Description
A rustic yet elegant side dish with butter for richness, maple syrup for natural sweetness, and warm milk for a smooth, comforting texture. Finished with fresh thyme for a gentle herbal accent.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 pounds sweet potatoes (about 5 large or 6 medium), peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pats, plus more for serving
- ½ cup milk, warmed
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon sea salt, plus more for cooking water
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Fresh thyme leaves, optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Place cubed sweet potatoes in a large pot and cover with salted water. Bring to a gentle boil and cook 15–20 minutes, until fork-tender. Drain thoroughly.
- Return to the pot or a mixing bowl. Mash with a masher or ricer until smooth, or leave some small chunks for texture.
- Stir in butter while potatoes are hot. Gradually add warmed milk, mixing gently until creamy.
- Stir in maple syrup, salt, and black pepper to taste. Adjust sweetness or seasoning as desired.
- Transfer to a serving dish. Top with extra butter, sprinkle with thyme if using, and serve hot.
Notes
Cut potatoes evenly to ensure consistent cooking.
Salt the boiling water to season from within.
Warming milk prevents the mash from tightening.
Maple syrup is optional—reduce or omit for a savory version.
The mash can be made ahead and reheated with a splash of milk or butter.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Boiled & Mashed
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: mashed sweet potatoes, creamy sweet potato mash, thanksgiving sides, holiday side dish, mashed vegetables, easy comfort food