Imagine a side dish so velvety and flavorful that it could steal the spotlight at any meal - that's what you get with Creamy Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Fresh Thyme. These golden, buttery spuds are whipped to perfection, infusing each bite with a hint of earthy thyme.
It's comfort food at its finest, bringing a touch of elegance to your dinner table. Whether it's a holiday feast or a cozy weeknight dinner, these mashed sweet potatoes are sure to be a hit, leaving your taste buds singing and your guests asking for seconds.
PPacks a nutritional punch, loaded with vitamins and fiber.
And the best part? They're surprisingly easy to make! Boil those sweet potatoes until they're fork-tender, then mash them with a generous dollop of butter, a splash of cream, and a handful of fresh thyme leaves. The thyme adds a delightful herbal twist to the natural sweetness of the potatoes, making each spoonful a symphony of flavors. This dish not only adds a pop of color to your plate but also packs a nutritional punch, loaded with vitamins and fiber. So, whether you're a seasoned chef or a kitchen newbie, Creamy Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Fresh Thyme is a delightful addition to your repertoire, destined to become a family favorite.
This was inspired by my other recipe on this site, and pairs well with this amazing sidedish recipe.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15-20 minutes
Serves: 6-8
Jump to:
- PPacks a nutritional punch, loaded with vitamins and fiber.
- Ingredients needed to make Creamy Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Fresh Thyme
- How to make Creamy Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Fresh Thyme
- Variations on the Creamy Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Fresh Thyme recipe
- Equipment used in making Creamy Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Fresh Thyme
- Storage for the Creamy Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Fresh Thyme
- Top tips for making Creamy Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Fresh Thyme
- Related
- Pairing
- Creamy Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Fresh Thyme
Ingredients needed to make Creamy Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Fresh Thyme
- 4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 3 T. unsalted butter, room temperature
- 4 oz. cream cheese, softened
- 2-3 T. half and half
- 2 T. fresh thyme leaves, minced
- 2 t. ground cinnamon
- 1 t. ground all-spice
- Sea salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional toppings:
Whipped cream cheese**
Walnuts halves, toasted
How to make Creamy Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Fresh Thyme
- Place the sweet potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Bring the water to a boil and cook until the potatoes are fork tender, approximately 15-20 minutes. Once the potatoes are cooked, drain thoroughly and return to the pot.
- Add butter, cream cheese, and half & half to the sweet potatoes and mash with an immersion blender or a hand-held mixer. For a thinner consistency, add more half & half, if desired.
- Once the potatoes are creamy, stir in thyme leaves, cinnamon, and allspice until well blended. Season with salt and pepper, to taste, and serve immediately topped with a spoonful of whipped cream cheese and/or toasted walnuts, if desired. Enjoy!
Variations on the Creamy Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Fresh Thyme recipe
Here are 10 creative variations to jazz up your Creamy Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Fresh Thyme recipe:
- Garlic Infusion: Roast a few cloves of garlic and mix them into your mashed sweet potatoes for a delightful garlicky twist.
- Maple Drizzle: Add a drizzle of pure maple syrup to the top of your mashed sweet potatoes for a touch of natural sweetness.
- Citrus Zest: Sprinkle some citrus zest, like orange or lemon, into the mash for a zesty and refreshing kick.
- Candied Pecans: Top your sweet potato mash with some chopped candied pecans for a delightful crunch and sweetness.
- Savory Herbs: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary, sage, or chives to give your dish a unique herbal profile.
- Browned Butter: Subtly nutty and aromatic, browned butter mixed into the mash can elevate the flavor to new heights.
- Cheddar Cheese: Add some shredded sharp cheddar cheese for a cheesy, gooey twist on the classic.
- Chipotle Spice: For a smoky, spicy kick, mix in a bit of chipotle powder or minced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce.
- Caramelized Onions: Top your sweet potato mash with some caramelized onions for a sweet and savory combination.
- Coconut Cream: Swap out regular cream for coconut cream to add a tropical and creamy element to your dish.
Feel free to mix and match these variations to create your own unique sweet potato masterpiece!
Equipment used in making Creamy Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Fresh Thyme
Storage for the Creamy Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Fresh Thyme
ou can store Creamy Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Fresh Thyme in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To maximize freshness and prevent spoilage, it's important to properly store them:
- Cool Down Quickly: Allow the mashed sweet potatoes to cool to room temperature before refrigerating. This helps prevent the growth of bacteria.
- Airtight Container: Transfer the mashed sweet potatoes to an airtight container. Press plastic wrap or parchment paper directly onto the surface of the potatoes to create a seal; this prevents moisture loss and helps maintain creaminess.
- Refrigerate: Place the sealed container in the refrigerator as soon as possible, ideally within 2 hours of cooking.
- Label and Date: Don't forget to label the container with the date you made the mashed sweet potatoes. This helps you keep track of their freshness.
When reheating, you may need to add a splash of cream or milk and gently stir to restore the creamy texture as mashed potatoes can thicken when refrigerated. Always reheat leftovers thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before consuming.
Remember that the quality of mashed sweet potatoes may slightly degrade over time, so it's best to enjoy them within the recommended storage period for the best taste and texture.
Top tips for making Creamy Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Fresh Thyme
Here are 10 top tips to keep in mind when making Creamy Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Fresh Thyme:
- Choose the Right Sweet Potatoes: Opt for sweet potatoes that are uniform in size to ensure even cooking.
- Peel and Dice Evenly: Peel and dice the sweet potatoes into uniform-sized pieces so they cook evenly and at the same rate.
- Salt the Cooking Water: Add salt to the water when boiling the sweet potatoes to season them from the inside out.
- Don't Overcook: Be vigilant while boiling; overcooked sweet potatoes can become mushy. Test for doneness with a fork; they should be tender but not falling apart.
- Thyme Freshness: Use fresh thyme for the best flavor; dried thyme won't provide the same aromatic quality.
- Infuse Flavor: If using garlic or other herbs, infuse them in the cream or butter to maximize flavor.
- Warm Cream and Butter: Warm the cream and butter before adding them to the potatoes; this prevents the mash from cooling down too quickly.
- Mash While Hot: Mash the sweet potatoes while they're hot for the creamiest texture.
- Adjust Consistency: Add cream gradually to achieve your desired level of creaminess; you can always add more if needed.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the mashed sweet potatoes before serving and adjust the seasoning as necessary with salt, pepper, or additional thyme.
With these tips, your Creamy Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Fresh Thyme will turn out perfectly every time!
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with [this recipe]:
Creamy Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Fresh Thyme
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 -8 servings
Description
Imagine a side dish so velvety and flavorful that it could steal the spotlight at any meal - that's what you get with Creamy Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Fresh Thyme. These golden, buttery spuds are whipped to perfection, infusing each bite with a hint of earthy thyme.
Ingredients
4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
3 T. unsalted butter, room temperature
4 oz. cream cheese, softened
2-3 T. half and half
2 T. fresh thyme leaves, minced
2 t. ground cinnamon
1 t. ground all-spice
Sea salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional toppings:
Whipped cream cheese**
Walnuts halves, toasted
Instructions
-
Place the sweet potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Bring the water to a boil and cook until the potatoes are fork tender, approximately 15-20 minutes. Once the potatoes are cooked, drain thoroughly and return to the pot.
-
Add butter, cream cheese, and half & half to the sweet potatoes and mash with an immersion blender or a hand-held mixer. For a thinner consistency, add more half & half, if desired.
-
Once the potatoes are creamy, stir in thyme leaves, cinnamon, and allspice until well blended. Season with salt and pepper, to taste, and serve immediately topped with a spoonful of whipped cream cheese and/or toasted walnuts, if desired. Enjoy!
Notes
These rich and creamy mashed sweet potatoes are the perfect side dish for just about any holiday meal. However, they’re so quick and easy to make, you’ll want to enjoy them throughout the year.
What’s more, sweet potatoes are as nutritious as they are delicious. They contain fewer calories and are higher in fiber, Vitamin A, and Vitamin C than their white counterparts.*
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.