Easy Mashed Sweet Potato Recipe (2024)

Published: · Modified: by Amanda Mason · 20 Comments

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Creamy and delicious while both sweet and savory, this mashed sweet potato recipe is easy to make and is the perfect side dish to accompany any weeknight dinner. And if you're looking for sweet potatoes for Thanksgiving, this recipe is deliciously irresistible! A true crowd pleaser!

Easy Mashed Sweet Potato Recipe (1)
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  • ✔️ Quick Recipe Overview
  • ℹ️ Why This Recipe Works
  • 🛒 Ingredients You'll Need
  • 🔪 Mashed Sweet Potatoes Step-By-Step Instructions
  • 👩‍🍳 Storing Leftovers
  • 🙋 Frequently Asked Questions
  • 🥔 More Potato Recipes You'll Love
  • Easy Mashed Sweet Potato Recipe

Sweet potatoes are one of my favorite root vegetables. Not only are they healthy, but they also taste amazing and are extremely versatile. They're tender, sweet, and delicious and they work extremely well in so many recipes like these Sweet Potato and Kale Patties.Sweet potatoes can be baked, mashed, boiled, or roasted, and can either be sweet, savory, or both. Personally, I love a good sweet potato that has been mashed. You're going to love this version because they are both sweet and savory!

Easy Mashed Sweet Potato Recipe (2)

ℹ️ Why This Recipe Works

1. If you're looking for an easy mashed sweet potatoes recipe, then you're in the right place! It only takes 30 minutes to make, start to finish!

2. Typically when you think about making mashed sweet potatoes, it involves peeling them, boiling until soft, and then adding in the brown sugar and spices to mash. That's not how I make this version. This recipe has such an amazing taste because I boil the sweet potatoes with the whole cloves and the cinnamon stick!

3. If you're looking for holiday side dishes, then this is the perfect Thanksgiving sweet potato recipe everyone will enjoy. It satisfies both the sweet and savory flavors people look for with a holiday meal. And, they pair perfectly with turkey, chicken, roast, and pork.

4. I top these off with a buttery spiced glaze made with cinnamon and clove. This is what sets this sweet potato mash apart from all the other recipes out there!

🛒 Ingredients You'll Need

The main ingredients you need to make these sweet potatoes taste both sweet and savory are butter and brown sugar. I use salted butter to help cut the sweet a little. I add a cinnamon stick, whole cloves, and brown sugar while I'm boiling the sweet potatoes. This adds a depth of flavor you won't find in other recipes. The ground cinnamon and clove are used in the sweet potato glaze.

Easy Mashed Sweet Potato Recipe (3)

🔪 Mashed Sweet Potatoes Step-By-Step Instructions

First, peel the sweet potatoes. Rinse and drain.

Easy Mashed Sweet Potato Recipe (4)

Add the diced potatoes to a large pot. Bring the large pot of water to a boil. Add the 2 whole cloves, 1 cinnamon stick, and brown sugar to the pot. Preparing them this way helps both the spice and sweetness really penetrate into the vegetable while they boil.

Easy Mashed Sweet Potato Recipe (5)

They will be done after about 20 minutes of boiling. They need to be almost falling apart. Using a colander, drain the potatoes. Discard the cinnamon stick and whole cloves. Pour the potatoes into a large bowl and set aside.

Now it's time to make the spice glaze. In a small saucepan, melt the butter along with the salt, ground cinnamon, and ground clove. For a little kick, add a dash of black pepper.

Easy Mashed Sweet Potato Recipe (6)

Once the butter mixture is well mixed, pour over the cooked sweet potatoes and then mash the sweet potatoes. Top with some chopped pecans for added crunch and dig in!

Easy Mashed Sweet Potato Recipe (7)

👩‍🍳 Storing Leftovers

Similar to storing regular mashed potatoes, store any leftover mashed sweet potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave until warm, about 2-3 minutes.

You can also freeze mashed sweet potatoes. After you've smashed the sweet potatoes and once they've changed completely cooled, add the mixture to a plastic sealable bag and flatten. Lay the bag flat in the freezer and store for up to 3 months. When you're ready reheat, place the bag in the refrigerator to thaw. Once it is completely thawed, warm them up in the microwave, in the oven, or on the stovetop.

🙋 Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best way to mash sweet potatoes?

These are the 4 most popular ways to mash potatoes.

1. Lumpy- For this recipe, I like to take a hand held masherand press until they are slightly mashed. This method allows for some texture in each bite.
2. Creamy - If you want them super creamy, use an electric or standing mixer and mix on medium speed until smooth.
3. Puree - For the softest and lightest consistency, use a blender or food processor and puree. Sweet potato puree can be used for pie filling, baby food, and more.
4. Smashed - For a more solid form, lightly take a fork or potato masher and press down.

What are some good sweet potato toppings?

- Sprinkle on more brown sugar.
- Add chopped pecans.
- Top with more butter. This provides a more savory flavor.
- Add some raisins.
- Spread and melt marshmallows on top.

What's the difference between yams and sweet potatoes?

There is a difference between yams and sweet potatoes. But what you see in your local grocery store aren't yams; they're sweet potatoes. Yams have a super bumpy texture that looks like tree bark. Yams also taste a lot like russet potatoes and are hard to find in the United States unless you go to a specialty grocery store. What you're seeing at your local grocer are white sweet potatoes. They come in a variety of colors such as purple, white, and orange.

Easy Mashed Sweet Potato Recipe (8)

🥔 More Potato Recipes You'll Love

I love potatoes and I'm constantly making new recipes to try out different variations. I grew up on these Homemade Mashed Potatoes. My mom made them at least 4 nights a week to pair with chicken or pork. They are easy to make and taste so good that I still make them for my family. I also love these Slow Cooker Herb Roasted Garlic Potatoes because they require no effort at all on my end. I add the ingredients to the slow cooker and let it do all the hard work. The flavor of these little gemstone potatoes is out of this world delicious!

These Zesty Italian Potatoes are an excellent choice when serving burgers or a BBQ pulled chicken sandwich. These seasoned potatoes are full of flavor, have a crispy texture, and super easy to make! And if you smoke meat, then try smoking these Garlic and Herb Smoked Potatoes! They pair perfectly with my smoked turkey breast or smoked ham!

Easy Mashed Sweet Potato Recipe (9)

Easy Mashed Sweet Potato Recipe

Creamy and delicious while both sweet and savory, this mashed sweet potato recipe is easy to make and is the perfect side dish to accompany any weeknight dinner. And if you're looking for sweet potatoes for Thanksgiving, this recipe is deliciously irresistible!

5 from 6 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes minutes

Servings: 6 people

Calories: 282kcal

Author: Amanda Mason

Ingredients

  • 4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into bite-sized chunks
  • ¾ cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 2 cloves, whole
  • 6 Tablespoons butter, salted
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground clove

Instructions

  • Peel the sweet potatoes and cut into bite-size pieces.

  • Rinse well and set aside. In a large pot, combine the sweet potato chunks, brown sugar, cinnamon stick, and whole cloves.

  • Add enough water to cover the potatoes. Bring potatoes to a boil, until they become tender (about 20 minutes).

  • When done, drain the potatoes and add them to a large mixing bowl and set aside. Discard the cinnamon stick and the 2 whole cloves.

  • Melt the butter in a medium saucepan. Whisk in the ground cinnamon, salt, and ground clove.

  • Once your butter mixture is well mixed, pour the butter mixture over the cooked sweet potatoes and mash with a hand masher or electric mixer until the desired consistency.

  • Top with your favorite toppings, such as pecans, raisins, and marshmallows and serve.

Notes

1. These are the 4 most popular ways to mash potatoes:

  • Lumpy - For this recipe, I like to take a hand held masher and press until slightly mashed. This method allows for some texture in each bite.
  • Creamy - If you want them super creamy, grab an electric or standing mixer and mix on medium speed until smooth.
  • Puree - For the softest and lightest consistency, grab a blender or food processor and puree. Sweet potato puree can be used for pie filling, baby food, and more.
  • Smashed - For a more solid form, lightly take a fork and press down.

2. You can freeze these mashed sweet potatoes. After you've smashed them and once they've changed completely cooled, add the mixture to a plastic sealable bag and flatten. Lay the bag flat in the freezer and store for up to 3 months. When you're ready reheat, place the bag of sweet mashed potatoes in the refrigerator to thaw. Once it is completely thawed, warm them up in the microwave, in the oven, or on the stove top.

Nutrition

Calories: 282kcal | Carbohydrates: 45g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 30mg | Sodium: 350mg | Potassium: 329mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 30g | Vitamin A: 12645IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 61mg | Iron: 1mg

Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @RecipesWorthRep or tag #RecipesWorthRepeating!

Update Notes: This post was originally published in November 2017, but was re-published with updated step-by-step instructions, pictures, and FAQs in September 2021.

« Creamy Tomato and White Bean Soup

Lemon Thyme Chicken with Garlic and Rosemary »

About Amanda Mason

Hi! I'm Amanda, the founder and creator behind Recipes Worth Repeating! Simply put, I focus on creating delicious recipes for everyone. I offer variety. I offer convenience. I offer yumminess! And that's why people keep coming back. The recipes I create are absolutely worth repeating.

Founded in 2012, Recipes Worth Repeating grew from people routinely asking me to email them the recipe for my latest dish. Recipe development comes naturally to me and I find cooking relaxing. Originally from Nashville, Tennessee, I developed a passion for cooking at an early age and I love to showcase a variety of recipes on my blog.Creating delicious new recipes, still photography, and video for Recipes Worth Repeating is the driving force behind what engages my readers to keep coming back for more recipes they will love.

Reader Interactions

Comments

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  1. Ann

    Easy Mashed Sweet Potato Recipe (10)
    This is one of my favorite side dishes. I could die for it. So creamy, sweet, and savory. I can’t believe there are people who can REALLY resist this. I used to say that I had never tasted anything as delicious as that. I think I can say this even now. It really is an obsession. I often make mashed sweet potatoes, especially when my grandma comes to visit us. She adores mashed potatoes too. This is something she could never get bored of. Partners in crime.
    To be honest, I’ve never even thought of spicing the meal cuz it always seemed so good plain to me. But I do love your version. Such a nice combo of flavors. Can’t wait to give it a try. Thank you for this inspiration Amanda. Look forward to your new recipes!

    Reply

    • Amanda Mason

      Awe - thanks, Ann!! You're going to love this one! I hope you get to make them for your grandma, too! Let me know how they turn out!!

      Reply

  2. Shadi Hasanzadenemati

    Easy Mashed Sweet Potato Recipe (11)
    This is my all time favorite side dish! I love how velvety it is and that it's full of cinnamon!

    Reply

    • Amanda Mason

      Thanks! You're going to love it!

      Reply

  3. Julie

    Sweet potatoes are always better than regular potatoes! These look like a lovely take on a classic dish.

    Reply

    • Amanda Mason

      Yes!! This is a classic dish and it's so divine!

      Reply

  4. Stacey

    Oh my goodness, this is one of my favorites ever. I've been to enjoy it as dessert too! Love 'em.

    Reply

    • Amanda Mason

      Yes- they really could be eaten as a dessert!

      Reply

  5. dixya @food, pleasure, and health

    sounds like a great side!

    Reply

    • Amanda Mason

      Thanks!! You'll love it!

      Reply

  6. Leslie

    I love adding pecans to sweet potatoes - they're a match made in heaven!

    Reply

    • Amanda Mason

      Yes and pecans are so readily available this time of year!!

      Reply

  7. Jenni

    I loooove me some mashed potatoes! The rest of my family doesn't particularly care for them, but I can't get enough! Love how you spiced these and added pecans! Delicious!

    Reply

    • Amanda Mason

      Thanks! These are such a crowd pleaser!!

      Reply

  8. Gloria @ Homemade & Yummy

    Easy Mashed Sweet Potato Recipe (12)
    OMG....seriously I would just eat a bowl of this for dinner. Love the flavours happening here....and this is the perfect holiday side dish for company too.

    Reply

    • Amanda Mason

      Yes - it's the perfect side dish for Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner!!

      Reply

  9. Ashley @ Big Flavors from a Tiny Kitchen

    Cloves are such a fun spice for the cooler months of the year. Love how fragrant they are - I bet they're SO good with the other spices you have going on here. YUM!

    Reply

    • Amanda Mason

      Yes - the clove is wonderful in this dish! you'll love it!!

      Reply

  10. Sarah

    Easy Mashed Sweet Potato Recipe (13)
    I think your little fella and I would get along! This is probably my favorite side dish on the planet!

    Reply

    • Amanda Mason

      I know! I'm in love with any sweet potato dish and this one is amazing!!

      Reply

Easy Mashed Sweet Potato Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Why not to boil sweet potatoes? ›

Despite their sweet taste, these potatoes have an intermediate glycemic index (GI) level, meaning they are digested and absorbed fairly slowly, leading to a more gradual increase in blood sugar levels. But, a lot of these benefits, including nutrients and taste, can be lost by boiling sweet potatoes.

How do you keep sweet potato mash from getting watery? ›

The solution for watery casseroles is instant potato mash powder or cornflour - slake (mix with a little water) at first or it will go lumpy. Stir well. Alternatively, don't add so much water at first, especially if you're using a slow cooker.

Do I need to peel sweet potatoes before boiling? ›

There is not much difference between boiling sweet potatoes with the skins on versus peeling them, but you will get a boost of fiber and potassium if you keep the skin on. The skin also adds a subtle texture to each bite. If you're looking for a smoother mash, peel the potatoes first before boiling.

Why do you boil sweet potatoes? ›

Boiling sweet potatoes retains more beta-carotene and makes the nutrient more absorbable than other cooking methods such as baking or frying. Up to 92% of the nutrient can be retained by limiting the cook time, such as boiling in a pot with a tightly covered lid for 20 minutes.

What is the healthiest way to cook sweet potatoes? ›

Therefore, from a nutritional standpoint, boiling rather than baking should be recommended for cooking sweet potato. Boiling may theoretically be best, but sweet potatoes are so incredibly healthy that the actual best way to prepare them is whichever way will get you to eat the most of them!

How do you make Ina Garten mashed sweet potatoes? ›

Place the sweet potato meat into the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment and add the orange juice, cream, butter, brown sugar, nutmeg, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Mix together until combined but not smooth and transfer to a baking dish. Bake the potatoes for 20 to 30 minutes, until heated through.

Why do people add sour cream to mashed potatoes? ›

Sour cream adds a little bit of tangy flavor and a boost of richness to mashed potatoes. It's a fun change from the standard milk or cream and butter combo usually flavoring mashed taters. You can even try your hand at making homemade sour cream from heavy cream!

Can you eat sweet potato skin in mash? ›

Yes, you can eat sweet potato skin, whether it's an orange, white or purple sweet potato. So the next time you make sweet potatoes, try keeping the skin on. Not only will it save you prep time and add a textural component to the dish, but there are also nutritional benefits to leaving the peel on.

How can I thicken my mashed sweet potatoes? ›

You can use what you have on hand: Flour, cornstarch, or powdered milk are all solid options that are probably already in your pantry. Potato flour and potato starch would work as well. Stir in the thickening agent gradually, about a tablespoon at a time, until the potatoes have reached your desired consistency.

How long does it take to boil a sweet potato? ›

Boil sweet potatoes until they are cooked through.
  1. Boil large whole sweet potatoes for 40-50 minutes.
  2. Boil small to medium whole sweet potatoes for 30-40 minutes.
  3. Boil 1-inch cubes for 12-15 minutes.
  4. Boil 2-inch cubes for 20-25 minutes.
Nov 4, 2019

Why did my mashed potatoes turn out sweet? ›

Is there anything I can do with them so I don't taste that sweet flavor? A: Someone told you correctly! When potatoes are stored too long, in a too-cold environment (below 41°F) the starches within convert to sugar.

Are yams and sweet potatoes the same? ›

No, yams and sweet potatoes are not the same. Yams have rough, dark brown skin that is often compared to tree bark, and their flesh is dry and starchy like a regular potato. Sweet potatoes have smooth reddish skin, softer flesh (when cooked), and a sweet flavor.

Can dogs eat sweet potatoes? ›

Good news: vets give the OK when it comes to dogs and sweet potatoes! In fact, sweet potatoes are considered a healthy treat for dogs and offer lots of nutritional value for your pooch.

Is it OK to boil sweet potatoes? ›

Yes—Here's How. Learn how long to boil sweet potatoes so they're that just-right texture, plus the right way to mash sweet potatoes for all your favorite dishes. Katlyn Moncada is the associate food editor at BHG.com, sharing food news and tutorials on becoming better home cooks.

When should you not cook sweet potatoes? ›

How to tell if sweet potatoes have gone bad. If your sweet potato is soft in spots, smells rotten, or oozes a mysterious liquid, that potato should be discarded. Another sign that sweet potatoes have taken a turn for the worse is if they start growing stalky purplish sprouts.

Is it healthier to steam or boil sweet potatoes? ›

Steaming is also one of the best ways to keep sweet potatoes' nutrients intact; their naturally high vitamin, potassium, fiber, and beta-carotene content won't be burned off in a steamer basket. Both boiling and steaming also keeps the potatoes' glycemic index down, meaning less of a blood sugar spike for you.

Does boiling sweet potatoes lower glycemic index? ›

The bottom line

Boiled sweet potatoes affect blood sugar levels far less than other varieties, such as fried, roasted, or baked versions. Longer boiling times reduce the GI further. To support better blood sugar control, it's best to select healthy cooking methods and enjoy sweet potatoes in moderation.

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