Sweet potato toast is a healthy, gluten-free breakfast option when you want something warm in the morning. It’s ridiculously easy to make ahead of time, and you can get creative with the toppings to keep each morning interesting.
Why You’ll Love It
It’s an easy hand-held breakfast. While sweet potato doesn’t become crunchy like real toast, it’s a nice option when you want something easy that you can pick up with your hands.
It’s nutritious. Sweet potatoes are a great source of fiber and beta-carotene! (This is the antioxidant that contributes to their bright orange color.)
It’s delicious. If you’re like me, and don’t love baked sweet potatoes on their own, you might prefer these tender slices. When you add toppings, the sweet potato flavor becomes quite neutral. (Similar to sweet potato pizza!)
It’s perfect for meal prep. All you have to do is roast the sweet potato slices in the oven, then store them in the fridge until you’re ready to use them. You can pop them in the toaster to reheat, just like you would a slice of bread.
It’s simple. All you need is one ingredient– sweet potatoes! No oil required for this roasting method, so it’s also perfect for those following a whole food plant based (WFPB) diet.
How to Make Sweet Potato Toast
1. Slice the sweet potatoes.
Choose a large sweet potato that is as thick as possible, so you’ll get as many slices from it as possible. Slice the ends off the potato, so it can stand up on a flat base, then cut it into slices that are roughly 1/2-inch thick. (Removing the thinner ends of the potato also helps avoid them burning in the toaster later.)
You want the sweet potato slices to be sturdy enough that they will be able to picked up later with your favorite toppings, but you also want them thin enough that they will fit in a toaster and cook quickly in the oven.
The more consistently you slice the potato, the better, so the slices will all finish cooking at the same time.
You can use a mandolin slicer, if you prefer, but I tend to just use a sharp knife and a cutting board, and do my best to be as consistent as possible.
Tip: Cutting the potato vertically (like it’s standing up on one of its ends), seems to make slicing it much easier than attempting to slice the potato while it’s laying down on a cutting board.
2. Bake.
Preheat the oven to 400ºF and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the potato slices in a single layer on the lined pan.
Roast the potato slices until they are tender, about 20 minutes. The middles should be easily pierced with a fork, without feeling mushy.
Note: There’s no need to flip the sweet potato slices during the cooking time, but don’t be surprised if the top looks dry when you are done baking them. I usually flip them over when they are done baking, so the dryer side is the one that I will hold with my hands, and then the other side gets the toppings.
3. Add the toppings!
Now the sweet potato toast is ready to serve, if you’re ready to eat right away.
Add your favorite toppings (ideas below) or store the slices in an airtight container in the fridge. They will keep well for up to a week in the refrigerator.
Storage & Reheating Tips
Once the sweet potato slices have been roasted, you can place the cold slices in the toaster (just like you would real toast!) and let them reheat during a toaster cooking cycle.
You can also place them on a pan in your toaster oven or regular oven, and let them reheat for 5 minutes or so at 350ºF.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you cook sweet potato toast in the toaster? I don’t recommend cooking sweet potato toast in the toaster, as it will take multiple cooking cycles, and the results are often uneven. (In my experience, the outside of the sweet potato will burn before the inside is tender.)
When I attempted putting raw potato slices in the toaster, it took roughly 15 minutes of standing there by the toaster, repeatedly pushing the slices down for another cooking cycle. Trust me when I say placing a pan in the oven and walking away until the timer goes off is easier!
With that being said, you can reheat the sweet potato toast in a toaster or toaster oven for a fast morning! Just be sure to follow the roasting steps listed above first, so the sweet potatoes will be enjoyable to bite into.
Is sweet potato toast better than bread? Sweet potatoes are a simple, wholesome option without a long ingredient list, and can be nutritionally superior to a processed white bread. However, I also love sprouted whole grain and sourdough toast, so consider sweet potato toast another healthy option when you want to switch up your breakfast routine.
Does this work with any type of potato? You can use this method with sweet potatoes, yams, or purple japanese sweet potatoes. I haven’t tested it with white potatoes, but I imagine those would work, too. (They simply might cook faster, so check on them in the oven earlier.)
Topping Ideas
You can top sweet potato toast just like you would regular toast! Here are some ideas to help get you started.
- Smashed avocado with lime juice, sliced tomatoes, and salt (just like avocado toast!)
- Cream cheese with smoked salmon or lox and capers
- Tomato sauce (or pesto) and melted cheese (think sweet potato pizza!)
- Hummus and sliced cucumbers with red onion
- Peanut butter, banana slices, honey, and cinnamon
- Almond butter (or any other nut butter) and sliced apples or blueberries
- Chia seedjam topped with crunchy pecans
- Fried egg and everything bagel seasoning
- Bacon, lettuce and tomato (for a paleo BLT!)
You can also use sweet potato toast as a base for eggs benedict, or an easy breakfast sandwich. The options are endless!
More Sweet Potato Recipes
Have more sweet potatoes to use up? Be sure to check out my other sweet potato recipes!
- Sweet Potato Hash. An easy sheet pan breakfast that is loaded with flavor!
- Glazed Sweet Potatoes. The perfect side dish for a holiday meal, this recipe cooks in just one pan for easy clean-up.
- Sweet Potato Enchiladas. A filling a vegetarian dinner idea, made with black beans and a simple homemade enchilada sauce.
- Vegan Sweet Potato Pie. You will probably love this more than traditional pumpkin pie.
- Sweet Potato Brownies. These vegan brownies use sweet potato instead of egg, to help keep them moist, so you’ll get extra nutrients in each bite.
- Sweet Potato Frosting. Yes, you can make frosting out of sweet potatoes! In this recipe, you’ll see how pretty the purple sweet potato frosting turns out, but you can also use orange or white sweet potatoes, instead.
Sweet Potato Toast
Ingredients
- 1 large sweet potato
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400ºF and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to help prevent sticking.
- Slice the ends of the sweet potato off, then cut it lengthwise into thin slices, about 1/4 to 1/2-inch thick. It's easiest to slice the potato when you cut it standing up vertically, rather than laying down on the cutting board. Arrange the slices in a single layer on the baking sheet.
- Bake at 400ºF until the slices are tender and easily pierced with a fork, about 20 minutes. There's no need to flip them, but you can if you want to. I usually flip the potatoes over when they are done cooking, so the "dry" side is down. This will be the side that is easier to pick up with your hands. Serve warm with your favorite toast toppings.
- Store any leftover sweet potato slices in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. To reheat for an easy breakfast, simply pop them in the toaster, then add your favorite toppings. (I use a 3 out of 5 setting on my toaster.)
Video
Notes
Nutrition
If you try this sweet potato toast recipe, please leave a comment and star rating below letting me know how you like it!
I am definitely going to do this one!
I can’t believe how delicious these were! I had mine with peanut butter and honey- it was so good and have the same satisfaction a cookie would (which is all I ever crave). I baked mine about 25 minutes and they were perfect.
This is genius! We are planning to do the Whole30 in January and I know that I will be using this recipe a lot.
Thanks for sharing.
How do you cut these so evenly?? I tried and I only got 2 good slices from one potato…(What kind of knife, etc.)
I think a good knife is key! I’ve been using the same ceramic knife for years– it’s the largest one in this set: http://amzn.to/2zQ1R1d
I also actually shot a video of how I cut these, so I’ll post it as soon as it’s edited.
A mandoline also works well – the slices will be a little thinner depending on you mandoline settings but just reduce your cooking time a bit and you’ll get the same results.
This is so beautifully made.
I made these for breakfast yesterday. Can I just say, yum, yum and double yum! I made the hummus with radish and added avocado. I struggle with breakfast. I am not vegan but I am trying to eat less poultry and dairy. I get tired of turkey bacon and eggs and want something yummy for breakfast to tide me over. These were great. Definitely on my list for future breakfasts.
Needed something for a light dinner; decided to make these sweet potato toasts. Will layer with shredded cabbage and avocado.
So I guess ypu leave the peeling on?
I’ve been wanting to try this so I can’t wait!
Yes, I do! But I think you could do it either way.
I love this idea! Looks delish!
I love this idea! Looks delish!
My blog: https://healthybakingwithacupofocd.wordpress.com/
Hmm.. What an idea. I love making different types of toast for a healthy breakfast. One of my favorites is avocado toast but haven’t come to try it on sweet potato. This is a great recipe to try and to compliment that is doesn’t contain bread is amazing.
I see this recipe everywhere, but only now have a reason to ask…my dad…
Would this work with WHITE potatoes instead?
He hates sweet potatoes…
Thank you.
-Monika
I use white yams (I don’t eat potatoes) all the time to make this ‘toast’. I also use the slices as ‘bread’ for turkey sandwiches etc. delish!
oh good. This is exactly what I’m looking for.
Yay!! Everything is so good with sweet potatoes xD
My favorite topping is almond butter with sliced bananas!
Made mine with almond butter, banana, and chia seeds! Delish!! For next time I am going to cut them a little thicker so they’re easier to eat. Love the no oil though!!
How would I cook ina toaster oven? On rack or ina pan? Length and temp? Thank You
I cannot wait to try this yummmy! peanut butter and apples on sweet potatoes
Great recipe! My family is always looking for ways to simplify our meal prep and eat clean. This sweet potato toast recipe is an easy recipe with lots of room for variety. I’m most excited to top it with almond butter or guacamole. I also may throw some nuts on top with the almond butter.
If you microwave the slices for a minute 30 before roasting them you only have to toast them once
We don’t have a microwave, but thanks for sharing the tip for other readers!
So I’ve been munching on these all week for breakfast with natural peanut butter and cinnamon with a hard-boiled egg on the side, and it’s been pretty good, but nothing amazing. Like you said, it certainly didn’t taste like bread toast, but it was similar in that it’s quick and easy and warm and comforting in it’s own way. And then today I tried it with fresh homemade hummus and sliced radishes, and OH MY it was amazing!! I can’t even explain how delicious that flavor combination was. I had been questioning how much I would make this before, but now I am completely hooked. Hummus and radishes is the way to go!
If you’re in a hurry you can pop the slices in the microwave for 2 to 3 minutes before putting them in the toaster
I had them cut my sweet potato at Whole Foods on the meat slicer. Perfectly quarter in thick slices. They were happy to do it.
This is the most brilliant hack ever!
I definitely will try them. They looks yummy.
Has anyone tried to freeze the slices after they come out of the oven for make ahead breakfasts that’ll last longer than week in the fridge?
I have not tried doing it with fresh potatoes but there is a store brand that comes sliced/frozen so I don’t see why it wouldn’t work.
Sweet potatoes are one of my favorite veggies. I even grow my own and are therefore always looking for healthy new ways to showcase their abundance. I have never ever thought of making toast. Thank you so much for this awesome idea, Megan
yummy!! delicious plus healthy recipe for breakfast.amazing!!!
Thanks for the nice recipe… I did not know this sweet thing exists in the world. I would definitely give it a try. Thanks once again!!!
Where are the glass containers and lids from that you stored the cooked sweet potato slices in? The looked like large cups with lids.
They are called working glasses! I have been using them for years and love them. You can find it here: https://amzn.to/2Sgdrgt
These turned out so well! Sweet potato toast is my new favorite breakfast. Thank you for the clear and well laid out directions!
love toasted Kumera with toppings and for dinner poached or fried eggs on top of avocado mash yum
Thanks for awesome recipe. I already try it so i am here to review it, It is really awesome.
Would love to comment but too much pops up for me to do so. Not even sure you will get to read it.
I enjoyed it very much, topped it with chicken salad and avocado. It made a fantastic mid-morning snack.
I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Donna! Thanks for your feedback– I really appreciate it.
Hello I am on a diabetic prevention programme and wondered what is the difference in sugar and carbs for eating a slice of sweet potato as against a slice of my favourite bread which is oat, sunflower seed and pumpkin seed. Thanks so much KT
Hello! Love your topping ideas, thank you! Discovered that if you microwave your slices for about 30 seconds before putting them in the toaster the will toast nicely in one cycle.
I absolutely love all these recipes all of them are delicious 😋 love how healthy they are. I made pumpkin muffins and spinach muffins so much healthier than the store bought ones. I have celiac so this is so great 😀
Fantastic recipe i ever seen in my life. Yummmyyy
The recipe says 1/2″ Which is what I did, then I watched the video and saw they’re closer to 1/4″ (as mentioned in the video.
Hi Megan, I’m just a little confused on the food combing side. Is the sweet potato toast with the banana not combining Starch and Fruit. ? Many Thanks
Hi Wendy! I don’t practice food combining every day, so sometimes the recipes on my website will share improper combinations. But, they will always be made with whole food ingredients, which I hope will make healthy eating easier! For a properly combined sweet potato toast, avocado would be the perfect topping.
I have tried these and they are amazing! Unfortunately still cannot cut them that thin and so I put them under the grill instead of the toaster. Probably it’s the fear of cutting myself 🙂 Well done and thank you.
I baked the potato slices the other day and I have to say my first thought was : I don’t think that’s for me, but I tried it with avocado and tomato and I was pleasantly surprised how delicious it was! Thank you for sharing.
I love this idea and it’s delicious.