Servings: 4–6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
Ingredients
- 4 medium sweet potatoes (about 2 lbs), peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter (because butter makes everything better)
- ¼ cup milk (or heavy cream for extra richness)
- 2 tbsp maple syrup (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg (optional, for a warm hint of spice)
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the Sweet Potatoes:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the sweet potato chunks and reduce the heat to medium. Simmer for 15–20 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Drain the sweet potatoes and return them to the pot to let excess moisture steam off for a minute or two.
- Mash the Potatoes:
- Add the butter to the hot sweet potatoes and mash with a potato masher (or a fork if you’re feeling old-school). Mash until smooth or leave a few lumps if you like texture.
- Mix in the Flavors:
- Stir in the milk, maple syrup (if using), cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is creamy and well combined. If the mash is too thick, add a little more milk until you reach your desired consistency.
- Serve It Up:
- Transfer the mashed sweet potatoes to a serving dish and garnish with a pat of butter, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or chopped pecans if you’re feeling fancy.
Do’s and Don’ts
DO:
- Peel the sweet potatoes to ensure a smooth mash.
- Adjust the sweetness to your taste—skip the maple syrup if you prefer a more savory dish.
- Try adding a splash of orange juice for a citrusy twist!
DON’T:
- Overcook the sweet potatoes—they’ll turn waterlogged and make the mash runny.
- Use cold butter or milk; warm ingredients mix better and keep the potatoes creamy.
- Skip draining the potatoes thoroughly; excess water can make them too mushy.
Optional Add-Ins:
- Savory Twist: Add roasted garlic or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a savory variation.
- Sweet Delight: Swirl in a bit of brown sugar and top with mini marshmallows for a dessert-like side.
These mashed sweet potatoes are the perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and spiced. Whether you’re serving them for a holiday feast or a weeknight dinner, they’ll bring comfort and flavor to your table. 🥔✨
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