Creamy mashed sweet potatoes is such a luscious side dish for pretty much anything and is a regular feature on our family’s menu. From quick weeknight dinners where it’s served alongside chicken or pan-seared fish (any protein, really) or as part of a feast for Sunday lunch. Think roast chicken, crunchy roasted potatoes and green beans. Swoon! It’s also a fantastic form of carbohydrates, full of fiber and vitamin C. So it’s healthy to boot! This version is our family’s favorite and is flavored with maple syrup, butter and thyme. It’s luscious and creamy and totally delicious and will make the perfect Thanksgiving side dish.
Ingredients needed
Sweet potatoes. Thyme. Maple syrup. Brown sugar or honey can be substituted. Butter. Use a butter alternative if you want this recipe to be vegan. Cream. Heavy/whipping. Use coconut milk or cashew cream if you’d prefer to keep this dairy-free. Salt and pepper.
How to make mashed sweet potatoes
What is the best way to mash sweet potatoes?
For the creamiest mashed sweet potatoes, use an immersion blender or food processor. Alternatively you can use a hand mixer and whip the steamed sweet potatoes or use a hand masher. Because sweet potatoes are less starchy, you don’t risk the mashed potatoes becoming gummy when using a blender, like it would when you are making mashed potatoes. Therefore I would recommend using a stick blender.
What spices go with sweet potato mash?
Sweet potato is a great canvas for flavor. You can keep it classic and flavor it with herbs like thyme, sage or rosemary or jazz things up by flavoring it with curry spices like ground cinnamon, turmeric, coriander, cumin and cardamom. Smoked paprika, oregano and cayenne pepper all work well too.
Making ahead and storing
The finished sweet potato mash can be kept covered in the fridge for 1-2 days but to make it even further in advance, steam and mash the sweet potatoes without the butter and cream. This way the sweet potatoes can be kept covered in the fridge for up to 7 days. Simply add melted butter and cream to the sweet potatoes and heat over medium-low heat in a large saucepan.
Sweet Potato Recipes
Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes Winter Sweet Potato Salad with Brussels Sprouts Sweet Potato Soup with Parmesan Toasts
More side dishes you’ll love
Honey thyme mashed sweet potatoesMaple Glazed CarrotsSour cream cheddar mashed potatoesBaked Sweet Potato with Whipped Honey ButterCheese-stuffed mashed potato casserole
