Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Mashed sweet potatoes with milk, maple syrup, butter and garnished with thyme come out rich, silky, and naturally sweet every time.

From the recipe collection of Tara Ippolito

Mashed sweet potatoes are one of those side dishes that always hits the spot. Whether they're served for a full blown holiday like Christmas or Thanksgiving or a random Tuesday night dinner. They're creamy, cozy, a little sweet, and they pair with literally anything you put on the table. Plus, they're super easy to make but look and feel fancy.

If you want a side dish that's ridiculously easy to make but tastes like you spent all day on it, this is the one. These mashed sweet potatoes come out velvety, buttery, and perfectly sweet without being over the top.They brighten up any holiday spread, but they're simple enough to whip up on a weeknight, too. It's one of those recipes everyone goes back for seconds of.
Inis one is a guaranteed keeper.

How To Make It

Heres how to make these delicious sweet potatoes along with some personal notes form me. You can find the full ingredients list along with instructions in the recipe card below.

First, peel and cut the sweet potatoes into 1-2" pieces. Place them into a large pot and add water until they are covered by about 2".

Add 1 Tbs of salt and bring the water to a boil. Let the sweet potatoes cook for about 15-20 minutes or until they are fork tender.

NOTE: Cut the sweet potatoes into the same size pieces so that they cook evenly and are all ready at the same time.

Now, strain the sweet potatoes into a colander and place the pot back onto the burner that was just being used. Add the butter and milk and pour the strained sweet potatoes on top.

Then, season them with salt and paper and add with maple syrup. Mash the potatoes until you reach a consistency that you like.

NOTE: For a more rustic looking mashed potato, use a traditional masher and stop when there are still some small pieces left. For a smoother consistency, use a hand mixer.

PRO TIP: Cut the butter into pats so it can melt into the warm sweet potatoes.

Finally, add the mashed sweet potatoes to a serving bowl, top with two small pats of butter, a little drizzle of maple syrup and sprinkle of fresh thyme. Enjoy!

What To Serve This With

This is one of those amazing side dishes that can be served with anything from an important holiday or for a casual dinner at home. So, serve it alongside your holiday favorites like Baked Spiral Ham and Roasted Turkey or some Crockpot Roasted Chicken on a busy weeknight.

How Do I Keep My Mashed Potatoes From Getting Stringy?

Sweet potatoes can get fibrous so, use fresh, firm sweet potatoes and mash them while they're still hot to get a creamy, silky consistency.

How Can I Add Extra Flavor?

To add some extra flavor to these sweet potatoes, try a little cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, maple syrup, browned butter, or fresh herbs.

Can I Used Canned Sweet Potatoes?

Yes, you can use canned sweet potatoes. Just rinse them first and know they'll be softer and sweeter.

Can This Be Made Ahead Of Time?

Yes, this side dishes can be made up to 2 days ahead of time. Just reheat them with a splash of butter to soften them up a bit.

Storage

Let them cool completely and place them into an air tight container. They will last in the fridge for up to 3 days.

This recipe freezes well, too. Just place them into an air tight freezer safe container. They will last in for up to 3 months.

Other Easy Potato Recipes

If you like super easy to make potato side dish recipes like this one, you have to try these Sour Cream Mashed Potatoes, Mini Loaded Baked Potatoes and Sweet Potato Casserole.