These mashed sweet potatoes are ultra creamy and are the perfect accompaniment to chicken, meats and fish. You can flavor your mashed sweet potatoes in multiple ways and I’m providing instructions to make multiple flavor variations.
Mashed potatoes are a common dinner time occurrence, but in my opinion, mashed sweet potatoes are underrated and should be part of everyone’s regular dinner rotation! They’re also perfect for holiday meals.
These mashed sweet potatoes are a simple dish, yet they pair so well with almost any main course! I’m sharing my tricks for the smoothest, creamiest yams that you’ll ever eat.
How do you make mashed sweet potatoes?
This is a basic recipe that includes sweet potatoes, butter, milk and salt. That’s it! But you can customize your mashed sweet potatoes with countless flavoring options to dress them up. Cook the potatoes, then put them into a bowl or a food processor with the rest of the ingredients. Mash by hand, or puree in a food processor until you’ve reached the desired texture. Add any toppings you like, then serve and enjoy.
How do you cook sweet potatoes?
I like to roast my potatoes whole, then remove the peels and slice them. You can also boil or steam chunks of sweet potato if you prefer, but I find that roasting the potatoes is the easiest way to get the job done. If you prefer to boil the potatoes, cook cut them into 2 inch pieces and cook for about 15-20 minutes or until tender. You will need to steam potatoes for a similar length of time.
Tips for the perfect dish
- Since I typically roast whole potatoes, I look for potatoes that are similar in size and shape so that they cook at the same rate.
- You don’t need to peel the potatoes before you roast them as the skins will come right off after the potato is cooked.
- If you’re choosing to boil or steam your potatoes, you’ll want to peel them before they go into the water.
- This dish will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It can also be frozen for up to 2 months for later use.
How do you mash sweet potatoes?
There are many ways to mash sweet potatoes, it just depends on the texture you’re looking for. I typically use a food processor for a super smooth mash, but it’s really up to you.
- Fork: Use a fork for the coarsest mashed sweet potatoes.
- Hand Mixer: Use a mixer for lighter mashed potatoes with some smaller chunks
- Potato Masher: Use a potato masher for a traditional mash which includes some chunks.
- Food Processor: Use a food processor for the smoothest, silkiest mashed sweet potatoes.
Flavor Variations
You can serve your potatoes as-is, or add any number of toppings to create sweet and savory flavor profiles.
- Candied Bacon: Prepare the potatoes as directed. Cut up 8 slices of bacon into pieces and cook it in a frying pan. Stir in 1 tablespoon brown sugar and cook for 2 more minutes. Top mashed potatoes with candied bacon and serve.
- Garlic and Herb: Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a pan. Add 2 teaspoons minced garlic and 3 tablespoons assorted minced fresh herbs. Mix the garlic and herb butter into the sweet potatoes.
- Brown Sugar Brulee: Place the sweet potatoes in a baking dish and sprinkle with brown sugar. Broil until the sugar has melted. Let sit until the sugar hardens, then serve.
- Caramelized Apple: Saute 3 peeled, sliced apples in 3 tablespoons of butter and 3 tablespoons of brown sugar. Pour the apple mixture over the potatoes.
You can even set up a mashed potato bar and put out plain mashed potatoes with a variety of toppings such as brown sugar, mini marshmallows, herbs, flavored butters and more. Your guests can assemble their own creations. I did this once for a holiday party and it was a huge hit.
No matter how you decide to flavor your potatoes, they’re sure to be a huge hit! This dish will definitely be on my Thanksgiving table this year.
More sweet potato recipes
- Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows
- Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes
- Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes
- Sweet Potato Hash
- Sweet Potato Buddha Bowls
Mashed Sweet Potatoes Video
Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Ingredients
- 3 lbs sweet potatoes
- 1/3 cup milk
- 5 tablespoons butter melted
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- cooking spray
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley optional
- pats of butter optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Scrub the sweet potatoes and prick them with a fork.
- Coat a sheet pan with cooking spray and arrange the sweet potatoes on the pan.
- Bake for 1 hour or until potatoes are tender. Let cool slightly then peel off the skins, or cut the potatoes in half and scoop out the insides.
- Place the potato, milk, butter and salt in the bowl of a food processor. Process until smooth and creamy. If you prefer a coarser texture, you can mash your potatoes by hand with a masher or fork.
- See post text for different flavor variation options.
- Serve, topped with pats of butter and/or parsley if desired.
Nutrition
This post was originally published on October 7, 2018 and was updated on October 13, 2020 with new content.
Tara says
I love these mashed sweet potatoes. They are so hearty and delicious. I’m going to serve them alongside our Thanksgiving Turkey!
Beth says
Yummy! My family and I just love this recipe! It’s so delicious and tasty! I will definitely be making these again soon!
Jen says
My kids have never really been a fan of sweet potatoes but served mashed with your candied bacon suggestion, I know I will make a convert out of all of them. Looks amazing!
Toni Dash says
This is perfect!! Such an amazing side dish!
Erin says
These mashed sweet potatoes are sound delicious! Dangerously good…