Creamy Mashed Sweet Potatoes
If you’ve been searching for the perfect side dish that feels cozy, flavorful, and festive, these savory mashed sweet potatoes are it. Imagine soft, buttery sweet potatoes mashed to perfection, infused with cream, fresh sage, rosemary, and just a hint of cinnamon. They’re creamy yet light, rich yet balanced, and oh-so-perfect for holiday dinners, Sunday roasts, or even weeknight comfort meals. The warm, herby aroma fills the kitchen as you prepare them, and the result is a dish that feels both rustic and elegant—one your family will request again and again.
Quick Recipe Overview
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Servings | Difficulty | Cuisine | Best Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 mins | 1 hour | 1 hr 10 mins | 6 | Easy | American | Fall & Winter |
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comforting yet elegant – These mashed sweet potatoes combine everyday ingredients with fresh herbs, making them both cozy and sophisticated.
- Perfect holiday side dish – They pair beautifully with turkey, ham, or roast chicken, making them an ideal addition to Thanksgiving or Christmas menus.
- Naturally sweet & savory balance – The butter and cream enhance the natural sweetness of the potatoes while sage, rosemary, and cinnamon bring a subtle savory depth.
- Simple to prepare – With just a handful of steps, you’ll have a crowd-pleasing dish that looks impressive with minimal effort.
- Customizable – Whether you prefer them extra creamy, slightly chunky, or with a hint more spice, this recipe adapts easily to your taste.
The Best Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Herbs and Butter
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Savory, buttery mashed sweet potatoes infused with cream, fresh sage, rosemary, and a hint of cinnamon. A cozy, elegant side dish perfect for holidays or weeknights.
Ingredients
- 3 pounds sweet potatoes
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup heavy/whipping cream
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary (needles only), finely chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Line a baking sheet with foil and preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Place whole, unpeeled sweet potatoes on the sheet, prick all over, and bake 45–50 minutes until very soft.
2. Meanwhile, warm butter, cream, sage, rosemary, cinnamon, salt, and pepper over low heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Cut sweet potatoes in half lengthwise to release steam. Cool slightly, then scoop flesh into a pot.
4. Pour in the warm cream mixture and mash until smooth (or leave slightly chunky if preferred).
5. Transfer to a serving bowl. Optional: drizzle with a little melted butter and cream. Serve immediately.
Notes
Sweet potatoes vary widely in size; measuring by weight gives the best results.
Prefer boiling? Peel and cube, then boil until tender. Flavor will be a bit less intense than roasting.
Make ahead: refrigerate up to 24 hours; reheat gently with a splash of cream.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 245
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 22mg
Ingredients
- 3 pounds sweet potatoes
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup heavy/whipping cream
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary (needles only), finely chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Pepper to taste
Ingredient Tips
| Ingredient | Tip |
|---|---|
| Sweet Potatoes | Choose ones that feel heavy for their size with smooth skin for the best flavor. |
| Butter | Use unsalted butter so you can better control the saltiness. |
| Heavy Cream | Warm before adding for a smoother mash and richer flavor. |
| Sage | Fresh sage gives the dish a more aromatic depth than dried. |
| Rosemary | Chop finely to avoid woody bites and ensure even flavor. |
| Cinnamon | A little goes a long way—don’t overpower the herbs. |
| Salt | Start with less and adjust to taste as sweet potatoes vary in sweetness. |
| Pepper | Freshly cracked black pepper balances the sweetness beautifully. |
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the oven: Line a baking sheet with foil and preheat to 425°F. Move the rack to the middle position.
- Bake the potatoes: Place whole, unpeeled sweet potatoes on the baking sheet. Prick them all over with a knife and bake for 45–50 minutes, or until very soft.
- Infuse the cream: While the potatoes bake, add butter, cream, sage, rosemary, cinnamon, salt, and pepper to a small saucepan. Warm gently over low heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to let the flavors meld.
- Scoop the flesh: Once potatoes are done, cut in half lengthwise to release steam. Let cool slightly, then scoop the soft flesh into a large pot.
- Mash to perfection: Pour the warm cream mixture into the pot. Use a handheld potato masher (or a mixer for extra creaminess) to mash until smooth.
- Serve beautifully: Transfer to a serving bowl. For extra presentation, drizzle with a touch of melted butter and cream before serving.
Helpful Tips
- Prick the potatoes deeply before baking so they cook evenly.
- Don’t rush the cream infusion—low and slow builds the best flavor.
- Mash while the potatoes are still warm for a creamier consistency.
- Taste as you go; sweet potatoes can vary in sweetness, so balance with salt.
Expert Tips for the Best Results
- Bake, don’t boil – Baking intensifies the natural sweetness and prevents waterlogged potatoes.
- Warm your cream mixture – Cold cream will seize the butter; warming ensures a silky mash.
- Mash by hand for texture – A masher gives a rustic texture while a mixer makes them ultra-smooth.
- Garnish for wow-factor – A swirl of melted butter and sprinkle of herbs elevates presentation instantly.
Recipe Variations
- Garlic Mashed Sweet Potatoes – Add roasted garlic cloves to the mash for a deep, savory kick.
- Cheesy Sweet Potatoes – Mix in shredded parmesan or gruyère for a rich, cheesy version.
- Sweet & Spiced – Swap herbs for nutmeg and allspice to lean into holiday dessert-like flavors.
- Mixed Mash – Combine half sweet potatoes and half Yukon golds for a sweet-savory fusion.
Make Ahead & Freezer Tips
Mashed sweet potatoes can be made a day ahead—just reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream before serving. They also freeze well; portion into airtight containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm on the stovetop with a bit of butter or cream.
Serving Suggestions
Serve in a wide, shallow bowl with a butter drizzle and fresh herb garnish for a rustic yet elegant look. These mashed sweet potatoes shine alongside roasted meats, poultry, or vegetarian mains. They also pair beautifully with green beans, Brussels sprouts, or a fresh salad for balance.
Pairing Ideas
Enjoy with roasted turkey or herb-crusted chicken for a classic pairing. For wine, a crisp Chardonnay or Pinot Noir complements the buttery herbs. Non-alcoholic? Try sparkling apple cider or a rosemary-infused lemonade.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring in a splash of cream. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring in between for even heating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute coconut milk for cream and use vegan butter. The result is still creamy and flavorful.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Absolutely, but reduce the amount to about 1 teaspoon each since dried herbs are more concentrated.
What if I don’t have an oven?
You can boil peeled and chopped sweet potatoes until tender. Just note the flavor will be slightly less intense than roasted.
How do I prevent gummy mashed potatoes?
Avoid over-mixing, especially with a hand mixer. Gentle mashing keeps them fluffy.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, just use a larger pot for mashing and adjust the cream mixture proportionally.
What’s the difference between yams and sweet potatoes?
In U.S. grocery stores, what’s labeled as “yams” are usually sweet potatoes. True yams are starchier and less sweet.
Can I add extra spices?
Of course! Nutmeg, smoked paprika, or even cayenne can add exciting twists.
Nutrition Information
| Serving Size | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sugar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 cup | 245 | 3g | 45g | 8g | 6g | 13g |
Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.
Conclusion
These savory, buttery mashed sweet potatoes are the perfect balance of cozy and elegant. With herbs, cream, and a touch of cinnamon, they bring warmth and flavor to any table. Make them for your next holiday gathering—or any night you want comfort food with a twist.
