Are you looking for a delightful, wholesome, and incredibly versatile side dish that breaks away from the usual sugar-laden sweet potato fare? Then you’ve come to the right place! This blog post is dedicated to perfecting Creamy Savory Mashed Sweet Potatoes, a recipe that redefines how you’ll view this vibrant root vegetable.
Forget the marshmallows and brown sugar; we’re diving into a world of rich, earthy, and supremely satisfying savory flavors that will elevate any meal. This recipe is not only simple to prepare but also a fantastic way to enjoy sweet potatoes without the sweetness, offering a perfect balance of comfort and nutrition.
Key Ingredients for Creamy Savory Mashed Sweet Potatoes
To create this irresistible side dish, gather these essential ingredients:
Sweet Potatoes: 2 pounds (about 3-4 medium-sized), peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks. Opt for orange-fleshed varieties like Beauregard or Jewel for their vibrant color and creamy texture.
Garlic: 4-5 cloves, minced. Fresh garlic is key for that pungent, aromatic kick.
Chicken or Vegetable Broth: ½ cup, low sodium. This adds depth of flavor and helps achieve the desired consistency.
Unsalted Butter: ¼ cup (½ stick), softened. For richness and a silky smooth texture.
Cream Cheese: 4 oz, full-fat, softened. The secret to extra creaminess and a subtle tangy note.
Fresh Rosemary: 1 tablespoon, finely chopped. Its piney, aromatic notes beautifully complement the sweet potatoes.
Fresh Thyme: 1 teaspoon, finely chopped. Adds an earthy, woodsy flavor.
Salt: 1 teaspoon, or to taste. Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
Black Pepper: ½ teaspoon, freshly ground, or to taste. Adds a subtle heat and aroma.
Optional Garnish: Fresh chives or parsley, chopped. For a pop of color and fresh flavor.
How to Make Creamy Savory Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Get ready for a game-changer! This Creamy Savory Mashed Sweet Potatoes recipe is incredibly easy to make, delivering a velvety, rich, and deeply satisfying dish that will have everyone asking for seconds. Its simplicity belies its incredible flavor profile, making it a perfect addition to any weeknight meal or holiday spread. With a preparation time of just 15 minutes and a cooking time of 20-25 minutes, you’ll have a show-stopping side on your table in under an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Begin by peeling your sweet potatoes and cutting them into uniform 1-inch chunks. This ensures even cooking. Place the chunks into a large pot and cover them with cold water by about an inch. Add a generous pinch of salt to the water.
Boil Until Tender: Bring the pot to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-high and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the sweet potato chunks are fork-tender. You should be able to easily pierce them with a fork.
Drain Thoroughly: Carefully drain the cooked sweet potatoes in a colander. It’s crucial to let them sit in the colander for a few minutes, shaking gently, to allow excess water to evaporate. This prevents watery mashed potatoes.
Sauté Aromatics: While the sweet potatoes are draining, melt 1 tablespoon of the unsalted butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, chopped rosemary, and chopped thyme. Sauté for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Mash the Sweet Potatoes: Transfer the drained sweet potatoes back into the empty pot or a large mixing bowl. Add the remaining unsalted butter, softened cream cheese, sautéed garlic and herbs, chicken or vegetable broth, salt, and black pepper.
Mash to Perfection: Using a potato masher, fork, or an electric hand mixer (for extra creaminess), mash the sweet potatoes until smooth. If using a hand mixer, be careful not to overmix, as this can make them gluey. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, adding more salt or pepper if desired. You can add a splash more broth for a thinner consistency, if preferred.
Serve and Garnish: Transfer the Creamy Savory Mashed Sweet Potatoes to a serving bowl. Garnish with fresh chopped chives or parsley, if using, for a beautiful presentation and a burst of freshness. Serve warm and enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Savory Mashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe
You are absolutely going to adore these Creamy Savory Mashed Sweet Potatoes because they offer a sophisticated and deeply satisfying twist on a classic. The main highlight is undoubtedly its incredible creaminess, achieved through the perfect marriage of butter and cream cheese, complemented by the aromatic dance of fresh rosemary and thyme.
Making this dish at home isn’t just about deliciousness—it’s also a fantastic way to save money compared to store-bought sides or restaurant versions, allowing you to control the quality of ingredients and portion sizes. The savory profile, punctuated by pungent garlic and earthy herbs, makes it shine, offering a rich flavor that’s both comforting and unique. If you enjoyed our Garlic Herb Roasted Carrots, you’ll find a similar savory comfort here. Don’t wait, whisk yourself into the kitchen and create this spectacular side dish today!
What to Serve Creamy Savory Mashed Sweet Potatoes With:
This versatile side dish pairs beautifully with a wide array of main courses. Its savory profile makes it an excellent accompaniment to:
- Roasted Chicken or Turkey: The creaminess and earthy herbs complement poultry perfectly.
- Pan-Seared Pork Chops: A rich and comforting contrast to the savory pork.
- Grilled Steak or Lamb: The robust flavors stand up wonderfully to red meats.
- Baked Salmon or Cod: Adds a comforting, grounding element to lighter fish dishes.
- Hearty Vegetarian Loaf or Lentil Patties: Elevates plant-based meals with its creamy texture.
- Sunday Roast Dinners: A welcome, flavorful alternative to traditional mashed potatoes.
- Green Beans Almondine or Roasted Asparagus: Creates a balanced and vibrant plate.
Top Tips for Perfecting Creamy Savory Mashed Sweet Potatoes:
- Even Chunks, Even Cooking: Ensure your sweet potato chunks are roughly the same size. This guarantees they cook at the same rate, preventing some pieces from being mushy while others are still hard.
- Don’t Skimp on Draining: This is perhaps the most crucial tip! Sweet potatoes hold a lot of water. After boiling, let them sit in the colander for at least 5 minutes, shaking occasionally, to allow as much steam and moisture to escape as possible. This prevents watery, bland mashed potatoes.
- Warm Ingredients for Smoothness: Ensure your butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature. This allows them to incorporate smoothly and effortlessly into the hot sweet potatoes, resulting in a perfectly creamy texture.
- Don’t Overmix: If you’re using an electric mixer, be gentle and stop as soon as the potatoes are smooth. Overmixing can break down the starches too much, leading to a gluey or gummy texture. A simple potato masher often works best for a slightly lumpier, rustic mash.
- Taste and Adjust: Always taste your mashed sweet potatoes before serving. Salt and pepper are essential, but you might want more herbs, a touch more broth for moisture, or even a tiny pinch of cayenne for a subtle kick.
- Ingredient Substitutions:
- Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free butter, unsweetened plain cashew cream or full-fat coconut cream (from a can, just the thick cream at the top) instead of cream cheese.
- Herbs: No fresh rosemary or thyme? Use ½ teaspoon each of dried herbs, but add them with the garlic to release their flavor. Or experiment with other herbs like fresh sage or chives.
- Broth: Vegetable broth is a perfect substitute for chicken broth. For extra richness, a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half can be used instead of some of the broth.
- Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Undercooking: Hard sweet potato lumps are no fun! Ensure they are truly fork-tender before mashing.
- Not Draining Enough: As mentioned, this leads to watery mash.
- Cold Dairy: Cold butter and cream cheese won’t blend as seamlessly, potentially leaving small chunks.
Storing and Reheating Tips:
These Creamy Savory Mashed Sweet Potatoes are just as delicious the next day!
- Refrigeration: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, transfer cooled mashed sweet potatoes to a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating (Stovetop): For best results, reheat on the stovetop over low to medium-low heat. Add a splash of broth or milk while stirring frequently until heated through and creamy again.
- Reheating (Microwave): Reheat individual portions in the microwave in 30-60 second intervals, stirring in between, until hot. You may need to add a small amount of broth or milk to restore creaminess.
- Reheating (Oven): If you have a larger quantity, place the mashed sweet potatoes in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-30 minutes, or until heated through. Stir halfway for even heating.
Final Thoughts:
You’ve now unlocked the secret to a truly phenomenal side dish with these Creamy Savory Mashed Sweet Potatoes. This recipe proves that sweet potatoes can transcend their traditionally sweet role and shine brightly in a savory context, bringing warmth, depth, and incredible flavor to any meal. Whether you’re looking for a holiday showstopper or a comforting weeknight addition, this dish perfectly balances ease of preparation with gourmet taste. Give your taste buds a treat and your dinner table a vibrant new star!
try also :
- Lentil and Sweet Potato Salad
- Cranberry Brie Bites
- Crispy Sweet Potato Bites
- Matcha Cake Recipe
- find more in Pinterest
Creamy Savory Mashed Sweet Potatoes FAQs:
Q: Can I use different herbs in this recipe?
A: Absolutely! While rosemary and thyme are fantastic, feel free to experiment with other savory herbs like fresh sage, chives, marjoram, or even a hint of dried Italian seasoning. Adjust quantities to your preference.
Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Yes! Substitute the butter with a good quality plant-based butter and the cream cheese with an equal amount of dairy-free cream cheese alternative. Unsweetened plain cashew cream or the thick part of full-fat canned coconut milk can also work for added creaminess, though they may slightly alter the flavor profile.
Q: My mashed sweet potatoes seem a bit watery. What went wrong?
A: The most common culprit is not draining the sweet potatoes thoroughly enough after boiling. Ensure you let them sit in a colander, shaking occasionally, for several minutes to allow excess steam and water to escape before mashing.
Q: Can I add spice to this recipe?
A: Definitely! For a subtle kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper when sautéing the garlic and herbs.
Q: Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can! Make the mashed sweet potatoes completely, allow them to cool, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat using the stovetop or oven methods, adding a splash of broth or milk to restore creaminess.