Mashed Sweet Potatoes

These Mashed Sweet Potatoes are creamy, comforting, and incredibly easy to make. Cooked on the stovetop and mashed until smooth, this recipe works beautifully as either a sweet mashed sweet potato side dish or a savory mashed sweet potato recipe, depending on how you finish it.

If you’re searching for easy mashed sweet potatoes, creamy mashed sweet potatoes, or a versatile holiday sweet potato side dish, this recipe delivers every time. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner but special enough for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any holiday table. These mashed sweet potatoes pair perfectly with cozy mains and other holiday side dishes like Roasted Carrots with Whipped Feta and Cheesy Bacon Brussels Sprouts.

What Are Mashed Sweet Potatoes?

These are a classic side dish made by cooking peeled sweet potatoes until fork-tender, then mashing them with butter, milk, and seasoning. They can be served sweet, often with maple syrup and nuts, or savory, with herbs, butter, and black pepper.

They’re especially popular during the holidays, which is why people often search for Thanksgiving mashed sweet potatoes, maple mashed sweet potatoes, or savory mashed sweet potatoes with herbs. But because they’re quick to prepare, they’re perfect with pumpkin mac & cheese as a comforting side.

Why You’ll Love These Mashed Sweet Potatoes

• No oven required
• Quick and easy stovetop recipe
• Naturally creamy texture
• Works as sweet or savory
• Perfect for holidays and meal prep
• Customizable with herbs, spices, or toppings

Sweet vs Savory Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Sweet: Perfect for holidays with maple syrup, pecans, or a pinch of cinnamon.

Savory: Great for everyday meals with herbs, butter, and pepper.

You can easily split the batch and season half each way. If you love the sweet version, you’ll also enjoy other maple-forward holiday treats like Maple Shortbread Cookies. If savory is more your style, pair these with hearty mains and cozy breads like Garlic Butter Pull-Apart Bread .

Ingredients You’ll Need

Sweet potatoes: Sweet potatoes are naturally sweet and creamy once cooked. Choose medium potatoes with smooth skins for best results.

Milk or plant-based milk: Warmed milk helps create a smooth, creamy mash without cooling the potatoes.

Unsalted butter: Adds richness and balances the natural sweetness.

Maple syrup: Used for the sweet version. Adjust to taste depending on how sweet your potatoes are.

Salt and black pepper: Essential for balancing flavor in both sweet and savory versions.

Chopped pecans (optional): Adds crunch to the sweet version.

Fresh herbs (optional): Rosemary or thyme are perfect for the savory version.

How to Make Mashed Sweet Potatoes (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Prepare the potatoes

Peel the sweet potatoes and cut into 1-inch cubes. Add them to a large pot.

Step 2: Cook the potatoes

Cover with about 1 inch of water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes, until fork-tender.

Step 3: Mash

Drain and return to the pot. Add warmed milk, butter, maple syrup (if using), salt, and pepper. Mash until smooth.

Step 4: Serve

Sweet version: top with chopped pecans and extra maple syrup.
Savory version: add fresh herbs, extra butter, and black pepper.

Ingredient Swaps & Variations

No maple syrup -> Use honey or agave
Dairy-free -> Use plant-based milk and dairy-free butter
Extra flavor -> Cinnamon for sweet, garlic or herbs for savory
Roasted option -> Roasting works, but stovetop is faster

Tips for Perfect Mashed Sweet Potatoes

• Start with less liquid and add more as needed
• Cut potatoes evenly so they cook consistently
• Warm the milk before adding
• Mash while hot for the smoothest texture

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of milk or butter.

Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.

These mashed sweet potatoes are perfect for meal prep and holiday planning, similar to other make-ahead side dishes like Garlic Parmesan Mashed Potatoes or Roasted Carrots with Whipped Feta.

Frequently Asked Questions

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