Hey y’all! If you’re looking for a comforting, crowd-pleasing side that’s creamy, savory, and just a little bit irresistible, you’re in the right place. These Creamy Savory Mashed Sweet Potatoes are the perfect blend of buttery richness and herby goodness, making them ideal for weeknight dinners, holiday feasts, or anytime you want a cozy twist on mashed potatoes. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Savory Mashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe
- Delivers ultra-creamy, velvety texture with every bite.
- Balanced flavors—the sweetness of potatoes meets decadent, savory notes.
- Perfect for meal prep because it reheats beautifully.
- Gluten-free and naturally nutritious thanks to fiber-rich sweet potatoes (read more).
- Versatile enough for holidays or your everyday family table.
Ingredients for Creamy Savory Mashed Sweet Potatoes
- 3 lbs sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 2-inch chunks
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ cup whole milk (or heavy cream for extra richness)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 ½ teaspoons fresh thyme, finely chopped)
- 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for a smoky kick)
- Fresh chives or parsley, chopped, for garnish
How to Make Creamy Savory Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Step 1: Prepare and Boil the Sweet Potatoes
- Add peeled and chopped sweet potatoes to a large pot. Cover with cold water by about 1 inch and add ½ teaspoon salt. Bring to a boil over high heat.
- Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until potatoes are fork-tender.
- Drain well and return potatoes to the pot.
Step 2: Infuse Creamy Savory Flavor
- While the potatoes drain, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Add garlic and cook, stirring, until fragrant (about 1 minute). Pour in the milk and thyme, warm through about 2-3 minutes; do not boil.
- Pour the warm butter-milk mixture over the hot sweet potatoes. Add the cream cheese, remaining salt, black pepper, and paprika.
Step 3: Mash to Creamy Perfection
- Use a potato masher or hand mixer to mash until smooth, creamy, and luscious. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Spoon into a serving bowl. Garnish with chives or parsley for a fresh pop of color!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Total Time: 28 minutes
Notes – Tips for the Best Creamy Savory Mashed Sweet Potatoes
- For ultra-smooth results, use a hand mixer or potato ricer (technique tips).
- If you want lighter potatoes, substitute milk or cream cheese for Greek yogurt.
- Don’t skip warming the butter and milk—it keeps everything creamy and prevents gummy mash.
Variations for Mashed Savory Sweet Potatoes
- Cheesy: Stir in ½ cup grated parmesan or sharp cheddar before serving.
- Herb & Garlic: Add 1 tablespoon rosemary or sage for extra herby depth.
- Dairy-Free: Swap butter and milk for olive oil and unsweetened oat milk.
Required Equipment for Creamy Mashed Sweet Potatoes
- Large pot
- Colander
- Potato masher (or hand mixer/potato ricer)
- Small saucepan
- Spatula or wooden spoon
Storage Instructions for Creamy Savory Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring in a splash of milk if needed to restore creaminess.
Pairings and Serving Recommendations
- Serve as a cozy side with roast chicken, seared steaks, or your favorite holiday ham.
- Delicious topped with a pat of butter, a sprinkle of extra herbs, or even a drizzle of good olive oil.
- Pair with a crisp salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced plate.
Pro Tips for Perfect Creamy Savory Mashed Sweet Potatoes
- Let sweet potatoes dry in the pot on low heat for a minute after draining to prevent watery mash.
- Always warm your dairy for the creamiest texture (find more tips).
- Garnish right before serving for fresh, vibrant flavor and color.
Creamy Savory Mashed Sweet Potatoes FAQ
- Can I make creamy savory mashed sweet potatoes ahead?
- Absolutely! Make up to 2 days in advance and reheat with a little extra milk or butter stirred in.
- Can I freeze mashed sweet potatoes?
- Yes—cool completely, portion into airtight freezer bags, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating gently.
- How do I make them less sweet and more savory?
- Balance the natural sweetness by increasing savory herbs, black pepper, and even a splash of lemon juice for brightness.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ⅓ cup heavy cream
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives (optional)
Instructions
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1Place the sweet potatoes in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil over high heat.
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2Reduce heat to medium and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until sweet potatoes are very tender when pierced with a fork.
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3Drain the sweet potatoes and return them to the pot. Add butter, heavy cream, garlic, and sour cream.
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4Mash the sweet potatoes until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
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5Transfer to a serving bowl and garnish with chopped fresh chives if desired. Serve warm.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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