How to Reheat Sweet Potato: Quick and Easy Methods

Sweet potatoes are a versatile and nutritious food that can be combined with other ingredients and foods to make a great casserole dish, dessert, and side dishes like salads. This how to reheat sweet potato guide will help you make the most of this vegetable.

They can also be used for homemade baby food. They’re not only easy to cook, but also incredibly delicious with their natural sweetness and delightful texture.

They can also sit out at room temperature before cooking, so you don’t have to worry about putting them in the fridge after a grocery run.

However, sometimes we find ourselves with leftover food or the need to prepare them in advance. Reheating sweet potatoes can be a challenge, but it shouldn’t be a barrier to enjoying this wonderful ingredient.

In this article, we will discuss the best methods for reheating sweet potatoes, ensuring that their flavor and texture remain as delightful as when they were first cooked as a side dish or main dish.

Whether you have baked, mashed, or steamed sweet potatoes, following our advice will bring back their original taste and make them a pleasing addition to any meal.

Reheating Sweet Potatoes

Leftover potatoes can be easily reheated in different ways such as oven, microwave, stovetop, and air fryer. The right method ensures that the reheated sweet potato maintains its taste, texture, and quality. Find the best method that suits your needs.

Tip: The ideal internal temperature of the sweet potatoes is 210 degrees Fahrenheit.

Oven

To reheat sweet potatoes in the oven, the first step is to preheat them to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the sweet potatoes on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper or a crisper pan.

Reheat the sweet potatoes for 10 to 15 minutes. Make sure to flip them once during the reheating process for even heating. Some people like to cook them in a slow cooker but don’t forget to add water as this is the only way to make sure they don’t dry out.

Microwave

Reheating sweet potatoes in the microwave oven on high heat is the fastest way and quickest method. Before microwaving, poke some holes in the sweet potato with a fork and place them on a microwave-safe plate.

You can also use a microwave-safe bowl to cook multiple potatoes at one time, increasing the time depending on the amount of potatoes.

Place it on a microwave-safe dish or plate and cover the sweet potato with wet paper towels or damp paper towel. This helps to trap steam while it reheats and ensures even heating. Microwave the sweet potato for 5 minutes, turning it halfway through.

Stovetop

You can also reheat sweet potatoes on the stovetop. Place the sweet potato pieces in a skillet over medium heat with olive oil for sauteed sweet potatoes.

If necessary, add a small amount of oil or butter to prevent sticking. Heat the sweet potatoes for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Flip them over and heat for another 3-4 minutes or until warmed through. To cook them in a large pot, peel and chop the potatoes and then place them in salted boiling water for 20-25 minutes.

Air Fryer

Reheating sweet potatoes in an air fryer is another efficient method that doesn’t take too much time. Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

Place the sweet potatoes in the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding. Cook for about 10 to 15 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even heating.

Remember to choose the reheating method that best suits your needs and equipment availability. Each technique can effectively reheat sweet potatoes while preserving their taste and texture.

Toaster Oven

If you don’t have an air fryer, a toaster oven is another method and a good idea for cooking sweet potatoes compared to the microwave method. Adjust the rack to the low position, preheat it to 400 degrees, and press the bake setting.

Preparation and Storage

Storing Cooked Sweet Potatoes

Before storing cooked sweet potatoes, let them cool completely to prevent the growth of bacteria and food poisoning, which is a common cooking process for many other foods as well. Place the potatoes in an airtight container or wrap them individually in aluminum foil or plastic wrap.

Keep the container in the refrigerator, and make sure the temperature is set at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Cooked sweet potatoes can remain in the fridge for up to four days.

If your dish contains mashed sweet potatoes, the easy way is to store them similarly by cooling them and placing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

For dishes like sweet potato fries or steamed sweet potatoes, it is crucial that you choose storage containers that can preserve their crispy or fluffy textures.

Freezing Sweet Potatoes

For longer-term storage, a great way to preserve sweet potatoes is by freezing them. Thoroughly wash and scrub the sweet potatoes, then boil them for 35 to 40 minutes until they are tender.

After boiling, drain, and let them cool completely. Once the whole potato is cooled, peel and slice the sweet potatoes.

The best way to arrange the slices is on an even layer of parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Cover and freeze overnight.

The next day, transfer the frozen slices to airtight storage containers or zip-top freezer bags and store them in the freezer for up to 12 months. This time frame is a long time compared to other foods. Make sure to monitor your potatoes over time to prevent freezer burn.

Thawing Sweet Potatoes

When you are ready to use the frozen sweet potatoes, remove them from the freezer and allow them to thaw in the refrigerator until they are soft.

The easiest way is to use the microwave defrost setting to thaw the sweet potatoes faster, but be cautious not to overcook them, as this can affect their texture.

Once thawed, you can use your sweet potatoes in various dishes like mashed potatoes, baked potatoes, or other sweet potato recipes.

Reheating Specific Dishes

In this section, we’ll discuss how to reheat different sweet potato dishes in a few simple steps for people learning how to reheat them for the first time, including sweet potato fries, baked sweet potatoes, mashed sweet potatoes, and sweet potato wedges.

Sweet Potato Fries

Reheating sweet potato fries can be done by baking them in the oven at 400°F for 10-15 minutes. Ensure they are spread out evenly on a baking tray lined with parchment paper to avoid overlapping.

Spritz the crispy sweet potato fries with oil and stir halfway through the cooking time to ensure even heating. This method helps retain their crispy texture and soft, fluffy centers.

Baked Sweet Potatoes

To reheat baked sweet potatoes, preheat the oven to 350°F. Wrap each individual baked potato in foil and place them on a baking tray, puncture the foil once or twice to allow steam to escape. Heat the potatoes for 15-20 minutes or until warmed throughout. This method maintains their nutritious quality and ensures they don’t dry out.

Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Reheating mashed sweet potatoes can be done on the stovetop. Place the sweet potato mash in a saucepan, and heat over low-medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the mixture seems too thick, add a splash of milk or a small amount of butter to adjust the consistency.

Be sure to heat the leftover sweet potatoes thoroughly for an even temperature and taste. This method is suitable for reheating small batches and helps to preserve texture and flavor.

Sweet Potato Wedges

For reheating sweet potato wedges, preheat the oven to 400°F. Spread the wedges evenly on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, making sure there’s no overlap.

Drizzle with a small amount of oil or seasoning if desired, then roast the wedges in the oven for 10-12 minutes, or until hot and crisp. This method retains the flavor and texture, making leftovers just as enjoyable as freshly cooked wedges.

Nutrition and Health Benefits

Sweet potatoes are highly nutritious and provide numerous health benefits. Sweet potatoes are a good way to receive the nutrients your body needs. The essential nutrients include vitamins, minerals, and fiber. One serving, which is about 3.5 ounces (100 grams) of raw sweet potatoes, has the following nutrition facts:

Calories: 86
Water: 77%
Protein: 1.6 grams
Carbs: 20.1 grams
Sugar: 4.2 grams
Fiber: 3 grams
Fat: 0.1 grams

One of the key nutrients in sweet potatoes is beta carotene, which is responsible for their bright orange color. Beta carotene is a powerful antioxidant that converts to vitamin A in the body, promoting healthy skin, eyes, and immune system. The potatoes also have vitamin C.

In comparison to other types of potatoes like regular potatoes, sweet potatoes are nutritionally superior. They have a lower glycemic index, making them a better choice for people with diabetes or those looking to maintain stable blood sugar levels.

Additionally, despite being called “yams” in some parts of the world, sweet potatoes are not the same as true yams, which have a different nutrition profile and taste.

Sweet potatoes are an excellent choice for meal prep, as they are easy to cook, store, and reheat. They maintain their nutritious properties when reheated, particularly when using methods like the oven or an air fryer, as described in this article.

Their versatile flavor makes sweet potatoes an appealing option for various dishes, including savory and sweet recipes. Pairing them with different herbs, spices, or sauces can create unique and delicious meals.

Incorporating sweet potatoes into your diet can provide a range of health benefits thanks to their nutritional profile, versatility, and ease of preparation.

Creative Sweet Potato Ideas

Sweet potatoes are versatile and can be transformed into a variety of delicious dishes. This section will explore some delicious ways for incorporating sweet potatoes into your meal prep to become a family favorite, along with tasty toppings and variations.

Sweet Potato Dishes and Toppings

Sweet potatoes can be used in numerous dishes, ranging from main courses to sides and even desserts. Here are some ideas for incorporating sweet potatoes into your dinner or lunch menu:

Baked Sweet Potatoes: Reheat baked sweet potatoes by baking them in the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-15 minutes. Top with classic butter, salt, and pepper, or experiment with cheese, chives, bacon bits, and sour cream.
Sweet Potato Fries: Make your fries even more delicious by adding some creative toppings, such as parmesan cheese and truffle oil, or a sprinkle of cinnamon and sugar.
Sweet Potato Hash: Chop up sweet potatoes and mix them with onions, bell peppers, and your choice of protein for a tasty and satisfying meal.
Sweet Potato Casserole: Combine mashed sweet potatoes with a variety of savory or sweet ingredients, like spices, nuts, or mini marshmallows, and bake this easy sweet potato casserole until bubbly and golden.
Sweet Potato Pie: Combine roast sweet potatoes, brown the butter, and add whipped cream for a delicious dessert after dinner or lunch. Add the pies to the sheet pan after mashing the potatoes and checking the crusts and watch them bake to perfection.

Sweet Potato Variations

Good news! The possibilities are endless when it comes to sweet potato variations. Here are some tips and tricks to elevate your sweet potato meals for the best results:

Play with texture: Experiment with the consistency of your sweet potatoes by leaving them chunky or mashing them until smooth.
Change the cooking method: If you haven’t found your favorite method of cooking them, try roasting, boiling, or frying sweet potatoes for different flavors and textures.
Add color: Mix orange, purple, and white sweet potatoes for an earthy and visually appealing dish.
Season creatively: Incorporate spices like cinnamon, brown sugar, nutmeg, or smoked paprika to enhance the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes. You can also add maple syrup for a sweet flavor.

Final Thoughts

When storing sweet potatoes, make sure to keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent mold and condensation.

By exploring various dishes and cooking methods, you can create a wide range of delicious and creative sweet potato recipes in the quickest way with your favorite toppings.

Which sweet potato recipe is your favorite? What is your favorite way to cook sweet potatoes?

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How to Reheat Sweet Potato: Quick and Easy Methods

Reheating Sweet Potatoes