Enjoy a sweeter, even creamier version of traditional mashed sweet potatoes when you whip them up!
If you’re like many American families, Thanksgiving doesn’t exist without some sort of sweet potato dish on the table. Whether it’s in sweet potato casserole or even sweet potato pie, this root vegetable is about as versatile as can be. There’s something about a spoonful of whipped sweet potatoes that makes me nostalgic for the autumn season.
Although I love pretty much any potato, the natural sweetness in this recipe makes me feel like I’m indulging in a special treat. But if you instantly associate sweet potatoes with sugar, think again. While some traditional recipes call for the addition of granulated sugar, we’ve opted against it here. By using maple syrup, we’re complementing the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with its rich and distinctive flavor. While it’s easy to pop a sweet potato in the microwave, I would encourage you to think about trying a different preparation method. There are few side dishes I find as delicious as whipped sweet potatoes!
Are These Whipped Sweet Potatoes Healthy?
Sweet potatoes offer an abundance of nutrients, making them a great choice for most diets. They are packed with vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, and various B vitamins. Sweet potatoes are considered a “good carb” and are also a great source of fiber. It’s important to note that though sweet potatoes are naturally high in sugar, the fiber slows down the absorption. This recipe also calls for maple syrup to add an extra level of sweetness, but if desired, it can be omitted. For a vegan recipe, you can replace the butter with a plant-based butter or olive oil.
Customize Your Flavor Profile
Aside from a bit of sea salt, this recipe doesn’t call for any seasonings or spices. That’s a great opportunity to customize the dish to your liking. My personal favorite additions are cinnamon and nutmeg. Those autumnal flavors just complement sweet potatoes so well. If you’re craving something spicy to offset the sweetness, try adding smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and chili powder. You’ll end up with a smoky and spicy side dish! I also love a savory version of this dish with the addition of thyme, garlic powder, and onion powder. If you’re looking for a crunchy bite, toppings are the way to go. After the sweet potatoes are whipped, you can add some texture to the dish by topping it off with chopped pecans or walnuts.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftover whipped sweet potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or up to 4 months in the freezer. They reheat well in the microwave or can be gently warmed up on the stove. You may need to add a bit more butter to restore the creamy texture.
Serving Suggestions
Whipped sweet potatoes are a wonderful side dish for many dinner entrées. My first thought is Thanksgiving and the fall season, so I naturally like to serve whipped sweet potatoes with Air-Fryer Turkey Breast. For regular weeknights, feel free to enjoy this sweet side dish with any other meat or fish, like Baked Chicken Legs, Air-Fryer Pork Tenderloin or Pan-Seared Salmon.
If you want to transform your whipped sweet potatoes into a dessert-type side, sprinkle them with mini marshmallows after they’re cooked and whipped. I like to transfer them to a casserole dish and put them back in the oven for a few minutes until the marshmallows melt. There you have it—your own sweet potato casserole!
Ingredients
- 6 medium sweet potatoes
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter melted
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400℉. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Wash and dry the sweet potatoes. Pierce each one multiple times with a fork to allow steam to escape during baking.
- Place the sweet potatoes on the prepared baking sheet and bake for about 45–60 minutes, or until they are tender all the way through.
- Once the sweet potatoes are cool enough to handle, peel off the skins and place the flesh in a large bowl.
- Add the melted butter and sea salt to the sweet potatoes and whip using an electric mixer until they are smooth and creamy.
- Pour the maple syrup over the potatoes and continue to whip until fully incorporated.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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