Mashed Sweet Potatoes

By Robert Farrar Capon

Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Lisa Nicklin for The New York Times
Total Time
1 hour 45 minutes
Rating
4(319)
Comments
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Believe it or not, not everyone wants their sweet potatoes topped with marshmallows or brown sugar. For them, here is a straightforward dish that lets the natural, earthy sweetness of sweet potatoes shine.

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Ingredients

Yield:8 servings
  • 2½pounds sweet potatoes (about 8 sweet potatoes)
  • 1 to 2sticks unsalted butter, at room temperature, plus more to taste
  • Kosher salt and black or white pepper
  • Flaky sea salt, for serving (optional)
Ingredient Substitution Guide
Nutritional analysis per serving (8 servings)

274 calories; 17 grams fat; 11 grams saturated fat; 0 grams trans fat; 5 grams monounsaturated fat; 1 gram polyunsaturated fat; 29 grams carbohydrates; 4 grams dietary fiber; 6 grams sugars; 2 grams protein; 379 milligrams sodium

Note: The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Heat the oven to 350 degrees. Bake the sweet potatoes for 1 to 1½ hours, or until thoroughly fork tender. (If you're making these for Thanksgiving, you can tuck the potatoes into corners of the oven at any time during the roasting of the turkey.)

  2. Step 2

    Cut each potato in half lengthwise, scoop the pulp into a bowl and mash with as much butter as you dare to use. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Add more butter, if desired. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt, if using. Serve while still warm or reheat before serving.

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Ratings

4 out of 5
319 user ratings
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Comments

Susanna

Only had a huge one pound sweet potato. Took about one hour and 45 min at 350 to cool until soft enough to mash. Mixed with 1/2 stick of unsalted Kerrygold butter and a good dash of salt and pepper. Delicious. Will reheat and add a touch of cumin and cinnamon for dinner.

Marianne

Add nutmeg and a bit of white pepper, and these really pop. This is a family favorite of ours, year after year.

Kathleen

I microwave the sweet potatoes. Takes less time and energy

John

You can also just zap the potatoes in the microwave for 5-8 minutes and then finish them up in the oven. Really cuts down on the oven time.

Sharron Badham

While I never cared for the traditional sweet potato and marshmallows side dish, sweet potato mash with salt, pepper, butter and a splash of cream is a terrific fall and winter side dish. Its natural sweetness negates the need for any added sugar.

Sharon

I bake an apple in oven at 350 F along side potatoes. 1 apple with peel removed per 3-4 potatoes, mash with a tablespoon of butter, dash of sea salt, cinnamon to taste. Apples add a sweet note without being overpowering. Delish!

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