Silky Sweet Potato Mash Recipe

Introduction

Silky Sweet Potato Mash is a smooth, creamy, and delectably rich twist on a classic comfort dish. Perfect for holidays or cozy dinners, this recipe brings a hint of vanilla and optional cream cheese for extra silkiness. Adding glazed walnuts on top creates a delightful texture and flavor contrast.

Ingredients

• 8-10 medium sweet potatoes, washed and scrubbed
• ⅛ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3-4 tablespoons butter or preferred oil, plus more as desired
• 3 tablespoons cream cheese or mascarpone (optional)
• For Glazed Walnuts (optional):
• ¼ cup chopped walnuts
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• ⅛ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 pinch salt

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Using a knife, carefully poke holes in each sweet potato to allow steam to escape during roasting.
2. Step 2: Roast the potatoes on a baking sheet for 50-60 minutes, flipping them halfway through. They are done when tender and the skin starts to wrinkle and separate from the flesh.
3. Step 3: Let the roasted potatoes cool slightly—be very careful as they will be hot. Peel off the skins and add the sweet potato flesh to a blender or food processor.
4. Step 4: Add salt, vanilla, butter, and cream cheese (if using) to the blender. Blend for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is completely smooth and fluffy. Adjust butter or oil for desired consistency.
5. Step 5: For the glazed walnuts, heat a small saucepan over low heat. Add the chopped walnuts, maple syrup, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Sauté gently for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently and being careful not to burn the nuts.
6. Step 6: Remove the walnuts from heat and spread them in a single layer on parchment paper to cool.
7. Step 7: Serve the silky sweet potato mash topped with the glazed walnuts for a wonderful texture and flavor contrast.

Tips & Variations

• For a dairy-free version, substitute butter and cream cheese with coconut oil and coconut cream or your favorite non-dairy alternatives.
• Adding cream cheese provides a rich, slightly tangy note but can be omitted if you prefer a lighter mash.
• Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to enhance the warm flavors of the sweet potatoes.
• If you don’t have a blender, a potato masher or hand mixer works well for a more rustic texture.

Storage

Store leftover sweet potato mash in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess. Keep glazed walnuts separate to maintain their crispness and add them just before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the mash and glazed walnuts a day ahead. Store them separately in the fridge and reheat the mash before serving, then sprinkle the walnuts on top.

What if I don’t have a blender?

You can use a potato masher or a hand mixer to mash the sweet potatoes. The texture will be slightly less smooth but still deliciously creamy.

Silky Sweet Potato Mash Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 143 reviews

Silky Sweet Potato Mash is a smooth, creamy, and decadent twist on the classic holiday mashed sweet potatoes. Roasted to perfection and blended with vanilla, butter, and optional cream cheese, this comforting side dish is elevated with a touch of sweetness and richness. The optional glazed walnuts add a delightful crunch and warm spice, making this a perfect accompaniment for festive meals or cozy family dinners.

• Author: Kai
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Sweet Potato Mash

• 8–10 medium sweet potatoes, washed and scrubbed
• ⅛ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3–4 tablespoons butter or preferred oil (adjust for desired consistency)
• 3 tablespoons cream cheese or mascarpone (optional)

Glazed Walnuts (Optional)

• ¼ cup chopped walnuts
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• ⅛ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 pinch salt

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Using a knife, carefully poke holes in each sweet potato to allow steam to escape during roasting.
2. Roast Potatoes: Place the sweet potatoes on a baking tray and roast them in the oven for 50 to 60 minutes, turning them halfway through the cooking time. Potatoes are ready when they are tender and their skins begin to wrinkle and separate from the flesh.
3. Cool and Peel: Allow the roasted sweet potatoes to cool slightly as they will be very hot. Once cool enough to handle, peel off the skins.
4. Blend the Mash: Add the peeled sweet potatoes to a blender along with salt, vanilla extract, butter, and cream cheese if using. Blend for 1 to 2 minutes until the mixture is completely smooth and fluffy.
5. Prepare Glazed Walnuts: Heat a small saucepan over low heat. Add the chopped walnuts, maple syrup, ground cinnamon, and salt. Sauté for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring frequently and carefully to prevent burning. Remove from heat once nuts are glazed and aromatic.
6. Cool Walnuts: Spread the glazed walnuts in a single layer on parchment paper and let them cool to harden slightly.
7. Serve: Spoon the silky sweet potato mash into a serving dish and top with the optional glazed walnuts for a crunchy, sweet-spiced finish.

Notes

• Cream cheese adds a luscious, slightly cheesecake-like richness but is optional for a delicious mash.
• Adjust the amount of butter or oil to reach your preferred mash consistency.
• Glazed walnuts add texture and sweetness; you can omit them for a simple version.
• Be cautious when peeling hot potatoes to avoid burns.
• This recipe works well as a comforting side for holiday meals or any time you want a creamy, flavorful mash.

Keywords: sweet potato mash, silky mashed sweet potatoes, holiday side dish, creamy sweet potato mash, glazed walnuts, roasted sweet potatoes