Easy Mashed Sweet Potatoes are a healthy, flavorful side dish you’ll want on your table again and again. Made with just six simple ingredients, sweet potatoes, butter, milk, honey, cinnamon, and salt, they’re creamy, naturally sweet, and easy to make. Steam them to preserve nutrients, or boil for a faster version. Fancy enough for a holiday meal but still quick enough for anytime you crave a cozy side!
Why Mashed Sweet Potatoes Aren’t Just a Holiday Side
This sweet potato recipe doesn’t have to be saved for Christmas or Thanksgiving dinner. It’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner and is the perfect side dish to go with beef, chicken, or pork.
When made simply like this, mashed sweet potatoes are affordable and surprisingly versatile year-round.
If you’re like me and love mashed white potatoes but sometimes want something with a little more nutritional value (at the gentle urging of the family doctor), mashed sweet potatoes are a great option.
They’re naturally a little sweeter, full of flavor on their own, and still deliver that same comforting texture we all love. It’s an easy swap that feels familiar—not “healthy.”
This recipe was originally published in November 2016 and updated in January 2026 to improve clarity with added details, ingredient notes, and updated photos.
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Ingredient Photo: Best Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Ingredient Notes
- Sweet Potatoes: Look for whole sweet potatoes that are firm, with smooth skin and no dark or soft spots. This helps ensure the mashed sweet potatoes turn out creamy and flavorful.
- Butter: I use unsalted butter so I can control the salt. If you only have salted butter you may want to cut back slightly on the added salt.
- Milk: I usually use whole milk because that’s what is in the fridge, but low-fat or skim milk will also work if that’s what you have on hand.
- Honey: This adds just a touch of sweetness. You can easily swap it for a little maple syrup or brown sugar if you prefer.
- Cinnamon: I love the warmth it brings to the dish, but it can be left out if you want a more savory flavor.
- Salt: Salt helps balance the flavors, but it can be skipped or reduced if you’re watching sodium.
How to Make Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Here’s a quick look at the steps (with photos). You’ll find the full recipe with complete directions and ingredient amounts in the recipe card below.
Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into roughly 1-inch cubes. Place the cubes in a steamer basket and cook for 16–20 minutes, or until fork tender.
Transfer the cooked sweet potatoes to a medium saucepan or bowl and add the butter, milk, honey, cinnamon, and salt.
Mash with a hand masher until smooth and creamy.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover mashed sweet potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, warm them in the microwave, stirring halfway through, or place them in a casserole dish lightly sprayed with nonstick cooking spray, cover with foil, and heat in a 350°F oven until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! Just use your favorite non-dairy butter and non-dairy milk to make a dairy-free version.
Yes. Place the chopped sweet potatoes in a medium saucepan and cover with water about an inch above the potatoes. Bring to a boil and cook until tender, about 12–15 minutes. Drain well before mashing.
Yes, sweet potatoes are perfect for mashing. They can be made sweet with honey, maple syrup, or brown sugar and cinnamon, or kept savory with garlic and herbs.
Try These Sweet Potato Recipes Next!
- Baked Sweet Potato Fries – A super easy copycat Ina Garten recipe that adds a crisp, salty contrast to this creamy pasta.
- Sweet Potatoes with Marshmallows – A classic sweet potato casserole that’s perfect for your holiday table or anytime you want something cozy and nostalgic.
- Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes – Reminiscent of the ones you’d get at Texas Roadhouse.
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Mashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 pounds sweet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1 tablespoon honey
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Peel sweet potatoes and cut into 1-inch pieces.2 pounds sweet potatoes
- Add water to a medium saucepan (enough to sit just below the steamer basket). Place the steamer basket in the pan, add sweet potatoes, cover, and steam for 16–20 minutes, or until tender. Carefully discard the water and remove the steamer basket. Return the sweet potatoes to the same saucepan.
- Add butter, milk, honey, cinnamon, and salt; mash until smooth.2 tablespoons butter, 1 tablespoon milk, 1 tablespoon honey, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, ½ teaspoon salt
I love cinnamon with sweet potatoes. It adds such nice flavor.
Agreed, thanks!
I love sweet potatoes and always looking for new ways to prepare. These look really yummy Mindy!
Thanks!
My favourite root veggie! This is a simple and divine side dish, Mindy.
Thanks!