Mashed Sweet Potatoes (with 3 Variations)

Mashed Sweet Potatoes are a great twist on the classic recipe and can be made with three different flavor options! Sweet potatoes are boiled, baked, or cooked in an Instant Pot, then mashed to an extra creamy consistency. Keep them vegan, or try savory garlic and herb, sweet cinnamon brown sugar, or a combination of maple and bacon!

There is one vegetable in our house that is consumed on the regular – sweet potatoes!

We whip up a Sweet Potato Hash…

Bake whole sweet potatoes…

Roast sweet potato cubes…

Make Sweet Potato Casseroles with Pecans…

And cook Instant Pot sweet potatoes for a BBQ chicken stuffed sweet potato recipe.

But even with all of those variations, I realized that we do not make them mashed nearly enough!

Not only is this recipe quick and easy to make, but there are a TON of flavor variations you can try.

You can choose to make them completely Whole30, Paleo, and even vegan.

Or you can naughty-them-up a bit with some crumbled bacon or brown sugar.

And bonus – they make a wonderful side dish recipe that can be meal prepped ahead for your Thanksgiving or Christmas gathering!

Ingredients

The simple ingredients you need to make this mashed sweet potatoes recipe include:

• Sweet Potatoes. You will need about 2 ½ pounds, or 4-5 medium to large-sized potatoes.
  • Garnets have a red-purple skin and are used in sweet potato pies and mashes.
  • Jewel is another variety that mashes well and tastes great in mashed potatoes and casseroles.
  • Beauregards are the most common type found in grocery stores and can be boiled, mashed, and baked.
• Milk. Between ¼ to ⅓ cup of regular milk is mixed in to reach your desired consistency. Make this recipe vegan and dairy-free with almond, oat, soy, or cashew milk.
• Butter. Regular butter definitely gives this recipe an incredible flavor. However, if you are dairy-free or vegan you can substitute with vegan buttery sticks or oil.
• Salt. Add as much or as little as you prefer.

How to Make Mashed Sweet Potatoes

The basic steps for making healthy mashed sweet potatoes are simple to follow. Please see the recipe card below for more detailed ingredient amounts.

Cook the Potatoes

When making mashed sweet potatoes you can cook the potatoes by boiling, baking, or using a pressure cooker.

To boil sweet potatoes simply fill a large pot with peeled and cubed potatoes and water then bring to a boil. Reduce to medium-high heat and cook for 12-15 minutes or until the potatoes are tender. This is the quickest and easiest method.

Baking Sweet Potatoes takes a bit longer but gives a wonderful toasted flavor. Poke holes in whole potatoes before wrapping in foil and baking at 400°F for 40-60 minutes.

Cooking sweet potatoes in an Instant Pot will give you tender potatoes in a short amount of time. Pierce whole potatoes and place in the pressure cooker with water and cook on high for 16-22 minutes.

Mash them Up

There are 3 different ways you can mash sweet potatoes, much like with regular potatoes. Each will give you a slightly different level of creaminess.

Food Processor – This is the preferred method since it will give you a super creamy and tender texture. A large, 10-12 cup food processor is recommended.

Electric Mixer (Or Stand Mixer) – Another great method that does not require much arm work. If you like clumps in your mashed potatoes then this will be the best method for you.

Potato Masher – By far the most labor intensive method, but also the most traditional. Much like if you mixed it in a stand mixer, you will get a slightly clumpier finished product.

Add the Flavor

The sweet potato mash recipe does taste great with just milk, butter, and salt. But you can add in a few more ingredients to really up-level your flavor game.

Maple Bacon

The combination of cooked bacon with pure maple syrup will give you a perfectly sweet and savory flavor profile.

Simply add the syrup to the food processor before puréeing then top with the bacon to serve.

Cinnamon, Brown Sugar & Pecans

If you prefer your sweet potatoes to be sweet, then adding cinnamon and brown sugar will be your way to go!

Mix in the brown sugar and cinnamon while mashing and garnish with toasted pecans.

Garlic & Herb

Another great savory option is simply swapping out the regular butter for homemade garlic butter. Add a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs just before serving!

Meal Prep and Storage

• To Prep-Ahead: Boil, bake, or cook the potatoes in a pressure cooker up to 3-5 days in advance. Or make the complete recipe and refrigerate until ready to heat and serve.
• To Store: Keep mashed sweet potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• To Freeze: Seal in a freezer-safe airtight container for up to 4-6 months.
• To Reheat: Add the mashed potatoes to a pot on the stove over medium to medium-low heat with a touch more milk or water. You can also microwave until warm.

Dietary Modifications

The recipe you’ll find below is already vegetarian and gluten-free as written. Here are some adjustments and substitutions you can make to help it fit your other dietary requirements:

• Dairy-Free – Use almond, oat, soy or cashew milk as well as a butter alternative.
• Vegan – Select a plant-based milk and butter.
• Whole30 – Swap the butter for clarified butter or ghee and choose a dairy-free milk.
• Paleo – Make these potatoes creamy with ghee or clarified butter and coconut milk.

FAQs

Expert Tips

• Adjust to taste. Start with minimal milk and add more to reach your desired consistency.
• Bake for flavor. Roast the potatoes in the oven for a deeper and sweeter taste.
• Wait to peel. Cook the potatoes whole to easily remove the skin once done.
• Get the best texture. Use a food processor for the most creamy and tender mashed potatoes.
• Prep ahead. Make this dish in advance to save time during the holidays.

Other Healthy Side Dish Recipes

Pair your favorite entrees with any of these nutritious sides:

• Maple Roasted Butternut Squash
• Smashed Brussels Sprouts with Parmesan
• Easy Homemade Scalloped Potatoes
• Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
• More healthy side dish recipes