Mashed Sweet Potatoes: Sweet and Savory Versions
Our easy mashed sweet potatoes recipe is smooth, flavorful, and simple to make. Choose a sweet or savory version for the perfect addition to any meal or holiday side dish.
You may also love my sweet potato casserole and mashed cauliflower recipes.
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Why You’ll Love Them
These easy mashed sweet potatoes are smooth, creamy, and packed with flavor.
You can make this recipe two ways: sweet (with brown sugar and cinnamon), or savory (with garlic and cheese). They’re perfect for holiday dinners or weeknight meals.
Whether you prefer a classic sweet potato mash or something more savory, this simple method makes them light and velvety every time.
Just peel, dice, and boil your sweet potatoes until tender. Then mash with butter, milk, and your choice of flavor add-ins.
How to Make Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Here’s a quick snapshot explaining how I make both versions of this recipe. The full list of ingredients and instructions are further down the page.
Peel and cut the sweet potatoes into 1-inch cubes. Add them to a large pot, cover with cold water, and add a little bit of salt.
Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 15 to 20 minutes. Drain well and let them steam dry for a minute.
Add the butter, milk, and salt. Mash the potatoes until smooth with a potato masher or hand mixer. Add more milk if you like a creamier texture.
For sweet mashed sweet potatoes, stir in the brown sugar or maple syrup, the cinnamon, and a pinch of nutmeg. Add the vanilla extract, then top with toasted pecans, marshmallows, or a drizzle of maple syrup.
For savory mashed sweet potatoes, mix in the sour cream, Parmesan, garlic, and black pepper.
Quick Tips
- Microwave Option: If you’re short on time, microwave the sweet potatoes instead of boiling. Just pierce them with a fork and cook until tender.
- Texture: For a smoother mash, use a hand mixer and add a splash more milk or cream.
- Extra Flavor: I love to melt some extra butter and drizzle it over the top of the finished potatoes. Depending on the version, toss on some extra shredded cheese, chives, fresh thyme, a dusting of cinnamon, or even some mini marshmallows.
How many sweet potatoes make 3 pounds?
It usually takes about 4 to 5 medium sweet potatoes or 3 to 4 large potatoes to make 3 pounds. The number can vary a little depending on their size, but that’s a good estimate.
How to Store Leftovers
Store leftover mashed potatoes in the refrigerator for up to four days.
To freeze, place them in a freezer-safe container and thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Warm them on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally until heated through.
More Side Dish Recipes
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What You’ll Need
For the Base Recipe:
- 3 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ¼ cup milk or cream, add more for creamier potatoes
- ½ teaspoon salt
For Sweet Mashed Sweet Potatoes (Add to the base recipe):
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar, or maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- Pinch of nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Savory Mashed Sweet Potatoes (Add to the base recipe):
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
How to Make It
To Make the Base Recipe:
- Peel and cut the sweet potatoes into 1-inch cubes. Add them to a large pot, cover with cold water, and sprinkle in a little salt.3 pounds sweet potatoes
- Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat and simmer until fork-tender, about 15 to 20 minutes.
- Drain well and let the potatoes sit for a minute to steam dry in a mixing bowl.
- Add the butter, milk, and salt.4 tablespoons unsalted butter¼ cup milk or cream½ teaspoon salt
- Mash until smooth using a potato masher or hand mixer, adding more milk as needed for your preferred texture.
To Make the Sweet Version (after you’ve made the base recipe):
- Stir in the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract.2 tablespoons light brown sugar½ teaspoon cinnamonPinch of nutmeg½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Taste and adjust sweetness if needed.
- Top with pecans, marshmallows, or a drizzle of maple syrup before serving.
To Make the Savory Version (after you’ve made the base recipe):
- Mix in the sour cream, Parmesan, garlic, and black pepper.2 tablespoons sour cream2 tablespoons grated Parmesan1 clove garlic¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Stir until creamy and well combined.
- Garnish with more cheese, chives, or thyme before serving.
Suggested Equipment
Notes
Nutrition
Meet Kim
Hi, I’m Kim Vargo! I love making scratch-made desserts and classic dinners that bring back a little nostalgia. Whether it’s a stovetop meal or a simple pasta bake, I’m all about good food made without the extra fuss.
