Mashed Sweet Potatoes

This mashed sweet potato recipe is the essence of autumn comfort. The natural sweetness of the potatoes, blended with rich butter, creamy yogurt, and a sprinkle of spiced paprika, fills the dish with warm, cozy aromas. Creamy, smooth, and full of seasonal warmth, it’s the perfect side dish to bring a little extra comfort to your table.

Ingredients for Mashed Sweet Potatoes

• Sweet Potatoes: Fall favorites with a naturally sweet, orange, and creamy texture (See Notes)
• Yogurt: Lightens the potatoes and balances sweetness, creating a smooth, creamy consistency
• Butter: Melts into the potatoes, enhancing their flavor with a velvety finish
• Garlic: Infuses dish with an aromatic, savory, and earthy kick that pairs beautifully with sweetness
• Thyme: This herb adds a hint of freshness and woodsy flavor, bringing a true taste of autumn
• Olive Oil: Coats potatoes for roasting, bringing out their natural flavors while adding richness
• Seasonings: Salt and ground pepper enhance and balance the overall flavors
• Paprika (Sweet or Smoked): Adds warmth, mild spiciness, color, and a subtle depth of flavor

Mashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe

• 2 lbs orange sweet potatoes (about 3 large/900 grams) Beauregard, garnet, or jewel (see notes)
• 1/4-1/3 cups plain Greek yogurt (60-80 ml)
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil, more if needed
• 2-3 tablespoons butter (30-45 grams)
• 10 sprigs fresh thyme (about 5-7 grams)
• 1 head of garlic (about 50-60 grams) about 4-5 cloves
• 1/8 teaspoon sweet or smoked paprika, to taste (0.5 grams)
• 1/2 teaspoon pink or kosher salt, to taste (3 grams)
• 1/4 teaspoon four-blend or black ground pepper, to taste (0.5 grams)

Recommended Equipment

• Baking Sheet and Aluminum Foil: Used to wrap and bake the potatoes for a tender texture.
• Food Processor or Chopper: To mash the baked potatoes into a smooth, creamy consistency.

How to Make Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Preheat the Oven: Arrange a rack in the middle of the oven and heat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

Prepare the Potatoes: Wash and scrub the sweet potatoes well, then pat them dry with a paper towel. Pierce the sweet potatoes a few times with a fork to allow steam to escape. Coat them in olive oil, and wrap each one with a few sprigs of thyme in aluminum foil.

For the garlic, cut the top off one head and drizzle it with olive oil, then season with salt and pepper. Wrap the garlic in aluminum foil. Arrange the wrapped sweet potatoes and garlic on a baking sheet.

Bake: Bake for 45-60 minutes, depending on their size, until they are soft and easily pierced with a fork.

Mash the Potatoes: Once baked, let the sweet potatoes cool slightly, but keep warm. Peel them, and add them to a food processor or chopper along with butter, Greek yogurt, salt, pepper, and paprika. Squeeze out the roasted garlic cloves, and add fresh thyme leaves from 2 sprigs (about 1/4 teaspoon/0.5 grams). Blend until the potatoes become creamy, adjusting the seasonings to taste.

Garnish: Transfer the mashed potatoes to a serving dish and garnish with an extra drizzle of olive oil or melted butter for added richness. A sprinkle of fresh thyme or a dash of paprika adds a beautiful finishing touch. For added texture, you can sprinkle crispy fried onions, toasted pecans, or a handful of crumbled feta or goat cheese on top.

Serving: Serve alongside roasted meats like chicken, turkey, or meatloaf for a hearty, comforting meal. The sweetness of the potatoes pairs well with savory mains, and a simple green or kale salad, roasted vegetables, or steamed greens will round out the meal.

Best Sweet Potatoes for Mashing

These orange-fleshed varieties hold up well when boiled or roasted, and their creamy, naturally sweet flesh makes them perfect for a smooth, flavorful mash!

Beauregard: They have vibrant orange flesh, similar to Garnet and Jewel, with a naturally sweet flavor. They are known for their smooth, moist texture with a perfect balance of sweetness and creaminess, making them an excellent choice for mashing.

Red Garnet: These have a deep orange flesh and are sweet, moist, and perfect for mashing. They tend to have a smooth, creamy texture once cooked.

Jewel: Similar to garnet, these sweet potatoes have a slightly lighter orange flesh and a naturally sweet flavor, which makes them great for mashing.

Covington: These are slightly less sweet than Garnet or Jewel, but their texture becomes soft and creamy when cooked, making them ideal for mashing.

Storage & Serving

Storage: Allow the mashed sweet potatoes to cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.

To Reheat, warm in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. You may need to add a little yogurt, or butter when reheating to restore creaminess.

For longer storage, you can freeze the mashed sweet potatoes in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

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