Make mashed sweet potatoes that are unbelievably creamy and flavorful using brown butter and maple syrup. This easy side dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or holiday gatherings.
Author:jesscarter
Prep Time:15 min
Cook Time:25 min
Total Time:40 min
Yield:6 servings 1x
Category:Side Dish
Method:Boiling and Mashing
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
3 lbs sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into uniform chunks
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 cup heavy cream, warmed
3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
Place the sweet potato chunks in a large pot and cover them with cold, salted water.
Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to maintain a steady simmer. Cook until the potatoes are very tender when pierced with a fork, about 15 to 20 minutes.
Drain the potatoes completely in a colander. Let them sit for 5 minutes to allow excess moisture to evaporate. This step helps prevent watery mash.
While the potatoes drain, prepare the brown butter. Melt the 4 tablespoons of butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Continue cooking, swirling the pan occasionally, until the butter foams, then subsides, and brown bits form at the bottom, giving off a nutty aroma. Remove from heat immediately.
Return the drained sweet potatoes to the warm pot. Add the warm heavy cream, maple syrup, salt, and the brown butter (including the browned milk solids).
Mash the mixture thoroughly using a potato masher or a ricer until you achieve your desired creamy texture. Do not overmix, as this can make the potatoes gluey.
Taste the mashed sweet potatoes and adjust salt or maple syrup as needed. Stir in cinnamon if you are using it.
Serve immediately as a gourmet vegetable side or make ahead holiday side.
Notes
For an extra fluffy texture, pass the cooked potatoes through a potato ricer before adding liquids.
If you prefer a savory mashed potatoes alternative, reduce the maple syrup to 1 tablespoon and add 1 clove of roasted garlic during the mashing process.
You can prepare this dish up to 2 days ahead; store covered in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of extra cream.