Creamy Savory Mashed Sweet Potatoes
This rich, velvety mashed sweet potato recipe ditches the sugar and marshmallows in favor of savory, earthy depth. Infused with butter, cream, garlic, and herbs, it’s a comforting and grown-up side dish that pairs beautifully with both meaty mains and vegetarian entrees.
Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Colander or slotted spoon
- Potato masher or hand mixer
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Serving bowl
Ingredients
- 2 ½ to 3 lbs sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter (or olive oil for dairy-free)
- ⅓ cup heavy cream or half-and-half (or unsweetened coconut milk)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced or roasted
- ½ tsp kosher salt, plus more to taste
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Optional flavor boosters:
- ¼ tsp smoked paprika or cayenne
- 1 tsp fresh thyme or chopped chives
- 1 tbsp sour cream or cream cheese (extra creaminess)
- Zest of ½ lemon (for brightness)
Instructions
Boil the Sweet Potatoes:
- Add cubed sweet potatoes to a large pot of cold salted water. Bring to a boil and cook until fork-tender (about 15–20 minutes). Drain well.
Flavor Base:
- In the same warm pot, melt the butter over low heat. Add garlic and stir until fragrant (30 seconds to 1 minute). Add cream and bring just to a warm simmer.
Mash:
- Return the drained sweet potatoes to the pot. Mash using a hand masher or hand mixer until mostly smooth or as creamy as desired.
Season and Stir:
- Stir in salt, pepper, and any additional flavor add-ins like herbs or lemon zest. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Serve Warm:
- Spoon into a serving bowl and garnish with a drizzle of olive oil, chopped herbs, or cracked pepper.
Notes
- Make-ahead: Prepare 1–2 days in advance, store in an airtight container, and reheat with a splash of cream or broth.
- Freezer-friendly: Cool, portion, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.
- Texture tip: For ultra-smooth mash, use a food mill or hand mixer—avoid overmixing with a blender, which can make them gluey.
- Flavor tip: Roasting the sweet potatoes adds caramelized depth—try it for variation!