Looking For a Healthy Alternative to Toast? Check Out This Tasty Swap

Thanksgiving is around the corner, and we don’t blame you if you’re already craving sweet potatoes. Whether you opt for a classic marshmallow and brown sugar bake or test out a savory casserole with ham and egg, the possibilities are endless. But before we get ahead of ourselves, why not try a simple recipe that will curb your Thanksgiving cravings? Sweet potato toast is making the rounds in the healthy-eating community because it’s the perfect swap for toasted bread.

It’s packed with nutritious health benefits. One large slice of orange sweet potato (about 100 grams) contains an impressive amount of fiber, potassium, vitamin C, and especially vitamin A. The antioxidants in this tuber, which give it its bright color, can also reduce inflammation in the body and lower your risk for certain conditions, like heart disease.  

How to Make Sweet Potato Toast 

Making sweet potato toast is quite simple, which adds to its appeal. Orange and purple sweet potatoes will hold their form while they bake, and the bright, beautiful colors give off a festive look. (Curious about whether you’re buying sweet potatoes or yams? Nearly everything you find in the grocery store are sweet potatoes, not yams! Yams are tough to find in the U.S., and orange sweet potatoes are often mislabeled as yams.)  

Simply scrub a sweet potato or two, then slice off one edge to make it easier to cut the rest of the potato. Don’t peel the skin! It’s full of nutrients. Lay the sweet potato on its flat side, and carefully slice it into pieces of “toast” that are about ¼ inch thick.  

If you have an air fryer, cook the slices at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15 minutes on one side and 5 minutes on the other side. Otherwise, pop the slices in your oven or toaster oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit and bake for 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the thickness. Take the slices out when they’re crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. That’s all you need to do to make the perfect base for your toast toppings.  

Note: Some recipe creators claim that you can pop your sweet potato slices in the toaster and achieve the same results. While you can do this, it will take a long time and require multiple toasting cycles. To avoid standing at your toaster all day, we recommend just popping the slices in the oven or air fryer. (But if you’re simply reheating a previously-made slice of sweet potato, the toaster will work perfectly.)  

Sweet and Savory Recipes 

For mouth-watering recipes that will keep you full all morning long, we’ve got you covered. Here are our top picks for sweet potato toast:  

• Hummus, cucumber, sprouts, olive oil, and lemon. Add protein, fiber, antioxidants, and heart-healthy fats to your toast with these savory toppings!  
• Avocado slices, olive oil, lemon, and everything bagel seasoning (Buy on Amazon, $6.92). The sweet potato base adds a simple twist on a classic. 
• Peanut butter or nut butter, fresh banana or blueberries, cinnamon, and chia seeds. Talk about a boost of antioxidants! The rich, creamy flavors pair beautifully with sweet potato.  
• Ricotta cheese and honey. It’s simple, full of protein and flavor, and oh so decadent.  

Ready for a pro tip? If you want to make appetizers, try slicing your sweet potato into thin, round pennies instead of flat, toast-like pieces. The pennies create the perfect miniature base for your favorite toppings, and they make for great finger food. Your guests – and your appetite – will thank you.