Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and what better way to bring warmth and nostalgia to the dinner table than with sweet potatoes? These root vegetables aren’t just delicious; they’re packed with nutrients that make them a healthier alternative to other holiday desserts. In this week’s feature, we’re sharing two crowd-pleasing recipes: Sweet Potato Pie and Sweet Potato Soufflé. Whether you're aiming for a classic dessert or a light and fluffy side dish, we’ve got you covered!  

Sweet Potato Pie: A Classic Comfort  

This Southern favorite combines creamy sweet potatoes with warm spices, delivering a dessert that's as cozy as it is indulgent.  

Ingredients

- 2 cups mashed sweet potatoes (about 3 medium sweet potatoes)  

- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened  

- 3/4 cup brown sugar  

- 1/4 cup granulated sugar  

- 1/2 cup evaporated milk  

- 2 large eggs  

- 1 tsp vanilla extract  

- 1 tsp ground cinnamon  

- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg  

- 1/4 tsp salt  

- 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust  

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).  
2. Peel and boil the sweet potatoes until fork-tender. Mash until smooth and set aside to cool.  
3. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugars until creamy. Mix in mashed sweet potatoes, evaporated milk, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until smooth.  
4. Pour the mixture into the pie crust, spreading it evenly.  
5. Bake for 55-60 minutes, or until the filling is set and slightly jiggly in the center. Let cool before serving.

Sweet Potato Soufflé: Light, Fluffy, and Flavorful  

This soufflé is a perfect balance of sweet and savory, making it an ideal addition to your Thanksgiving sides.  

Ingredients 

- 3 cups mashed sweet potatoes (about 4 medium sweet potatoes)  

- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted  

- 1/2 cup brown sugar  

- 1/4 cup granulated sugar  

- 1/2 cup heavy cream  

- 2 large eggs  

- 1 tsp vanilla extract  

- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon  

- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg  

- 1/4 tsp salt  

Topping: 

- 1/2 cup chopped pecans  

- 1/4 cup brown sugar  

- 2 tbsp melted butter  

Instructions 

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.  
2. Boil, peel, and mash sweet potatoes until smooth.  
3. In a bowl, combine sweet potatoes, butter, sugars, cream, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Whisk until well mixed.  
4. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly.  
5. In a separate bowl, mix pecans, brown sugar, and melted butter. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the sweet potato mixture.  
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the soufflé is slightly puffed. Serve warm.

Why Sweet Potatoes Are Perfect for Thanksgiving 

1. Packed with Nutrients: Rich in vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants, sweet potatoes support immune health and digestion—perfect for warding off winter colds!  
2. Naturally Sweet: Their natural sweetness means you can use less sugar while still delivering a rich flavor.  
3. Versatile: Whether served as a pie or a soufflé, they fit seamlessly into both the dessert and side dish categories.  

This Thanksgiving, treat your family to these wholesome and delicious sweet potato dishes. They’re more than just recipes—they’re a celebration of comfort, tradition, and health.  

Let us know which dish you'll be trying first! Share your pictures and tag us (@PlayPits) on Social for a chance to be featured. Happy Thanksgiving! 🦃💛