If you’re looking for a cozy, flavorful side dish that’s both simple and a little special, these Mashed Sweet Potatoes are a must-try. With buttery richness, natural sweetness from maple syrup, and a hint of fresh thyme on top, this recipe is perfect for holidays or weeknight dinners. If you love sweet potato sides, don’t miss these Roasted Sweet Potatoes for another delicious option.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This mashed sweet potato recipe strikes the perfect balance between savory and sweet. The potatoes are mashed until creamy, then enriched with butter and milk for velvety smoothness. Maple syrup brings a warm depth of flavor that enhances the natural sweetness of the potatoes without overpowering them. The garnish of thyme and pats of butter makes it beautiful enough for a holiday table but easy enough to whip up on a weeknight. These potatoes pair beautifully with
Tips and Variations
- Texture control: For fluffier potatoes, use a hand mixer on low speed after mashing. For a more rustic feel, stick with a potato masher.
- Add warmth: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg blends beautifully with the maple syrup.
- Savory twist: Reduce the maple syrup and add roasted garlic for a more savory take.
Storage and Reheating
Leftover mashed sweet potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often, and add a splash of milk if needed to bring back creaminess. They can also be frozen in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Ingredients
- 5 to 6 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for seasoning
- ½ cup whole milk, room temperature
- ½ cup unsalted butter, divided (cut into small cubes or pats)
- ¾ cup maple syrup
- Fresh thyme sprigs, for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add kosher salt.
- Add sweet potatoes to the boiling water, reduce heat to medium, and simmer until fork-tender, about 25 to 30 minutes.
- Drain the sweet potatoes in a colander and return them to the pot or transfer to a large mixing bowl.
- Use a potato masher to mash the sweet potatoes until mostly smooth. (This helps avoid a gummy texture.)
- Add half of the butter, the whole milk, and the maple syrup to the mashed sweet potatoes. Mix using a hand mixer on low speed or stir well with a spatula until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with more kosher salt if needed.
- Transfer the mashed sweet potatoes to a serving bowl. Garnish with pats of the remaining butter and a few sprigs of fresh thyme.
- Serve warm.
This recipe was inspired by iamhomesteader.com’s Mashed Sweet Potatoes.
More Sides!
Creamy Macaroni and Cheese
Creamy stovetop macaroni and cheese, no baking needed. Smooth, cheesy, and simple for the perfect comfort food.
Baked Potato
Baked potatoes, a timeless classic, are more than just a side dish – they’re a canvas for culinary creativity! Baked to fork-tender, this baked potato recipe needs to be on the menu for your next family dinner night!
Classic Green Bean Casserole
Classic Green Bean Casserole made with canned green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and crispy fried onions. A quick and easy side dish perfect for holidays or weeknight dinners!