Best Creamy Sweet Mashed Potatoes Recipe (2024)

Get ready to love the flavor of this simple mashed sweet potato recipe. Not only is this easy recipe made with simple ingredients, but it’s perfect for a holiday meal or the perfect side dish at the dinner table. Once you make these creamymashed sweet potatoes, you’re going to crave that creamy texture over and over again.

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Not only does this delicious side dish make the best sweet potatoes ever, but it’s a simple way to feed those who just so happen to be a huge fan of sweet potatoes! This type of side dish is excellent for your Thanksgiving menuor any time of year.

If you love this recipe, then you’d like more side dishes like thisCheesy Bacon Potatoes, and you may also enjoy these AirFryerRoasted Potatoesas well.

This Is The Best Sweet Mashed Potato Because…

• These easy mashed sweet potatoes are made with large, whole sweet potatoes and other easy ingredients.
• It’s a great addition to any Thanksgiving dinner or holiday meal this holiday season.
• The basic steps to make this creamy mashed sweet potatoes recipe is a breeze.

Ingredients For Sweet Mashed Potato

• Large sweet potatoes– These form the base of your dish. Choose firm, unblemished sweet potatoes for the best results. Medium ones will work as well; just make sure to cut them into large chunks to ensure even cooking.
• Unsalted butter– Unsalted butter lets you control the saltiness of your dish. If salted butter is all you have on hand, you can still use it; just omit extra salt later.
• Cream cheese– This contributes to the rich, creamy texture of the mashed sweet potatoes. You can use either full fat or reduced fat, depending on your dietary preferences.
• Half and half– This cream-milk combination enhances the natural sweetness and creaminess of the mashed sweet potatoes. If unavailable, you can substitute with equal parts heavy cream and whole milk.
• Thyme– Fresh thyme imparts an earthy flavor that beautifully contrasts the sweetness of the potatoes. If using dried thyme, remember that it’s more concentrated; use about a third of what the recipe calls for fresh.
• Cinnamon– Ground cinnamon adds warmth and sweetness, complementing the sweet potatoes perfectly. It’s also good for boosting the immune system!
• Allspice– This brings a unique depth of flavor with its warm, slightly sweet, yet savory notes. Use sparingly, as its flavor is potent.
• Salt and black pepper– Season to taste, enhancing the flavors of the other ingredients. Use sparingly; you can always add more, but you can’t take away!

Substitutions And Variations

• Vegan Option:Substitute the butter with vegan butter or coconut oil. Replace the cream cheese with a vegan alternative, and use almond milk or similar non-dairy milk in place of the half and half.
• Spice it up:For a little twist, feel free to add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves for additional flavor.
• Savory version:You can omit the cinnamon and allspice for a more savory version. You may also add some Homemade Seasonings Blend, freshly grated garlic, or a little onion powder for extra flavor.
• Dairy-Free Version:Replace the butter with ghee or olive oil. Use a non-dairy cream cheese and dairy-free milk such as almond or coconut milk in place of the half and half.
• Sweet Topping:For an added touch, sprinkle some brown sugar or mini marshmallows on top of the mashed sweet potatoes before serving. You can even put it under the broiler for a few minutes until they are golden and bubbly. Just be sure to watch it closely to prevent burning!

The complete list of ingredients, quantities, and instructions can be found in the printable recipe card below.

How To Make Sweet Potato Mash

1. Place the sweet potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Bring the water to a boil and cook until the potatoes are fork tender, approximately 15-20 minutes. Once the potatoes are cooked, drain thoroughly and return to the pot.
2. Add butter, cream cheese, and half & half to the sweet potatoes and mash with an immersion blender or a hand-held mixer. For a thinner consistency, add more half & half, if desired.
3. Once the potatoes are creamy, stir in thyme leaves, cinnamon, and allspice until well blended. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve immediately topped with a spoonful of whipped cream cheese and/or toasted walnuts, if desired. Enjoy!

Expert Tips

1. Choose the right potatoes:For the fluffiest, smoothest, and most flavorful mashed sweet potatoes, we recommend using large sweet potatoes. Their high starch content makes for an extra creamy mash.
2. Don’t skimp on seasoning:Sweet potatoes are naturally sweet, and the addition of savory elements like salt, pepper, and thyme creates a balance of flavors that is truly mouthwatering. Remember, it’s easier to add more seasoning than to take it away, so season a little at a time.
3. Cooking the potatoes:Make sure to start boiling your potatoes in cold water, not hot. This allows the potatoes to cook evenly all the way through.
4. Drain well:After boiling the potatoes, it’s crucial to drain them well to avoid a watery mash. Let them sit after draining to steam off any remaining moisture.
5. Mashing the potatoes:For the creamiest result, use an immersion blender or a hand-held mixer. If you don’t have either, a good old-fashioned potato masher will do the job.
6. Adding the dairy:When adding your dairy, do so gradually, and make sure it’s at room temperature. This ensures your potatoes stay hot and absorb the dairy well for the creamiest result.
7. Serving:Sweet mashed potatoes are best served immediately while they’re still hot. Top them with a spoonful of whipped cream cheese and/or toasted walnuts for extra flavor and texture.

Storing Tips

The best way to store leftover mashed sweet potatoes is to keep them in an airtight container in the fridge. Let them cool down before storing them so that they don’t retain moisture in the container.

Be sure to eat the leftovers within 2-3 days.

What To Serve With Sweet Mashed Potatoes

There are so many great entrees that would pair perfectly with this potato side dish!

• Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs Recipe
• Easy Turkey Cranberry Sliders
• Rosemary Lemon Boneless Chicken Thighs

Recipe FAQs

Need More Side Dishes? Try These:

• Jalapeno Popper Mac and Cheese Recipe
• Savory Bacon Cheddar Scones Recipe
• Easy Broccoli Salad
• Spicy Yams With Maple Syrup (Golden Yams)
• Crockpot Hashbrown Casserole
• Easy Cheesy Garlic Bread Rolls
• See all our delicious side dishes!