There’s something magical about comfort food, and this Creamy Savory Mashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe hits all the right notes. Smooth, buttery, and just the right touch of garlic and sour cream make this dish a beloved addition at any table, whether it’s a holiday feast or a cozy weeknight dinner.
Why You Should Make This Recipe
Rich and velvety texture: These mashed sweet potatoes are irresistibly creamy, thanks to the perfect balance of butter and sour cream.
Simple ingredients: You won’t need fancy staples—just sweet potatoes, garlic, butter, and a few more pantry basics.
Flavor-packed: The savory garlic and fresh parsley elevate the natural sweetness into a tantalizing side.
Versatile side dish: Whether you’re aiming for a holiday spread or a weeknight favorite, this recipe fits seamlessly.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Every ingredient in this Creamy Savory Mashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe plays a crucial role—from the hearty sweetness of the potatoes to the tangy hit from sour cream. They combine to create that comforting and lush texture you crave, with a fresh burst from parsley to finish.
- Sweet Potatoes: Choose firm, medium to large sweet potatoes for an ideal balance of sweetness and creaminess.
- Salt: Divided for seasoning during cooking and mashing, enhancing the natural flavors.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds a lovely savory punch that cuts through the sweetness.
- Butter: Use high-quality butter for richness; unsalted is best to control seasoning.
- Black Pepper: Freshly ground for the best flavor bite and to balance sweetness.
- Sour Cream: Adds a creamy, tangy depth that makes the potatoes truly silky.
- Fresh Parsley: Brightens up the dish with color and a fresh herbal note.
How to Make Creamy Savory Mashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Boil the Sweet Potatoes
Start by peeling and cutting your sweet potatoes into 1-inch cubes. To ensure even cooking and that lovely creamy texture, place them in a large pot with cold water and add 1 teaspoon of salt. Bring it all up to a boil and cook until the potatoes are tender when poked with a fork—usually about 15 minutes.
Step 2: Drain and Season the Potatoes
Drain the potatoes well and return them to the pot over low heat for a minute to evaporate any excess moisture. Then add the remaining salt, minced garlic, cubes of butter, and a generous pinch of freshly ground black pepper. This step infuses the potatoes with deep flavor before mashing.
Step 3: Mash to Perfection
Reach for your potato masher or an electric hand mixer on low speed and start mashing or blending gently. Mash until you get your desired texture—whether slightly chunky or silky smooth. The key is to go slowly so the potatoes stay fluffy, not gluey.
Step 4: Stir in Sour Cream and Garnish
Finally, fold in the sour cream for that irresistible creamy tang. Give it a good stir until everything is well combined, then transfer the mashed sweet potatoes into a serving bowl. Top with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and, if you like, a few extra butter cubes for that glossy, indulgent finish.
How to Serve Creamy Savory Mashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
While fresh parsley is a classic choice, you can also sprinkle toasted pecans or a cinnamon dash for a hint of warmth and crunch. A drizzle of browned butter or a few crispy fried onions on top adds a gourmet touch that will wow your guests every time.
Side Dishes
This Creamy Savory Mashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, grilled steaks, or even a simple sautéed green vegetable like spinach or green beans. Its natural sweetness complements bold, savory mains effortlessly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the mashed sweet potatoes in hollowed-out mini pumpkins or acorn squashes. Or create individual servings using ramekins topped with extra herbs and a pat of butter—perfect for elevating your holiday table or a dinner party.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover mashed sweet potatoes store wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 4 days—perfect for enjoying a quick and comforting treat the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze this recipe for up to 3 months! Just pack it into a freezer-safe bag or container, pressing out as much air as possible to preserve its creamy texture when thawed.
Reheating
When reheating, add a splash of milk, cream, or broth to loosen the mash and warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Stir frequently to keep it smooth and creamy, just like freshly made.
FAQs
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Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes for this recipe?
Absolutely! While this recipe shines with sweet potatoes’ natural sweetness and color, regular potatoes can be used if you prefer a more classic mashed texture and flavor. Just adjust seasonings accordingly.
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Is it okay to skip the garlic if someone doesn’t like it?
Yes, garlic is optional but adds great depth to the savory profile. If you’re not a fan, simply omit it or substitute with a mild onion powder for a subtle flavor boost.
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How creamy should the mashed sweet potatoes be?
That’s up to your preference! Whether you like them slightly chunky for texture or ultra-smooth and silky, this recipe is flexible. Just mash or blend slowly to avoid a gluey consistency.
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Can I make this recipe vegan?
Definitely! Swap out butter for vegan margarine or olive oil, and use a dairy-free sour cream alternative to keep things creamy and delicious without animal products.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Savory Mashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe is one of those dishes that brings warmth and comfort to any meal, filling your kitchen with inviting aromas and your heart with cozy satisfaction. Give it a try and watch it become your new favorite side that everyone asks for again and again!
Print
Creamy Savory Mashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Creamy Savory Mashed Sweet Potatoes recipe delivers a rich and velvety side dish perfect for any meal. Made with tender sweet potatoes, garlic, butter, and sour cream, it’s flavorful and comforting, topped with fresh parsley for a delightful finish.
Ingredients
Sweet Potatoes
- 4 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1″ cubes
- 2 teaspoons salt, divided
- 1 garlic clove, minced
To Finish
- 3 tablespoons butter, cubed
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup sour cream
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Boil Sweet Potatoes: In a large pot, start with cold water and bring it to a boil. Add the sweet potatoes and 1 teaspoon of salt. Boil until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork, about 15 minutes.
- Drain and Return: Drain the cooked potatoes thoroughly and return them to the pot to prevent them from becoming watery.
- Mash the Potatoes: Add the remaining 1 teaspoon salt, minced garlic, cubed butter, and freshly ground black pepper to the pot. Mash the potatoes using a potato masher to your desired texture. For a smoother consistency, use an electric hand mixer on low speed until creamy.
- Add Sour Cream and Stir: Mix in the sour cream thoroughly to create a rich, creamy texture.
- Serve and Garnish: Transfer the mashed sweet potatoes to a serving bowl. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and additional butter if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- Start boiling the sweet potatoes in cold water for even cooking instead of adding them directly to boiling water.
- Ensure sweet potatoes are fully drained before mashing to avoid watery mash.
- You can mash the potatoes with a potato masher, fork, or use a blender for a different texture.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat mashed sweet potatoes in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of liquid to loosen the texture.
- Freeze mashed sweet potatoes in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
