Savory Mashed Sweet Potatoes

This savory mashed sweet potato recipe is lightly spiced and creamy, making them the perfect side dish to complete any fall meal.

Mashed potatoes are a classic comfort food, but sweet potatoes are a nice change from the usual and offer some added health benefits. They’re lower in calories as well as higher in fiber, Vitamin A, and Vitamin C* than standard spuds.

This mashed sweet potato recipe is perfect for fall, and holiday dinners! It pairs well with Turkey at Thanksgiving Dinner, or with Roast Beef on Christmas Day.

It’s creamy, savory, and filled with delicious flavors. Not only does it taste great on its own but you can also top them with some extra fixings to give it a little extra flavor.

This recipe is easy to make and will leave your family wanting more!

So if you want to change things up from the traditional mashed potato dish, try out this recipe for creamy & savory mashed sweet potato!

*Source: Cleveland Clinic Foundation infographic

How to Store Savory Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Leftover savory mashed sweet potatoes can be stored in the fridge or freezer.

To refrigerate, transfer cooled down leftover mashed sweet potatoes to an airtight container. Savory mashed sweet potatoes will stay fresh for 3-4 days in the fridge.

Savory mashed sweet potatoes also freeze well.

To freeze, transfer cooled mashed sweet potatoes to a freezer bag with as much air removed as possible. Savory mashed sweet potatoes will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Thaw overnight in the fridge and warm up before serving.

About the Ingredients for Savory Mashed Sweet Potatoes

These creamy, savory mashed sweet potatoes are made with just a handful of simple ingredients:

Sweet Potatoes – The smaller the sweet potatoes are cut before boiling, the faster they will cook.

Butter – Using unsalted butter gives you better control over the salt level. If you choose to use salted butter, you may want to omit the additional salt.

Cream cheese – Needs to be soft so it blends evenly into the sweet potatoes. Using cream cheese balances out the sweetness of the sweet potatoes better than using heavy cream or milk.

Half and half – This is light cream, about 10-12% milk fat. You can substitute with heavy cream or milk. Obviously using milk will result in a less creamy mash.

Thyme – Fresh thyme is best but you can substitute with about 1 teaspoon dry thyme leaves if you don’t have fresh on hand.

Spice and seasoning – Aside from the thyme, we lightly spice the sweet potatoes with cinnamon and all-spice. This is optional though. What isn’t is seasoning with salt and pepper until it tastes just right.

Looking for More Easy Side Dish Recipes?

Check out some more of my favourite side dishes:

This flavourful Garlic & Chive Mashed Cauliflower pairs well with a wide range of main dishes and comes together in under 30 minutes. It is perfect for those busy weeknights when you want to get a healthy dinner on the table without too much of a fuss.

Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes with Rosemary & Garlic come together for a quick and flavourful side dish.

If you are looking for a tasty holiday side dish look no further than this Portobello & Sage Stuffed Acorn Squash.

How to Make Savory Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Yields: 6-8 Servings | Prep time: 10 mins | Cook time: 15-20 mins

Ingredients:

4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
3 T. unsalted butter, room temperature
4 oz. cream cheese, softened
2-3 T. half and half
2 T. fresh thyme leaves, minced
2 t. ground cinnamon
1 t. ground all-spice
Sea salt and black pepper, to taste

Optional toppings:
Whipped cream cheese**
Walnuts halves, toasted

Directions:

1. Place the sweet potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Bring the water to a boil and cook until the potatoes are fork tender, approximately 15-20 minutes. Once the potatoes are cooked, drain thoroughly and return to the pot.
   
   
2. Add butter, cream cheese, and half & half to the sweet potatoes and mash with an immersion blender or a hand-held mixer. For a thinner consistency, add more half & half, if desired.  
   
   
3. Once the potatoes are creamy, stir in thyme leaves, cinnamon, and allspice until well blended. Season with salt and pepper, to taste, and serve immediately topped with a spoonful of whipped cream cheese and/or toasted walnuts, if desired. Enjoy!

**To make whipped cream cheese topping, blend 4 oz. softened cream cheese, 3 tablespoons half & half, and a dash of cinnamon with an immersion blender or hand-held mixer until light and fluffy. Cover and store any leftovers in the refrigerator and use wherever you enjoy regular cream cheese.