Mashed sweet potatoes are a fantastic twist on a classic Thanksgiving side; they're creamy, buttery, and slightly sweet. This easy recipe adds a rich depth of flavor, perfect for pairing with roasted turkey, ham, or any Thanksgiving spread.
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Why You’ll Love These Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Simple Ingredients: This recipe uses pantry staples and fresh sweet potatoes for a dish that’s both wholesome and tasty.
Quick to Make: Ready in 40 minutes, so you can focus on preparing other dishes for the holiday feast.
Make Ahead Recipe: Save even more time on Thanksgiving day by making this recipe up to 3 days in advance, or freezing it up to 3 months in advance. Speaking of Thanksgiving, here's how to keep everything running smoothly in the kitchen.
Versatile: You can add your favorite seasonings or mix-ins like roasted garlic, cinnamon, or even marshmallows!
Ingredient Notes
These Mashed Sweet Potatoes require a few simple ingredients:
- Sweet Potatoes (duh): The recipe calls for 3 lbs. I used a bag of 7 sweet potatoes that were medium sized sweet potatoes.
- Butter: Unsalted, so you can control how much salt is in this dish
- Pure Maple Syrup: This is the not-so-secret ingredient for these mashed sweet potatoes
- Salt and Pepper: To taste
- Ground Cinnamon: Optional, but trust me, it adds great flavor
Step-by-Step Guide to Mashed Sweet Potatoes
- Boil the Sweet Potatoes: Place the peeled and cut sweet potatoes in a large pot. Cover with water and add a bit of salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook the potatoes for about 15-20 minutes or until they are fork-tender.
- Drain and Mash: Drain the sweet potatoes and return them to the pot or a large mixing bowl. Use a potato masher or hand mixer to mash them to your desired consistency (smooth or slightly chunky).
- Add Maple Syrup, Butter, and Milk: Melt butter in a medium microwave-safe bowl. Stir in the maple syrup and milk. Then add to the warm potatoes and mix until the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Season: Mix in the ground cinnamon (if using), salt, and pepper to taste.
- Serve and Garnish: Transfer the mashed sweet potatoes to a serving dish. If desired, sprinkle fresh thyme leaves over the top, and enjoy!
Expert Tips for the Best Mashed Sweet Potatoes
- Choose Fresh, Firm Sweet Potatoes: Look for smooth, firm sweet potatoes without blemishes. Avoid any that are soft or have visible spots.
- Cut Potatoes Evenly: Cut the sweet potatoes into uniform chunks for even cooking. This ensures they’re all done at the same time, preventing some from becoming mushy while others are still undercooked.
- Don’t Overmix: Once you’ve added the butter, maple syrup, and milk, mix until just combined. Overmixing can make the mashed sweet potatoes gummy.
- Add Extra Flavors Mindfully: Sweet potatoes have a delicate flavor, so avoid overpowering them with too many spices.
FAQs About Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Can I make mashed sweet potatoes ahead of time?
Yes! You can make these mashed sweet potatoes up to 2 days in advance. Simply store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat them on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
How can I make these mashed sweet potatoes dairy-free?
For a dairy-free version, use coconut milk or almond milk in place of regular milk and dairy-free butter. The coconut milk will add a subtle, tropical flavor that pairs well with sweet potatoes.
What’s the best way to reheat mashed sweet potatoes?
To keep them creamy, reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the mashed potatoes have thickened, add a splash of milk or cream to loosen them up.
Tips for Freezing
Make sure the sweet potatoes have cooled completely before you freeze them. Transfer cooled sweet potatoes to a freezer bag or container and remove as much air as possible. Freeze up to 3 months.
To reheat, thaw in the fridge and warm the potatoes up in a pot over low heat with a little bit of milk.
Other Thanksgiving Sides To Make
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: So simple and so delicious; these brussels sprouts are crispy and caramelized on the outside and tender on the inside! With only 5 minutes of prep time, you'll eat this easy recipe all the time.
- Crockpot Stuffing: Free up oven space and make the Best Crockpot Stuffing Recipe to eat alongside Thanksgiving dinner! It's easy to toss the ingredients in your slow cooker and have it do the rest!
Make Thanksgiving Easier...
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Printable Recipe
The Best Thanksgiving Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Equipment
- Mixing spoon
Ingredients
- 6-7 medium sweet potatoes (peeled and cut into chunks (about 4 pounds))
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 6 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- ⅓ cup milk
- 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- Fresh thyme for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Boil the Sweet Potatoes: Place the peeled and cut sweet potatoes in a large pot. Cover with water and add a bit of salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook the potatoes for about 15-20 minutes or until they are fork-tender.
- Drain and Mash: Drain the sweet potatoes and return them to the pot or a large mixing bowl. Use a potato masher or hand mixer to mash them to your desired consistency (smooth or slightly chunky).
- Add Maple Syrup, Butter, and Milk: Melt butter in a medium microwave-safe bowl. Stir in the maple syrup and milk. Then add to the warm potatoes and mix until the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Season: Mix in the ground cinnamon (if using), salt, and pepper to taste.
- Serve and Garnish: Transfer the mashed sweet potatoes to a serving dish. If desired, sprinkle fresh thyme leaves over the top, and enjoy!
Video
Notes
- Great make ahead holiday side dish. Simply stir in a bit of milk before reheating on the stove or microwave.
- For extra flavor, roast the sweet potatoes instead of boiling them. Just pierce them with a fork and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 60 minutes until tender, then scoop out the flesh and mash.
- Adjust the sweetness of the recipe by adding more or less maple syrup based on your preference.
- Sweet potatoes mash best if they’re warm.
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