Fluffy Mashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Introduction
Fluffy mashed sweet potatoes are a comforting side dish perfect for any meal. Creamy, buttery, and lightly seasoned with garlic and sour cream, they offer a delightful twist on traditional mashed potatoes.
Ingredients
- 4 lbs sweet potatoes, washed and cleaned
- 6–8 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- ¼ cup sour cream, room temperature
- ¼ cup half & half, room temperature
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Peel the sweet potatoes and chop them into 2-inch pieces. Place them in a large pot of salted water (about 1 tablespoon salt) and bring to a boil over medium heat. Boil for 15–20 minutes until the sweet potatoes are fork tender.
- Step 2: Drain the sweet potatoes in a colander. Return the empty pot to the stove and add 6 tablespoons of butter, allowing it to melt in the warm pot.
- Step 3: Add the drained sweet potatoes back into the pot with the melted butter. Use a potato masher to mash the potatoes, mixing in the butter as you go. Add more butter if needed.
- Step 4: Mix in the minced garlic, salt, pepper, sour cream, and half & half. Continue mashing and mixing until all ingredients are well combined and the potatoes are fluffy.
- Step 5: Spoon the mashed sweet potatoes into a serving bowl and top with an extra pat of butter or fresh herbs like chopped parsley or thyme, if desired.
Tips & Variations
- For extra creaminess, use cream cheese instead of sour cream.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Use a hand mixer for an even smoother texture, but avoid over-mixing to keep the potatoes fluffy.
Storage
Store leftover mashed sweet potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of half & half or butter to loosen the texture as needed.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare mashed sweet potatoes ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare them a day in advance and refrigerate. Reheat slowly and add a bit of liquid to restore creaminess before serving.
What if I don’t have half & half?
You can substitute with whole milk, heavy cream, or even unsweetened almond milk for a lighter option.
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Fluffy Mashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This recipe for Fluffy Mashed Sweet Potatoes offers a creamy, buttery side dish perfect for any meal. With the addition of garlic, sour cream, and half & half, these mashed sweet potatoes become rich and flavorful, while maintaining a light, fluffy texture. Ideal for holidays or everyday dinners, this comforting dish is easy to prepare on the stovetop.
Ingredients
Sweet Potatoes
- 4 lbs sweet potatoes, washed and cleaned
Mix-ins
- 6–8 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- ¼ cup sour cream, room temperature
- ¼ cup half & half, room temperature
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Sweet Potatoes: Peel the sweet potatoes and chop them into 2-inch pieces to ensure even cooking. Place the pieces into a large pot filled with salted water (approximately 1 tablespoon of salt). Bring the water to a boil over medium heat and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork.
- Drain and Heat Butter: Once tender, drain the sweet potatoes using a colander. Return the empty pot to the stove and add 6 tablespoons of butter, allowing it to melt gently over low heat.
- Mash Sweet Potatoes: Add the drained sweet potatoes back into the warm pot with melted butter. Use a potato masher to mash the sweet potatoes, incorporating the butter as you mash. Add additional butter if desired for extra richness.
- Incorporate Flavorings: Mix in the minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Then add the sour cream and half & half. Continue mashing and mixing until all ingredients are well combined, achieving a fluffy and creamy texture throughout.
- Serve: Transfer the mashed sweet potatoes into a serving bowl. Optionally, top with an extra pat of butter and garnish with chopped parsley or thyme for added aroma and visual appeal. Serve warm.
Notes
- Ensure the sour cream and half & half are at room temperature to avoid cooling the mashed potatoes.
- For a smoother texture, use a hand mixer or immersion blender carefully to mash.
- Add herbs like thyme or parsley at serving time to keep flavors fresh.
- Adjust butter quantity to preference for creaminess.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: mashed sweet potatoes, fluffy sweet potatoes, creamy side dish, stovetop mashed potatoes, garlic mashed sweet potatoes
