Who doesn’t love sweet potatoes? They are delicious, a beautiful jewel color and healthy but did you know they aren’t actually potatoes? Technically, sweet potatoes are tubers and though yams are also tubers, yams and sweet potatoes are not the same thing. There are pale-skinned sweet potatoes that have yellow flesh, the same texture as white potatoes and aren’t even sweet. The ones we are more familiar with are darker-skinned with moist and sweet bright orange flesh.

Sweet potatoes are nutritious with lots of potassium, vitamin A and beta-carotene. Sweet potatoes are also highly versatile. Sure, they are amazing baked or mashed. Just look at these 10 Ways to Stuff a Sweet Potato. Sweet potato fries are incredible like these Spiralized Garlic Paprika Sweet Potato Fries and these Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Latin Spice Mix. But there are so many other ways to cook with sweet potatoes. Check out Got Sweet Potatoes? Here are 10 Ways to Cook with Them for a bunch of ideas and recipes. For now, let’s focus on 15 ways to use sweet potatoes that are totally creative, unique and may be new to you…at least until you try them.

1. Sweet Potato Pie Smoothie

All the warm, sweet flavors of the classic dessert are in this Sweet Potato Pie Smoothie but there’s absolutely no refined sugar. Just sweet potato juice mixed with pumpkin, almond milk and spices for a rich smoothie that’s packed with healthy beta-carotene.

2. Paprika Cheese Without Nuts or Soy!

/ If you’ve been feeling left out of the vegan cheese craze because of all the nuts and soy, this is going to change your life. Made with sweet potatoes, this Paprika Cheese has no nuts or soy-based ingredients. It slices, it grates and it’s amazing.

3. Sweet Potato Pancakes With Cinnamon Maple Sage Butter

Have sweet potatoes for breakfast or brunch by putting them into your pancakes. These Sweet Potato Pancakes are so moist and delicious, you just might want to start every day with them. Oh, and with the cinnamon maple sage butter too.

4. Spicy Sweet Potato Hummus

Change up your usual hummus by making this Spicy Sweet Potato Hummus. The chickpeas and sweet potatoes are spiced up with cumin, smoked paprika and cayenne pepper for a zingy appetizer or snack that’s also really pretty.

5. Sweet Potato ‘Rice’ Casserole

Long before everyone was making rice out of cauliflower, there was sweet potato “rice.” This Sweet Potato “Rice” Casserole also has broccoli, basil pesto and vegan mozzarella for a comforting, decadent and healthy meal.

6. Sweetballs

There are many kinds of vegan meatballs but these Sweetballs are a game-changer. Made with almonds, oats and sweet potatoes, these yummy meatballs will turn an ordinary pasta dish into an extraordinary one.

7. Sweet Potato Nachos

Nachos are so indulgent so if there’s a way to make them healthier, you can feel better about eating them. These Sweet Potato Nachos do just that by using baked sweet potato chips instead of tortilla chips. Now you can add extra toppings!

8. No-Bake Sweet Potato Bars With Raw Gingerbread Crust

Take sweet potato pie and add gingerbread cookies and you have one incredible dessert. Now make it vegan, gluten-free and no-bake and you have these delicious and creative No-Bake Sweet Potato Bars with Raw Gingerbread Crust.

9. Sweet Potato Noodles and Coconut Curried Veggies

Spend just five minutes with your spiralizer and you’ll have a big bowl of Sweet Potato Noodles. These are topped with lots of veggies cooked in a delicious coconut curry sauce for different and colorful dish.

10. Sweet Potato Burgers With Green Tahini

These beautiful Sweet Potato Burgers are just what you want for dinner. Chickpeas, almonds, oats and veggies plus lots of spices make these hearty and flavorful. The green tahini sauce on top is just bonus.

11. Mexican Shepherd’s Pie

Ireland meets Mexico with this whole new take on the classic shepherd’s pie. In this Mexican Shepherd’s Pie, spicy chili gets topped with zesty, lime-infused sweet potatoes for a satisfying, flavor-packed meal.

12. Pizza Night, Raw Food Style!

Putting sweet potatoes on top of pizza isn’t a new idea but sweet potatoes in the crust? That’s totally unique! This raw crust is made with sweet potatoes and chia seeds for a chewy base that’s nut-free. Topped with raw spinach, chunky marinara sauce and marinated veggies, your Pizza Night will never be the same.

13. S’mores Sweet Potato Brownies

Just one cup of sweet potato adds moistness and acts an egg replacement in these S’mores Sweet Potato Brownies. Vegan marshmallows and chocolate make this an ooey-gooey, yummy twist on the classic dessert.

14. Sweet Potato Apple Pie Ice Cream

Sweet potato ice cream? Oh, yes! Sweet potatoes, banana and apples are mixed with dates, non-dairy milk and warm spices to make this yummy Sweet Potato Apple Pie Ice Cream. It gets even better when you add a streusel top made of pecans, oats and maple syrup.

15. Spiked Sweet Potato Truffles

You got chocolate in my sweet potatoes! That may sound strange but when you bite into these decadent chocolate truffles and taste the rich, creamy filling that’s made with sweet potatoes, you’ll be a believer. Spiked with a little liqueur, these Sweet Potato Truffles are intoxicating.

Sweet potatoes are amazing! Whether you’re making something classic like a casserole or something unique like turnovers, sweet potatoes are the perfect choice for breakfast, dinner or dessert.

Lead Image Photo: Sweet Potato Nachos