Easy Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Mashed Sweet Potatoes are an easy side dish that comes together in less than 30 minutes. Served sweet or savory these mashed sweet potatoes can be enjoyed as a simple side dish fit for any meal.

While we love classic mashed potatoes, we also love to change things up and make Mashed Sweet Potatoes often at our house.

One of the reasons I love turning to making mashed sweet potatoes is that they can be served in a variety of ways and are delicious whether served sweet, like Sweet Potato Casserole, or savory, like Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes.

Whatever you are craving, you will love this simple side dish!

How to Make Mashed Sweet Potatoes

The following tips are provided to help you achieve perfect results. You will find the detailed instructions in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Peel and dice the sweet potatoes. For smooth mashed sweet potatoes, I recommend peeling your sweet potatoes. The skin on sweet potatoes does not break down easily and would not be a pleasant addition to these velvety sweet potatoes. It is also important to cut the peeled sweet potatoes into 1-inch chunks so that they cook evenly.

Cover with cold water. Place the cubed potatoes into a large pan and cover with cold water. Using cold water will ensure even cooking.

Simmer until fork tender. Bring the sweet potatoes to a rapid boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and simmer until the potatoes are fork-tender.

Drain. Once tender, drain the potatoes and return them to the hot pan. This will help to evaporate the excess liquid, which enhances the natural flavor of the sweet potatoes.

Mash. Use a potato mashed to get the sweet potatoes nice and smooth.

Season your way! Add in the seasonings of your choice and continue to mash or mix until nice and incorporated.

Flavor Variations for Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Pick and choose from the following options for flavoring your mashed sweet potatoes.

• Savory Mashed Sweet Potatoes: Add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and ¼-1/3 cup of vegetable broth to the cooked sweet potatoes and mash until smooth.
• Creamy Mashed Sweet Potatoes: After cooking the sweet potatoes, add ⅓ cup milk and 2 tablespoons unsalted butter and mash until creamy.
• Tangy Mashed Sweet Potatoes: Add 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter, along with ¼ cup each of milk and plain Greek yogurt or sour cream, which adds a nice tangy flavor to sweet potatoes.
• Sweet Mashed Sweet Potatoes: Add 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter, 1 tablespoon of maple syrup or brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and ½ teaspoon of nutmeg.
• Apple Cider Mashed Sweet Potatoes: Add ½ cup of apple cider and add in 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and ½ teaspoon of grated nutmeg to the sweet potatoes and mash well.
• Vegan Mashed Sweet Potatoes: Use 2 tablespoons of your favorite non-dairy butter, along with ¼-1/3 cup of vegetable broth.
• Smokey Mashed Sweet Potatoes: Add 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika along with 2 tablespoons unsalted butter and ¼-1/3 cup of vegetable broth and mash until smooth and creamy.

Storage

• Refrigerate: Leftover mashed sweet potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days
• Freeze: Allow the sweet potato puree to cool and then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or storage bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. 
• Reheat: Defrost if needed and then warm over low heat, adding broth or milk to thin as needed.

More Sweet Potato Recipes

• Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili
• Sweet Potato Casserole
• Sweet Potato Biscuits
• Instant Pot Baked Sweet Potatoes
• Sweet Potato Tacos

If you enjoyed this simple recipe for Mashed Sweet Potatoes, I would love for you to leave a comment and review below.