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The Ultimate Creamy Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Close-up of silky mashed sweet potatoes, bright orange and fluffy, served in a white bowl.
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Create silky, comforting mashed sweet potatoes perfect for any dinner or holiday gathering. This easy recipe focuses on achieving a smooth texture with customizable sweet or savory flavor profiles.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 lbs sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed (optional, for sweet version)
  • 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Optional mix-in: 2 tablespoons maple syrup or 1/4 cup toasted pecans

Instructions

  1. Place the sweet potato pieces in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Add 1/2 teaspoon of salt to the water.
  2. Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to maintain a steady simmer. Cook for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are very tender when pierced with a fork.
  3. Drain the sweet potatoes completely in a colander. Let them sit for 5 minutes to allow excess steam to evaporate; this helps prevent watery mash.
  4. Return the drained sweet potatoes to the warm pot. Add the heavy cream, butter, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. If you are making the sweet version, add the brown sugar now.
  5. Mash the potatoes using a potato masher or an electric hand mixer on low speed until they are smooth and creamy. Do not overmix, as this can make them gluey.
  6. Taste the mash and adjust salt, pepper, or brown sugar as needed. If using maple syrup or pecans, gently fold them in now.
  7. Serve immediately as a perfect sweet potato side dish for your dinner or holiday meal.

Notes

  • For the silkiest texture, use a potato ricer instead of a masher after draining the potatoes.
  • To make a savory mashed sweet potatoes version, omit the brown sugar and cinnamon. Instead, add 1 teaspoon of fresh thyme and 1 clove of roasted garlic during the mashing stage.
  • If you prefer a fluffier sweet potato mash, reduce the amount of cream slightly.
  • This dish pairs well with a light Pinot Noir or a crisp Chardonnay.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.unfoldrecipes.com/mashed-sweet-potatoes-creamy-silky-recipe/