These mashed sweet potatoes are creamy, buttery and full of delicious sweet and savory flavors.
Made with six simple ingredients, this easy side dish comes together with minimal effort and tastes amazing. Whether you’re planning Thanksgiving dinner, Christmas dinner or a cozy weeknight meal, they’re the perfect addition to your table!
Why We Love This Recipe
- Easy to make: You only need a handful of simple ingredients to make these easy mashed sweet potatoes. Boil the potatoes, mash them with butter and milk, and they’re ready to serve!
- Beautifully creamy texture: Milk and butter create creamy mashed sweet potatoes that are smooth, rich and delicious.
- Perfect for the holidays: This recipe is a perfect Thanksgiving side dish and a great addition to Christmas dinner. It pairs beautifully with turkey, ham and all your favorite holiday recipes.
- Make-ahead friendly: Prepare this sweet potato recipe in advance and reheat it when you’re ready to serve. It’s an easy way to simplify holiday meal prep.
- Pairs with almost anything: Serve creamy sweet potato mash alongside pork chops, turkey meatloaf, short ribs or your favorite main course.
Ingredients
- Sweet potatoes
- Butter
- Milk
- Maple syrup
- Salt
- Nutmeg
How to Make Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Cook the Potatoes
Use a vegetable peeler to remove the skins from the potatoes and cut them into quarters. Then, place them into a pot and cover them with cold water. Boil them for about 15 minutes, until you can easily pierce them with a fork.
Make the Maple Butter
After you have drained the potatoes, melt the butter in the same pot. Pour in the maple syrup, milk, salt and nutmeg. Then, add the hot potatoes and stir everything together.
Whip the Potatoes
Remove the pot from the heat and use a handheld electric mixer to whip the potatoes until they’re smooth and dreamy.
Variations
- Savory mashed sweet potatoes: Add roasted garlic, fresh thyme, rosemary or sage for deeper savory flavors.
- Creamy Parmesan sweet potatoes: Mix in freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a rich, savory finish. A sprinkle of black pepper and fresh herbs makes this version especially delicious.
- Coconut mashed sweet potatoes: Use coconut milk instead of regular milk for a delicious flavor variation.
- Extra-herby sweet potatoes: Fold in fresh parsley, chives or thyme just before serving for a fresh, herby finish.
- Sweet potato and white potato mash: Combine sweet potatoes with white potatoes for a balance of sweet and savory flavors. The result is similar to traditional mashed potatoes but with a hint of sweetness.
Serving Suggestions
Try serving these mashed sweets with:
- Roast turkey or baked ham for Thanksgiving dinner or Christmas dinner.
- Pork chops with a savory pan sauce.
- Turkey meatloaf and roasted vegetables.
- Slow-cooked short ribs.
- Roast chicken with fresh herbs.
- Shepherd’s pie or a hearty vegetable casserole.
Storage Instructions
Allow the potatoes to cool, then transfer them to an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator for up to four days. For longer storage, pop them into the freezer.
Reheat the potatoes in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of milk if needed. You can also reheat them in the microwave.
You can also make this recipe ahead of time! Make the potatoes a day or two in advance, refrigerate them and reheat just before dinner. If they become thick while reheating, stir in a little warm milk until they reach the desired texture.
Is It Better to Boil or Bake Sweet Potatoes Before Mashing?
Both methods work well, but boiling is my favorite way to make easy mashed sweet potatoes when I want a quick, creamy side dish. Boiling takes less time and produces great results.
Can You Freeze Mashed Sweet Potatoes?
Yes!
Allow the potatoes to cool completely, then transfer them into freezer-safe airtight containers or bags. Remove as much excess air as possible and freeze for up to three months for the best quality.
Can I Make This Recipe Dairy Free?
Absolutely!
Replace the butter with olive oil or coconut oil, and use unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk instead of regular milk. Start with a small amount of milk and add more as needed until you reach your desired texture.
Tips for the Best Creamy Mashed Sweet Potatoes
- Cut the potatoes evenly: Uniform pieces cook at the same rate and make mashing easier.
- Don’t overcook them: Cook until fork-tender, but avoid letting the potatoes fall apart in the water.
- Drain well: Excess water can dilute the flavor and prevent a thick, creamy sweet potato mash.
- Choose your mashing tool: A potato masher produces a slightly rustic texture, while a hand mixer creates a smoother finish. Avoid using an immersion blender or food processor, as they’re too powerful and could overmix quickly.
- Finish just before serving: A little butter plus a sprinkle of fresh herbs and pecans make the finished dish look beautiful.
Frequently Asked Questions
It depends what you’re looking for. Sweet potatoes are super high in beta carotene (which converts to Vitamin A). They also contain more antioxidants and fiber than regular white potatoes.
On the flip side, white potatoes are richer in potassium than sweet potatoes.
Yes! Add peeled, cubed sweet potatoes to a slow cooker with a small amount of liquid, like water or broth. Cook on high for approximately 3–4 hours or on low for 6–7 hours, until tender. Cooking time will vary depending on the size of the pieces and your slow cooker.
Drain any excess liquid if necessary, then mash with butter, cream, and seasonings. This method is convenient when you want to keep your stovetop free during the holiday season.
Yes, if you prefer a more rustic texture. Wash and scrub the sweet potatoes really well before cooking. The skins add texture and fiber, although peeling them creates a smoother, more traditional mash.
Transfer the finished potatoes to a covered, heat-safe dish and keep them warm in a low-temperature oven. You can also use a slow cooker on its warm setting, stirring occasionally and adding a little milk if the potatoes become too thick.
When you make these mashed sweet potatoes, I’d love to hear about it! Drop a rating or leave a comment below. Enjoy!
For more amazing side dish recipes, try these:
Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Ingredients
- 3 lbs. sweet potatoes
- 6 Tbsp. unsalted butter
- 1/3 cup milk
- 3 Tbsp. maple syrup
- 1 tsp. kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp. nutmeg
- chopped pecans garnish, optional
Instructions
- Peel and quarter the potatoes. Put them into a large pot and cover with cold water.
- Bring to a boil. Once boiling, cook for 10-15 minutes, until potatoes are fork tender. Drain.
- In the same pot, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add the hot potatoes, maple syrup, milk, salt and nutmeg. Stir to combine.
- Remove from heat. Use an electric hand mixer to whip the potatoes to your desired consistency. Serve warm.
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