Out of Sweet potato, one case
Sweet potato substitute
5 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Butternut squash
Same amount as the sweet potato
The best substitutes for sweet potato are butternut squash (1:1 ratio), regular potatoes (1:1 ratio), or carrots (1:1 ratio). Butternut squash provides the closest flavor and texture, while regular potatoes offer similar cooking properties.
- Verdict —
- Works
- Best for —
- roasting
One casethe full potato card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of sweet potato | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Butternut squashroasting | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 2 | Regular potatoesroasting | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 3 | Carrotsroasting | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 4 | Pumpkinbaking | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 5 | Acorn squashroasting | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
Butternut squash
similar taste and texture
Orange winter squash with similar texture and sweetness to sweet potatoes, excellent for most applications
- Best for
- roasting, baking, mashing, soups, casseroles, fries
Closest flavor and texture match, slightly sweeter.
Regular potatoes
different taste, similar texture
White or yellow potatoes with similar cooking properties but less sweet flavor than sweet potatoes
- Best for
- roasting, baking, mashing, fries, soups, stews
Similar cooking properties, less sweet flavor.
Carrots
similar taste, different texture
Orange root vegetable with natural sweetness, good for roasting and pureeing applications
- Best for
- roasting, soups, stews, purees, side dishes
Sweet flavor, different texture, good for roasting.
Pumpkin
similar taste, different texture
Orange squash with similar sweetness to sweet potatoes, excellent for baking and dessert applications
- Best for
- baking, pies, muffins, breads, purees
Similar sweetness, different texture, good for baking.
Acorn squash
similar taste, different texture
Winter squash with sweet, nutty flavor that works well in roasted and baked applications
- Best for
- roasting, baking, stuffing, side dishes, purees
Sweet flavor, good for roasting and baking.
How it behaves in this recipe
Sweet potatoes are versatile root vegetables with natural sweetness and excellent cooking properties. When substituting, consider the specific application - butternut squash for closest flavor match, regular potatoes for similar texture, and carrots for natural sweetness in savory dishes.
Tips for substituting sweet potato
8 tips- Butternut squash is the closest substitute for sweet potatoes in most recipes
- Regular potatoes work well when you want similar texture but less sweetness
- Carrots are excellent for roasting and add natural sweetness to dishes
- Pumpkin is good for baking applications like pies and muffins
- Acorn squash works well for roasting and stuffing applications
- For mashed dishes, cook the substitute until very tender before mashing
- Add a touch of brown sugar or maple syrup to regular potatoes to mimic sweet potato flavor
- For roasting, cut substitutes into similar sizes for even cooking
Notes on sweet potato
- Use yams as they're often confused with sweet potatoes and have similar properties
- Try Japanese sweet potatoes for a different variety with similar characteristics
- Consider using parsnips for a slightly different but complementary flavor
- Use rutabaga for a more savory alternative with similar cooking properties
Questions
5 questionsWhat's the best substitute for sweet potato in baking?
Butternut squash is the best substitute for sweet potato in baking. It has similar sweetness and texture, making it good for pies, muffins, and other baked goods.
Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?
Yes, regular potatoes can substitute for sweet potatoes, especially in savory dishes. They have similar cooking properties but less sweetness, so you may want to add a touch of sugar or maple syrup.
Are carrots a good substitute for sweet potatoes?
Yes, carrots are a good substitute for sweet potatoes, especially in roasting and pureeing applications. They provide natural sweetness and work well in soups and side dishes.
Can I use pumpkin instead of sweet potato?
Yes, pumpkin is an excellent substitute for sweet potato, especially in baking applications like pies and muffins. It has similar sweetness and works well in dessert recipes.
What's the best substitute for sweet potato fries?
Butternut squash makes the best sweet potato fries substitute. Cut it into similar shapes and roast or fry until crispy. Regular potatoes also work well for a less sweet version.