Hi there, I’m Jessy, and I’m so excited you’ve found your way to The Savory Script! Mornings can sometimes feel like a rush, and finding a breakfast that’s both nourishing and delicious can be a challenge.
That’s why I’m thrilled to share this recipe with you today: a wonderfully comforting Sweet Potato Breakfast Bowl. It takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes from start to finish, including baking time, and it’s incredibly versatile, perfect for kicking off any day.
Table of Contents
Amazing Sweet Potato Breakfast Bowl Recipes
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Wash the potatoes using a veggie brush and place on a baking sheet with foil.
- Bake for about 45-60 minutes or until easily pierced with a fork.
- Let the potatoes cool, then carefully remove the skin and add the flesh to a large mixing bowl.
- Add all of the remaining ingredients for the sweet base and beat with an electric mixer until nice and fluffy. Keep as is or heat up on the stove if the potatoes were previously refrigerated.
- Transfer to bowls and serve with fruit, banana bread granola, and extra cinnamon.
- Prepare your sweet potatoes using your chosen method until fork-tender.
- Scoop the flesh into a bowl, discarding the skins.
- Add the oil, salt, pepper, and any optional seasonings. Mash everything together with a fork or potato masher until well combined. You want a consistency that holds its shape but is still creamy.
- Transfer to bowls and add your savory toppings.
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Sweet Potatoes: The Unsung Hero of Breakfast
Sweet potatoes are truly a powerhouse for your morning meal. They’re packed with fiber, which helps you feel full and satisfied for hours, preventing those mid-morning snack cravings. They’re also a fantastic source of Vitamin A, crucial for good vision and immune function. Most importantly for breakfast, their complex carbohydrates provide sustained energy, helping you power through your day without the sugar crash you might get from other options.
Why You’ll Love These Sweet Potato Breakfast Bowls
I’ve put a lot of thought into making this guide the best it can be, and I believe you’ll find these bowls offer something special. Here’s why I think you’ll love this approach:
- Comprehensive Approach: I cover not just one way to make them, but offer sweet and savory options, plus multiple cooking methods, so you’re never limited.
- Endless Customization: You can truly make these bowls your own with a wide array of topping suggestions, fitting any mood or dietary need.
- Detailed Guidance: From cooking the sweet potato perfectly to storage and troubleshooting, I’ve included detailed instructions to ensure your success.
Mastering Your Sweet Potato Base: Beyond the Bake
While baking is my go-to, there are several ways to prepare your sweet potatoes. Each method offers a slightly different outcome in terms of texture and flavor, making them suitable for various needs.
| Cooking Method | Time Estimate | Texture Outcome | Flavor Notes | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oven Roasting | 45-60 mins | Tender, slightly caramelized, drier | Sweet, intensified flavor | Meal prep, achieving deep flavor |
| Stove-top Sauté | 15-20 mins | Softer, slightly mushier | Can absorb more flavors, less sweet | Quick weeknight breakfasts, incorporating into other sautéed ingredients |
| Microwave | 5-10 mins | Very soft, moist | Steamed, can be bland if not seasoned | Speed and convenience |
| Instant Pot | 10-15 mins | Very tender, moist | Steamed, quick, good for mashing | Time-saving, large batches |
The Ultimate “Build Your Own” Sweet Potato Breakfast Bowl Guide
The beauty of these bowls lies in their adaptability. You can create a wonderfully sweet start to your day or a hearty, savory one. Here’s how to build your perfect bowl.
For Your Sweet Potato Base:
Here’s the recipe I use for a delicious sweet base:
Yields: About 2 servings Prep time: 5 minutes Cook time: 45-60 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 medium sweet potatoes (about 4 cups mashed)
- 1/4-1/2 cup unsweetened vanilla non-dairy milk (I used almond)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons unsalted almond butter
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (or to taste)
- 2 tablespoons ground flax seeds
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Wash the potatoes using a veggie brush and place on a baking sheet with foil.
- Bake for about 45-60 minutes or until easily pierced with a fork.
- Let the potatoes cool, then carefully remove the skin and add the flesh to a large mixing bowl.
- Add all of the remaining ingredients and beat with an electric mixer until nice and fluffy. Keep as is or heat up on the stove if the potatoes were previously refrigerated.
- Transfer to bowls and serve with fruit, banana bread granola, and extra cinnamon.
Savory Sweet Potato Breakfast Bowl: A Delicious Alternative
For a savory twist, you’ll want to adjust your flavorings and toppings.
Base Ingredients:
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, cooked using your preferred method (baked or Instant Pot recommended for mashing)
- 1-2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: A pinch of garlic powder or onion powder
Instructions:
- Prepare your sweet potatoes using your chosen method until fork-tender.
- Scoop the flesh into a bowl, discarding the skins.
- Add the oil, salt, pepper, and any optional seasonings.
- Mash everything together with a fork or potato masher until well combined. You want a consistency that holds its shape but is still creamy.
- Transfer to bowls and add your savory toppings.
Topping Inspiration: A World of Flavor
The toppings are where you can really get creative! Here are some ideas to get you started.
Sweet Bowl Toppings:
- Fruits: Berries, sliced banana, diced apple, pomegranate seeds
- Crunchy: Granola, chopped nuts, seeds (chia, hemp, pumpkin), coconut flakes
- Creamy: Yogurt, nut butter drizzle, tahini
- Flavor Enhancers: Extra cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, maple syrup drizzle
Savory Bowl Toppings:
- Proteins: Fried or poached egg, scrambled eggs, tofu scramble, black beans, shredded chicken
- Veggies: Wilted spinach, sautéed mushrooms, roasted broccoli, diced bell peppers, avocado slices, pickled red onions
- Healthy Fats: Avocado, a sprinkle of seeds
- Flavor Enhancers: Hot sauce, Everything Bagel seasoning, fresh herbs (cilantro, parsley), a squeeze of lime
Meal Prep & Storage Made Easy
Meal prepping these bowls can save you so much time during the week. I recommend cooking your sweet potatoes and storing the mashed base separately from your toppings. This prevents ingredients from becoming soggy or losing their texture.
For the sweet potato base, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to eat, you can reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of non-dairy milk if it seems too thick. For toppings like avocado, it’s best to slice it fresh just before serving to prevent browning. If you’re prepping assembled bowls for just a day or two, you can layer them, but keep crunchy toppings separate until serving.
Troubleshooting Common Sweet Potato Breakfast Bowl Hiccups
Sometimes, things don’t go exactly as planned, and that’s okay! Here are a few common issues and how I fix them:
- My sweet potatoes are too watery: This can happen if they’re overcooked or if there’s too much liquid added. If the base is too wet, try cooking it down gently in a pan over low heat for a few minutes to evaporate excess moisture.
- How to reheat without making them mushy: The key is gentle heating. Avoid high microwave power. Stirring the base occasionally during reheating helps distribute heat evenly. For stovetop reheating, keep the heat low.
- My toppings are making the bowl soggy: This usually happens with softer toppings like fruits or saucy items. It’s best to add these right before you eat, or keep them in a separate small container and add them to your bowl just before digging in.
Dietary Adaptations for Every Lifestyle
These bowls are fantastic because they can be adapted to fit almost any dietary need.
- Gluten-Free: Sweet potato breakfast bowls are naturally gluten-free! Just be mindful of cross-contamination if you have severe sensitivities, especially with toppings like granola.
- Dairy-Free: I use unsweetened vanilla non-dairy milk in my recipe, and it works beautifully. You can also use dairy-free yogurt for creamy toppings.
- Vegan: This recipe is easily made vegan by using non-dairy milk and ensuring your toppings, like yogurt or any added proteins, are plant-based.
- High-Protein: Boost your protein by adding a scrambled or fried egg, some black beans, a dollop of Greek yogurt (if not vegan), or a sprinkle of hemp seeds.
- Lower Sugar: Reduce the amount of maple syrup in the base or opt for a sugar-free sweetener alternative. Focus on savory toppings to keep sugar content down.
FAQs about Sweet Potato Breakfast Bowl
Is sweet potato healthy for breakfast?
Absolutely! Sweet potatoes offer sustained energy, fiber, and vitamins, making them a nutritious choice for breakfast.
What makes a balanced meal with a sweet potato breakfast bowl?
A balanced bowl typically includes the sweet potato base (complex carbs), a protein source, healthy fats, and some fiber from fruits or vegetables.
Can I make it nut-free?
Yes! Skip the almond butter and use tahini or a seed butter like sunflower seed butter instead. Ensure your granola is also nut-free.
How can I add more protein?
You can add eggs, beans, tofu scramble, chicken, or Greek yogurt (or a vegan alternative).
What goes well with sweet potatoes for breakfast?
For sweet bowls, think fruits, cinnamon, and nuts. For savory bowls, eggs, avocado, and herbs are wonderful.
What should I put in a breakfast bowl?
The possibilities are endless! Aim for a base, a protein, healthy fats, and some flavor enhancers for a complete meal.
Should I bake or steam the potatoes?
Both work! Baking caramelizes the sugars for a sweeter flavor, while steaming (like in the microwave or Instant Pot) is quicker and results in a softer, moister texture.
Conclusion & Call to Action
As you can see, creating a delicious and nourishing Sweet Potato Breakfast Bowl is wonderfully simple and endlessly adaptable. I love how versatile this meal is, perfect for a quick weekday breakfast or a leisurely weekend brunch. I hope you feel inspired to create your own perfect bowl!
I’d love to see what you come up with! Share your unique bowl creations with me on social media and tag me, or ask any questions you might have in the comments below. Happy cooking!
