When it comes to cooking with sweet potatoes, many of us think of fresh, firm tubers. But what about when life gets busy and you need a quicker solution? Enter: canned sweet potatoes! These convenient little bundles of orange goodness can be used in a variety of dishes, from savory meals to sweet treats. In this article, we’ll dive into 18 easy recipes that showcase the versatility of canned sweet potatoes.
Whether you’re looking for comfort food classics or innovative twists on traditional dishes, these recipes are sure to inspire your next meal. So grab those cans and get ready to cook up some deliciousness!
Canned Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows
This classic dessert combines the comforting warmth of sweet potatoes with the fluffy sweetness of marshmallows, all wrapped up in a convenient canned casserole.
Ingredients:
– 1 (14.5 oz) can sweet potato casserole
– 1 cup mini marshmallows
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Open the can of sweet potato casserole and pour into a 9×13 inch baking dish.
3. Sprinkle mini marshmallows evenly over the top of the sweet potatoes.
4. Mix brown sugar and sprinkle over the marshmallows.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until marshmallows are golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Spiced Canned Sweet Potato Soup
This comforting soup is a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors, made even easier by using canned sweet potatoes. It’s a great option for a quick and cozy meal on a chilly day.
Ingredients:
– 1 can (14 oz) sweet potatoes
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1/4 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
– 2 tsp ground cumin
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Optional: chopped fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine sweet potatoes, chicken broth, cumin, smoked paprika, and cinnamon.
2. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
3. Reduce heat to low and let cook for 10-15 minutes or until the soup has thickened slightly.
4. Stir in heavy cream or half-and-half.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped cilantro if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Canned Sweet Potato and Black Bean Tacos
A flavorful and filling twist on traditional tacos, this recipe combines the sweetness of canned sweet potatoes with the savory flavor of black beans. Perfect for a quick and easy dinner or lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 (14.5 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 (15 oz) can sweet potato, drained and rinsed
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– 1/4 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8-10 corn tortillas
– Optional toppings: shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, avocado, sour cream
Instructions:
1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
3. Stir in cumin and paprika; cook for 1 minute.
4. Add black beans and sweet potato; stir to combine.
5. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until heated through.
6. Warm tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds.
7. Assemble tacos with the bean-sweet potato mixture and desired toppings.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Quick Canned Sweet Potato Pancakes
Transform canned sweet potatoes into a delicious breakfast or brunch treat with these easy pancakes. Perfect for a rushed morning, they’re ready in just 15 minutes!
Ingredients:
– 1 (14 oz) can of sweet potatoes, drained and mashed
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
– 1 large egg
– 1 tablespoon butter, melted
– Optional: maple syrup, honey, or whipped cream for topping
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. Add mashed sweet potatoes, sugar, and egg to the dry ingredients. Stir until well combined.
3. Pour in melted butter and mix until smooth.
4. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
5. Drop 1/4 cupfuls of batter onto the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes or until bubbles appear on surface.
6. Flip pancakes and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
7. Serve warm with your favorite toppings, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Canned Sweet Potato Hummus
Transform canned sweet potatoes into a creamy and delicious dip with this simple recipe. Perfect for snacking, entertaining, or as a unique addition to your favorite dishes.
Ingredients:
– 1 (15 oz) can sweet potatoes in syrup
– 1/4 cup chickpeas
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon tahini
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Optional: paprika, cumin, or other spices of your choice
Instructions:
1. Drain the sweet potatoes and rinse them under cold water.
2. In a blender or food processor, combine the sweet potatoes, chickpeas, lemon juice, tahini, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Blend until smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed.
4. Taste and adjust the seasoning as desired.
5. Transfer the hummus to a serving bowl and garnish with paprika or other spices if desired.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes (preparation only; no cooking required)
Canned Sweet Potato and Coconut Curry
This comforting curry recipe combines the natural sweetness of canned sweet potatoes with the rich flavors of coconut milk, making it a perfect winter treat. Serve over rice or with naan bread for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 can (14 oz) sweet potatoes in syrup
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
– 1/4 teaspoon turmeric
– 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
3. Add garlic, cumin, coriander, and turmeric; cook for an additional minute.
4. Drain sweet potatoes, reserving liquid. Add sweet potatoes to the saucepan and stir to combine.
5. Pour in coconut milk and reserved liquid from sweet potatoes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Simmer for 15-20 minutes or until curry has thickened slightly.
7. Garnish with cilantro leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Canned Sweet Potato Pie Smoothie
Transforming a classic sweet potato pie into a creamy smoothie, this recipe combines the comforting flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg with the convenience of canned sweet potatoes. Perfect for a quick breakfast or post-workout snack!
Ingredients:
– 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
– 1/2 can (7 oz) pureed sweet potato
– 1 frozen banana, sliced
– 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– Ice cubes (as needed)
Instructions:
1. In a blender, combine sweetened condensed milk, pureed sweet potato, frozen banana, and Greek yogurt.
2. Add honey, cinnamon, and nutmeg; blend until smooth.
3. Taste and adjust sweetness or spice to your liking.
4. Pour into a glass and add ice cubes if desired.
5. Blend again to crush ice and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 0 minutes (just blend!)
Canned Sweet Potato and Pecan Bread
This moist and flavorful bread combines the natural sweetness of canned sweet potatoes with the rich flavor of pecans, making it a perfect treat for snacking or sandwich-making.
Ingredients:
– 1 can (14.5 oz) sweet potatoes
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1 large egg
– 1/2 cup chopped pecans
– Optional: raisins or chocolate chips for added flavor
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. Drain the sweet potatoes and mash them in a bowl.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. Add melted butter, sugar, egg, and mashed sweet potatoes to the dry ingredients. Mix until smooth.
5. Fold in chopped pecans (and raisins or chocolate chips if using).
6. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and bake for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Let cool before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 55-60 minutes
Canned Sweet Potato Breakfast Hash
Start your day off right with this hearty breakfast hash featuring canned sweet potatoes, crispy bacon, and a sprinkle of cheddar cheese.
Ingredients:
– 1 can (14.5 oz) sweet potato puree
– 6 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled
– 1 large onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, cook the diced onion and minced garlic over medium heat until softened.
3. Add the crumbled bacon and stir to combine.
4. Pour in the canned sweet potato puree and stir until well combined with the onion mixture.
5. Transfer the mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish.
6. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Canned Sweet Potato and Chickpea Stew
This hearty and comforting stew is a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a delicious and nutritious meal in no time.
Ingredients:
– 1 (15 oz) can sweet potatoes
– 1 (15 oz) can chickpeas
– 2 cups vegetable broth
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: chopped fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, sauté the onion and garlic until softened.
2. Add the canned sweet potatoes, chickpeas, vegetable broth, and cumin. Stir well.
3. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let cook for 15-20 minutes or until the flavors have melded together.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped cilantro if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Canned Sweet Potato Chocolate Chip Cookies
Sweet Potato Chocolate Chip Cookies with a Twist: This unique recipe combines the natural sweetness of canned sweet potatoes with the richness of chocolate chips, resulting in a deliciously moist and flavorful treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 (14.5 oz) can sweet potatoes
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Drain and puree the sweet potatoes in a blender or food processor until smooth.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
4. In a separate bowl, cream together butter, white sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract.
5. Add the sweet potato puree to the wet ingredients and mix until combined.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, then stir in chocolate chips.
7. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Canned Sweet Potato and Spinach Quesadillas
Sweet Potato and Spinach Quesadillas with a twist! This recipe combines the comfort of sweet potatoes with the nutritional boost of spinach, all wrapped up in a crispy tortilla.
Ingredients:
– 1 can of sweet potato puree (14 oz)
– 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 4 large flour tortillas
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional toppings: sour cream, salsa, avocado
Instructions:
1. Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium-high heat.
2. In a bowl, mix together the sweet potato puree, spinach leaves, and olive oil.
3. Place a tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle 1/4 cup of the sweet potato mixture onto half of the tortilla.
4. Top with 1/8 cup shredded cheese.
5. Fold the tortilla in half to enclose the filling.
6. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the tortilla is crispy and the cheese is melted.
7. Flip and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
8. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
9. Serve hot with desired toppings.
Cooking Time: Approximately 10-12 minutes
Canned Sweet Potato and Apple Bake
A warm, comforting dessert perfect for a chilly evening or a sweet treat any time of the year.
Ingredients:
– 1 (14 oz) can sweet potatoes, drained and mashed
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup canned apple pie filling
– 2 tablespoons butter, melted
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large bowl, combine mashed sweet potatoes, brown sugar, flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix well.
3. Stir in apple pie filling, melted butter, beaten egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Pour mixture into a 9×9-inch baking dish or a 1-quart casserole.
5. If using walnuts, sprinkle on top of the sweet potato mixture.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
Serve warm or at room temperature. Enjoy!
Canned Sweet Potato and Bacon Waffles
Elevate your breakfast game with these crispy and savory waffles featuring canned sweet potatoes and smoky bacon. Perfect for a weekend brunch or a quick weekday meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 can (14 oz) sweet potato, drained and mashed
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 4 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup milk
– 2 large eggs
– 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
– Butter or oil for greasing waffle iron
Instructions:
1. Preheat waffle iron according to manufacturer’s instructions.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
3. Add mashed sweet potato, milk, eggs, and crumbled bacon to the dry ingredients. Mix until smooth.
4. Grease waffle iron with butter or oil. Pour in batter and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until golden brown.
5. Serve warm and enjoy!
Cooking Time: Approximately 15 minutes (including prep time)
Canned Sweet Potato and Ginger Muffins
Elevate your breakfast routine with these moist and flavorful muffins, perfectly balanced by the natural sweetness of canned sweet potatoes and the warmth of crystallized ginger.
Ingredients:
– 1 (14.5 oz) can sweet potatoes, drained and mashed
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 large egg
– 1/2 cup crystallized ginger, finely chopped
– Optional: chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine mashed sweet potatoes, melted butter, egg, and chopped ginger. Stir until smooth.
4. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups.
6. Bake for 20-22 minutes or until tops are golden brown.
Cooking Time: 20-22 minutes
Canned Sweet Potato and Lentil Salad
A deliciously healthy salad that’s perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, this recipe combines the natural sweetness of canned sweet potatoes with the nutty flavor of lentils.
Ingredients:
– 1 can (14.5 oz) sweet potato, drained
– 1/2 cup cooked lentils
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the sweet potato, lentils, and parsley.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice and olive oil.
3. Pour the dressing over the sweet potato mixture and toss to combine.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Canned Sweet Potato and Cinnamon Oatmeal
Elevate your breakfast game with this simple and satisfying recipe that combines the natural sweetness of canned sweet potatoes with the warm spice of cinnamon. Perfect for a chilly morning or as a comforting snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup rolled oats
– 1/2 cup canned sweet potato puree
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1 tablespoon milk (or non-dairy alternative)
– Pinch of salt
– Optional: brown sugar, chopped nuts, or dried fruit for topping
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, bring the milk to a simmer over medium heat.
2. Add the oats and cook, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens and the oats are cooked through (about 5-7 minutes).
3. Stir in the sweet potato puree, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
4. Reduce heat to low and let simmer for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.
5. Serve hot, topped with your choice of brown sugar, chopped nuts, or dried fruit.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Canned Sweet Potato and Sage Risotto
A creamy and comforting risotto that combines the sweetness of canned sweet potatoes with the earthy flavor of sage.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup Arborio rice
– 4 cups chicken broth, warmed
– 1 can (14.5 oz) sweet potato puree
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 sprigs fresh sage, chopped
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the chicken broth in a separate pot and keep warm.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the garlic and sage; cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly.
4. Add the Arborio rice to the skillet; cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
5. Add 1/2 cup of warmed chicken broth to the rice mixture; stir until absorbed. Repeat this process, adding the broth in 1/2 cup increments, and waiting for it to be absorbed before adding more. This should take about 20-25 minutes or until the rice is cooked and creamy.
6. Stir in the sweet potato puree, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Summary
Get ready to fall in love with the versatility of canned sweet potatoes! This article features 18 easy and delicious recipes that showcase the many uses of this convenient ingredient. From comforting casseroles and soups to savory pancakes and cookies, there’s something for everyone. Try your hand at Canned Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows, Spiced Canned Sweet Potato Soup, or Quick Canned Sweet Potato Pancakes. Or, get creative with recipes like Canned Sweet Potato and Black Bean Tacos, Canned Sweet Potato and Coconut Curry, or Canned Sweet Potato Pie Smoothie. Whatever your taste buds desire, there’s a canned sweet potato recipe to satisfy!
