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Mashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe – Easy Make-Ahead Side Dish for Holidays

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This creamy, silky mashed sweet potatoes recipe is the perfect make-ahead side dish for holidays or weeknight dinners. Naturally sweet and vibrant, it’s easy to customize for any diet and reheats beautifully without losing its magic.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus more for serving
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half, warmed
  • 1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Optional: 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
  • Optional: 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
  • Optional: 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
  • Optional: 2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs (parsley or chives)

Instructions

  1. Peel and cut sweet potatoes into even 1 1/2-inch chunks.
  2. Place sweet potato chunks in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a pinch of salt.
  3. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 18-22 minutes, or until fork-tender.
  4. Drain sweet potatoes in a colander and let sit for a minute to release steam.
  5. Return sweet potatoes to the pot or a large bowl. Add 4 tablespoons butter and mash until smooth (use a hand mixer for extra silkiness if desired).
  6. Pour in 1/2 cup warm heavy cream (or half-and-half). Add 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. If using, add cinnamon and nutmeg. Mix until fully combined and fluffy.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning. Add more salt or butter if desired. If mash is too thick, add more cream or milk, 1 tablespoon at a time.
  8. Optional: Stir in maple syrup or honey for sweetness, or fresh herbs for a savory touch.
  9. To make ahead, spread mashed sweet potatoes into an oven-safe dish. Cool, cover, and refrigerate up to 3 days. Reheat covered at 350°F for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway. Drizzle with melted butter before serving.

Notes

For extra silky mash, pass cooked sweet potatoes through a fine mesh sieve or food mill before adding butter and cream. Warm your cream and butter before mixing for the best texture. Adjust seasonings to taste and try optional add-ins like cinnamon, nutmeg, maple syrup, or fresh herbs. Can be made vegan by using plant-based butter and milk.

Nutrition

Keywords: mashed sweet potatoes, holiday side dish, make-ahead, gluten-free, Thanksgiving, Christmas, easy, creamy, vegetarian

Find it online: https://tessierecipes.com/mashed-sweet-potatoes-recipe-easy-make-ahead-side-dish-for-holidays/