The Perfect Mashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe (2024)

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Katerina

5 from 13 votes

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This Mashed Sweet Potatoes recipe is a delicious side dish made with sweet potatoes and Yukon potatoes mashed with butter, sour cream, cayenne pepper, and a sprinkle of light brown sugar.

The Perfect Mashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe (2)

Easy Mashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with these Mashed Sweet Potatoes! We’re mixing sweet potatoes and Yukon potatoes, adding a bit of butter and sour cream for that creamy texture. A sprinkle of light brown sugar and a dash of cayenne pepper bring in a mix of sweetness and heat that makes this dish anything but ordinary. It’s super easy to make and ridiculously good! Whether it’s for the holidays or just an ordinary day when you crave something extraordinary, this recipe is your quick ticket to comforting deliciousness!

Why We Love This Recipe

  1. Speedy: These taters only take around 30 minutes from start to finish.
  2. Microwave Magic: No need for the oven or stovetop – your microwave is all you need to cook the potatoes.
  3. Make-Ahead: Prep these a day or two in advance, and just warm them up when you’re ready.
  4. Versatile Serving: Whether it’s turkey for the holidays or a hearty meatloaf for Sunday dinner, they are the perfect companion.
The Perfect Mashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe (3)

Ingredients For Mashed Sweet Potatoes

  • Sweet Potatoes and Yukon Potatoes
  • Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and creaminess.
  • Sour Cream: Lends a tangy touch and extra creaminess to balance the sweet potatoes.
  • Cayenne Pepper: Brings a hint of heat.
  • Light Brown Sugar: The sweetness complements the spices.
  • Ground Cinnamon
  • Salt and Fresh Ground Pepper
  • Milk: For adjusting the consistency and to make the mash creamy.
  • Fresh Parsley
  • Pecans or Walnuts (optional): For a crunchy texture contrast and a nutty flavor.
The Perfect Mashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe (4)
The Perfect Mashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe (5)

How to Make Mashed Sweet Potatoes

This is a sweet and savory dish, and all the potatoes are cooked in the microwave for 12 to 15 minutes, freeing up your oven for larger roasts.

  1. Clean the potatoes. Start by giving those potatoes a good scrub, then poke them with a fork.
  2. Microwave. Toss the potatoes in a microwave-safe bowl and zap them until tender, about 12 to 15 minutes.
  3. Scoop out the flesh. Break up those spuds and peel them if you want, but we usually skip that step.
  4. Add mix-ins. Mix in the butter, sour cream, spices, and a splash of milk.
  5. Blend. Now it’s decision time: rustic mash with a masher or creamy blend with a hand blender? It’s up to you.
  6. Adjust. Give it a taste, adjust the seasonings, and get ready to dig in!
  7. Serve. Sprinkle with parsley and nuts if you’re using them, then serve up that bowl of goodness.

How To Microwave Sweet Potatoes

  1. Prep the potatoes and your tools. First, wash and scrub the potatoes, and using a fork, poke a bunch of holes around each potato. Then, grab a large microwave-safe bowl and put the potatoes in it.
  2. Cook the potatoes. Transfer the bowl to the microwave andset the time to 12 minutes on High. Note that cooking time depends on the number of potatoes and the size of your potatoes. When time is up, get an oven mitt and gently squeeze the sides of the potatoes. If it is still firm, continue to microwave for a few more minutes. If the potatoes, or just one potato, open up immediately, remove it from the oven, and continue checking the rest.

How To Make Ahead

This recipe for mashed sweet potatoes canbe prepared entirely up to 2 daysahead. When completely cooled, place the mashed potatoes in an airtight container, cover them, and refrigerate. Reheat in the oven, covered, at 350˚F for 15 to 20 minutes. If they look dry, add some butter while hot and stir until mixed through.

The Perfect Mashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe (6)

Handy Tips

  • Microwave Mastery: Potatoes not quite tender? Pop them back in for a few more minutes. Too soft? Congrats, you’re ahead of the game!
  • Blend to Your Heart’s Content: Whether you like them rustic and chunky or smooth and creamy, just mash or blend to your preferred texture.
  • Consistency: If you find your mashed potatoes are too thick, feel free to add a bit more milk or cream until you reach your desired consistency. If they’re too runny, a few more minutes of cooking over low heat can help thicken them up.
  • Spice it Up: If you’re a fan of heat, consider adding a bit more cayenne pepper or even a dash of smoked paprika for an extra layer of flavor.
  • Sweetness: For an extra touch of sweetness, you can always adjust the amount of brown sugar to taste. Start with the recommended amount and add more if needed after tasting.
  • Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for a couple of days.

Serving Suggestions

Whether it’s the main event at your holiday table or stealing the show on a regular Tuesday night, these mashed sweet potatoes pair perfectly with pretty much anything – but we’re partial to a good meatloaf or a classic roast turkey. If you’re serving these potatoes for the holidays, I recommend roasted beef tenderloin, my oven roasted turkey, braised pork shoulder, or beef wellington. For Sunday dinners, serve them with this delicious mozzarella stuffed crockpot meatloaf.

The Perfect Mashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe (7)

More Side Dish Recipes

  • Sweet Potato Gratin
  • Sweet Potato Roast with Parsley Pesto
  • Orange and Pecans Sweet Potato Casserole
  • Slow Cooked Country Style Garlic Mashed Potatoes
  • Crock Pot Butternut Squash with Apples, Walnuts, and Raisins

ENJOY!

The Perfect Mashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe (8)

Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Katerina | Diethood

Sweet potatoes and Yukon potatoes are mashed with butter, sour cream, cayenne pepper, and a sprinkle of light brown sugar to make the best and tastiest Mashed Sweet Potatoes.

5 from 13 votes

Rate this Recipe!

Servings : 8 servings

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Ingredients

  • 1 pound Yukon gold potatoes
  • 1 pound sweet potatoes
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • ⅛ to ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper, or to taste
  • 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • salt and fresh ground black pepper, to taste
  • cup milk, you can also use heavy cream or Half-And-Half for a creamier texture
  • chopped fresh parsley, for garnish, optional
  • chopped pecans or walnuts, for garnish, optional

Instructions

  • Wash and scrub the potatoes. Using a fork, poke a bunch of holes around each potato. Put all the potatoes in a large microwave-safe bowl.

  • Transfer the bowl to the microwave and set the time to 12 minutes on HIGH. Cooking time depends on the number of potatoes and the size of your potatoes. When time is up, get an oven mitt and gently squeeze the sides of the potatoes. If it is still firm, continue to microwave for a few more minutes. If the potatoes, or just one potato, open up immediately, remove it from the oven and continue with the rest.

  • Once the potatoes are cooked, you have a choice to peel them or not. I usually don’t.

  • Roughly break up the potatoes with the side of a fork or a butter knife. Add butter, sour cream, cayenne pepper, light brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and fresh ground pepper. Stir in the milk.

  • At this point, you will want to decide if you are going to use a potato masher or a hand blender. For a chunky, more rustic texture, go with the masher. For a smoother and creamier texture, go with the blender. Mash or blend to a desired consistency. Taste for seasonings and adjust accordingly.

  • Garnish with fresh parsley, top with pecans or walnuts, and serve.

Notes

  • Adjust Consistency: If they are too thick, add extra milk to loosen up the mashed sweet potatoes. If they are runny, you can cook them over low heat on the stovetop until thickened. Stir frequently.
  • Add Heat: Like it spicy? Increase the cayenne or stir in some smoked paprika.
  • Sweeten to Taste: Start with the suggested brown sugar and add more as needed.
  • Microwave: If the potatoes aren’t soft enough, give them a few more minutes in the microwave.
  • Topping Tips: A sprinkle of pecans or walnuts adds a crunch and a boost of flavor.
  • Make Ahead: This recipe can be preparedup to 2 daysahead. When completely cooled, place the mashed potatoes in an airtight container, cover, and refrigerate. Reheat in the oven, covered, at 350˚F for 15 to 20 minutes. If they are dry, add some butter while they are hot and stir until mixed through.

Nutrition

Serving: 4 ounces | Calories: 183 kcal | Carbohydrates: 24 g | Protein: 3 g | Fat: 9 g | Saturated Fat: 5 g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4 g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2 g | Trans Fat: 0.2 g | Cholesterol: 25 mg | Sodium: 44 mg | Potassium: 468 mg | Fiber: 3 g | Sugar: 5 g | Vitamin A: 8339 IU | Vitamin C: 13 mg | Calcium: 55 mg | Iron: 1 mg

Nutritional info is an estimate and provided as courtesy. Values may vary according to the ingredients and tools used. Please use your preferred nutritional calculator for more detailed info.

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American/Southern

Keyword: mashed sweet potatoes, sweet potato recipe

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Categories:

  • Christmas
  • Dinner Recipes
  • Holidays
  • Quick Dinner Ideas
  • Side Dishes
  • Thanksgiving
  • Vegetarian
The Perfect Mashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Should you 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.

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

Try draining the potatoes better next time And don't over beat/ blend but if you want to thicken them up Try some Wondra quick mix flour, corn starch Or some breadcrumbs . Ideally by adding dried mashed potato flakes.

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 you need to soak sweet potatoes before cooking? ›

Some recipes for homemade sweet potato fries ask you to soak the fries before cooking. The theory is that soaking draws out starch from inside the potatoes, helping them crisp up.

How many minutes to boil sweet potatoes? ›

Bring the water to a boil, then reduce to medium heat and let the potatoes cook 15 to 20 minutes, or until you can easily pierce several pieces (always test more than one) with a knife. Potatoes cut into small pieces will take less time to cook.

Do you wash sweet potatoes before or after peeling? ›

Sweet potatoes grow in the ground, and skipping the cleaning step means dirt or grit can end up in your sweet potato casserole. Before cooking or cutting sweet potatoes, wash the skins and give them a scrub with a clean vegetable brush.

How to make sweet potato mash not stringy? ›

Food Processor: Use a food processor for the smoothest, silkiest mashed sweet potatoes. How do you make mashed sweet potatoes less stringy? The secret to make mashed sweet potatoes less stringy is to use a food processor to mash the potatoes.

How do I make my sweet potato mash thicker? ›

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 to get lumps out of mashed sweet potatoes? ›

I use a potato ricer. You get no lumps and the potatoes receive the least possible amount of work so they're never rubbery, as they can be if you do it in a food processor. The ricer I have came with three disks.

How do you make Patti Labelle sweet potatoes? ›

Boil the sweet potatoes in a large stockpot until soft, about 25 minutes; drain. When cool enough to handle, peel the potatoes and transfer them to a large bowl. While the potatoes are still warm, add the butter, cream, agave, cinnamon and salt, and mash until smooth. Sprinkle with the orange zest.

Why soak potatoes before cooking mashed potatoes? ›

Soaking potatoes in water helps remove excess starch. Excess starch can inhibit the potatoes from cooking evenly as well as creating a gummy or sticky texture on the outside of your potatoes. Cold water is used because hot water would react with the starch activating it, making it harder to separate from the potatoes.

Can you eat sweet potato skin in mash? ›

Plus, boiling the sweet potatoes is so easy and always creates creamy potatoes. I always peel the potatoes. If you like a chunkier mash, you can leave the skins on.

Why is boiling not good for 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 long can you leave sweet potatoes soaking in water? ›

Types of Potatoes to Soak

"Sweet potatoes can also be peeled and stored in water for up to 24 hours."

How long should you soak sweet potatoes before air frying? ›

If you'd like, you can soak the sweet potato slices for 30 minutes up to 2 hours before frying to remove excess starch. Personally, though, going through this step didn't make a real difference for my fries. Peels on or off — it's up to you!

Should sweet potato be peeled or unpeeled? ›

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.

Does it matter if you peel potatoes before boiling? ›

So you should think of the potato's peel as its protective jacket. If it's removed before boiling, the flesh will soak up too much of the water in the pot.

Can I eat boiled sweet potato with skin? ›

Sweet potato skins are safe to eat and can be easily added to most recipes. They're rich in fiber, other nutrients, and antioxidants that can help support a healthy gut, increase feelings of fullness, and prevent chronic disease. If you're looking to get the most nutrition out of your sweet potato, keep the peel on.

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