Save This creamy brown butter mashed sweet potato recipe elevates the humble sweet potato into something truly special. The nutty depth of brown butter transforms these sweet potatoes into a luxurious side dish that's both comforting and elegant enough for holiday tables.
I first made these sweet potatoes for a Thanksgiving dinner when I was tired of the typical marshmallow-topped casserole. My family was initially skeptical but now requests this version every holiday season. The brown butter makes all the difference.
Ingredients
- Sweet Potatoes: choose firm potatoes with smooth skin and vibrant orange color for the best flavor and texture
- Unsalted Butter: using unsalted allows you to control the saltiness while browning brings out a delicious nutty flavor
- Whole Milk: adds creaminess without being too heavy. Look for full fat for richest results
- Heavy Cream: creates that silky luxurious texture that makes these potatoes special
- Salt: enhances all the flavors and balances the natural sweetness
- Black Pepper: adds a subtle warmth and dimension
- Ground Cinnamon: optional but wonderful for highlighting the sweet potato's natural flavor
- Ground Nutmeg: optional but adds a warm aromatic note that complements the brown butter beautifully
Instructions
- Boil the Sweet Potatoes:
- Fill a large pot with water and add about a tablespoon of salt. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Add your peeled and cubed sweet potatoes and cook until they're fork tender about 15 to 18 minutes. You want them soft enough to mash easily but not so soft they become waterlogged. Drain thoroughly in a colander and return them to the hot pot to help evaporate any remaining moisture.
- Brown the Butter:
- While the potatoes cook place your butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Let it melt completely then continue cooking as it begins to foam. Watch carefully as the color changes from yellow to golden to a rich amber brown. You'll notice a nutty aroma developing this is your signal that it's almost ready. The entire process takes about 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from heat immediately as butter can go from perfectly browned to burnt in seconds.
- Combine and Mash:
- Pour the fragrant brown butter over your drained sweet potatoes while both are still warm. Add the milk and cream then mash everything together using a potato masher for a more rustic texture or an electric mixer for ultra smooth results. The warm potatoes will absorb the dairy better than if they were cold resulting in a creamier final dish.
- Season to Perfection:
- Add salt and pepper then taste before deciding if you want to include the optional cinnamon and nutmeg. These warm spices complement the sweet potatoes beautifully without making them taste like dessert. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution of seasonings throughout the potatoes.
- Final Adjustments:
- Taste your creation and adjust the seasoning if needed. If the potatoes seem too thick add a splash more warm milk until you reach your desired consistency. Remember the potatoes will thicken slightly as they cool so erring on the side of slightly too loose is better than too stiff.
Save The brown butter is truly the star ingredient in this recipe. I discovered its magic by accident when I once let the butter cook a bit longer than intended. That nutty aroma filled my kitchen and I realized I had stumbled onto something special. Now my family says they can tell when I've skipped this step the difference is that noticeable.
Make Ahead Options
These mashed sweet potatoes reheat beautifully making them perfect for busy holiday cooking. Prepare them up to two days in advance and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to serve reheat in the microwave stirring occasionally or in a covered dish in a 325°F oven for about 20 minutes. Add a splash of warm milk or cream while reheating if they seem dry.
Flavor Variations
While this classic version is perfect on its own you can easily customize these sweet potatoes to suit different meals or preferences. For a savory version add roasted garlic and fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary. For something sweeter add a tablespoon of maple syrup and a sprinkle of pecans on top. You could even add a hint of chipotle powder for a sweet and smoky variation that pairs beautifully with grilled meats.
Serving Suggestions
These brown butter mashed sweet potatoes are versatile enough to complement nearly any main dish. They shine alongside roasted turkey or chicken for holiday meals. For everyday dinners pair them with grilled pork chops or roasted salmon. The creamy texture makes them an excellent base for a vegetarian main by topping with roasted vegetables and a drizzle of herb oil or balsamic glaze.
Nutritional Benefits
Sweet potatoes are nutritional powerhouses packed with beta carotene which our bodies convert to vitamin A. They also provide significant fiber potassium and vitamin C. While this recipe does include butter and cream the natural nutritional benefits of sweet potatoes still shine through. For a lighter version you can reduce the cream and use more milk or substitute with a plant based milk.
Save These mashed sweet potatoes are great on their own or as a side dish. Enjoy this delicious recipe!
Recipe Questions
- → How do you achieve the perfect creamy texture?
Boil sweet potato cubes until tender, then mash thoroughly with brown butter, milk, and cream. Adding extra milk helps reach your preferred smoothness.
- → What is the key to brown butter’s nutty flavor?
Cook unsalted butter over medium heat, swirling as it foams. When it turns golden brown and fragrant, remove from heat immediately for the best taste.
- → Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, use plant-based butter and milk alternatives. Ensure all ingredients are labeled dairy-free for allergy needs.
- → Are there seasoning variations?
Besides salt and pepper, you can add cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth, or finish with fresh chopped herbs like chives or parsley for color and flavor.
- → What can I serve alongside this dish?
It pairs well with roasted meats, poultry, or vegetarian main courses, making it an excellent holiday or comfort food side.