9 Sweet Potato Recipes For Thanksgiving Guests Will Love 2025

Are you scrolling endlessly, trying to find that one perfect sweet potato recipe that will earn a coveted spot on your Thanksgiving table? The pressure is real. You want something that honors tradition but also wows your guests, a dish that’s both comforting and memorable. Sweet potatoes are a non-negotiable staple of the holiday meal, but with so many options, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. Will it be sweet or savory? A creamy casserole or crispy roasted cubes? Something for the traditionalists or a modern twist for the foodies?

You’re not just looking for a recipe; you’re looking for a guaranteed success. You need a dish that is reliable, delicious, and impressive enough to get everyone talking. You want to bring something to the table that complements the turkey and stuffing perfectly and has guests asking for the recipe before the night is over. That’s where we come in. We’ve gathered the best of the best, taking the guesswork out of your holiday planning.

From classic marshmallow-topped casseroles and savory pecan crumbles to elegant roasted dishes and decadent candied sweet potatoes, this guide provides 9 of the best sweet potato recipes for Thanksgiving. We have curated a collection of the most-loved, time-tested sweet potato dishes, ensuring there’s a perfect sweet, savory, or healthy side dish your guests will absolutely love this 2025.

9 Sweet Potato Recipes For Thanksgiving Guests Will Love

Get ready to discover your new Thanksgiving favorite. This list is packed with a diverse range of sweet potato recipes, from the nostalgic classics that taste like childhood to sophisticated gratins that will impress even the most discerning palates. Each recipe has been selected for its crowd-pleasing flavor, ease of preparation for a busy holiday, and reliable results. We’ve included clear instructions, pro tips from my own kitchen experiences, and stunning visuals to inspire your holiday cooking. Let’s find the perfect sweet potato side dish for your feast.

1. The Classic Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows

This is the quintessential Thanksgiving sweet potato dish, a creamy, sweet, and comforting casserole topped with a blanket of gooey, toasted marshmallows. It’s a nostalgic favorite that brings a dessert-like quality to the dinner table, beloved by kids and adults alike for generations.

• Ingredients:
  • 4 lbs sweet potatoes, cooked and mashed
  • 1/2 cup melted butter or margarine
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1/4 cup orange juice
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 (10 ounce) bag mini marshmallows
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, melted butter, brown sugar, orange juice, cinnamon, and salt. Mix until smooth.
  3. Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
  4. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.
  5. Remove from oven, sprinkle marshmallows evenly over the top, and return to the oven for 5-10 minutes, or until the marshmallows are puffed and golden brown.

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/sweet-potato-casserole-video–95349717106119223/

Pro-Tip: For the best of both worlds, cover half the casserole with marshmallows and the other half with a pecan crumble (see next recipe!) to please all your guests.

Pin this timeless classic to your Thanksgiving board!

2. Savory Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Crumble

For those who prefer a less sweet side, this savory sweet potato casserole features a crunchy, nutty pecan crumble topping instead of marshmallows. The filling is rich and creamy, seasoned with herbs like rosemary, offering a sophisticated and delicious alternative to the classic.

• Ingredients:
  • For the filling: 4 lbs sweet potatoes, 1/2 cup cream, 2 eggs, 1/4 cup melted butter, salt, and pepper.
  • For the topping: 1 cup chopped pecans, 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/2 cup cold butter (cubed), 1 tsp fresh rosemary (minced).
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Prick sweet potatoes with a fork and bake for 45-60 minutes until tender. Let cool, then scoop flesh into a bowl. Reduce oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Mash the sweet potato flesh with cream, eggs, melted butter, salt, and pepper. Spread into a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  3. In a separate bowl, combine pecans, flour, and brown sugar. Cut in the cold butter with a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in rosemary.
  4. Sprinkle the pecan topping evenly over the sweet potato mixture.
  5. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.

Lesson Learned: Baking the sweet potatoes whole instead of boiling them concentrates their flavor and prevents the casserole from becoming watery.

Love a savory twist? Save this recipe now!

3. Old-Fashioned Candied Sweet Potatoes

This is a classic Southern recipe where slices of sweet potato are bathed in a rich, buttery, brown sugar glaze and baked until they are perfectly tender and deeply caramelized. It’s a truly decadent side dish that celebrates pure, sweet indulgence.

• Ingredients:
  • 4 lbs sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cubed
  • 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange sweet potato slices in an overlapping pattern in a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine brown sugar, butter, maple syrup, and water. Bring to a simmer, stirring until sugar is dissolved and butter is melted.
  3. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
  4. Pour the sauce evenly over the sweet potatoes.
  5. Bake for 50-60 minutes, basting the potatoes with the sauce from the bottom of the dish every 15-20 minutes, until the potatoes are tender and the sauce has thickened into a glaze.

Pro-Tip: Don’t skip the basting step! It’s crucial for building up that signature thick, syrupy glaze on every slice.

Get the ultimate candied sweet potato recipe here!

4. Simple Maple & Cinnamon Roasted Sweet Potatoes

If you’re looking for simplicity and flavor, roasting cubed sweet potatoes with maple syrup and cinnamon is a fantastic option. This method enhances the vegetable’s natural sweetness, creating deliciously caramelized, crispy edges and a tender, creamy interior with minimal effort.

• Ingredients:
  • 4 lbs sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 3 tbsp pure maple syrup
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • Optional: fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. In a large bowl, toss the sweet potato cubes with olive oil, maple syrup, cinnamon, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
  3. Spread the potatoes in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Do not overcrowd the pan.
  4. Roast for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the potatoes are tender and the edges are golden brown and caramelized.
  5. Garnish with fresh herbs before serving, if desired.

Lesson Learned: For extra crispy edges, ensure the sweet potato cubes are in a single layer on the baking sheet. Overcrowding will cause them to steam instead of roast.

Pin this easy and healthy side dish for later!

5. Irresistible “Melting” Sweet Potatoes

This unique recipe creates thick slices of sweet potato with crispy, caramelized edges and an impossibly tender, fluffy interior that “melts” in your mouth. A combination of roasting and braising with butter and broth creates a truly unforgettable texture and flavor.

• Ingredients:
  • 3 large sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced into 1-inch thick rounds
  • 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup chicken or vegetable broth
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp pepper
  • 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. In a 9×13 inch baking dish, toss the sweet potato rounds with the melted butter, brown sugar, salt, and pepper.
  3. Arrange the slices in a single layer. Roast for 20 minutes.
  4. Flip the potato slices. Pour the broth into the bottom of the dish and add the rosemary sprigs.
  5. Continue roasting for another 20-25 minutes, until the potatoes are deeply browned and fork-tender, and the liquid has created a glaze.

Pro-Tip: The combination of high-heat roasting followed by braising in broth is the secret to the “melting” texture. The butter and sugar caramelize first, then the broth steams the interior to make it incredibly soft.

Try the most tender sweet potatoes ever—save this recipe!

6. Brown Butter & Thyme Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Elevate your mashed potatoes with this savory and sophisticated recipe featuring nutty brown butter and herbaceous fresh thyme. This dish moves beyond the typical sweet profile, offering a fluffy, creamy, and aromatic side that pairs beautifully with turkey and gravy.

• Ingredients:
  • 4 lbs sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream or milk, warmed
  • 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Instructions:
  1. Place sweet potato cubes in a large pot and cover with cold, salted water. Bring to a boil and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until very tender.
  2. While potatoes are boiling, melt the butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Continue to cook, swirling the pan occasionally, until the butter turns golden brown and smells nutty. Remove from heat immediately.
  3. Drain the cooked sweet potatoes well and return them to the hot pot. Mash until smooth.
  4. Stir in the browned butter, warm cream, and fresh thyme leaves. Season generously with salt and pepper.
  5. Serve immediately.

Lesson Learned: Browning the butter is a game-changer. Watch it carefully as it can go from perfectly nutty to burnt in a matter of seconds. As soon as you see brown specks and smell the aroma, take it off the heat.

Elevate your mashed potatoes—pin this savory recipe!

7. Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes with Toasted Marshmallows

This creative dish offers individually portioned sweet potatoes where the flesh is scooped out, mashed into a creamy filling, and returned to the skin before being topped with toasted marshmallows. It’s a fun, delicious, and visually appealing side that combines the best parts of a baked potato and a casserole.

• Ingredients:
  • 4 medium sweet potatoes, scrubbed
  • 4 tbsp butter, softened
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup milk or cream
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • Salt to taste
  • 1 cup mini marshmallows
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Prick sweet potatoes all over with a fork and bake directly on the oven rack for 45-60 minutes, until tender.
  2. Let potatoes cool slightly. Slice each potato in half lengthwise and carefully scoop out the flesh, leaving a 1/4-inch border to create a “boat.”
  3. In a bowl, mash the scooped-out flesh with butter, brown sugar, milk, cinnamon, and salt until creamy.
  4. Spoon the filling back into the sweet potato skins, mounding it slightly.
  5. Top each potato half with mini marshmallows.
  6. Bake for 10-15 minutes more, or until the filling is hot and the marshmallows are golden and toasted.

Pro-Tip: For more stable potato “boats,” you can slice a tiny bit off the bottom of each baked potato half so it sits flat on the baking sheet.

Pin this fun and delicious single-serving idea!

8. Healthy Sweet Potato Casserole with Oat Crumble

This is a lighter, healthier version of the classic casserole that uses natural sweeteners like maple syrup and features a wholesome oat and pecan crumble topping. It’s a delicious way to enjoy a holiday favorite without the guilt, and it’s easily made vegan for guests with dietary needs.

• Ingredients:
  • Filling: 4 lbs sweet potatoes (steamed and mashed), 1/4 cup maple syrup, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk.
  • Topping: 1 cup rolled oats, 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts, 1/4 cup almond meal, 3 tbsp coconut oil (melted), 2 tbsp maple syrup.
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. In a large bowl, mix the mashed sweet potatoes, 1/4 cup maple syrup, cinnamon, and almond milk until smooth. Spread into the prepared dish.
  3. In a separate bowl, combine the oats, chopped nuts, almond meal, melted coconut oil, and 2 tbsp maple syrup. Stir until clumps form.
  4. Sprinkle the oat crumble topping evenly over the sweet potato mixture.
  5. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the filling is hot and the topping is golden brown and crisp.

Pro-Tip: To make this recipe vegan, ensure you use a plant-based milk and oil (as listed). It’s an easy swap that makes the dish accessible for guests with dietary restrictions.

Looking for a healthier option? Save this recipe!

9. Elegant Sweet Potato Gratin with Gruyère

For a truly impressive and savory side, this elegant gratin features thinly sliced sweet potatoes layered with a rich, herby cream sauce and nutty, melted Gruyère cheese. It’s a sophisticated, show-stopping dish that is guaranteed to be a hit with anyone who loves cheesy potatoes.

• Ingredients:
  • 3 lbs sweet potatoes, peeled and very thinly sliced (use a mandoline)
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp butter
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Rub the inside of a 2-quart baking dish with a cut garlic clove, then grease with butter.
  2. In a saucepan, warm the heavy cream, minced garlic, and thyme leaves over medium heat until just simmering. Remove from heat.
  3. Arrange a layer of sweet potato slices in the bottom of the baking dish, overlapping slightly. Season with salt and pepper, and sprinkle with a portion of the Gruyère cheese.
  4. Repeat layering until all potatoes and cheese are used.
  5. Pour the warm cream mixture evenly over the potatoes.
  6. Bake, covered with foil, for 40 minutes. Uncover and bake for another 20-25 minutes, until the top is golden brown and bubbly and the potatoes are tender.

Lesson Learned: Using a mandoline slicer is key to this recipe. It ensures all the potato slices are uniformly thin, which allows them to cook evenly and absorb the creamy sauce perfectly.

Want a show-stopping side? Pin this elegant gratin!

Key Takeaways: Your Quick Guide to Thanksgiving Sweet Potatoes

Feeling inspired but need a quick summary? Here’s how to choose the perfect sweet potato dish for your Thanksgiving menu.

• For a Sweet Classic: Choose the Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows for a nostalgic, dessert-like side dish that kids and adults love.
• For a Savory Twist: Opt for the Savory Casserole with Pecan Crumble or the Brown Butter & Thyme Mashed Potatoes for a less sweet, more sophisticated flavor profile.
• For Simplicity: The Maple & Cinnamon Roasted Sweet Potatoes are the easiest and fastest option, delivering amazing flavor with minimal effort.
• For a Showstopper: Impress your guests with the unique texture of “Melting” Sweet Potatoes or the cheesy elegance of the Sweet Potato Gratin with Gruyère.
• Key Technique: For the best flavor in casseroles, bake your sweet potatoes whole instead of boiling them to concentrate their natural sweetness and avoid a watery result.

People Also Ask About Sweet Potato Recipes for Thanksgiving

Have a few more questions? Here are quick answers to some of the most common queries about cooking sweet potatoes for the big day.

What is the tastiest way to cook sweet potatoes?

The “tastiest” way really depends on your personal preference. Roasting cubed sweet potatoes at high heat (400-425°F) is an incredibly popular method that caramelizes their natural sugars, creating crispy edges and a creamy interior. For a more decadent dish, making a classic sweet potato casserole or old-fashioned candied sweet potatoes creates a rich, sweet, and comforting side dish perfect for holidays like Thanksgiving.

What are the best toppings for sweet potatoes?

For sweet preparations, popular toppings include toasted marshmallows, a crunchy pecan and brown sugar crumble, or a simple drizzle of maple syrup and cinnamon. For savory dishes, toppings like fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary, sage), toasted nuts, brown butter, or even savory cheeses like Gruyère or Parmesan work beautifully to complement the sweet potato’s flavor.

Why do you soak sweet potatoes before cooking?

Soaking cut sweet potatoes in cold water helps release some of their excess starch. This process is most common when making fries, as it prevents the potatoes from sticking together and allows them to crisp up more effectively when baked or fried. For most Thanksgiving casserole or mashed potato recipes, this step is not necessary.

Final Thoughts

Sweet potatoes are a wonderfully versatile and essential part of any Thanksgiving feast. Their natural sweetness can be amplified into a decadent treat or balanced with savory herbs and spices to create something truly special. Whether you prefer the nostalgic comfort of a marshmallow-topped casserole, the sophisticated flavor of a cheesy gratin, or the simple elegance of perfectly roasted cubes, there is a perfect recipe in this list for your table.

Which of these sweet potato recipes are you most excited to try for your Thanksgiving dinner this 2025? Let me know in the comments below