What Type Of Sweet Potatoes Are Best For Sweet Potato Pie?
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Every unforgettable sweet potato pie starts with one thing… Choosing the right sweet potatoes. Because when it comes to making this soul food classic the Black folks’ way, not just any sweet potato will do.
The kind you pick can make or break the texture, flavor, and richness of your pie. This post breaks down the best varieties for achieving pie perfection, whether you’re chasing that silky-smooth filling, natural sweetness, or deep, rich color. From Jewel to Beauregard and beyond, let’s get into the roots of what makes a sweet potato pie sing with soul!
The best sweet potatoes for pie
When it comes to making this iconic Southern soul food dessert, knowing what not to do is just as important as knowing what to add. And it all starts with choosing the right sweet potatoes.
For that rich, velvety filling and naturally sweet flavor, Jewel or Beauregard sweet potatoes are the go-to roots. Keep reading to find out why these varieties are the secret to pie that’s smooth, soulful, and full of “flava!”
What are the 4 types of sweet potatoes best for pie?
Choose one of these sweet potato varieties for a pie that’s rich, smooth, and bursting with the best down-home flavor!
- Garnet sweet potatoes – Often called red yams, these have reddish-purple skin and juicy orange flesh that’s perfect for mashing and baking.
- Jewel sweet potatoes – A Thanksgiving favorite, Jewels have light orange skin and vibrant flesh. With high moisture content, they’re ideal for baking, roasting, or pressure-cooking.
- Beauregard sweet potatoes – Long and reddish-skinned with deep orange flesh, Beauregards are slightly sweeter than Jewels, making them perfect for pies and sweet Southern treats.
- Stokes purple sweet potatoes – Yes, you can use purple sweet potatoes for pie! With a bold purple skin and flesh that deepens in color as it cooks, Stokes sweet potatoes make a beautiful and flavorful twist on the classic.
Which sweet potato is best?
That depends on your taste, but for rich color, smooth texture, and sweet flavor, orange-fleshed varieties like Jewel and Beauregard are top tier. Making a purple sweet potato pie? Go with Stokes purple sweet potatoes for a vibrant twist.
Which sweet potato is sweetest?
Beauregard takes the crown, just a touch sweeter than Jewel, with deep flavor perfect for pie.
Which sweet potato is best for baking pie?
The goodness starts with your roots. Jewel is the go-to for baking, especially around Thanksgiving, while Beauregard brings extra sweetness. And for that show-stopping color? It’s Stokes purple all the way!
Check out my viral recipe below and learn how to make the best sweet potato pie the soul food way!
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