Description
This easy mashed sweet potato recipe offers a savory and creamy side dish that’s versatile enough for any meal. Made with simple ingredients like sweet potatoes, butter, and seasoning, it can easily be customized with sweet additions or herbs to suit your taste.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 pounds (1360g) sweet potatoes, scrubbed clean, 5 to 6 medium
- 1 ½ teaspoons fine sea salt, plus more to taste
- 1 bay leaf
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons sour cream or heavy cream (optional)
Optional Toppings
- Finely chopped parsley or chives
- Fresh ground black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the potatoes: Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into 1-inch cubes to ensure even cooking.
- Cook the potatoes: Place the sweet potato cubes in a large pot and cover with water about 1 inch above them. Add 1 ½ teaspoons of fine sea salt and 1 bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork, about 10 to 12 minutes. Drain well.
- Mash the potatoes: Return the drained sweet potatoes to the pot. Mash them using a potato masher to your desired texture, or for a smoother consistency, place in a food processor and pulse gently.
- Add flavorings: Stir in 3 tablespoons of butter, 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon, fresh ground black pepper, and a pinch of salt. For extra creaminess, fold in 3 tablespoons of sour cream or heavy cream if desired.
- Finish and serve: Optionally, top the mashed sweet potatoes with additional butter and finely chopped fresh herbs such as parsley or chives. Serve warm.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 6 months.
- To reheat, thaw frozen mashed potatoes overnight in the fridge, then warm in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.
- For a sweeter variation, add 2 tablespoons of brown sugar or maple syrup before mashing and increase cinnamon by 1/4 teaspoon. Serve with extra maple syrup and optional toasted pecans or walnuts.
- Incorporate 4 to 5 cloves of roasted garlic into the mash for a savory twist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
