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Mashed sweet potatoes are a simple yet flavorful side dish that will elevate any meal! With their naturally sweet flavor, these creamy mashed sweet potatoes are enhanced with a touch of maple syrup and butter for a rich, comforting taste. Whether you’re preparing a cozy family dinner or planning your Thanksgiving menu, this recipe is an easy and delicious way to enjoy the warm flavors of sweet potatoes.

If you like perfect mashed potatoes, you can change it up a little bit and try mashed sweet potatoes. This mashed sweet potatoes recipe makes a very easy and yummy side dish.

Why You’ll Love Mashed Sweet Potatoes

These mashed sweet potatoes are naturally sweet, thanks to the rich flavor of baked sweet potatoes, enhanced with a hint of maple syrup. The flavors blend together perfectly for a delightful, comforting side dish.
This recipe is incredibly easy to make, requiring only a few ingredients and simple steps. Even beginner cooks can whip this up in no time, making it a great go-to recipe for any meal.
Mashed sweet potatoes are versatile—they pair beautifully with both everyday meals like roasted chicken and special holiday dishes like turkey. Plus, they add a vibrant color to your plate!
The combination of butter and maple syrup gives the mashed sweet potatoes a smooth and creamy texture that melts in your mouth. It’s the ultimate comfort food with a touch of sweetness.
You can easily adjust the sweetness or make it healthier by omitting the butter and syrup. This flexibility makes the dish perfect for a variety of dietary preferences and occasions.

Mashed sweet potatoes go really well with turkey – for every day meals, serve them with turkey cutlets, roast turkey tenderloin or prepared roasted turkey breast from Whole Foods. Mashed sweet potatoes are also a very popular side dish for a Thanksgiving dinner menu.

Ingredients For Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Sweet Potatoes – The star of the dish, these naturally sweet vegetables turn creamy and flavorful when baked.
Butter – Adds richness and a smooth, creamy texture to the mashed sweet potatoes.
Maple Syrup – Enhances the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes and adds a subtle depth of flavor.
Salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor of the dish.

For the exact measurements of the ingredients, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.

To make mashed sweet potatoes, first bake the sweet potatoes in the oven. Baked sweet potatoes make better mashed potatoes than boiled – baking brings out the best flavor out of sweet potatoes. After the sweet potatoes are baked, peel them and mash with a potato masher. Stir in some maple syrup, butter and salt to taste, and you’ve got yourself perfect sweet mashed potatoes!

Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Baking sheet – To bake the sweet potatoes evenly in the oven.
Potato masher – For mashing the baked sweet potatoes into a smooth consistency.
Bowl – A large bowl to mix and mash the sweet potatoes with the other ingredients.
Knife – To cut the butter into smaller pieces for easier mixing.
Measuring spoons – To measure out the maple syrup and salt.

How To Make Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Preheat your oven to 375°F and place the sweet potatoes on a baking sheet.
Bake the sweet potatoes for 45 minutes until tender, then let them cool for about 15 minutes.
Once cooled, peel the sweet potatoes by hand, removing the skins easily.
Place the peeled sweet potatoes in a large bowl, add butter, maple syrup, and salt.
Mash everything together with a potato masher until smooth.
Adjust the sweetness by adding more maple syrup if needed, and serve immediately.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these mashed sweet potatoes alongside roasted turkey, diced chicken, or pork belly recipe for a hearty meal.
They pair beautifully with holiday dishes like spinach stuffing and cranberry sauce, making them an ideal side for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinners.
For a vegetarian option, serve with roasted tomatillos or a black bean salad to round out the meal.
Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or toasted almonds for added flavor and texture.

Tips For Success

Bake, don’t boil: Baking the sweet potatoes brings out their natural sweetness and enhances the flavor, so avoid boiling them, which can make them waterlogged and less flavorful.
Use a potato masher: For the best texture, mash the sweet potatoes by hand with a potato masher. This will give you a slightly rustic, creamy consistency. If you prefer ultra-smooth mashed potatoes, you can use a hand mixer, but be careful not to overmix as this can make them gummy.
Adjust sweetness: Taste the mashed sweet potatoes before serving. If you prefer them a bit sweeter, add a little extra maple syrup, adjusting the flavor to your liking. The recipe allows for flexibility in the sweetness, so you can customize it to suit your taste.
Let the sweet potatoes cool: After baking, let the sweet potatoes cool for at least 10-15 minutes before peeling. This not only makes them easier to handle but also ensures the mashed sweet potatoes have the right texture.
Make it healthier: If you’re watching your calories or want a lighter version, you can easily omit the butter and maple syrup. The sweet potatoes themselves are already naturally sweet and creamy, so they’ll still taste delicious without the added ingredients.

Variations And Substitutions

Swap butter for dairy-free alternatives: If you’re following a dairy-free or vegan diet, you can replace the butter with a plant-based alternative like vegan butter or coconut oil. Both options will add a nice creaminess without compromising flavor.
Honey instead of maple syrup: For a different type of sweetness, you can substitute honey for the maple syrup. Honey will give the dish a slightly richer, floral sweetness that complements the natural flavor of the sweet potatoes.
Add spices: To give the mashed sweet potatoes a warming, spiced flavor, consider adding cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a pinch of ground ginger. These spices add a depth of flavor that’s perfect for fall and winter meals.
Make it savory: If you’re not a fan of sweet mashed potatoes, you can skip the maple syrup altogether and instead add garlic, thyme, or rosemary for a more savory version. A drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of black pepper would complement the savory flavors nicely.
Mix-ins for texture: For a bit of crunch, consider adding toasted pecans or walnuts to the mashed sweet potatoes. You could also mix in cooked and crumbled bacon for a savory, smoky touch that pairs well with the sweetness of the potatoes.

Storage and Reheating

Storing: Once cooled, store any leftover mashed sweet potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 4 days.
Freezing: You can also freeze mashed sweet potatoes for up to 3 months. Place them in a freezer-safe container or resealable freezer bag. When you’re ready to use them, thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating: To reheat, place the mashed sweet potatoes in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If they seem too thick, add a splash of milk or water to loosen them up. You can also reheat in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned sweet potatoes for this recipe?

Yes, you can use canned sweet potatoes if you’re short on time. Make sure to drain them well before mashing. However, baking fresh sweet potatoes will give you a richer, more natural flavor.

Can I make mashed sweet potatoes ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare mashed sweet potatoes up to 2 days in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and reheat just before serving. If they become too thick, add a little water or milk while reheating to bring back the creamy texture.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes! Simply replace the butter with a vegan alternative, such as coconut oil or plant-based butter. The maple syrup is already vegan, so there’s no need to change that. You’ll have a delicious vegan version of mashed sweet potatoes.

How can I make mashed sweet potatoes creamier?

If you prefer extra creamy mashed sweet potatoes, you can add a splash of heavy cream, milk, or a dairy-free alternative while mashing. Be careful not to add too much, as the sweet potatoes should remain thick and not too runny.

What can I serve with mashed sweet potatoes?

Mashed sweet potatoes pair well with a variety of main dishes. They’re a great side for roasted chicken, turkey, or pork. You can also serve them alongside vegetables like roasted Brussels sprouts or a green salad for a balanced meal.

If you like sweet potatoes, make sure you check out how to make roasted sweet potatoes and stuffed baked sweet potatoes – those are so yummy!

Other Easy Sweet Potato Recipes

Perfectly Boiled Sweet Potatoes Recipe: Learn how to boil sweet potatoes to perfection for a tender, versatile side dish or ingredient for other recipes.

Fluffy Sweet Potato Casserole: This sweet potato casserole is light, airy, and topped with a rich, buttery crumble, making it a must-have comfort dish.

Crunchy Air Fryer Sweet Potato Slices: These crispy sweet potato slices made in the air fryer are the perfect healthy snack or side dish in minutes.

Crispy Air Fryer Frozen Sweet Potato Waffle Fries: Air fryer frozen sweet potato waffle fries are a quick and delicious way to enjoy crispy, flavorful fries without the oil.

Easy Air Fryer Frozen Sweet Potato Bites: These sweet potato bites come out crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, making them a tasty and convenient snack.

Air Fryer Frozen Sweet Potato Shoestring Fries: Get perfectly crisp shoestring sweet potato fries right from your air fryer, ready in just a few minutes.

Homemade Sweet Potato Hash Browns: These homemade sweet potato hash browns are crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and perfect for breakfast or as a side dish.

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