Sweet Potato Mac and Cheese
If you love mac and cheese (and really, who doesn’t?!), this version gives the comfort classic a joyful upgrade with the simple addition of sweet potatoes.
Roasted until golden and tender, the bright orange cubes practically melt into the cheesy elbows. The result? A luscious, velvety pasta that delivers all the cozy vibes you crave while sneaking in a boost of fiber, potassium, and beta-carotene.
As a dietitian, I’m often asked if pasta can stay on the menu, and my answer is always a big, happy YES! I’m all about adding nutrition to the meals we love so they feel more satisfying and shower our bodies with goodness. That’s exactly what this recipe does— by adding sweet potatoes (or butternut squash!), it stretches the mac, pumps up the nutrients, and makes every bite taste indulgent.
Plus, if you add sweet potato to my Lightened-Up Mac & Cheese, you’re in for a double dose of healthified comfort food!
Joyful Tip: If you have finicky eaters at home, disguise the roasted sweet potatoes by mashing them with a fork and then blending in with the cheese sauce before tossing with the noodles. Or you can simply add 1 cup canned sweet potato puree to the cheese sauce. Nobody will suspect a thing.
This trick works for everyone at the table. My kids (+ nieces and nephews) devoured it the first time I served it (they didn’t even notice the sweet potatoes!), and adults appreciate how the veggies seamlessly blend in without stealing the spotlight. Creamy, colorful, crave-worthy… this is mac and cheese you’ll want on repeat.
If you’re all about wholesome comfort food, try my Penne Alla Hummus, No-Noodle Cheesy Spinach Lasagna, or Spinach Artichoke Spaghetti Squash. Like this mac, they’re nourishing twists on favorites that still feel indulgent.
Why you’ll want to make this on repeat
- A veggie boost in disguise: Sweet potatoes blend seamlessly with creamy cheese sauce.
- Kid-tested, parent-approved: Even picky eaters won’t suspect the hidden goodness.
- Simple upgrade: Works with homemade mac or boxed varieties—just toss in roasted cubes or stir in purée.
- Balanced comfort: Adds fiber, vitamins, and minerals without losing that cheesy comfort you crave.
- Family-friendly batch: The recipe makes plenty, perfect for leftovers or sharing.
This Sweet Potato Mac and Cheese proves you don’t have to choose between cozy and nutritious—it’s the best of both worlds, ready to hit the table in no time.
You can add sweet potatoes to any type of mac and cheese (homemade or store-bought). You’ll need at least 9 cups of creamy mac and cheese for this combo, but you can certainly scale down the sweet potatoes for a smaller batch.
Try these Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese Muffins!
Sweet Potato Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
- 2 pounds sweet potatoes, about 4 medium, peeled and cut into small cubes
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 9 cups Lightened-Up Mac & Cheese, or any prepared Mac & Cheese of choice
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400˚.
- Coat a baking sheet with oil spray and add the sweet potato cubes in a single layer so they’re not overlapping. Liberally mist the tops of with oil spray and sprinkle with kosher salt.
- Place baking sheet in oven and roast for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through to cook both sides evenly. The pieces should be gently firm and fork-tender.
- Remove from oven and stir into a large pot filled with hot and creamy mac and cheese.
