Sweet Potato Mash
A smooth, velvety sweet potato mash, enriched with a touch of butter, maple syrup, and warm spices. A perfect, comforting side dish for holiday feasts or weeknight dinners.
For 4 servings
- bake
Bake the sweet potatoes.
1.Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).2.Scrub the sweet potatoes well and pat them dry.3.Pierce each potato several times with a fork to allow steam to escape.4.Place them on a baking sheet and bake for 45-60 minutes, or until they are very tender when pierced with a knife.TIPBaking the potatoes concentrates their natural sweetness, which is much better than boiling. - prep
Scoop and mash the potatoes.
1.Carefully remove the potatoes from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes until you can handle them.2.Slice each potato open lengthwise and scoop the soft flesh into a large bowl.3.Discard the skins.4.Using a potato masher or a large fork, mash the sweet potato flesh until it's mostly smooth.TIPFor an extra-smooth mash, you can pass the cooked potato flesh through a potato ricer. - mix
Make it creamy.
1.To the mashed sweet potatoes, add the butter, warm milk, maple syrup, cinnamon powder, nutmeg, salt, and black pepper.2.Stir everything together vigorously until the butter has melted and the mash is smooth and creamy.TIPWarming the milk before adding it helps keep the mash warm and makes for a smoother consistency. - serve
Serve warm.
Taste the mash and adjust any seasonings if you like. Transfer it to a serving dish and serve immediately while it's warm and comforting.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For a richer flavor, you can use brown butter instead of regular melted butter.
- 2Avoid using a blender or food processor to mash the potatoes, as it can overwork the starch and result in a gummy texture.
- 3If the mash seems too thick, add another splash of warm milk until you reach your desired consistency.
- 4Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- 5This mash pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, turkey, or pork.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegan
Use a plant-based butter and a dairy-free milk like almond, soy, or oat milk to make this dish completely vegan.
healthyHealthy
To lower the fat content, reduce the butter to 1 teaspoon and use skim milk instead of whole milk.
quickQuick
If you're short on time, peel and cube the sweet potatoes, then boil them in water for 15-20 minutes until tender. Drain very well before mashing.
kid friendlyKid friendly
This dish is already very kid-friendly. You can make it even more appealing by slightly increasing the maple syrup for a sweeter taste.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Vitamin A
Sweet potatoes are one of nature's best sources of beta-carotene, which your body converts into Vitamin A. This vitamin is crucial for good vision, a strong immune system, and healthy skin.
Good Source of Fiber
The dietary fiber in sweet potatoes helps promote a healthy digestive system, aids in regular bowel movements, and can help you feel full and satisfied.
Packed with Antioxidants
These vibrant tubers are loaded with antioxidants, which help protect your body's cells from damage caused by free radicals and may reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
Supports Heart Health
Sweet potatoes are a good source of potassium, a mineral that helps manage blood pressure and is important for overall heart function.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, sweet potato mash is a healthy side dish. Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of Vitamin A, fiber, and antioxidants. This recipe is relatively low in fat and uses a minimal amount of added sugar.
