10 Sweet Potato Mash Recipes for Every Season and Occasion
Sweet potatoes make the perfect creamy, comforting side dish that works year-round. These naturally sweet root vegetables transform into silky smooth mashes that complement everything from holiday dinners to weeknight meals.
Each recipe brings its own special twist, from savory herb blends to spicy jalapeño kicks that’ll make your taste buds dance.
01. Simple Creamy Sweet Potato Mash
Ultra-smooth sweet potatoes with just three ingredients for pure, natural flavor. This basic recipe lets the sweet potato’s natural taste shine through beautifully.
Ingredients: 3 pounds sweet potatoes, 4 ounces Neufchatel cheese (softened), 1 teaspoon sea salt.
How To Make Simple Creamy Sweet Potato Mash
1. Wash and pierce sweet potatoes all over with a fork. Place on a baking sheet and roast at 400°F for 45-60 minutes until they feel soft when gently squeezed and a knife slides through easily.
2. Let potatoes cool for 10 minutes, then carefully peel away the skins using your hands or a paring knife. The skins should slip off easily when the potatoes are properly cooked.
3. Place peeled sweet potatoes in a large bowl and mash with a potato masher until mostly smooth. Add softened Neufchatel cheese and continue mashing until completely incorporated and creamy.
4. Season with sea salt and taste, adjusting as needed. For extra smoothness, pass the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or use an electric mixer for 30 seconds until perfectly silky.
02. Purple Sweet Potato Coconut Mash
Vibrant purple sweet potatoes create a stunning side dish with tropical coconut milk. The rich coconut adds essential moisture to these naturally drier purple varieties.
Ingredients: 2½ pounds purple sweet potatoes, ¾ cup full-fat coconut milk, 3 tablespoons butter, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper.
How To Make Purple Sweet Potato Coconut Mash
1. Peel purple sweet potatoes and cut into 2-inch chunks for faster, more even cooking. Place in a large pot and cover with cold water by 2 inches, then add 1 teaspoon salt to the water.
2. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium-high and cook for 15-20 minutes until fork-tender. Purple potatoes may take slightly longer than orange varieties to become completely soft.
3. Drain thoroughly and return potatoes to the pot. Let them sit for 2 minutes to allow excess moisture to evaporate, which prevents watery mash.
4. Add butter and mash until smooth, then gradually stir in coconut milk until you reach your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper, adjusting coconut milk as needed for creaminess.
5. Serve immediately while the beautiful purple color is most vibrant, as it may darken slightly upon standing.
03. Herb-Seasoned Sweet Potato Mash
Quick 30-minute sweet potato mash loaded with aromatic garlic, basil, and thyme. This savory version pairs beautifully with roasted meats and grilled vegetables.
Ingredients: 3 pounds sweet potatoes, 4 tablespoons butter, 3 cloves garlic (minced), 2 teaspoons dried basil, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, salt and pepper to taste.
How To Make Herb-Seasoned Sweet Potato Mash
1. Cut sweet potatoes into 1-inch cubes, leaving skins on for extra nutrients and faster cooking. Place in a large pot with enough water to cover by 1 inch.
2. Bring to a boil and cook for 12-15 minutes until very tender. Test with a fork – pieces should break apart easily when properly cooked.
3. Meanwhile, melt butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to let it brown.
4. Drain sweet potatoes well and mash with skins on for rustic texture. Stir in the garlic butter mixture, basil, and thyme until well combined.
5. Season generously with salt and pepper, tasting and adjusting herbs as desired. The herbs should complement, not overpower, the natural sweetness.
04. Spicy Jalapeño-Cilantro Sweet Potato Mash
Bold and zesty sweet potato mash with fresh jalapeños and cilantro for heat. This crowd-pleasing recipe adds exciting Mexican-inspired flavors to traditional mashed sweet potatoes.
Ingredients: 3 pounds sweet potatoes, 2 jalapeños (seeded and minced), ½ cup fresh cilantro (chopped), 3 tablespoons butter, 2 tablespoons lime juice, 1 teaspoon salt.
How To Make Spicy Jalapeño-Cilantro Sweet Potato Mash
1. Roast whole sweet potatoes at 425°F for 40-50 minutes until very soft. Roasting concentrates the natural sugars and creates the best flavor foundation for this spicy dish.
2. While potatoes roast, prepare jalapeños by removing seeds and white membranes for less heat, or leave some seeds for extra spice. Mince finely to distribute heat evenly throughout.
3. Let roasted potatoes cool slightly, then scoop flesh from skins into a large bowl. Mash until smooth, then fold in butter until melted and incorporated.
4. Add minced jalapeños, fresh cilantro, and lime juice, mixing gently to preserve the bright green color of the herbs. Taste and adjust jalapeño quantity based on your heat preference.
5. Season with salt and additional lime juice if needed. Let stand 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld together perfectly.
05. Sweet Potato Tahini Dip
Creamy roasted sweet potato dip with tahini and crushed pistachios for entertaining. This unique seasonal alternative to hummus works perfectly with tortilla chips or crackers.
Ingredients: 2 pounds sweet potatoes, ⅓ cup tahini, ¼ cup lime juice, ¼ cup fresh cilantro, ⅓ cup crushed pistachios, 2 tablespoons olive oil, salt to taste.
How To Make Sweet Potato Tahini Dip
1. Pierce sweet potatoes and roast at 400°F for 45-55 minutes until completely soft. Roasting develops deeper, more complex flavors than boiling for this dip application.
2. Scoop flesh from cooled potatoes and place in a food processor. Pulse several times to break down, then add tahini and lime juice for the creamy base.
3. Process until very smooth, scraping sides as needed. Add olive oil gradually while processing to create a silky, dippable consistency that’s not too thick.
4. Fold in chopped cilantro by hand to maintain bright color and fresh texture. Season with salt, tasting and adjusting lime juice for proper tang.
5. Transfer to serving bowl and top with crushed pistachios just before serving. Serve with warm pita chips, tortilla chips, or fresh vegetables for dipping.
6. Store covered in refrigerator up to 3 days, bringing to room temperature before serving for best flavor and texture.
06. Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Mash
Effortless slow cooker sweet potato mash with brown sugar and butter. This hands-off method frees up oven space and creates perfectly tender results every time.
Ingredients: 3 pounds sweet potatoes, 4 tablespoons butter, 3 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ cup mini marshmallows (optional).
How To Make Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Mash
1. Peel sweet potatoes and cut into 2-inch chunks for even cooking in the slow cooker. Place pieces in slow cooker and add ¼ cup water to prevent sticking.
2. Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours until potatoes are fork-tender and break apart easily when stirred.
3. Drain any excess liquid from the slow cooker, then add butter and brown sugar directly to the potatoes. Mash right in the slow cooker using a potato masher.
4. Continue mashing until smooth and creamy, adding salt to balance the sweetness. Taste and adjust brown sugar if you prefer sweeter results.
5. If using marshmallows, sprinkle on top and cover for 10 minutes until melted. Stir gently to swirl through or leave on top for presentation.
07. Beef Stew Over Sweet Potato Mash
Rich red chile beef stew served over creamy sweet potato mash with sour cream. This hearty main dish combines comfort food classics into one satisfying meal.
Ingredients: 2 pounds sweet potatoes, 1½ pounds beef stew meat, 2 dried red chiles, 3 tablespoons butter, ¼ cup sour cream, 2 green onions (chopped), salt and pepper.
How To Make Beef Stew Over Sweet Potato Mash
1. Season beef stew meat with salt and pepper, then brown in a heavy pot over medium-high heat until all sides are deeply caramelized, about 8 minutes total.
2. Add dried red chiles and 3 cups water, bringing to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 1½ hours until beef is fork-tender and easily shreds.
3. Meanwhile, boil peeled and chunked sweet potatoes in salted water for 15-18 minutes until very soft. Drain thoroughly and return to pot.
4. Mash sweet potatoes with butter and sour cream until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper, keeping warm over low heat.
5. Remove chiles from beef stew and shred meat slightly with forks. Adjust seasoning and simmer uncovered 10 minutes to thicken sauce.
6. Serve beef stew over mounds of sweet potato mash, garnishing with chopped green onions for fresh color and mild onion flavor.
08. Goat Cheese Sweet Potato Mash with Sage
Elegant sweet potato mash with creamy goat cheese, sage, and maple syrup. The combination of savory herbs and sweet maple creates sophisticated flavors perfect for special occasions.
Ingredients: 3 pounds sweet potatoes, 4 ounces goat cheese, 2 tablespoons maple syrup, 2 teaspoons fresh sage (chopped), 1 teaspoon paprika, salt and pepper.
How To Make Goat Cheese Sweet Potato Mash with Sage
1. Roast whole sweet potatoes at 400°F for 50-60 minutes until very soft and caramelized. Roasting concentrates flavors and pairs beautifully with the tangy goat cheese.
2. Let potatoes cool enough to handle, then scoop flesh into a large bowl. Mash until mostly smooth, leaving some small lumps for rustic texture.
3. Add goat cheese in small pieces, mashing gently to incorporate while leaving some creamy chunks throughout for bursts of tangy flavor.
4. Drizzle in maple syrup and fold in chopped fresh sage, being careful not to overmix and turn the sage dark.
5. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika, adjusting maple syrup to balance the tangy goat cheese. Serve warm with extra sage leaves for garnish.
09. Instant Pot Honey Goat Cheese Sweet Potato Mash
Quick Instant Pot sweet potato mash with honey-sweetened goat cheese for Thanksgiving. This pressure cooker method delivers perfectly tender results in a fraction of the time.
Ingredients: 3 pounds sweet potatoes, 4 ounces goat cheese, 3 tablespoons honey, 2 tablespoons butter, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon cinnamon.
How To Make Instant Pot Honey Goat Cheese Sweet Potato Mash
1. Peel and cube sweet potatoes into 2-inch pieces. Add to Instant Pot with 1 cup water and the trivet to prevent sticking during pressure cooking.
2. Pressure cook on high for 12 minutes, then quick release. Test doneness with a fork – pieces should fall apart easily when properly cooked.
3. Drain sweet potatoes thoroughly and return to the Instant Pot. Use the sauté function on low to evaporate any remaining moisture for 2 minutes.
4. Turn off heat and mash potatoes directly in the pot. Mix honey with goat cheese in a small bowl until smooth, then fold into mashed sweet potatoes.
5. Add butter, salt, and cinnamon, stirring until creamy and well combined. Taste and adjust honey or salt as needed for perfect balance.
6. Keep warm using the Instant Pot’s keep warm function until ready to serve, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
10. Marshmallow-Topped Sweet Potato Mash
Classic sweet potato mash with warm spices and mini marshmallows on top. This cozy five-ingredient recipe brings nostalgic holiday flavors to your table any time of year.
Ingredients: 3 pounds sweet potatoes, ¼ cup brown sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon allspice, 1 cup mini marshmallows, salt to taste.
How To Make Marshmallow-Topped Sweet Potato Mash
1. Boil peeled and chunked sweet potatoes in salted water for 18-20 minutes until fork-tender. Drain very well and return to pot over low heat for 1 minute to evaporate excess moisture.
2. Mash sweet potatoes until smooth, then stir in brown sugar, cinnamon, and allspice until evenly distributed. The warm spices should smell fragrant and inviting.
3. Taste and adjust sweetness with additional brown sugar if desired, keeping in mind the marshmallows will add more sweetness on top.
4. Transfer mixture to a buttered 2-quart baking dish, smoothing the surface with a spatula for even marshmallow placement.
5. Top evenly with mini marshmallows and bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until marshmallows are golden brown and slightly puffed.
6. Let rest 5 minutes before serving to allow marshmallows to set slightly while still remaining gooey and delicious inside.
Final Thoughts
These sweet potato mash recipes prove that this humble root vegetable can be transformed into countless delicious variations. From simple three-ingredient classics to bold spicy creations, there’s something for every taste preference.
Whether you’re planning holiday meals or weeknight dinners, these versatile recipes will inspire you to make sweet potatoes a regular part of your cooking rotation.
