If you haven’t had mashed sweet potatoes before, prepare yourself for a new obsession. As soon as I see the first autumn leaf turn red, I grab my potato masher and whip this up for all my cozy fall gatherings. Read on, and I’ll share my five essential tips for the dreamiest, creamiest mashed sweet potatoes!
When it comes to mash, I’m all about earthy, warming flavors and a creamy texture that soaks up every bit of whatever hearty main is on the plate. These mashed sweet potatoes strike that balance beautifully — their natural sweetness mellowed with sage butter, a splash of cream, and just enough salt to make everything pop.
Rather than adding more sweetness, this recipe leans into savory depth, letting the sage butter melt into the sweet potatoes and infuse every bite with warmth. It’s simple enough for a weeknight, cozy enough for Thanksgiving, and flexible too — add a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon, a drizzle of maple syrup, or fresh thyme or rosemary to make it your own.
Five essential tips for mastering mashed sweet potatoes
If you’re new to making mashed sweet potatoes, don’t worry — it’s wonderfully simple. Keep these tips in mind for the best texture and flavor:
- Cut evenly: Dice the sweet potatoes into similar-sized pieces so they cook at the same rate.
- Drain well: After boiling, drain thoroughly to prevent watery mash.
- Mash while warm: They’re easiest to mash when hot, and the sage butter melts in more smoothly.
- Choose your texture: For a rustic finish, use a potato masher; for a creamier, smoother result, reach for a potato ricer.
What to serve with mashed sweet potatoes
Mashed sweet potatoes taste good with pretty much any main side dish! If I’m making them on a weeknight, I’ll often pick up a rotisserie chicken from the grocery store and make my green beans with almonds for cozy but ultra simple meal – it’s what you see in the photo above.
If I have a little extra time, roasted parmesan crusted chicken or even my delicious pork tenderloin go well.
How long to boil sweet potatoes for mash?
Sweet potatoes take around 15 minutes to boil, but it will vary person to person depending on how big you cut them and your stovetop. Use a fork to poke them and check if they’re tender and ready for mashing.
How to store leftover mashed sweet potatoes?
To store my leftover mashed sweet potatoes, I let them cool to room temperature, then transfer them to a covered container. Then, I pop them in the fridge for up to four days. When I’m ready to enjoy them again, I reheat them on the stovetop with a splash of milk.
Can you freeze mashed sweet potatoes?
You can. Let them cool to room temperature, then transfer them to freezer-safe containers. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Can I make any other recipes with leftover sweet potato mash?
You can! My favorite thing to make with leftovers is this curried shepherd’s pie .
Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Parmesan and Sage Garlic Butter
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Ingredients
- ▢ 4 lb sweet potatoes
- ▢ ¼ cup butter
- ▢ 1 tablespoon dried sage
- ▢ 6 whole sage leaves
- ▢ 3 cloves garlic (finely minced)
- ▢ ⅓ cup whole milk
- ▢ ½ cup grated parmesan cheese (plus a little for serving)
- ▢ 1 teaspoon EACH: salt and pepper
Instructions
- Peel and cut the potatoes into similar sized chunks. Add the chunks to a large pot of salted water and bring it to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat and simmer until the potatoes are soft, about 15 minutes. 4 lb sweet potatoes
- While the sweet potatoes boil, make the butter. Melt the butter in a small frying pan over medium heat. Add the dried and fresh sage leaves and cook until the fresh sage is crispy, about 2 minutes. Remove the whole leaves from the pan. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Pour the milk into the pan and let it warm. ¼ cup butter, 1 tablespoon dried sage, 6 whole sage leaves, 3 cloves garlic, ⅓ cup whole milk
- When the sweet potatoes are soft, drain the water from the pot and them mash the potatoes. Pour in the warm butter/milk, parmesan, salt, and pepper and mix well. ½ cup grated parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon EACH: salt and pepper
- Serve with a little parmesan and the crispy sage leaves on top.
Notes
We have thoroughly tested this recipe for accuracy. However, individual results may vary. See our full recipe disclosure here .
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More sweet potato sides
Easy Sweet Potato Casserole with Candied Pecans
Sweet Potato Fritters with Cheddar and Green Onions
Roasted Hot Honey Sweet Potatoes with Pecans
Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Miso Tahini Butter
Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Parmesan and Sage Garlic Butter
Ingredients
- 4 lb sweet potatoes
- ¼ cup butter
- 1 tablespoon dried sage
- 6 whole sage leaves
- 3 cloves garlic , finely minced
- ⅓ cup whole milk
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese , plus a little for serving
- 1 teaspoon EACH: salt and pepper
Instructions
- Peel and cut the potatoes into similar sized chunks. Add the chunks to a large pot of salted water and bring it to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat and simmer until the potatoes are soft, about 15 minutes. 4 lb sweet potatoes
- While the sweet potatoes boil, make the butter. Melt the butter in a small frying pan over medium heat. Add the dried and fresh sage leaves and cook until the fresh sage is crispy, about 2 minutes. Remove the whole leaves from the pan. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Pour the milk into the pan and let it warm. ¼ cup butter, 1 tablespoon dried sage, 6 whole sage leaves, 3 cloves garlic, ⅓ cup whole milk
- When the sweet potatoes are soft, drain the water from the pot and them mash the potatoes. Pour in the warm butter/milk, parmesan, salt, and pepper and mix well. ½ cup grated parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon EACH: salt and pepper
- Serve with a little parmesan and the crispy sage leaves on top.
