← Use it up
What to do with leftover sweet potatoes (and how long they last)
Short answer: Cooked sweet potatoes, like other cooked vegetable leftovers, keep 3–4 days in the fridge and 1–2 months in the freezer. Raw sweet potatoes and yams keep 2–3 weeks in a cool, dry pantry (USDA FoodKeeper).
8 ways to use it up
- Sweet potato pancakes. Mash into pancake or waffle batter with cinnamon.
- Breakfast hash. Brown cubes in a pan with onion and top with an egg.
- Quesadillas. Spread mash on a tortilla with black beans and cheese.
- Soup. Blend with broth, onion and a little ginger.
- Smoothie. Blend cold mash with banana, milk and cinnamon.
- Grain bowl. Add roasted cubes to rice with greens and a tahini dressing.
- Muffins or quick bread. Use mash in place of pumpkin purée.
- Freeze the mash. Freeze in portions for later baking or soups.
How long it keeps
| Food | Fridge (40°F / 4°C) | Freezer (0°F) |
|---|---|---|
| Cooked sweet potatoes (leftover) | 3–4 days | 1–2 months |
| Raw sweet potatoes, yams | 2–3 weeks in pantry | Not listed |
Common questions
How long do cooked sweet potatoes last in the fridge?
3–4 days, like other cooked vegetable leftovers (USDA FoodKeeper).
Can you freeze cooked sweet potatoes?
Yes, for 1–2 months. Mashed sweet potatoes freeze best.
How long do raw sweet potatoes last?
2–3 weeks in a cool, dry pantry (USDA FoodKeeper). Don't refrigerate them raw.
Related
Storage times: USDA FoodKeeper data. Recipe ideas are general suggestions. General information, not medical advice.