The Best Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Pecans

Name: The Best Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Pecans
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 2 pounds Sweet Potatoes; 1 cup Half and Half; 3 Tablespoon Butter (Reserve 1 tablespoon); 3 Tablespoon Brown Sugar; 1 teaspoon Salt; 1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon; 1/2 cup Chopped Pecans

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Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Pecans is made in one pot with just 7 simple ingredients, including butter, cinnamon, brown sugar, and pecans.

These potatoes are a great addition to your next holiday meal.

Do you like sweet and spicy? You’ll love these creamy potatoes with my Mexican Chicken Breast. It’s an easy weeknight dinner and I love the sweet and spicy combination!

Mashed sweet potatoes with pecans in a serving dish with napkin and plates.

Original recipe: November 22 | Update: October 23

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I’m a huge fan of mashed sweet potato recipes and this one is one of my very favorites. It’s so easy to make and the flavor from the brown sugar and pecan is excellent. This recipe makes it to the Thanksgiving dinner table every year!

Why you will love this mashed sweet potato recipe

One pot recipe: Unlike sweet potato casserole, these potatoes are made on the stovetop freeing up the oven during busy holiday cooking. They can also be kept warm in the slow cooker if you want to make them ahead.
Quick and easy: This quick and easy side dish is just as easy as making regular mashed potatoes.
Flavor: Because the potatoes are cooked in cream and butter instead of water, they soak up tons of flavor.
Holiday side dish: It’s the perfect side dish for your holiday table.
Vegetarian option for holiday table: These potatoes could easily be the main course with salads.

Ingredients to make mashed sweet potatoes with pecans

Whole Sweet Potatoes – Look for potatoes that are firm, small to medium in size with a smooth skin.
Half and Half – Heavy cream can be used as a substitution.
Unsalted Butter – It’s okay to use salted butter, but you’ll need to do a taste test before adding the salt listed in the recipe card.
Brown Sugar – I’ve used maple syrup in a pinch.
Salt – Even with the sweet flavors of these potatoes, you are going to need to add 1 teaspoon salt.
Ground Cinnamon
Chopped Pecans – Chop the pecans roughly.
Optional: Fresh Herbs like Fresh Thyme would be an excellent addition.

Step by step instructions for making easy mashed sweet potatoes

Step 1: Wash and peel 2 lbs of sweet potatoes.

Step 2: Cut the potatoes into 1-inch pieces.

Three peeled sweet potatoes on a marble counter.

Step 3: Add 2 Tbsp. butter and the sweet potatoes to a large pot or Dutch oven. Cook over medium heat until the potatoes begin to soften, 3-5 minutes, stirring often.

Step 4: Add the half and half and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium, cover, and continue a slow simmer.

Cut sweet potatoes in Dutch oven with milk being poured into the pot.

Step 5: Cook the potatoes until they become super tender. Cooking time is between 15-25 minutes depending on how big the potatoes were diced.

TIP – Stir frequently to keep potatoes from sticking or burning on the bottom of the pan. The cream may curdle, but don’t worry, it will smooth out when you mash the potatoes.

Step 6: Remove cooked sweet potatoes from the heat and add the brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon. Using either a potato masher or a hand mixer, mash the potatoes until they become smooth.

Step 7: To the sweet potato mixture stir in the pecans and the remaining tablespoon of butter. You can use melted butter, but it’s not necessary if your potatoes are hot.

Sweet potatoes that have been mashed and pecans on top.

Step 8: Transfer to a serving dish and serve warm.

Mashed sweet potatoes in serving bowl with pecans sprinkled on top.

Mashed sweet potato variations

Streusel – Smooth the potatoes in the bottom of a baking dish and top with a pecan streusel.

Leave out the pecans – If you don’t like pecans, no problem, leave them out.

Add marshmallows -Make a traditional sweet potato casserole by adding mini marshmallows and pecans. Bake for 10 – 15 minutes until the marshmallows soften.

How to choose a good quality sweet potatoes for this mashed sweet potato recipe

Choose a firm, medium-sized sweet potatoes with no bruises and store them in a cool, dark, dry space. They will stay good for 2 – 4 weeks. If the potato becomes soft or begins to wrinkle it is time to cook immediately or discard them.

How to store mashed sweet potatoes with pecans

Fridge: Leftover Mashed Sweet Potatoes can be stored in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Be sure to cool to room temperature before storing.

Freezer: You can freeze the mashed potatoes for up to 3 months.

Tips for making mashed sweet potatoes

To drive home the fact that there are pecans in this dish, I like to garnish the potatoes with a few chopped pecans. (A very light pecan topping.)
It’s okay if there is texture to the potatoes, but if you want super smooth, silky potatoes, you could use a food processor or a food mill.
Stir frequently to keep potatoes from sticking or burning on the bottom of the pan. The cream may curdle, but don’t worry, it will smooth out when you mash the potatoes.
You’ll need about three medium potatoes to equal 2 lbs.
Double the recipe if you are expecting a crowd.

FAQ

Can I make this sweet potato recipe ahead of time?

Yes, this recipe can be easily made ahead of time. Store potatoes in an oven-safe casserole dish and rewarm at 350 degrees for about 20 – 30 minutes.

How can I make this recipe less sweet and more savory?

Instead of brown sugar and cinnamon, add sour cream to the potatoes. This will give the potatoes a rich, creamy texture and tangy flavor.

Do I need to peel the potatoes before cooking?

When baking or roasting sweet potatoes, it is not necessary to peel sweet potatoes, but for this recipe, I always peel the potatoes.

More holiday side dishes