Sweet Potato Snacks

Combined with a little rosemary and sea salt, these sweet potatoes bake into a delicious snack. Make a big batch to munch on all week.

In a country better known for sushi, sashimi and noodles, simple roasted sweet potato snacks called yaki-imo hardly get the spotlight. But this hearty staple can be a hit with young people.

1. Baked Sweet Potato Chips

Sweet potato chips are an easy, healthy snack. By baking them in a low temperature oven, the chips get a light, crispy texture without any added oil. They’re also gluten-free and vegan!

To make these chips, choose a thin sweet potato like an orange flesh variety (also known as garnet yam or jewel yam). A mandoline slicer works well to achieve paper-thin slices. You can also use a knife or food processor with a slicing blade, but the mandoline is faster and gives you more consistent results.

Drizzle the sliced sweet potatoes with olive oil, then sprinkle with salt and your choice of herbs and spices. For a more flavorful snack, try adding ingredients like garlic powder, smoked paprika, or chili powder. Bake in the oven until the edges start to curl and brown, about 30 minutes. Make sure to flip the chips halfway through to ensure they cook evenly. Once cooked, the chips can be stored in an airtight container.

2. Sweet Potato Fries

Unlike classic fries, which are fried in oil, sweet potato fries are baked. This makes them a healthier choice, especially if you’re trying to cut calories.

These fries are made with a blend of spices that gives them an irresistible salty-and-sweet flavor and a crispy texture. You can serve them with a variety of dips, or enjoy them on their own.

They are a great snack because they are satisfying, but they also provide a good source of fiber. This helps you feel full and can prevent overeating.

They are also a healthier alternative to French fries, because they have a lower glycemic index and can help you avoid blood sugar spikes, which can cause cravings, fatigue, and weight gain. However, it is important to keep in mind that both are high in fat and sodium, so you should eat them in moderation.

3. Hassel Back Sweet Potato

Hasselback potatoes are a fancy-looking, delicious way to serve both white and sweet potatoes. The technique involves slicing the potato into fan-like slices but not all the way through. This increases the surface area of the potato and allows it to absorb flavors from the inside. These sweet potatoes are brushed with maple syrup and pecans and baked until soft and fork tender. They're a great alternative to traditional sweet potato casserole for Thanksgiving dinner.

This easy, delicious recipe is perfect for fall and winter and can be served as a side dish at roasts or special occasions. It's also easy enough to make as a weeknight snack for the whole family. You can even bake them partially ahead and reheat them in the oven. If you're looking to switch things up, try swapping out the maple glaze for a savory garlic herb butter or use olive oil instead of butter. This makes it vegan.

4. Sweet Potato Caramel

Sweet potatoes, butter, brown sugar, orange juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla combine for a dreamy fall-flavored melody that’s reminiscent of pecan pie. Top this decadent dessert with a buttery pecan crust and enjoy it as the ultimate Thanksgiving treat.

This is a quick and easy, prep-ahead side that everyone loves! It’s a healthier alternative to traditional sticky marshmallow recipes. Plus, it’s dairy-free!

This vegan caramel takes only 10 minutes to make and is absolutely delicious! It works great on sweet potato pancakes, muffins and ice cream.

This is a simple and healthy recipe that will give you a boost of energy and satisfy your sweet tooth. It’s also dairy-free and low fat! Add the ingredients to a large baking dish and spread into an even layer. Bake for about 1 hour or until the sweet potatoes are fork tender and the sauce is thick and syrupy. Serve warm. This makes a great Thanksgiving dinner side dish!