Easy Mashed Sweet Potatoes in Under 30 Minutes Recipe
Introduction
Mashed sweet potatoes are a comforting side dish that comes together in under 30 minutes. Creamy and flavorful, this recipe features garlic butter for a rich twist on a classic. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or holiday meals alike.

Ingredients
- 2 1/2 lb sweet potatoes (cut into small cubes; can be peeled or unpeeled)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (plus more for garnish, if desired)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 cup milk (warm or room temperature; or less for firmer mash)
- 1/2 tsp sea salt (to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large dutch oven or pot of salted water to a boil.
- Step 2: Add the sweet potatoes and boil for about 15 minutes, until very soft. Check by poking with a fork. Drain and pat dry.
- Step 3: In the same dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Remove from heat.
- Step 4: Return the sweet potatoes to the dutch oven. Add the milk and mash well using a potato masher until you reach the desired consistency. For a silkier texture, use a hand mixer or immersion blender.
- Step 5: Season with sea salt and black pepper to taste.
- Step 6: Serve hot, garnished with extra butter and fresh parsley or chives if desired.
Tips & Variations
- Use less milk or omit it entirely for a firmer mash that holds shape better.
- Try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm autumn flavor.
- Swap garlic for caramelized onions for a sweeter, milder taste.
- Leaving the skins on adds extra texture and nutrients.
Storage
Store leftover mashed sweet potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk or butter to restore creaminess.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen sweet potatoes for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen sweet potatoes. Thaw them completely and drain any excess water before mashing to avoid a watery texture.
How can I make the mashed sweet potatoes ahead of time?
You can prepare the mashed sweet potatoes a day in advance, then reheat on the stove or in the oven. Stir in a little milk or butter when reheating to keep them creamy.
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Easy Mashed Sweet Potatoes in Under 30 Minutes Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
A quick and easy mashed sweet potatoes recipe that takes under 30 minutes to prepare. Soft, creamy, and flavorful with a hint of garlic, this comforting side dish uses simple ingredients and can be adjusted for varying textures from chunky to smooth.
Ingredients
Sweet Potatoes
- 2 1/2 lbs sweet potatoes, cut into small cubes (peeled or unpeeled)
Other Ingredients
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, plus more for garnish if desired
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup milk, warm or room temperature (use less or omit for firmer mash)
- 1/2 tsp sea salt, to taste
- 1/4 tsp black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Boil Sweet Potatoes: Bring a large dutch oven or pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cubed sweet potatoes and cook for about 15 minutes until very soft, checking doneness by piercing with a fork.
- Drain and Dry: Drain the sweet potatoes thoroughly and pat them dry to remove excess moisture.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, then remove from heat to prevent burning.
- Mash Potatoes: Return the sweet potatoes to the dutch oven and add the warm milk. Use a potato masher to mash to your preferred consistency. For a smoother texture, you may use a hand mixer or immersion blender.
- Season: Add sea salt and black pepper to taste, mixing well to combine all flavors evenly.
- Serve: Serve the mashed sweet potatoes hot, optionally topped with additional butter and fresh herbs like parsley or chives for garnish.
Notes
- Peeling sweet potatoes is optional; leaving the skin adds texture and nutrients.
- Adjust milk quantity for desired mash firmness—less milk for a thicker mash.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on stovetop or microwave.
- Use fresh garlic to avoid bitterness in the mashed potatoes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Boiling and Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: mashed sweet potatoes, quick side dish, comfort food, garlic mashed potatoes

