Mashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe (2024)

This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through links on our site, we may earn a commission.

Try Mashed Sweet Potatoes for a fun twist on classic mashed potatoes. Each bite is sweet and buttery and the recipe is so easy to make.

Mashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe (1)

This Mashed Sweet Potato Recipe is loaded with flavor. The creamy texture and the sweet flavor makes it a family favorite. They are perfect for the holidays or added to an easy weeknight meal.

If you enjoy these mashed sweet potatoes as much as I think you will, try my Pan Fried Potatoes and Sweet Potatoes recipe. But you also might love Garlic Mashed Potatoes, or Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes.

Table of Contents

  • Why this Recipe Works:
  • Ingredients:
  • Variations:
  • Step by Step Instructions:
  • Expert Tips:
  • How Long to Boil Sweet Potatoes:
  • Frequently Asked Questions:
  • More Sweet Potato Recipes to try:
  • Homemade Mashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe

Why this Recipe Works:

Sweet potatoes are a must for our Thanksgiving meal. There are many ways to make them and this simple recipe is one of our favorites. You just need a few ingredients which makes them a budget friendly side dish recipe.

We still make our classic Mashed Potato Recipe, but this just gives everyone another option.

Mashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe (2)

Ingredients:

  • Sweet Potatoes
  • Milk
  • Butter
  • Salt and Black Pepper

For the full list of ingredients and recipe, scroll to the bottom of the post for the recipe card.

Variations:

  • Add-Ins – This is optional but sometimes I also add a little bit of maple syrup or brown sugar to the sweet potatoes. It is so good and my kids go crazy over it. It taste just like a sweet potato casserole.
  • Seasoning – For added flavor, feel free to add in a teaspoon of ground cinnamon. We have even added in fresh herbs such fresh thyme or rosemary for a savory flavor.
  • Milk – For a creamier texture, you can substitute the milk for heavy cream. For a dairy free option, mix in almond milk.
  • Sour Cream – We have even made this recipe with sour cream and fresh parsley. Serve topped with parmesan cheese for a delicious variation.

Step by Step Instructions:

  • Step 1 – Peel and dice the sweet potatoes.
  • Step 2 – Put the diced sweet potatoes in a large pot full of water. I like to use a large stockpot so that there is enough water to cover the potatoes and it does not boil over. Cook until the potatoes are tender.
  • Step 3 – Drain the potatoes and let them sit a few minutes so any excess water can evaporate.
Mashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe (3)
  • Step 4 – Put the potatoes back in the stock pot or you can use a bowl and add the butter. Use a hand mixer or potato masher to blend everything together. Slowly add the milk as you mix the potatoes until they are the consistency you like.
  • Step 5 – Sprinkle with salt and serve.

Expert Tips:

  • Prepare Sweet Potatoes – We like to peel the sweet potatoes and cut in about the same size pieces. This ensures that the sweet potatoes cook evenly.
  • Cooking Sweet Potatoes – I like to boil the sweet potatoes in a large pot covered with enough water. We like using a Dutch Oven to evenly boil the potatoes. They sweet potatoes should be fork tender when they are ready to mash.
  • Mash Sweet Potatoes – Mash the sweet potatoes with a hand mixer or a potato masher. Slowly add in the milk so that your sweet potatoes are not runny.
Mashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe (4)

How Long to Boil Sweet Potatoes:

Boil the sweet potatoes for about 15 minutes. We recommend covering the sweet potatoes while cooking, as they cook faster. If they are fork tender, they are finished cooking.

Mashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe (5)

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I Make them Dairy Free?

If you need an alternative to milk, try using coconut milk for a tasty dairy free option.

Do I Need to Peel Sweet Potatoes?

Yes, peel the potatoes before boiling. If you like the texture that the peelings add to mashed potatoes, you can certainly leave them on. However, we prefer to peel them and have a smooth consistency in the mashed potatoes.

Can I Freeze?

These mashed sweet potatoes are freezer-friendly. Scoop the cooled leftovers in a freezer container or a zip lock bag. They will stay fresh for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, allow to thaw on the counter and reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.

More Sweet Potato Recipes to try:

  • Pan Fried Potatoes and Sweet Potatoes
  • Crock Pot Sweet Potato Soup Recipe
  • Hasselback Sweet Potatoes
  • Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries

We love hearing from you. If you make this Mashed Sweet Potato Recipe, make sure to leave us a comment or a star review.

Mashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe (6)

Review

Pin Print

Homemade Mashed Sweet Potatoes

5 from 5 votes

Needing an easy side dish recipe? Try this mashed sweet potatoes recipe! Making mashed sweet potatoes is easy and delicious!

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings 6

Cuisine American

Course Side Dish

Calories 291

Author Carrie Barnard

Ingredients

  • 3 lbs Sweet Potatoes (peeled and diced into 2" pieces)
  • 1/3 cup Milk
  • 5 Tbsp Butter
  • 1 tsp Salt

Instructions

  • Place potatoes in a stockpot filled with water. Make sure there is enough water to cover the potatoes. Cook over medium-high heat for 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are tender.

  • Drain the potatoes and let the potatoes sit for a few minutes to make sure all the water evaporates off the potatoes.

  • Put the potatoes back in the pot and add in the butter. Mix with a hand held mixer. Then gradually add in the milk as you mix until the potatoes are the consistency that you prefer.

  • Season with the salt and serve warm. Enjoy!

Recipe Notes

I used ⅓ cup of milk to make these potatoes but more or less may be needed based on the consistency that you prefer for your mashed potatoes so make sure to add the milk in gradually for this recipe.

Nutrition Facts

Calories 291kcal, Carbohydrates 47g, Protein 4g, Fat 10g, Saturated Fat 6g, Trans Fat 1g, Cholesterol 27mg, Sodium 604mg, Potassium 794mg, Fiber 7g, Sugar 11g, Vitamin A 32500IU, Vitamin C 5mg, Calcium 94mg, Iron 1mg

Pin This Now to Remember It Later

Pin Recipe

Try these other recipes

Quick Bread

Irish Soda Bread Recipe

Homemade Seasoning Blends

Easy Alfredo Sauce Recipe

Easy Side Dishes

What to Serve with Pancakes

Easy Salad

Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe

Easy Slow Cooker

Easy Crockpot Baked Beans Recipe

Quick and Easy Air Fryer

Air Fryer Asparagus

Freezer Meal

Can You Freeze Rice

Easy Side Dishes

Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

About the Author

Mashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe (15)

Hi, I’m Carrie. Welcome to Eating on a Dime!

I’m on a mission to help you cook delicious meals without busting your budget. Together we are going to cook real food… for real families!

About Carrie Page
Mashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Do you peel sweet potatoes before boiling? ›

There is not much difference between boiling sweet potatoes with the skins on versus peeling them, but you will get a boost of fiber and potassium if you keep the skin on. The skin also adds a subtle texture to each bite. If you're looking for a smoother mash, peel the potatoes first before boiling.

How do you make Ina Garten mashed sweet potatoes? ›

Place the sweet potato meat into the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment and add the orange juice, cream, butter, brown sugar, nutmeg, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Mix together until combined but not smooth and transfer to a baking dish. Bake the potatoes for 20 to 30 minutes, until heated through.

Why is it better to boil sweet potatoes? ›

Boiling sweet potatoes retains more beta-carotene and makes the nutrient more absorbable than other cooking methods such as baking or frying. Up to 92% of the nutrient can be retained by limiting the cook time, such as boiling in a pot with a tightly covered lid for 20 minutes.

How do you keep sweet potato mash from getting watery? ›

Besides flour added to thicken mash potatoes that you have gotten too thin, you can add some instant potatoes. This is what I would do. I also add instant potatoes to thicken soup when it is too 'runny' for my taste. Not a lot, a little will do it very nicely.

How long should I boil my sweet potatoes? ›

Bring the water to a boil, then reduce to medium heat and let the potatoes cook 15 to 20 minutes, or until you can easily pierce several pieces (always test more than one) with a knife. Potatoes cut into small pieces will take less time to cook.

Is it better to boil or cook sweet potatoes? ›

Baking can also cause an 80% drop in vitamin A levels, twice as much as boiling. Therefore, from a nutritional standpoint, boiling rather than baking should be recommended for cooking sweet potato.

How to cook sweet potatoes Martha Stewart? ›

Scrub and pat potatoes dry. Pierce potatoes all over with the tines of a fork and bake in oven, directly on rack, until soft and caramelizing, 1 1/2 hours. Slash the tops of potatoes open with the tip of a sharp knife and push ends of each potato toward each other to open.

Why do you need to soak sweet potatoes before cooking? ›

TIPS & TRICKS to Make this Recipe: The main secrets to achieving that incredible crispy texture, is to soak the cut sweet potatoes in cold water for at least 30 minutes. This helps remove the starch from the sweet potatoes so they´re not limp & soggy.

Why soak potatoes before cooking mashed potatoes? ›

Soaking potatoes in water helps remove excess starch. Excess starch can inhibit the potatoes from cooking evenly as well as creating a gummy or sticky texture on the outside of your potatoes.

Do you cover sweet potatoes when boiling? ›

Add enough cold water to cover potatoes and sprinkle with salt. Bring to boiling, cover, and cook until tender. How long can you boil sweet potatoes: For one pound of sweet potatoes, cover the pan and cook sweet potatoes in the boiling salted water 20 to 25 minutes or until just tender.

What is the healthiest way to cook sweet potatoes? ›

Baking: Baking sweet potatoes in the oven is one of the healthiest ways to cook them. Simply wash and dry the sweet potatoes, prick them all over with a fork, and place them on a baking sheet. Bake them in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 45-60 minutes, or until they are soft and tender.

What is the healthiest way to eat sweet potatoes? ›

You can grill, smash, bake, mash and even air-fry them. Along with those cooking methods, one of the healthiest ways to cook sweet potatoes is to roast them. The best technique for roasting vegetables is to roast them at higher temperatures so that the natural sugars caramelize.

Why are my mashed sweet potatoes stringy? ›

Sweet potatoes stored at temperatures above 60 degrees Fahrenheit will shrivel and become dry and stringy. Sweet potatoes may develop an off-flavor and the flesh may become discolored when stored at temperatures below 55 degrees Fahrenheit.

How can I thicken my mashed sweet potatoes? ›

You can use what you have on hand: Flour, cornstarch, or powdered milk are all solid options that are probably already in your pantry. Potato flour and potato starch would work as well. Stir in the thickening agent gradually, about a tablespoon at a time, until the potatoes have reached your desired consistency.

What are the best potatoes to use for mashing? ›

The best potatoes for mashed potatoes are a starchy varieties like russet, Idaho or Yukon gold. Starchy potatoes are best for mashed potatoes because they have a fluffy, almost airy texture that breaks down easily.

Should sweet potato be peeled or unpeeled? ›

Yes, you can eat sweet potato skin, whether it's an orange, white or purple sweet potato. So the next time you make sweet potatoes, try keeping the skin on. Not only will it save you prep time and add a textural component to the dish, but there are also nutritional benefits to leaving the peel on.

Is it better to leave the skin on sweet potatoes? ›

The fiber content of sweet potatoes mainly comes from the peel. Therefore, removing it will decrease your fiber intake. Research has shown that the nutrients in vegetables and fruits tend to be concentrated around the peel. Thus, removing the peel can reduce your intake of nutrients and antioxidants ( 2 , 3).

What is the best way to cook and peel sweet potatoes? ›

Peel Cooked Sweet Potatoes

Poke holes along the top of raw sweet potatoes. Bake them at 450 for 45-50 minutes. Once cool enough to handle – start by cutting off both ends of the sweet potatoes. Use a knife to cut down the center (vertically) of the skin.

Can you peel sweet potatoes and cook them? ›

Whether or not you peel the potato is completely personal preference. The skin will add a little texture, so if you are serving children or sensitive eaters, consider peeling the sweet potatoes before roasting. Cut (Almost) Uniform Pieces.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Cheryll Lueilwitz

Last Updated:

Views: 5398

Rating: 4.3 / 5 (54 voted)

Reviews: 93% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Cheryll Lueilwitz

Birthday: 1997-12-23

Address: 4653 O'Kon Hill, Lake Juanstad, AR 65469

Phone: +494124489301

Job: Marketing Representative

Hobby: Reading, Ice skating, Foraging, BASE jumping, Hiking, Skateboarding, Kayaking

Introduction: My name is Cheryll Lueilwitz, I am a sparkling, clean, super, lucky, joyous, outstanding, lucky person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.