Brown Butter Mashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a cozy, soul-satisfying side, look no further—this Brown Butter Mashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe is an absolute game changer. I absolutely love how the rich nuttiness of browned butter blends perfectly with the natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes and warm spices. Whether you’re cooking for the holidays or just a regular weeknight, these mashed sweet potatoes will make your meal shine and get everyone asking for seconds. Ready to dig in? Let me walk you through it!

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together beautifully to create a mash that’s creamy, flavorful, and just a little bit decadent. I like to shop for sweet potatoes that are firm and free of bruises to get the best texture and sweetness.

• Sweet potatoes: The star of the show—look for ones that are medium to large sized for easy roasting and mashing.
• Full fat coconut milk: Adds creaminess with a mild flavor that complements the sweetness of the potatoes.
• Maple syrup: Gives a natural sweetness and depth that sugar just can’t match.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall aroma and rounds out the flavor profile nicely.
• Cinnamon: Provides warmth and pairs perfectly with sweet potatoes.
• Butter: The key to brown butter magic—you’ll need enough to get that perfect nutty flavor.
• Ground ginger: Adds a subtle zing that lifts the whole dish.
• Allspice: Brings a cozy, aromatic punch with just a pinch.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances every flavor.

Variations

I love playing around with this Brown Butter Mashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe depending on the season or what I have on hand. Feel free to make it your own and tailor it to your tastes.

• Make it vegan: Swap butter for coconut oil or a dairy-free margarine, and the brown butter flavor still shines through wonderfully.
• Go savory: Skip the maple syrup and spices, and add garlic and fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for a savory twist I’ve grown fond of.
• Add texture: Stir in some toasted pecans or crispy fried shallots on top for a delightful crunch that my family can’t get enough of.
• Spice it up: A pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika gives a subtle heat that wakes up your taste buds beautifully.

How to Make Brown Butter Mashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe

Step 1: Roast to Perfection

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prick the sweet potatoes all around with a fork—this helps steam escape and ensures they cook evenly. I like to line a sheet pan with foil or parchment for easy cleanup, then place the potatoes directly on it. Roast for about an hour until they’re fork-tender. You’ll know they’re done when you can easily slide a fork through without resistance. Let them cool a bit before peeling—that way, your hands won’t get burned while peeling the skin off.

Step 2: Brown That Butter Just Right

While your sweet potatoes are roasting, it’s time to get the star flavor going. Dice the butter and put it in a small skillet over medium heat. Watch carefully as the butter melts, then starts to bubble and foam. This is the point where the milk solids are cooking and turning golden brown. You’ll see little brown speckles form at the bottom of the pan and smell that irresistible nutty aroma—that’s your cue to remove it from heat before it burns. Pour it into a heat-safe bowl to stop the cooking. Trust me, this step is what takes ordinary mashed sweet potatoes over the top!

Step 3: Mash and Mix

Peel the cooled sweet potatoes and transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Add the coconut milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, ground ginger, allspice, salt, and most of the brown butter (reserve about one tablespoon for topping). Using a hand mixer or potato masher, mash everything together until you reach your preferred texture—smooth or a little chunky, it’s up to you! Taste and adjust by adding a little more milk or spice if you want. I usually add a touch more coconut milk if it feels a bit thick after mashing.

Step 4: Serve with a Finish

Transfer your mashed sweet potatoes to a serving dish. Sprinkle a little more cinnamon on top for a lovely fragrance and drizzle the reserved brown butter across the surface. The warm butter melts beautifully right before serving, giving every bite a silky finish. This small touch always gets compliments and is totally worth the extra step!

How to Serve Brown Butter Mashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe

Garnishes

I love finishing this dish with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon and a drizzle of the reserved brown butter because it adds both visual appeal and a fresh burst of that buttery flavor. Sometimes, I toss on some toasted pecans or a few fresh thyme sprigs when I want a little extra flair. It’s those small touches that make all the difference at the dinner table.

Side Dishes

This mashed sweet potato pairs wonderfully with roasted chicken, glazed ham, or even a hearty vegetarian main like stuffed squash. My family goes crazy when I serve it alongside our classic herb-crusted turkey—there’s something about the sweet and savory combo that just clicks.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays, I’ve used a piping bag with a large star tip to pipe the mashed sweet potatoes into pretty swirls on a baking sheet, then baked them just until lightly golden on the edges for a festive look. I’ve also spread it in a shallow baking dish, topped with extra browned butter and chopped nuts, and baked it for a warm, bubbly casserole—trust me, it disappears in minutes!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover mashed sweet potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to eat, gently stir them to reincorporate any liquid that might have settled, then reheat gently to keep that creamy texture intact.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this recipe successfully in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat slowly on the stove or in the oven. The texture holds up surprisingly well thanks to the coconut milk and brown butter.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently. Adding a touch of coconut milk or a small knob of butter while reheating brings back that fresh, creamy texture. Avoid microwaving too long without stirring, as it can dry out or heat unevenly.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Brown Butter Mashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe holds a special place in my recipe collection—not only because it’s indulgently delicious, but because it’s so easy to elevate a simple side into something memorable. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, these mashed sweet potatoes feel like a warm hug on a plate. I really encourage you to try it out soon. I promise it’ll become your go-to, just like it has for me and my family!

Print