There is something so comforting about a bowl of warm, creamy mashed potatoes. But have you ever tried making them with sweet potatoes? If not, you are in for a real treat. This recipe takes a classic side dish and gives it a fun, flavorful twist that will have everyone asking for seconds.
We are not just boiling potatoes here. Oh no. We are roasting them to bring out all their natural sweetness and creating a depth of flavor that is simply wonderful. Combined with nutty tahini and fragrant roasted garlic, these Mashed Sweet Potatoes are a standout dish for any occasion.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
So, what makes this particular recipe for Mashed Sweet Potatoes so special? Honestly, it’s the simplicity combined with an incredible flavor profile. It is one of those Easy Sweet Potato Recipes that looks and tastes sophisticated but is surprisingly simple to put together. You do not need any special kitchen skills to make this happen.
The biggest reason you will love it is the roasting method. Boiling sweet potatoes can sometimes make them watery. Roasting, on the other hand, concentrates their flavor. It caramelizes the natural sugars, making the potatoes intensely sweet and delicious. This is a key step in learning How To Cook Sweet Potatoes for maximum taste.
Then there is the roasted garlic. Roasting garlic transforms it from pungent and sharp to sweet, mellow, and almost buttery. When you whip it into the sweet potatoes, it adds a savory layer that balances the sweetness beautifully. It is a small step that makes a huge difference.
The addition of tahini is another fantastic element. It gives the dish a subtle nuttiness and an extra creamy texture. It complements the sweet potato flavor so well, creating a smooth and rich consistency that feels luxurious. You will wonder why you never thought of it before!
This is also a very versatile dish. It works beautifully as a holiday side, sitting proudly next to a Thanksgiving turkey or a Christmas roast. But it is also simple enough for a weeknight dinner. It pairs wonderfully with roasted chicken, pork chops, or even a hearty vegetarian main course.
Let’s talk about the texture. By using a stand mixer or hand mixer, you whip air into the potatoes, making them light and fluffy. The final result is a smooth, velvety mash that is just a joy to eat. It is the kind of comfort food that warms you from the inside out.
And it is a healthy choice too! Sweet potatoes are packed with vitamins and fiber. This recipe keeps things wholesome with simple, natural ingredients. It is a side dish you can feel good about serving to your family and friends. It is one of the best Sweet Potato Dishes for both flavor and nutrition.
Plus, your kitchen will smell amazing while everything is roasting. The sweet aroma of the potatoes mixed with the savory scent of garlic is just incredible. It builds anticipation for the delicious meal to come. It truly is a recipe that delights all the senses.
Ingredients
The ingredient list for these Mashed Sweet Potatoes is short and sweet. Each component plays an important role in building the final flavor and texture. You do not need anything fancy, just a few quality ingredients.
For the sweet potatoes, look for small to medium sized ones with smooth skin and no blemishes. Varieties like Garnet or Jewel work really well because they have a lovely orange flesh and a moist texture when cooked. They are ideal for mashing.
The garlic roasts right alongside the potatoes, making it super convenient. Don’t worry about peeling it completely beforehand. Leaving some of the paper on helps it steam inside the foil, resulting in a super soft texture that will blend right into the mash.
- 4 to 5 small or medium sweet potatoes (about 3 pounds)
- 3 cloves garlic (do not peel away all the paper)
- 3 tablespoons tahini
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- Oil, to coat the garlic
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Step By Step Instructions
Ready to get cooking? Following these steps will give you the most delicious Mashed Sweet Potatoes. We will walk through everything together, so do not worry if you are new to this. It is one of the more straightforward Easy Sweet Potato Recipes you can make.
Step 1: Prepare The Oven And Potatoes
First things first, preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. While it is heating up, go ahead and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This makes cleanup so much easier later on. No one likes scrubbing sticky pans!
Next, give your sweet potatoes a good rinse under cool water. Scrub away any dirt. Once they are clean, pat them dry. Now for an important step: poke holes all over each potato with a fork or a knife. This allows steam to escape while they bake, preventing any potato explosions in your oven.
Place the pierced sweet potatoes directly on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure they have a little space between them so they can roast evenly. That is all the prep they need!
Step 2: Roast The Sweet Potatoes
Slide the baking sheet into your preheated oven. Let the sweet potatoes roast for about 50 to 55 minutes. The exact time will depend on the size of your potatoes. You will know they are done when they are tender and soft to the touch.
You can test for doneness by gently squeezing one with an oven mitt or by piercing it with a knife. The knife should slide in easily with no resistance. You want them to be completely soft all the way through, with no hard spots left.
Step 3: Roast The Garlic
When the sweet potatoes have about 15 to 20 minutes of roasting time left, it is time to add the garlic. Take your three cloves of garlic and rub them with a little bit of oil. You do not need much, just enough to coat them.
Wrap the oiled cloves together in a small piece of tin foil, creating a little packet. Place this packet directly on the baking sheet with the sweet potatoes. Let the garlic roast for the remaining 15 to 20 minutes. This is the perfect amount of time to get it soft and fragrant.
Step 4: Peel The Sweet Potatoes
Once everything is done roasting, carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven. The potatoes and the garlic packet will be very hot, so use oven mitts. Let the sweet potatoes cool for just a minute or two, until you can handle them safely.
Now it is time to peel them. The skin should be wrinkly and pulling away from the flesh. It should be very easy to remove. You can often just pull it off with your fingers. If some spots are stubborn, a small knife can help. Discard the skins.
Step 5: Whip The Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Place the peeled, roasted sweet potatoes into the bowl of a stand mixer or a large mixing bowl. Unwrap your roasted garlic and squeeze the soft, paste like cloves out of their skins and into the bowl.
Add the tahini, cinnamon, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. If you are using a stand mixer, attach the whisk attachment. If you are using a hand mixer, grab that. Now, whip everything together until it is evenly combined and creamy. This should take about 2 to 3 minutes.
Try not to over mix, as this can make the potatoes gummy. You just want to whip until everything is smooth. If you do not have a mixer, no problem! You can use a potato masher. It will result in a slightly more rustic texture, which is also delicious.
Step 6: Garnish And Serve
Your creamy Mashed Sweet Potatoes are ready! Transfer them to a serving bowl. For a nice finishing touch, you can garnish with an extra drizzle of tahini and a light dusting of cinnamon. This looks beautiful and adds a little extra flavor. Serve them warm and enjoy every bite!
How To Store Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftover Mashed Sweet Potatoes, they store very well. The key is to cool them down properly before storing. Let the potatoes come to room temperature on the counter for about an hour. You do not want to put hot food directly into the refrigerator.
Once cooled, transfer the mashed potatoes into an airtight container. This will keep them fresh and prevent them from absorbing any other odors from your fridge. They will last in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
You can also freeze them! For longer storage, place the cooled mash into a freezer safe airtight container or a zip top freezer bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. This is great for meal prepping or saving holiday leftovers.
When you are ready to enjoy them again, you can reheat them easily. For refrigerated leftovers, you can warm them in the microwave in 30 second intervals, stirring in between. Or, for a better texture, reheat them in a small saucepan over low heat on the stovetop. You might want to add a splash of water or almond milk to loosen them up as they heat.
If reheating from frozen, it is best to let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight first. Then, follow the same reheating instructions as above. Reheating on the stovetop will give you the creamiest result.
Tips
Here are a few extra tips to help you make the best Mashed Sweet Potatoes every single time. These little tricks can make a big difference in the final dish. This is all part of learning How To Cook Sweet Potatoes like a pro.
When picking your sweet potatoes, size matters for even cooking. Try to choose potatoes that are all roughly the same size. This ensures they will all be perfectly tender at the same time. If you have a mix of large and small ones, the small ones might overcook while the large ones are still hard.
Feel free to play with the spices. While cinnamon adds a lovely warmth, other spices work well too. A tiny pinch of nutmeg can enhance the cozy flavor. For a little bit of heat, you could add a dash of cayenne pepper. It creates a nice sweet and spicy contrast.
This recipe is naturally vegan and gluten free, which is a huge plus! You do not need to make any substitutions. It is one of those fantastic Sweet Potato Dishes that caters to different dietary needs without any extra effort.
If your mash seems a little too thick for your liking, you can thin it out. Add a tablespoon at a time of unsweetened almond milk, oat milk, or even just a little warm water. Mix it in until you reach your desired consistency.
Wondering what to serve with these potatoes? They are incredibly versatile. They are a classic pairing for roasted chicken, turkey, or pork loin. They also work well with steak or as part of a vegetarian bowl with roasted vegetables and chickpeas. The options are nearly endless.
Conclusion
And there you have it! A simple, yet incredibly flavorful recipe for Mashed Sweet Potatoes. By taking the extra time to roast the potatoes and garlic, you create a side dish that is truly special. The creamy texture from the tahini and the warm spice from the cinnamon make it a memorable addition to any meal.
I hope you give this recipe a try and love it as much as I do. It is a wonderful way to enjoy one of nature’s best vegetables. Whether you are making it for a special holiday or a simple weeknight dinner, it is sure to be a hit. Happy cooking!
FAQ
Can I Use Yams Instead Of Sweet Potatoes?
This is a common question! What is often labeled as a “yam” in US grocery stores is actually a type of sweet potato. True yams are quite different. For this Mashed Yams Recipe variation, you can definitely use the orange fleshed potatoes labeled as yams. They will work beautifully and taste very similar.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead Of Time?
Yes, absolutely! This is a great make ahead dish. You can prepare the Mashed Sweet Potatoes one or two days in advance. Just store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat them on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of liquid if needed to restore the creamy texture.
Is This Recipe Vegan And Gluten Free?
It sure is! This recipe is naturally vegan and gluten free as written. The creaminess comes from the tahini and the natural texture of the potatoes, with no dairy or gluten containing ingredients required. It is a wonderful option for serving to guests with various dietary preferences.
What If I Don’t Have Tahini?
If you do not have tahini, you can still make delicious Mashed Sweet Potatoes. For a creamy alternative, you could use a few tablespoons of coconut cream or a dairy free butter substitute. For a nutty flavor, a spoonful of almond butter or cashew butter could also work, though it will change the taste more significantly.
My Sweet Potatoes Are Hard After Baking. What Did I Do Wrong?
If your sweet potatoes are still hard, they likely just need more time in the oven. The cooking time can vary based on the exact size and thickness of your potatoes. Just pop them back in the oven for another 10 to 15 minutes and test them again. They should be very soft and easily pierced with a knife before you try to mash them.
Roasted Mashed Sweet Potatoes
A fun, flavorful twist on a classic side dish. Roasting sweet potatoes and garlic brings out their natural sweetness, creating a wonderfully deep flavor. Combined with nutty tahini, these mashed sweet potatoes are creamy, rich, and perfect for any occasion.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Rinse, dry, and poke holes in sweet potatoes. Place on the baking sheet.
- Roast for 50-55 minutes, until tender and soft.
- With 15-20 minutes remaining, coat garlic cloves with oil, wrap in foil, and place on the baking sheet to roast.
- Carefully remove from the oven. Let cool slightly, then peel the sweet potatoes.
- Place peeled sweet potatoes, roasted garlic (squeezed from skins), tahini, cinnamon, salt, and pepper into a large bowl.
- Whip with a stand mixer or hand mixer for 2-3 minutes until creamy and combined.
- Transfer to a serving bowl, garnish with extra tahini and cinnamon if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
For even cooking, try to choose sweet potatoes that are all roughly the same size.
Feel free to add other spices. A tiny pinch of nutmeg can enhance the cozy flavor, or add a dash of cayenne for a sweet and spicy contrast.
If your mash seems too thick, thin it out by adding a tablespoon at a time of unsweetened almond milk, oat milk, or warm water until it reaches your desired consistency.
Nutrition
Calories
Sugar
Fat
Carbs
