Mashed sweet potatoes are the ultimate comfort food, blending creamy texture with a naturally sweet, earthy flavor. In just 40 minutes, you can create a dish that’s both nourishing and indulgent, perfect for weeknight dinners or holiday feasts. The velvety smoothness, enhanced by a hint of warmth from spices, makes every bite feel like a cozy hug. Plus, their vibrant orange hue adds a pop of color to your table, making them as beautiful as they are delicious.
What sets this recipe apart is its simplicity—only 15 minutes of prep and a quick cook time let you focus on enjoying the process. The natural sweetness of the potatoes pairs wonderfully with savory mains or stands alone as a star side dish. Whether you’re cooking for family or impressing guests, this dish promises to delight with its rich, comforting flavors and effortless elegance.
Ingredients for Creamy Mashed Sweet Potatoes
- 3 pounds sweet potatoes (about 5 large or 6 medium), peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pats (plus more for serving)
- ½ cup milk, warmed (whole milk works best, but any type will do)
- ¼ cup maple syrup (substitute honey or brown sugar if preferred)
- 1 teaspoon sea salt, plus more for cooking the potatoes
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh thyme leaves, optional, for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the sweet potatoes: Place the cubed sweet potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water by 1 inch. Stir in 1 tablespoon of salt.
- Cook the potatoes: Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to maintain a gentle boil. Cook for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are easily pierced with a fork.
- Drain and mash: Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add the butter, warmed milk, maple syrup, 1 teaspoon of sea salt, and several grinds of black pepper. Use a potato masher to mash until smooth and well combined.
- Season and serve: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve warm, topped with additional butter and fresh thyme leaves, if desired.
Creative Toppings and Sauces
Elevate your mashed sweet potatoes with fun and flavorful toppings! Try a drizzle of honey or balsamic glaze for a sweet and tangy twist. For a savory option, sprinkle with crumbled bacon, toasted pecans, or grated Parmesan. A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt adds creaminess, while a sprinkle of chili flakes gives it a spicy kick.
Perfect Pairings for Serving
These mashed sweet potatoes are a versatile side dish that pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, grilled pork chops, or baked salmon. For a vegetarian meal, serve alongside sautéed greens or a hearty grain salad. They also make a great addition to holiday menus, complementing dishes like turkey, ham, or stuffing.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm them in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
Time-Saving Hacks
To save time, peel and cube the sweet potatoes the night before and store them in a bowl of cold water in the fridge. You can also use a pressure cooker to cook the potatoes in just 8 minutes on high pressure. For a shortcut, swap fresh sweet potatoes for frozen pre-cooked cubes—just thaw and mash!
Recipe Variations to Try
Experiment with different flavors to make this recipe your own! Swap maple syrup for brown sugar or honey, or add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth. For a dairy-free version, use coconut milk and vegan butter. You can even mix in roasted garlic or caramelized onions for a savory twist.
Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Ingredients
- 3 pounds sweet potatoes, about 5 large or 6 medium, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pats, plus more for serving
- ½ cup milk, warmed
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon sea salt, plus more for cooking the potatoes
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Fresh thyme leaves, optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Place the sweet potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water by 1 inch. Stir 1 tablespoon salt into the water.
- Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to maintain a gentle boil. Cook for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are easily pierced with a fork.
- Drain the potatoes and return to the pot. Add the butter, milk, maple syrup, salt, and several grinds of pepper. Use a potato masher to mash until smooth and well combined.
- Season to taste and serve topped with more butter and fresh thyme leaves, if desired.