Mashed Sweet Potatoes are an easy and healthy side dish that comes together in less than 30 minutes. Served plain or dressed up, these mashed sweet potatoes are a flavorful side dish fit for any meal.
While we love classic mashed potatoes, we also love to change things up and make Mashed Sweet Potatoes often at our house.
These savory mashed sweet potatoes are fluffy, creamy, and a bit tangy. They are easy to make, easy to dress up, and just downright delicious.
They are an easy, healthy side dish that is perfect for busy weeknights, but delicious enough for a holiday meal.
How to Make Mashed Sweet Potatoes
- For smooth mashed sweet potatoes, I recommend peeling your sweet potatoes. The skin on sweet potatoes does not break down easily and would not be a pleasant addition to these velvety sweet potatoes.
- Once your potatoes are peeled, cut the peeled potatoes into 1-inch chunks. It is important to cut the potatoes into even sizes so that the potatoes cook evenly.
- Place the cubed potatoes into a large pan and cover with cold water. Be sure to use cold water to ensure even cooking as well.
- Add in a generous pinch of salt and bring the potatoes to a rapid boil.
- Reduce the heat and simmer until the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Once tender, drain the potatoes and return them to the hot pan. This will help to evaporate the excess liquid.
- Begin to mash the potatoes with a potato mashed to get them nice and smooth.
- Add in the milk, butter, and yogurt and continue to mash or mix until nice and incorporated.
- Taste and season and then serve the mashed sweet potatoes. Feel free to top with additional butter for a rich finish.
Best Way to Mash Sweet Potatoes
Unlike regular mashed potatoes, you do not need to worry about gummy sweet potatoes if you overwork your potatoes. You can mash your sweet potatoes using a potato mashed, handheld mixer, stand mixer, or even in a food processor if you like super smooth potatoes.
I prefer to use a potato masher because that means fewer dishes to wash! I also like a bit of a thicker texture when serving savory mashed sweet potatoes.
Storage
Leftover Mashed Sweet Potatoes can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To freeze the sweet potatoes, prepare as directed and allow them to cool completely. Place in a freezer-safe container or bag and store in the freezer overnight. Allow the sweet potatoes to defrost overnight in the refrigerator. Warm over low heat, adding in additional milk or stock as needed to thin.
Variations on Mashed Sweet Potatoes
- Vegan Mashed Sweet Potatoes: Replace the milk with vegetable broth and the butter with olive oil. Use plain vegan yogurt or sour cream in place of the yogurt, or simply add up to ¼ cup more broth if needed.
- Sweet Mashed Sweet Potatoes: In addition to the milk, butter, and yogurt, add 1 tablespoon maple syrup, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and ½ teaspoon nutmeg to the mashed sweet potatoes.
- Apple Cider Mashed Sweet Potatoes: Replace the milk and yogurt with ½ cup of apple cider and also add in 1 teaspoon cinnamon and ½ teaspoon grated nutmeg.
- Smokey Mashed Sweet Potatoes: Add 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika along with the other ingredients. The smoked paprika will add smokiness and a bit of heat to the potatoes.
More Sweet Potato Recipes
- Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili
- Sweet Potato Casserole
- Sweet Potato Biscuits
- Instant Pot Baked Sweet Potatoes
- Sweet Potato Tacos
If you enjoyed this simple recipe for Mashed Sweet Potatoes, I would love for you to leave a comment and review below.
Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Ingredients
- 3 pounds sweet potatoes peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
- 1 ½ teaspoon kosher salt divided
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ¼ cup milk
- ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Cut the peeled potatoes into 1-inch chunks. Place the cubed sweet potatoes into a large stock pan. Cover with cold water and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of salt.
- Bring the potatoes to a rapid boil. Reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are fork-tender, about 12-15 minutes.
- Drain the sweet potatoes over a colander and return sweet potatoes to the warm pan.
- Begin to mash with a potato masher until smooth. Add in milk, butter, yogurt, ½ teaspoon salt, and pepper. Continue to mash sweet potatoes until well combined and creamy.
- Taste and adjust seasonings if needed and serve immediately.
Equipment Needed
Notes
- Vegan Mashed Sweet Potatoes: Replace the milk with vegetable broth and the butter with olive oil. Use plain vegan yogurt or sour cream in place of the yogurt, or simply add up to ¼ cup more broth if needed.
- Sweet Mashed Sweet Potatoes: In addition to the milk, butter, and yogurt, add in 1 tablespoon maple syrup, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and ½ teaspoon nutmeg to the mashed sweet potatoes.
- Apple Cider Mashed Sweet Potatoes: Replace the milk and yogurt with ½ cup of apple cider and also add in 1 teaspoon cinnamon and ½ teaspoon grated nutmeg.
- Smokey Mashed Sweet Potatoes: Add 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika along with the other ingredients.
Paht
What a tasty dish! Can leftovers of this recipe be frozen?
Kristen Chidsey
I am so glad you enjoyed! Yes, leftover Mashed Sweet Potatoes can be frozen. Simply allow to cool and then place in freezer safe container or bag. If using a container, I like to place a piece of wax paper on top of the potatoes (it helps protect against freezer burn). And then freezer for 2-3 months. Defrost in fridge overnight and heat as desired.
Jam Lambkin
Good stuff!
Abeer Rizvi
I never ate these as a kid but I can't get enough of them now. They are so good!
Kristen Chidsey
Thanks Abeer! I am addicted as well
Noelle
Love this recipe, sweet potatoes are the best!
Kristen Chidsey
Thanks so much Noelle! They are a staple at our house