Introduction
Mashed sweet potatoes with brown sugar is a beloved classic, particularly popular as a Southern-style side dish for holiday meals like Thanksgiving and Christmas. It transforms the naturally sweet root vegetable into a rich, creamy, and decadent mash, perfectly balanced by the caramel notes of brown sugar, butter, and warm spices.
Ingredients
2 pounds Sweet Potatoes: Use the bright orange-fleshed variety (often called Garnet or Jewel yams/sweet potatoes) for the best color and natural sweetness.
1/2 cup Milk or Cream (Warmed): Whole milk, half-and-half, or heavy cream can be used to achieve a creamy, desired texture. Warming it prevents the mash from cooling down too quickly.
4 Tablespoons Unsalted Butter: This adds essential richness and flavor to the mash.
1/4 cup Brown Sugar (packed): Light or dark brown sugar can be used. It provides a deep, molasses-like sweetness that complements the potatoes. Adjust the amount based on your desired sweetness level.
1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon: Adds a warm, aromatic spice that pairs traditionally with sweet potatoes.
1/4 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg: Provides a deeper, earthy complexity to the spice blend.
Pinch of Salt: A small amount of salt is crucial to balance the sweetness and enhance the overall flavor.
Instructions: How to Make
Step 1: Prep and Cook the Sweet Potatoes
Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into evenly sized chunks (about 1.5 to 2 inches). Place the chunks in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes until the potatoes are easily pierced with a fork.
Step 2: Drain and Dry
Thoroughly drain the potatoes using a colander. For a less watery mash, return the drained potatoes to the empty pot over low heat for 1–2 minutes, gently shaking the pot to allow excess moisture to evaporate. This step helps create a richer, thicker texture.
Step 3: Mash the Potatoes
Transfer the hot potatoes to a large mixing bowl. Add the butter and let it melt into the hot potatoes. Use a potato masher, hand mixer, or stand mixer to mash the potatoes to your desired consistency—use a masher for a rustic texture or a mixer for a smooth, whipped result.
Step 4: Add Remaining Ingredients
Slowly add the warmed milk or cream to the mashed potatoes, mixing until the mash reaches your preferred creaminess. Stir in the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, adding more brown sugar for sweetness or a splash more milk for a thinner consistency.
Step 5: Serve
Serve the mashed sweet potatoes warm, topped with an extra pat of butter, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or any desired variations.
Variations
Marshmallow Topping: For a classic casserole twist, transfer the finished mash to a baking dish, top with miniature marshmallows, and bake at 350°F (175°C) until the marshmallows are golden brown and toasted (about 10–15 minutes).
Pecan Crunch: Stir in 1/2 cup of toasted and chopped pecans for a nutty flavor and contrasting crunch.
Maple Glaze: Substitute some or all of the brown sugar with pure maple syrup for a distinct flavor profile.
Gingerbread Spice: Add a pinch of ground ginger or allspice for a deeper, more complex holiday flavor.
Tips
Baking vs. Boiling: While boiling is faster, roasting or baking the sweet potatoes whole (at $400^\circ$F / $200^\circ$C for about 1 hour) yields a drier potato, which results in a naturally fluffier, less watery mash with a more concentrated sweet flavor.
Warm the Liquid: Always warm your milk or cream before adding it to the potatoes to ensure the mash stays hot and incorporates the ingredients smoothly.
Use a Mixer for Smoothness: For the smoothest, “whipped” texture, use a hand mixer or stand mixer instead of a hand masher. Be careful not to overmix, which can sometimes result in a gluey texture.
Make Ahead: Mashed sweet potatoes can be prepared up to two days in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the oven with a little extra milk or butter to restore the moisture.
Conclusion
This recipe for mashed sweet potatoes with brown sugar is simple, versatile, and guarantees a velvety, sweet, and comforting side dish that is always a crowd-pleaser.