Elevate your culinary repertoire with a side dish that effortlessly balances weeknight simplicity with holiday sophistication: these exquisite Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Brown Butter. Prepare to captivate palates and earn rave reviews as this creamy, subtly sweet, and wonderfully buttery creation takes center stage on any table. This isn’t just a recipe; it’s an experience you’ll want to savor and recreate for every special occasion, and even on ordinary evenings that deserve a touch of magic. Its rich flavor profile and comforting texture make it an instant classic, destined to become a cherished family favorite.
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When it comes to side dishes, sweet potatoes hold a special place in the hearts of many, offering a unique blend of sweetness and earthy goodness. If you’re as enthusiastic about them as I am, you’ll appreciate the diverse ways they can enhance a meal. For a truly indulgent treat, this BEST sweet potato casserole stands unrivaled. If you’re seeking a lighter yet equally flavorful option, this Sweet Potato Salad with Bacon pairs beautifully with a variety of main courses. And for those who appreciate a classic, you simply can’t go wrong with Scalloped Sweet Potatoes. Each offers a distinct texture and taste, proving the incredible versatility of this beloved root vegetable.
Indulge in Creamy Brown Butter Mashed Sweet Potatoes: Your Ultimate Side Dish!
There’s an undeniable allure to a well-prepared side dish, and when it comes to sweet potatoes, this particular recipe transcends expectations. We’re not just talking about any mashed sweet potatoes; we’re delving into a realm of rich, nutty flavor achieved by the magic of brown butter. This seemingly simple addition transforms a familiar comfort food into something truly extraordinary. Imagine sweet potatoes, naturally vibrant and subtly sweet, elevated by the deep, caramel-like notes of browned butter and a hint of pure maple syrup. The result is a velvety smooth, incredibly flavorful dish that promises to impress even the most discerning palates. Whether you’re planning a casual weeknight dinner or preparing for a lavish holiday feast, these brown butter mashed sweet potatoes are guaranteed to be a memorable highlight.
Why These Mashed Sweet Potatoes Will Be Your New Favorite
My journey with sweet potatoes is perhaps a testament to how tastes evolve. As a child, the idea of sweet potatoes on my plate was met with a resounding “no.” However, as an adult, I’ve developed an insatiable love for them, especially when prepared in innovative and delicious ways. This recipe for mashed sweet potatoes, infused with the exquisite flavor of brown butter, marks a significant turning point in my appreciation for this versatile root vegetable.
The true story of its success lies in its universal appeal. I vividly recall serving these alongside a weeknight dinner, anticipating the usual complaints from my children about eating sweet potatoes. To my delightful surprise, after just one bite, their skepticism vanished. They not only loved them but eagerly asked for second and even third helpings! My husband, a self-proclaimed connoisseur of comfort food, echoed their enthusiasm, raving about the incredible taste. It was clear: this dish was a game-changer.
What makes these mashed sweet potatoes so utterly irresistible? It’s the harmonious blend of textures and flavors. The potatoes are mashed to a creamy perfection, creating a luxurious base. The brown butter introduces a depth of flavor—a nutty, toasted aroma with hints of caramel—that perfectly complements the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes. This combination elevates a simple side dish into a sophisticated culinary experience that appeals to all ages. They are:
- Creamy, Velvety Texture: Mashed to a smooth consistency, offering a comforting and indulgent mouthfeel.
- Irresistible Brown Butter Flavor: The secret ingredient that adds a complex, nutty, and slightly caramelized depth, transforming the entire dish.
- Perfectly Balanced Sweetness: Just the right amount of maple syrup enhances the sweet potatoes without overpowering them, creating a delightful harmony.
- Versatile for Any Occasion: Elegant enough for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter, yet simple enough to grace your weeknight dinner table.
Whether it’s a bustling holiday gathering or a quiet family meal, this mashed sweet potato recipe, with its unparalleled flavor and heartwarming appeal, is destined to become a cherished family favorite, requested time and time again.
The Inspiration Behind the Recipe: The Well Plated Cookbook
While I am thrilled to share this incredible recipe with you, I must humbly admit that I cannot take full credit for its genius. This remarkable creation comes directly from The Well Plated Cookbook by the brilliant Erin Clarke of Well Plated. Erin’s culinary philosophy truly resonates with my own approach to cooking, making her cookbook a constant source of inspiration in my kitchen.
What I adore most about this cookbook is its masterful blend of healthier cooking with irresistible flavors. Erin focuses on utilizing real, fresh ingredients to craft recipes that don’t compromise on taste. This is a crucial distinction for me, as I’ve often struggled with “healthier” recipes that my family simply won’t touch, or will complain about throughout the entire meal. However, Erin’s recipes are a delightful exception. They are genuinely better for you, yet they retain all the comforting, delicious qualities that make a meal truly enjoyable for everyone, without a single complaint.
Her ability to transform favorite comfort foods into nourishing, wholesome dishes, without sacrificing flavor or satisfaction, is truly commendable. It’s no exaggeration to say that I have countless pages of her cookbook bookmarked, eagerly awaiting my next culinary adventure. Beyond delectable dinners and tantalizing side dishes, the book also features an array of tempting desserts, making it an incredibly comprehensive and valuable addition to any home cook’s collection. If you’re looking to infuse your cooking with fresh ingredients and wholesome goodness without sacrificing flavor, The Well Plated Cookbook is an absolute must-have.
You can easily purchase this fantastic culinary resource on Amazon (affiliate link) or through most major online book retailers.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Mashed Sweet Potatoes
The beauty of this mashed sweet potato recipe lies in its simplicity. With just a few high-quality ingredients, you can create a side dish that’s rich in flavor and wonderfully comforting. Each component plays a vital role in achieving the perfect balance of sweetness, creaminess, and that distinct nutty depth from the brown butter.
- Sweet Potatoes: The star of our dish! I highly recommend using vibrant orange sweet potatoes (like Beauregard or Jewel varieties) over white sweet potatoes. The orange varieties boast a naturally sweeter flavor and a creamier, more desirable texture when mashed. They also provide a beautiful, appetizing color. When selecting sweet potatoes, look for firm, smooth-skinned varieties without soft spots or sprouts.
- Unsalted Butter: The foundation for our incredible brown butter. Opting for unsalted butter gives you complete control over the dish’s saltiness. If salted butter is all you have on hand, that’s perfectly fine, but be sure to taste the mashed potatoes before adding any additional salt to avoid over-seasoning. The process of browning butter transforms its flavor, adding a profound, nutty, and slightly caramelized note that is absolutely essential to this recipe.
- Milk: This ingredient dictates the final creaminess and richness of your mashed sweet potatoes. The original recipe suggests low-fat milk to reduce calories and fat, which works well if you’re aiming for a lighter profile. However, if you desire an extra luxurious and creamier texture, feel free to use 2% milk, whole milk, or even a splash of heavy cream. For a dairy-free alternative, unsweetened almond milk or oat milk can also be used, though they might slightly alter the flavor and richness.
- Pure Maple Syrup: This is where we get that delightful, authentic sweetness. It’s crucial to use *pure* maple syrup—the real deal—not artificial pancake syrup. Pure maple syrup offers a complex, natural sweetness with subtle caramel undertones that perfectly complement the sweet potatoes and brown butter. It enhances the dish’s holiday appeal and deepens its flavor profile.
- Salt and Pepper: These fundamental seasonings are incredibly important, especially in a recipe with so few ingredients. Salt brings out and balances the natural sweetness of the potatoes and the richness of the butter, while a touch of black pepper adds a subtle warmth and depth. Always taste and adjust these seasonings as you go, ensuring the dish is perfectly balanced to your preference.
- Optional Enhancements: For an extra layer of flavor and texture, consider a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg, or a sprinkle of toasted pecans or candied walnuts as a garnish. A dash of vanilla extract can also enhance the sweetness and aroma.
Mastering the Art of Brown Butter
The secret weapon that elevates these mashed sweet potatoes from delicious to absolutely divine is brown butter, also known as beurre noisette. This simple technique transforms ordinary butter into a golden, nutty, and fragrant elixir that adds incredible depth of flavor. (It’s so good, it’s also a key ingredient in my favorite regular mashed potato recipe!) Achieving the perfect brown butter requires a bit of attention, but it’s an incredibly rewarding skill to master. Here’s a detailed guide:
- Choose the Right Pan: Begin by melting your unsalted butter in a small, light-colored saucepan. A light-colored pan is crucial because it allows you to clearly monitor the butter’s color as it browns, preventing it from burning. Darker pans can obscure the subtle changes in hue.
- Melt and Swirl: Place the pan over medium-low to medium heat. As the butter melts, it will begin to foam. Continuously whisk or gently swirl the butter in the pan. This motion helps the butter cook evenly and prevents the milk solids from sticking and burning at the bottom.
- Observe the Transformation: The butter will go through several stages: first, it will melt, then it will begin to foam and perhaps crackle gently as the water evaporates. As the milk solids separate and sink to the bottom, they will start to toast. Keep swirling and watching intently.
- Achieve the Nutty Aroma: You’ll notice the foam gradually subside, and the butter will turn from a pale yellow to a beautiful golden, then amber, and finally a rich, toasty brown. At this stage, it will release a distinct, warm, nutty aroma—like toasted hazelnuts. This is your cue! The milk solids at the bottom of the pan will appear as tiny brown flecks. This entire process typically takes about 3-5 minutes once the butter has fully melted.
- Promptly Remove from Heat: The moment you achieve that nutty aroma and golden-brown color, immediately remove the pan from the heat. Brown butter can go from perfectly toasted to burnt in a matter of seconds.
If you’re not ready to use the brown butter right away, transfer it to another heatproof bowl or jar. Do not leave it in the hot pan, as the residual heat will continue to cook it and can lead to burning, ruining its delicate flavor. You can use brown butter immediately, or store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container for future use in both sweet and savory dishes, like cookies, sauces, or other mashed vegetable recipes.
Step-by-Step Guide to Creamy Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Crafting these delectable brown butter mashed sweet potatoes is a straightforward process, making it an ideal recipe for cooks of all skill levels. For your convenience, the full printable recipe with precise measurements and detailed instructions is provided below. Here’s an overview of the key steps to achieve perfect creamy, flavorful results:
- Prepare and Cook the Sweet Potatoes: Start by thoroughly peeling your sweet potatoes, then cut them into uniform 1-inch cubes. Uniformity in size is important for even cooking. Place the cubed potatoes in a large, heavy-bottomed pot and cover them with cold water by about an inch. Bring the water to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and let the potatoes cook until they are fork-tender, which usually takes about 10-12 minutes. You should be able to easily pierce them with a fork. Once tender, carefully drain all the water from the pot and return the potatoes to the empty hot pot to allow any remaining moisture to evaporate briefly.
- Simultaneously Brown the Butter: While your sweet potatoes are cooking to perfection, initiate the brown butter process as described in the “How to Make Brown Butter” section above. Remember to use a light-colored pan and keep a close eye on it, swirling frequently, to achieve that beautiful golden-brown color and nutty aroma without burning.
- Combine and Mash to Perfection: Once both the potatoes are cooked and drained, and the butter is beautifully browned, it’s time to bring everything together. Immediately pour the warm brown butter over the cooked potatoes in the pot. If your potatoes are still cooking or not quite ready, transfer the brown butter to a separate bowl to prevent it from continuing to cook and potentially burning. To the pot with potatoes and brown butter, add the milk, pure maple syrup, and an initial amount of salt and pepper. Now, it’s time to mash! You can use a sturdy potato masher for a slightly rustic texture, or for a smoother, creamier consistency, an electric hand mixer on medium-low speed works wonders. Mash or beat until you reach your desired smoothness. If the mixture seems too thick, gradually add a tablespoon or two more of milk until it loosens to your preference.
- Season to Taste: This is a crucial step! Always taste your mashed sweet potatoes before serving. The natural sweetness of the potatoes and the intensity of the brown butter can vary, so adjusting the seasoning is key. Add more salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed, a little at a time, until the flavors are perfectly balanced to your liking.
- Serve Warm and Enjoy: Transfer your beautifully creamy and flavorful mashed sweet potatoes with brown butter to a serving dish. A final drizzle of fresh brown butter or a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans can add an elegant touch. Serve them warm and watch them disappear!
Make-Ahead, Storage, and Reheating Tips
These Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Brown Butter are not only delicious but also convenient, as they can be prepared in advance, making holiday meal planning or busy weeknights much simpler. Here’s how to handle them:
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the mashed sweet potatoes up to 2-3 days in advance. Simply follow all the recipe steps, then let them cool completely. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The brown butter flavor will deepen even further overnight!
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, mashed sweet potatoes freeze beautifully. Place the cooled mashed potatoes in freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving about an inch of headspace. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating:
- On the Stovetop: Transfer the mashed sweet potatoes to a saucepan over medium-low heat. Add a splash of milk (or cream) and stir frequently until heated through and creamy again.
- In the Oven: Place the mashed sweet potatoes in an oven-safe dish, cover loosely with foil, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-30 minutes, or until heated through. Add a little extra milk if they seem dry.
- In the Microwave: For individual servings, microwave on high in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until warm. Add a tablespoon of milk if needed to restore creaminess.
Before serving reheated potatoes, give them a good stir and taste to adjust seasoning if necessary, as flavors can sometimes mellow upon refrigeration or freezing.
More Irresistible Holiday Side Dish Recipes
Planning a holiday feast or simply looking to expand your collection of comforting side dishes? Here are some more fantastic recipes that are sure to impress and complement any meal:
Classic Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
Easy Creamy Baked Asparagus
Hearty Funeral Potatoes Recipe
Flavorful Scalloped Corn and Broccoli
Sweet and Savory Glazed Carrots
Gourmet Blue Cheese and Walnut Mashed Potatoes
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Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Brown Butter
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Ingredients
- 3 lbs sweet potatoes peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup nonfat milk can also use 2% or whole
- 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
Cook the Potatoes
- Place the potatoes in a large, heavy pot and cover them with water. Bring the pot to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat and simmer the potatoes until they are fork-tender, 10-12 minutes. Drain the water and return the potatoes to the pot.
Brown the Butter
- Meanwhile, melt the butter in a small pan over medium-low heat. This is easiest if it is a light colored pan so that you can see the color of the butter. Continue to heat the butter, swirling the pan often as it cooks, until it starts to foam and crackle, then golden, and then toasty brown. It will take 3-5 minutes to brown once the butter is melted. The butter will smell nutty when it is finished browning – watch it carefully, as it will go from browned to burnt very quickly.
Mix and Mash
- Once the butter has browned, immediately remove it from the heat and add it to the cooked, drained potatoes. (If your potatoes are not done yet, transfer the butter to a bowl so that it will not continue to cook.)
- To the potatoes and butter, add the milk, maple syrup, salt and pepper.
- With an electric mixer (or with a potato masher by hand) beat the potatoes on medium-low speed, mashing them to your preference. If the potatoes are too thick, feel free to add in a bit more milk.
Season
- Taste for seasoning, and add salt and pepper as needed.
Serve
- Serve warm.
Recipe Notes:
Nutrition information provided as an estimate only. Various brands and products can change the counts. Any nutritional information should only be used as a general guideline.