Spice Up Your Spuds

Potatoes are making a comeback with these creative updates to your favorite side dish recipes.

Americans love their potatoes; in fact, the average American consumes about 130 pounds of them each year, according to the USDA. Potatoes by themselves are loaded with vitamins and minerals, but they are a perfect staple for other healthy (and delicious) recipes. Read on to learn quick ways to spice up your spuds.

Try a new take on sweet potatoes by adding a little bit of spice. With enough protein and fiber to fill you up, you can eat this as a side dish or mini–meal.

01 of 06

Parmesan-and-Chive Potato Gratin

parmesan-chive-potato-gratin
Tina Rupp

If you crave comfort food the second the temperatures drop, try this satisfying side dish. By using low-fat dairy products and garlic, this recipe keeps fat in check without sacrificing taste.

02 of 06

Sweet Potato Casserole

sweet-potato-casserole
Randy Mayor

This traditional casserole topped with gooey marshmallows and crunchy pecans gets trimmed down just in time for the holidays. Using half-and-half instead of butter adds a touch of creamy richness with just one-third the fat and less than half the calories of butter.

03 of 06

Spicy Sweet Potato Wedges

spicy-sweet-potato-wedges
Becky Luigart-Stayner

These peppery sweet potatoes complement a variety of roasted meats, and just one serving supplies all your daily vitamin A and one-third of your daily vitamin C. Baking them at high heat ensures a soft interior and slightly crisp and caramelized exterior without all the added fat of frying. Leave the skins on for added fiber.

04 of 06

Potluck Potato Casserole

potluck-potato-casserole
Randy Mayor

Instead of a salty green bean casserole, try this low-sodium crowd-pleaser for brunch or dinner. A bonus with this dish is that you can make the casserole ahead of time—assemble and refrigerate it until time to bake. Sprinkle the cornflakes over the casserole just before baking.

05 of 06

Garlicky Roasted Potatoes With Herbs

garlicky-roasted-potatoes
Randy Mayor

Potato lovers (and isn't that everyone?) will love this low-fat, comforting side dish.

06 of 06

Sweet Potatoes Stuffed With Shrimp and Salsa

sweet-potato
Leigh Beisch

When you're feeling bloated from too much stuffing, try this light meal with your leftover sweet potatoes. With as much protein as four slices of turkey breast, you'll feel full without overeating.

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