious cheeses that your kids love, season with herbs, salt, pepper,etc., and bake the entire thing for around 20 or 30 minutes until it is piping hot and bubbling. Your kids will never ask for regular macaroni and cheese again.
Get Cooking With Baked Sweet Potato Today
If your only version of a baked potato is a russet potato smothered with sour cream and chives, you're really missing out on an opportunity. Baked sweet potatoes are extremely easy to make and versatile enough to be included in many of your favorite recipes. Give them a try today.
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