These creamy buttery Mashed Sweet Potatoes have the perfect subtle hint of warm spices and are lightly sweetened with maple syrup. It's a healthy and delicious side dish you can make in under 30 minutes.

Jump to:

• ❤️ Why You'll Love This Mashed Sweet Potatoes
• 🛒 Ingredients for Mashed Sweet Potatoes
• 🔪 How to Make Mashed Sweet Potatoes
• 💡 Tips for Making Mashed Sweet Potatoes
• ☑️ Storage Instructions
• 🍴 What to Serve with Mashed Sweet Potatoes
• 🔄 Substitutions and Additions
• Is it Better to Bake or Boil Sweet Potatoes?
• Are Sweet Potatoes Healthier than Regular Potatoes?
• What's the Difference Between Yams and Sweet Potatoes?
• What Can I Do with Leftover Mashed Sweet Potatoes?
• 🍽️ More Healthy Side Dishes

❤️ Why You'll Love This Mashed Sweet Potatoes

• Sweet potatoes with maple cinnamon flavor
• Smooth, creamy and fluffy texture
• Easy to make in under 30 minutes
• A lower-carb alternative to mashed potatoes
• A healthy side dish that pairs with most any protein

Sure, classic mashed potatoes seem to steal the show, but have you ever tried mashed sweet potatoes? If not, this recipe is about to become your next side dish game-changer. With the perfect blend of butter, cream, sour cream, and a touch of maple syrup, these creamy sweet potatoes add a whole new level of deliciousness to the table.

The best part about this recipe is that there are no fancy ingredients or complicated steps needed to make them. Their naturally sweet flavor is enhanced with the addition of just a few other simple ingredients. In under 30 minutes, you'll have a hearty and healthy side that pairs perfectly with just about any main course.

Sweet potatoes are so versatile and can be used in both sweet and savory dishes. If you're looking for other easy ways to incorporate them into your diet, try these Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes and this Sweet Potato Winter salad.

🛒 Ingredients for Mashed Sweet Potatoes

• Sweet potatoes
• Butter
• Heavy cream
• Sour cream
• Maple syrup
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground nutmeg
• Salt
• Ground black pepper

*Exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

🥣 Recommended Tools

• Large pot
• Potato masher
• Hand mixer

🔪 How to Make Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Wash, peel, and chop sweet potatoes into small pieces, about 1 ½ to 2 inches.

Place the potatoes in a large pot. Cover with cold water and heat on high.

Boil for 15 minutes or until they are fork tender. Drain well, then add them back into the pot.

Mash using a potato masher.

Add in the butter, sour cream, heavy cream, maple syrup, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and ground black pepper.

Whip using a hand mixer until well combined and fluffy. Alternatively, you can use a spoon, or if you’d like them super smooth, use a food processor.

Serve with a sprinkle of cinnamon and a pat of butter on top.

💡 Tips for Making Mashed Sweet Potatoes

• Cutting: Cut the sweet potatoes into evenly sized pieces. This ensures that they cook in the same amount of time.

• Cooking: Boil the sweet potatoes until they are tender when pricked with a fork or a butter knife. Overly boiled potatoes can cause watery mashed potatoes.

• Draining: After boiling, make sure to drain the sweet potatoes well to prevent watery mashed potatoes.

• Mashing: Mash the sweet potatoes while they're still warm. Warm potatoes absorb the butter and cream better, which makes them more flavorful and creamier.

• Tasting: Always taste the mashed sweet potatoes before serving. Adjust the seasoning or add a bit more butter or cream if needed to get the consistency you want.

☑️ Storage Instructions

• Fridge: Transfer leftover mashed sweet potatoes into an airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.

• Freezer: Place the mashed sweet potatoes in a freezer-safe, airtight container or sealable plastic bag. They can be frozen for up to 2–3 months. You’ll want to thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

🍴 What to Serve with Mashed Sweet Potatoes

If you're looking for healthy main dishes to serve with your delicious sweet potatoes, check out some of these popular recipes:

• Prime Rib for Two
• Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
• Air Fryer Bone-in Pork Chops
• Roasted Seeded Salmon
• Bacon Wrapped Jalapeño Popper Chicken
• Baked Red Snapper

🔄 Substitutions and Additions

• Flavors: Experiment with different spices, such as a small pinch of nutmeg, cloves, or a dash of vanilla extract. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle kick of heat.

• Crunch: Mix in chopped toasted pecans, walnuts, or almonds for added crunchy textures. 

• Dairy-free options: For a dairy-free version, you can use coconut oil or olive oil for butter and replace heavy cream with coconut cream or a non-dairy milk alternative.

• Sweeteners: You can use honey or agave syrup instead of maple syrup.

• Veggie mash: For a different twist, combine the potatoes with mashed carrots or butternut squash.

Is it Better to Bake or Boil Sweet Potatoes?

While either way works for this recipe, boiling is less messy and less time-consuming.

Are Sweet Potatoes Healthier than Regular Potatoes?

Both can be part of a healthy diet, but sweet potatoes take a slightly healthier lead over regular potatoes. This is mainly because they are incredibly high in vitamin A. Sweet potatoes are also lower on the glycemic index, meaning that they are less likely than regular potatoes to make your blood sugar spike.

What's the Difference Between Yams and Sweet Potatoes?

Sweet potatoes have smoother skin and come in different shapes, colors, and sizes, depending on the variety. Yams typically have rough and scaly skin, and they are generally larger with a more cylinder-like shape.

When it comes to texture and taste, sweet potatoes have a sweeter taste and a creamy texture when cooked. Yams have a starchier, drier texture and are less sweet than sweet potatoes.

What Can I Do with Leftover Mashed Sweet Potatoes?

• Sweet potato pancakes: Mix the mashed sweet potatoes with a bit of flour, eggs, and baking powder to create a batter for sweet potato pancakes.

• Sweet potato soup: Use the mashed sweet potatoes as a base for a creamy sweet potato soup. Combine them with broth, seasonings, and perhaps some sautéed onions and garlic for a comforting soup.

• Sweet potato casserole: Turn your leftovers into a sweet potato casserole by layering them in a baking dish and topping them with a mixture of oats, nuts, and butter. Bake until golden brown for a delicious side dish.

• Sweet potato muffins: Add some of these mashed sweet potatoes to your favorite muffin batter recipe. You can add other spices, like cinnamon and nutmeg, for more flavor.

• Smoothie: Blend mashed sweet potatoes into a smoothie along with your favorite fruits, yogurt, and a splash of milk.

🍽️ More Healthy Side Dishes

• Sauteed Broccolini with Garlic
• Air Fryer Baby Carrots
• Honey Roasted Butternut Squash
• Shredded Brussels Sprouts Salad
• Air Fryer Acorn Squash
• Crispy Smashed Potatoes
• Creamed Corn
• Garlic Potatoes with Green Beans