Naturally sweet and lightly seasoned, this mashed sweet potatoes recipe pairs perfectly with any main dish and is ready in just 25 minutes! If you need a smoother healthy side dish than roast sweet potatoes, sweet potato mash is the best alternative — and just like mashed cauliflower, it’s easy to make rich, buttery, and creamy.
Ingredient & Substitution Notes
This section explains how to choose the best ingredients for this easy mashed sweet potatoes recipe, what each one does in the recipe, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card below.
Sweet Potatoes – I prefer to peel them (for silky smooth mashed sweet potatoes), but you can leave the skin on if you prefer. You can also substitute yams, which are similar to sweet potatoes, but less sweet.Unsalted Butter – The most classic choice for this recipe, but you can also use ghee, butter flavored coconut oil for a vegan alternative, or even bacon grease.Garlic – With so few ingredients, fresh minced garlic tastes the best. However, you can also use jarred minced garlic. Alternatively, you can substitute 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder and add it at the end.Milk – Makes the sweet potato mash more creamy. You can use dairy milk, heavy cream for an ultra-rich dish, coconut milk or almond milk for dairy-free alternatives, or omit completely for a firmer texture.Sea Salt & Black Pepper – For easy seasoning.
How To Make Mashed Sweet Potatoes
This section shows how to make sweet potato mash with step-by-step photos and details about the technique, to help you visualize it. For full instructions, including amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card below.
How Long To Boil Sweet Potatoes For Mash?
For 1/2-inch cubes, boil sweet potatoes for mash for about 15 minutes, until fork tender. Cook time will be longer if the potato pieces are larger.
Recipe Variations
Extra Sweetness – You can easily sweeten these potatoes more with a sprinkle of brown sugar (or brown sugar substitute), or a drizzle of maple syrup.Fall Spices – Mix in a pinch of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice for an instant cozy taste.Fresh Herbs – Try fresh thyme or fresh rosemary with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese to create rich and savory flavor.Bacon – Cook bacon using your favorite method (I prefer bacon in the oven or air fryer bacon, but microwave bacon works in a pinch). Then, crumble it and stir into the mash at the end, or just use it for topping.Healthy Mashed Sweet Potatoes – As a whole food dish with simple ingredients, I already consider this fairly healthy, but if you like, replace the butter with olive oil instead.
Storage Instructions
Store: Keep leftovers in a covered container in the refrigerator up to 4 days.Meal prep: Sweet potatoes can be peeled and cubed for up to 3-4 days, but preferably up to 24 hours, before cooking. Store them submerged in a bowl of cold water to prevent drying out or browning.Reheat: Place leftovers in a saucepan, with a little milk if you like, and reheat over medium heat. Alternatively, you can reheat this recipe for mashed sweet potatoes in the oven (at 350 degrees F) instead.
Can You Freeze Mashed Sweet Potatoes?
Yes, sweet potato mash freezes well! Scoop into zip lock bags and press flat before sealing. Place in the freezer horizontally until solid, and after that you can store them vertically for convenience. Freeze for up to 6 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, or in a bowl of water on the counter, before reheating.
What To Serve With Sweet Potato Mash
Mashed sweet potato recipes can be served so many different ways! Here’s some inspiration:
Thanksgiving Dishes – Serve this dish with roasted turkey, gluten-free green bean casserole or sugar-free cranberry sauce for a classic holiday spread.Casseroles – In addition to making a delicious base for sweet potato casserole, use it as the veggie mash swap in cauliflower shepherd’s pie or mix it into a leftover turkey casserole.Chicken – Spatchcock chicken, air fryer chicken breast, and baked chicken leg quarters make easy pairings.Roasts – Serve this mash with prime rib or slow cooker pork loin roast for a homestyle meal.
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