You are going to love this mashed sweet potatoes recipe. They’re warm, creamy, and so simple to make. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a holiday meal. With only a few minutes of prep time, minimal dishes needed and the ability to easily customize the flavors for your preferences this mashed sweet potato recipe will always be a hit.

Mashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe

Mashed sweet potatoes are an easy-to-make side dish perfect for a weeknight or holiday dinner.

This mashed sweet potato recipe is a family favorite with a creamy texture and a hint of sweetness. I make mashed sweet potatoes as a side dish for dinner because they are so easy to make.

You can use this mashed sweet potato recipe when you are making sweet potato casserole or when you are making shepherd’s pie, or just enjoy it on its own because they do make for the perfect side dish.

Sweet Potato Recipes

Spoonful of mashed sweet potatoes being served from a bowl, topped with a pat of butter and garnished with herbs.

What Main Dishes go well with Mashed Sweet potatoes?

There are lots of main dishes that pair well with mashed sweet potatoes to round out a meal. Here are some main dish ideas to make with mashed sweet potatoes.

Meat & Poultry Dishes

Roast Chicken – A classic, comforting pairing.
Grilled or Baked Salmon – The natural sweetness of the potatoes complements the richness of salmon.
Pork Chops – Especially with a glaze like honey mustard or balsamic.
BBQ Ribs – The smokiness of ribs pairs well with the sweetness of mashed sweet potatoes.
Turkey – Perfect for Thanksgiving-style meals.
Fried or Baked Chicken – Adds a nice crunch contrast.
Duck with Orange Glaze – The citrus flavor enhances the sweet potatoes.

Beef & Lamb

Steak (Grilled or Pan-Seared) – A juicy steak with garlic butter works well with the creamy mash.
Braised Short Ribs – The rich, slow-cooked beef pairs beautifully.
Meatloaf – Classic comfort food combination.
Lamb Chops – Especially with rosemary and garlic seasoning.

Bowl of mashed sweet potatoes with a pat of butter and thyme garnish on top. A spoon is partially submerged in the mash.

Are these mashed potatoes more sweet or savory?

It’s a bit of both. The natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes gives it a slightly sweet flavor, but then the salt gives it a savory taste. You can change the flavor to match what you prefer and add different things to change the flavor to match the meal you are making.

Sweet Flavors

Cinnamon & Nutmeg – Classic warm spices that enhance the natural sweetness.
Maple Syrup or Honey – Adds a more profound, caramel-like sweetness.
Brown Sugar – Creates a rich, molasses-like flavor.
Vanilla Extract – Gives a subtle dessert-like taste.
Orange or Lemon Zest – Adds a bright, citrusy contrast.
Coconut Milk – Creamy with a hint of tropical sweetness.

Savory Flavors

Garlic & Herb (Rosemary, Thyme, or Sage) – Adds depth and earthiness.
Butter & Cream – Makes them rich and velvety.
Parmesan or Goat Cheese – It gives a salty, tangy kick.
Smoked Paprika – A touch of smokiness balances the sweetness.
Bacon Bits or Crumbled Sausage – Adds texture and a salty, punch.

Mashed sweet potatoes in a bowl with two butter pats and a wooden spoon, garnished with fresh thyme.

Does the butter need to be softened?

Yes, otherwise, it will be more challenging to blend with the sweet potatoes. Take your butter out of the fridge before you start peeling and dicing the potatoes, and by the time you need the butter, it should be soft enough.

How long does it take to Boil Sweet Potatoes?

Sweet potatoes take 15-20 minutes to boil and are done when a fork or knife slides in easily with no resistance. If mashing, they should be soft enough to break apart easily.

Bowls of mashed sweet potatoes topped with pats of butter, garnished with fresh thyme.

How to Store Leftover Sweet Potatoes

If you have leftover sweet potatoes, put them in an airtight container or cover the top of the serving bowl with plastic wrap or foil and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To reheat the cold mashed sweet potatoes, add a serving amount to a bowl and heat in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until heated all the way through.

How to freeze Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Let the mashed sweet potatoes cool to room temperature. Divide into meal-sized portions or individual serving portions using airtight containers or freezer bags. If using freezer bags, press out as much air as possible before sealing. Write the date on the container or bag. Freeze for up to 6 months for the best quality.

Sweet potatoes, a stick of butter on a plate, a pitcher of milk, and a bowl of orange liquid on a white surface.

Mashed Sweet Potatoes Ingredients

3 pounds Sweet Potatoes (6-7 medium sweet potatoes)
½ Butter, softened
½ cup Whole Milk
¼ cup Maple Syrup

How to Make Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Place a large pot of water on the stove and bring it to a boil. Remove the butter from the fridge to soften it on the counter.

Wash and peel the sweet potatoes and cut the sweet potatoes into small chunks. I find it best to cut them into cubed about 1-inch pieces

Top view of a pot with sliced yams in liquid, surrounded by small bowls of butter, sauce, and cream on a white surface.

Add the sweet potatoes into the pot of water and boil until the sweet potatoes are soft, tender, and almost falling apart when poked with a fork (fork-tender).

Pour the water and the sweet potatoes from the pot into a strainer and drain the water.

Place the sweet potatoes into a large bowl.

Add the softened butter, and use a hand mixer to blend the sweet potatoes and the butter. You can also use a potato masher to mash the sweet potatoes.

Once the butter is mixed with the sweet potatoes, add the milk and maple syrup and blend until you reach the desired consistency. Depending on your preference, you can leave the mashed potatoes slightly chunky or blend until smooth.

Once you are done mashing the sweet potatoes, add them to a serving bowl to serve.

Side Dish Recipes