Yes, you can substitute sweet potatoes for regular white potatoes when baking or frying them, but there are some differences to consider:
Flavor: Sweet potatoes have a naturally sweeter taste compared to white potatoes, which have a more neutral flavor. When using sweet potatoes in savory dishes, such as frying or baking, the dish will have a hint of sweetness that might alter the overall taste.
Texture: Sweet potatoes have a softer and creamier texture compared to white potatoes, which can be slightly drier and starchier. This can affect the outcome of certain recipes, especially if you're looking for a specific texture in your final dish.
Cooking time: Sweet potatoes may require slightly less cooking time than white potatoes due to their softer texture. When substituting sweet potatoes in a recipe that originally called for white potatoes, keep an eye on them during baking or frying to avoid overcooking.
Moisture content: Sweet potatoes generally have a higher moisture content than white potatoes, which can impact the final result. For baking, you might need to adjust the liquid content or other ingredients to compensate for the difference.
Despite these differences, sweet potatoes can be a fantastic and flavorful substitute in many recipes. They are especially popular in dishes like sweet potato fries, roasted sweet potatoes, and sweet potato casserole. Sweet potatoes also bring a delightful taste to hash browns, latkes, and other fried or baked dishes.
Feel free to experiment and enjoy the unique flavor and nutritional benefits of sweet potatoes when using them as a substitute for white potatoes in your favorite recipes. Just keep in mind the taste and texture variations and adjust your cooking technique accordingly.