‘Winter staple’: Just 4 ingredients. This never lasts long in our house

For little ones or picky eaters, you can cut the baked sweet potatoes into chunks after cooking and toss them gently with the melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl. This makes them easier to eat with a fork and a bit less messy. If you’re watching sugar, try cutting the brown sugar in half or swapping it for a drizzle of pure maple syrup or a sprinkle of coconut sugar. For a slightly more savory twist, add a tiny pinch of salt to each potato to bring out the sweetness, or skip the brown sugar and cinnamon and top with butter and a dusting of smoked paprika. If your family enjoys a bit of fun at the table, set up a “sweet potato bar” with small bowls of toppings—mini marshmallows, chopped pecans, raisins, or a spoonful of Greek yogurt—so everyone can dress their potato just the way they like it. You can also bake extra sweet potatoes and reheat them for quick breakfasts; just warm them up, mash a bit, and top with a spoonful of peanut butter or almond butter for a cozy, filling start to the day.