Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Make this recipe for mashed sweet potatoes just once and you’ll want to make it a regular in your repertoire. This quick and easy side dish calls for just five ingredients and a single pot—and since our recipe uses just basic seasonings, it sets up home cooks to customize and make the mash their own. Whether they’re transformed into a lightly spiced side or taken down the savory route, these orange spuds add a pop of color to the dinner table and make for a slightly healthier alternative to classic spuds.

Ingredients for Mashed Sweet Potatoes

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• Sweet potatoes: Orange sweet potatoes are in season in fall and early winter but are usually available year-round. When you’re at the store, make sure you don’t pick up the wrong thing accidentally; yams and sweet potatoes are generally not interchangeable. Look for firm sweet potatoes without bruises or blemishes, and then peel and cube them before cooking.
• Whole milk: Stirring milk into the mashed sweet potatoes thins them out a bit, giving them a smooth, creamy texture. Whole milk is a rich choice suitable for a special occasion dinner, but you can substitute 2% milk if you prefer. Skim milk will work, but the flavor won’t be as robust.
• Butter: Butter adds both flavor and richness to the sweet potato mash.
• Maple syrup: A pour of maple syrup draws out the natural sweetness in sweet potatoes. You can use one of the best maple syrup brands, but just about any will do the trick.
• Salt: Keep seasonings simple with a dash of salt.

Directions

Step 1: Cook the sweet potatoes

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Place the sweet potatoes and 1/2 teaspoon salt into a stock pot. Add water to cover all the potatoes. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat. Cook the potatoes, uncovered, for about 15-20 minutes or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork or knife. Drain the sweet potatoes and return them to the pot.

Editor’s Tip: Concerned about how long to boil sweet potatoes for mash? Keep in mind that it’s better to slightly overcook the sweet potatoes than to undercook them, which will make them harder to mash.

Step 2: Prepare the milk mixture

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Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, heat the milk, maple syrup and butter until they’re warm and the butter melts. Stir the mixture and set it aside.

Editor’s Tip: Heat the milk gently. If it comes to a boil, the dairy may curdle.

Step 3: Mash the potatoes

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With a potato masher or fork, mash the sweet potatoes. Gradually add the milk mixture, working it in until the mashed potatoes reach your desired consistency. Once they’re there, stir in the remaining 1 teaspoon of salt.

Editor’s Tip: Go slowly with the milk. It’s easy to thin the potatoes but tougher to thicken them back up.

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Mashed Sweet Potatoes Variations

• Make them savory: Yes, you can make this sweet potato recipe more savory than sweet! Omit the maple syrup and take the mash in a savory direction. Add chopped herbs like parsley or rosemary, chopped garlic (either fresh or roasted garlic), green onions, sour cream, a dash of black pepper and/or a pour of olive oil.
• Add spices: Spices like nutmeg, cinnamon, Chinese five spice or allspice add a sweet, cozy flavor. Try a sweet-and-savory angle by adding cayenne or smoked paprika.
• Top with nuts: Whether you make them sweet or savory, these mashed potatoes would benefit from a sprinkle of chopped nuts. Pecans, walnuts and almonds are all good options.

How to Store Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Allow leftover mashed sweet potatoes to cool, then transfer them to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator.

How long do mashed sweet potatoes last?

In the fridge, mashed sweet potatoes will keep for three to four days.

Can you freeze mashed sweet potatoes?

Yes, you can freeze these mashed sweet potatoes. After preparing the recipe, spread the sweet potatoes on a baking sheet to cool completely. Then, transfer them to an airtight, freezer-safe container or resealable bag and store them for up to three months. Defrost the mashed sweet potatoes in the refrigerator overnight before reheating them.

How do you reheat mashed sweet potatoes?

If the mashed sweet potatoes have dried out in the fridge, stir in a tablespoon of milk or water to loosen them up. Reheat the sweet potatoes in a sealed, heat-safe container in the microwave, stirring frequently to ensure even heating. Or, heat them in a sauce pot on the stovetop, stirring often until they’re warmed through.

Mashed Sweet Potatoes Tips

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How else can you cook sweet potatoes for mashing?

If you prefer, you can cook the sweet potatoes in the microwave. Place the peeled, chopped potatoes in a microwave-safe dish, add an inch or two of water to the bottom and microwave them, covered, for about 5 to 10 minutes.

Do you need to peel sweet potatoes before boiling them?

In general, you don’t need to peel sweet potatoes before boiling them, but we always peel the potatoes first when making mashed sweet potatoes. The sweet potatoes will be quite hot after cooking, and it’s much easier to peel the skin off a whole raw potato.

What can you serve with mashed sweet potatoes?

Mashed sweet potatoes are a classic Thanksgiving side—especially if you add a capper of marshmallows and bake them to make sweet potato casserole.

They can be more versatile, though: Serve them instead of plain mashed potatoes alongside your favorite roast chicken recipe or other main dish at Sunday dinners to enjoy the extra vitamins and fiber (not to mention the sweet flavor). Serve them with saucy dishes like stews to soak up the extra juices. You can even transform leftover mashed sweet potatoes just as you can with plain mashed potatoes, turning them into sweet potato shepherd’s pie or potato croquettes.