Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Mashed Sweet Potatoes are the perfect blend of a sweet and savory side dish that pairs well with Sunday dinner or holiday favorite entrées 

This recipe features a savory depth of flavors with fresh thyme and chives. It pairs well with roasted meats, sweeter glazed meats, or even a rich, hearty Beef Stew. These are a few of our favorites: Pan Seared Pork Chops, Oven Roasted Turkey Breasts, Honey Glazed Ham , and Garlic Herb Roast Beef.

Ingredients for Mashed Sweet Potatoes

• Medium Sweet Potatoes - it is the wonderful sweetness for this dish
• Butter - gives the potatoes a rich flavor
• Sour Cream - adds tanginess and texture for a balance of flavor
• Fresh Thyme - for an earthy depth of flavor
• Fresh Chives - adds a savory, bright flavor
• Salt - balances flavors
• Pepper - adds depth and warmth

How to make Mashed Sweet Potatoes

• Wash and peel potatoes. Cut into 1-inch pieces.
• Prep all other ingredients and set them aside. Once potatoes are ready to mash, this will help the process move quickly.

• In a large pot, add potatoes and just enough water to cover the potatoes.
• Bring the water to a boil and cook, uncovered, for 10-15 minutes. Cook until you can easily pierce the potatoes with a fork.

• Drain the water and place the potatoes back into the warm pot.
• Mash potatoes with a potato masher or with a hand mixer.

• Add the butter and sour cream. Stir until the mashed potatoes are fully blended.
• Add salt, pepper, thyme, and chives. Stir to blend the ingredients into the potatoes.

• Garnish with a dollop of butter and fresh chopped chives.

What spices go well with Sweet Potatoes

For Savory and Herbaceous Potatoes - These options turn mashed sweet potatoes into a hearty, savory, and robust dish that pairs well with roasted meats. Mix and blend some of these savory spices

• Garlic - Fresh minced or garlic powder
• Onion Powder
• Fresh Chopped Chives
• Fresh or Dried Rosemary
• Fresh or Dried Thyme
• Fresh or Dried Sage
• Fresh or Dried Oregano
• Fresh or Dried Basil
• Ginger - Fresh or Dried

Additional ingredient ideas to add to make rich savory potatoes: butter, sour cream, milk, olive oil, Greek yogurt, salt, and pepper.

For Warm Sweet Spiced Potatoes - These flavors highlight the sweetness of the potatoes with a warm spice. These spices will give the potatoes all the flavors of a more traditional classic holiday dish.

• Cinnamon - a classic sweet spice
• Nutmeg - adds deep, earthy undertones
• Allspice - warm, pungent, and slightly peppery
• Ginger - fresh or dried - adds a spicy kick
• Cloves - use sparingly

Additional ingredients for making warm, sweet, spiced potatoes could include: butter, maple syrup, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and a touch of orange zest.

How to store Mashed Sweet Potatoes

This is a great make-ahead side dish for dinner parties or holiday meals. The whole dish can be made several days in advance. Here are the best ways to store mashed sweet potatoes:

• Refrigerate - Allow potatoes to cool completely. Place potatoes into an air-tight container. As long as potatoes are stored properly, they will last 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator.

• Freeze - Let potatoes cool completely. Transfer to an air-tight, freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags. Stores well in the freezer for 10-12 months.

• Warming Up Leftovers -Allow potatoes to thaw to room temperature. Reheat slowly over medium heat on the stove-top, in the oven, or in the microwave. In order to restore the creamy texture of the potatoes, you may need to add a dollop of butter or sour cream. Freezing or refrigeration can sometimes cause the potatoes to become dry.

Are Sweet Potatoes healthy?

Sweet Potatoes are rich in vitamins and minerals and are considered a nutrient powerhouse. Sweet Potatoes are very high in Vitamin A; actually, one sweet potato can provide 100% of your daily requirement. They are also rich in fiber and are a food high in antioxidants.

What pairs well with Mashed Sweet Potatoes

• Pan Seared Pork Chops with Apple Brine
• Oven Roasted Turkey Breast
• Cornish Game Hens
• Garlic Herb Roast Beef
• Pork Loin Roast Recipe

Did you enjoy our Mashed Sweet Potatoes? We would love to hear from you in our comments below. Please feel free to comment on this or any other recipe on our blog. Your feedback helps us to develop more recipes for you to enjoy!