Sweet Potato Mash with Butter

Name: Sweet Potato Mash with Butter
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 large sweet potatoes; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; Salt to taste; Black pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Daily Collection

I absolutely love making sweet potato mash with butter for its rich, comforting flavor and creamy texture. This dish has become a staple in my kitchen, especially during the cooler months when sweet potatoes are at their peak. The sweet, earthy notes of the potatoes, combined with creamy butter, create a delicious side dish that's hard to resist. Plus, it's so easy to prepare! Just a little mashing and mixing, and you have a delightful accompaniment to any meal.

Created by

Lottie Pennington

Last updated on 2026-01-08T13:14:40.981Z

When I first attempted to make sweet potato mash, I was searching for a side dish that would stand out at my dinner table. With just a handful of ingredients, I found that boiling the sweet potatoes until tender and then mashing them resulted in a delightfully smooth consistency. The real game-changer came when I blended in real butter; it brought out the natural sweetness of the potatoes and elevated the entire dish.

After many trials, I learned that adding a pinch of salt right before mashing not only enhances the flavor but also balances the sweetness perfectly. This simple step ensures that every bite of my sweet potato mash is perfectly delicious. It’s become a favorite among family and friends!

        Reasons You'll Love This Dish
        Deliciously sweet and savory flavor combination
Creamy texture that's perfect for any meal
Quick and easy to prepare with minimal ingredients

      

The Role of Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are the star of this recipe, providing not only their signature sweetness but also a wealth of vitamins and minerals. Their natural sugars caramelize beautifully when cooked, enhancing the flavor profile of the mash. Opt for large, firm sweet potatoes that feel heavy for their size, as these tend to be the sweetest and most flavorful. When choosing your sweet potatoes, a deep orange hue often indicates higher beta-carotene levels, contributing to the creamy texture.

The cooking method you choose can greatly impact the final dish. Boiling sweet potatoes, as outlined in this recipe, helps retain their moisture and natural sweetness. If you're looking for a different texture, try roasting the sweet potatoes instead. Roast them until tender and slightly caramelized, which will add a rich depth of flavor and a subtle hint of smokiness to the mash.

Perfecting the Mash

Mashing is where you can truly customize the texture of your sweet potato mash. For a creamier consistency, I recommend using a potato ricer or a food mill, as these tools ensure an ultra-smooth texture without overworking the potatoes. If you're aiming for a chunkier mash, a standard potato masher will do the trick. The key is to avoid over-mashing, which can lead to a gluey texture—this is caused by excess starch being released.

Incorporating the butter at the right time is also crucial. Add the butter while the sweet potatoes are still warm to allow it to melt and blend seamlessly into the mash. If you'd like to add a hint of additional flavor, consider using flavored butter or infused oils. Garlic-infused butter, for instance, can enhance the savory aspect of the mash while adding complexity.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to create the perfect sweet potato mash:

Ingredients

2 large sweet potatoes
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste

With these ingredients on hand, you’re ready to start your mash!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make a smooth and creamy sweet potato mash:

Prepare the Sweet Potatoes

Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into uniform chunks. This ensures they cook evenly.

Cook the Potatoes

Place the sweet potato chunks in a pot and cover them with water. Bring to a boil and cook until fork-tender, about 20 minutes.

Mash the Sweet Potatoes

Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add the butter, salt, and pepper. Mash until smooth and creamy.

Serve

Transfer the mashed sweet potatoes to a serving dish and enjoy your delicious side!

Your sweet potato mash is now ready to be served!

Pro Tips

For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to your mash. This can elevate the dish, particularly during fall and winter months.

Make-Ahead Tips

If you're looking to prepare this dish in advance, you can make your sweet potato mash up to two days ahead of time. Simply cool it completely and transfer it to an airtight container. To reheat, place it back in a pot over low heat, stirring frequently and adding a splash of milk or extra butter if it seems dry. This will help retain its creaminess while warming it through without causing it to lose texture.

For longer storage, consider freezing leftover mash. Portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers, pressing out as much air as possible. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat as mentioned above. This dish holds up surprisingly well in the freezer, making it a great option for busy weeknights.

Serving Suggestions

Sweet potato mash is incredibly versatile and can be served alongside a variety of main dishes. It pairs beautifully with roasted meats, grilled fish, or even as a vegetarian option alongside sautéed greens or mushrooms. Adding fresh herbs such as parsley or chives as a garnish can also elevate the dish visually and flavor-wise.

If you're feeling adventurous, consider topping the mash with a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warming twist, or mix in other ingredients like crumbled feta cheese or toasted nuts for added texture and flavor. This dish can easily be transformed from a comforting side into the star of your meal.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes! You can substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative like vegan butter or olive oil.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store leftover sweet potato mash in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Can I freeze the sweet potato mash?

Absolutely! Freeze the mash in an airtight container and use it within 2-3 months for best quality.

→ What can I serve with sweet potato mash?

Sweet potato mash pairs wonderfully with roasted meats, grilled fish, or can be enjoyed as a comforting vegan dish on its own.