10 Delicious Sweet Potato Sides for Holiday Meals

If you’re like me, the holidays are basically an excuse to eat all the carbs.

And no carb is more versatile (or underrated) than the humble sweet potato.

Sweet, savory, roasted, mashed, or topped with a little holiday magic—sweet potatoes can transform your side dish game from “meh” to “oh wow, pass me seconds.”

So, I’ve rounded up 10 sweet potato recipes for holiday side dishes that will make your table feel festive, cozy, and totally Instagram-worthy.

Whether you’re a mashed potato purist or someone who likes to get fancy with toppings, there’s something here for everyone. Let’s dig in!

1. Maple-Glazed Sweet Potato Casserole

Nothing screams holiday like a sweet potato casserole smothered in a sticky maple glaze.

It’s the kind of dish that makes everyone hover around the oven like moths to a flame.

Ingredients

• 4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 2 tbsp butter, melted
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• Pinch of salt
• 1/2 cup pecans, chopped

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Boil sweet potatoes until fork-tender, about 15 minutes.
3. Mash with maple syrup, melted butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
4. Spread into a casserole dish, sprinkle chopped pecans on top.
5. Bake 20 minutes or until pecans are toasted and topping is slightly caramelized.

Why You’ll Love It

Maple and sweet potato are basically BFFs. Plus, the crunch of pecans gives it that extra holiday oomph. IMO, this one’s always the first to disappear at dinner.

2. Garlic Herb Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Sometimes, simple wins. These garlic herb roasted sweet potatoes are crisp on the outside, tender on the inside, and so fragrant you’ll need to warn your guests to save room for them.

Ingredients

• 4 medium sweet potatoes, cubed
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp rosemary, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss sweet potatoes with olive oil, garlic, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread on a baking sheet in a single layer.
4. Roast 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown.

Why You’ll Love It

This dish proves that sweet potatoes don’t need sugar to shine. The garlic and rosemary elevate it to gourmet without any stress. Perfect if you want savory without all the fuss.

3. Sweet Potato & Cranberry Bake

Looking for holiday colors in your side dish? Sweet potatoes + cranberries = festive magic. Tart cranberries balance the sweetness, making your table pop both visually and flavor-wise.

Ingredients

• 4 large sweet potatoes, diced
• 1 cup fresh cranberries
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp orange zest
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Mix sweet potatoes, cranberries, brown sugar, orange zest, and cinnamon.
3. Spread on a baking dish and cover with foil.
4. Bake 30–35 minutes, uncovering the last 10 for a slight caramelization.

Why You’ll Love It

This dish hits every holiday note: sweet, tart, and colorful. FYI, the orange zest adds a citrusy pop that makes it feel extra fancy.

4. Sweet Potato Gratin with Gruyère

If you want your guests to think you slaved in the kitchen for hours, sweet potato gratin is your friend. Layers of creamy sweet potatoes baked with cheese—need I say more?

Ingredients

• 4 large sweet potatoes, thinly sliced
• 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Rub a baking dish with garlic, then layer sweet potatoes.
3. Pour cream and sprinkle cheese between layers.
4. Bake 35–40 minutes until golden and bubbly.

Why You’ll Love It

Cheese + cream + sweet potatoes = comfort overload. Even the pickiest eaters swoon over this dish. Don’t forget to sneak a little bite before serving.

5. Sweet Potato Fries with Spicy Honey Drizzle

Who says holiday sides can’t be fun? These sweet potato fries are baked crispy and drizzled with a touch of spicy honey. Yes, please.

Ingredients

• 4 medium sweet potatoes, cut into fries
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp honey
• Pinch of cayenne

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Toss sweet potatoes with olive oil, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread on a baking sheet and bake 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway.
4. Drizzle with honey and sprinkle cayenne before serving.

Why You’ll Love It

The sweet + spicy combo makes these fries dangerously addictive. Perfect for kids and adults alike—IMO, a holiday hit!

6. Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Coconut Milk

For a twist on classic mashed potatoes, try coconut milk mashed sweet potatoes. Creamy, slightly tropical, and totally indulgent.

Ingredients

• 4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1/2 cup coconut milk
• 2 tbsp butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Boil sweet potatoes until tender, about 15 minutes.
2. Mash with coconut milk, butter, salt, and pepper until smooth.
3. Adjust seasoning to taste and serve warm.

Why You’ll Love It

Coconut milk adds a subtle, creamy flavor that makes this mash stand out. Trust me, people will ask what you did differently this year

7. Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallow Topping

Classic but irresistible: sweet potato casserole with marshmallows. Sweet, gooey, and perfectly nostalgic.

Ingredients

• 4 large sweet potatoes, mashed
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup mini marshmallows

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix sweet potatoes with brown sugar, butter, and vanilla.
3. Spread in a baking dish and top with marshmallows.
4. Bake 20 minutes until marshmallows are golden.

Why You’ll Love It

It’s the dessert that pretends to be a side. Sweet, comforting, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

8. Roasted Sweet Potato & Brussels Sprouts

Vegetable lovers, rejoice! Pairing sweet potatoes with Brussels sprouts brings color, texture, and flavor to the table.

Ingredients

• 2 large sweet potatoes, cubed
• 1 lb Brussels sprouts, halved
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss vegetables with olive oil and seasonings.
3. Roast 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway, until caramelized.

Why You’ll Love It

The sweetness of the potatoes balances the slight bitterness of Brussels sprouts. Bonus: it doubles as a healthy option!

9. Sweet Potato & Sage Risotto

Feeling fancy? Try sweet potato risotto. Creamy, rich, and infused with aromatic sage—it’s holiday elegance on a plate.

Ingredients

• 2 cups arborio rice
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 2 cups mashed sweet potatoes
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp fresh sage, chopped
• Salt and pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pan, toast rice 2–3 minutes.
2. Slowly add broth, stirring constantly.
3. Fold in sweet potatoes and sage.
4. Cook until creamy, about 20 minutes.

Why You’ll Love It

Risotto sounds intimidating but is actually super doable. The sweet potato adds body and natural sweetness without overpowering the sage.

10. Sweet Potato & Apple Bake

This sweet potato and apple bake is like dessert in disguise. Cinnamon, apples, and sweet potatoes make a cozy holiday side that’s naturally sweet.

Ingredients

• 3 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 2 apples, peeled and sliced
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 2 tbsp butter, melted

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Mix sweet potatoes, apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter.
3. Spread in a baking dish and cover with foil.
4. Bake 30 minutes, uncover and bake another 10 until slightly caramelized.

Why You’ll Love It

This side tastes like dessert but keeps your holiday meal balanced. Fruity, sweet, and perfectly festive!

Conclusion

There you have it: 10 sweet potato recipes for holiday side dishes that cover everything from classic casseroles to fancy risottos. Sweet potatoes are versatile, colorful, and downright delicious.

Whether you like them roasted, mashed, or baked with marshmallows, these recipes bring flavor, color, and holiday cheer to your table.

So next holiday, skip the boring sides and give sweet potatoes the spotlight—they’ll make your meal memorable, and honestly, your guests might never let you serve plain potatoes again