Mashed Sweet Potatoes – Are you, in search of a satisfying side dish that will impress everyone at your table? Look no further than this recipe for Mashed Sweet Potatoes! Filled with the goodness of potatoes enhanced with a touch of brown sugar and finished off with crispy bacon it’s a dish that is both nutritious and incredibly tasty.
I can still vividly recall the first time I prepared Mashed Sweet Potatoes. It was a chilly evening. I wanted to make something warm and comforting. As the aroma wafted through our kitchen my husband and child eagerly awaited their taste. Their joyful expressions and requests for seconds quickly turned this dish into a feature in our family meals. Now every time I make it we are transported back to that evening filled with love around our dinner table.
What makes this Mashed Sweet Potatoes truly special?
What sets this Mashed Sweet Potatoes recipe apart is its simplicity combined with the flavors it delivers. The natural sweetness of the potatoes complemented by a hint of cinnamon, the richness of butter and the savory crunch from bacon create a harmony of tastes. It’s not just a dish; it’s, like receiving an embrace in every spoonful.
What You Need To Make This Mashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe?
Sweet Potatoes: These are the stars of the dish! When I choose potatoes I always go for the ones that feel weighty in my hand. It’s a sign that they’re full of juiciness and bursting with flavor. As I peel them I can’t help to admire their orange hue, which promises a delightful combination of sweetness and earthy notes.
Milk: Ah here’s the secret, to achieving that velvety texture we all love. Before adding it to the potatoes I like to warm up the milk. It reminds me how a touch of warmth can truly transform something into a delight.
Butter: Oh, butter! Its presence brings decadence and richness to this dish. Before incorporating it into the mixture I take pleasure in cutting it into pieces. Watching it slowly melt and blend is like witnessing the heart of this creation coming together seamlessly.
Brown Sugar: Now we come to where all the magic happens! When this sugar gently caramelizes it adds a dimension of flavor that perfectly complements the natural sweetness of our beloved potatoes. The slight hint of molasses-like goodness beautifully embraces all ingredients in its embrace.
Bacon: Crispy bacon provides a contrast to our creation. With each bite there’s a surprise waiting for you. Cooking it until perfectly crispy creates a dance between textures, amidst all that creamy goodness.
Cinnamon: While optional I personally adore adding a touch of spice with cinnamon. It imparts a warmth. Adds depth to every forkful. It feels like a warmth that enhances the dish bringing back memories of winter nights.
Kosher Salt & Black Pepper: These ingredients are often. Play a role. Salt enhances the flavors while a touch of pepper adds a kick. It’s akin, to applying the strokes to complete a masterpiece painting.
Steps To Make Mashed Sweet Potatoes:
Step 1: Let’s begin by getting a pot of water boiling. That’s where the magic happens!
Step 2: While we wait for the water to boil, peel and dice the potatoes into 2-inch chunks.
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Step 3: Once the water reaches its boiling point add a pinch of salt. Carefully place the potatoes in. Let them dance in the boiling water until they become tender enough to be pierced with a fork, which should take 20 to 30 minutes.
Step 4: After draining them return the potatoes to the pot. Let them sit for a while to ensure all the excess water evaporates. Now it’s time to mash them until they reach your desired consistency!
Step 5: In the meantime cook some bacon in a skillet until it turns perfectly crisp. Drain off any grease. Chop it into small pieces but make sure to save some for garnishing later on.
Step 6: In a dish that’s safe, for use in microwaves combine milk and butter together. Heat until the butter melts completely. Stir in sugar and cinnamon.
Step 7: Carefully pour half of this mixture into your potatoes while gently stirring to combine everything. Keep adding more of this mixture until you achieve your preferred consistency. Afterward fold in those chopped bacon pieces you saved earlier making sure you set aside some for topping.
Step 8: Season with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences. For a touch of flavor garnish with those reserved bacon pieces along, with a sprinkle of cinnamon. If you desire richness add a pat of butter on top as well.
Tip:
Instead of boiling the potatoes you can try roasting them for a more intense and robust flavor. Roasting brings out the sugars in the potatoes resulting in a nuttier and more complex taste.
Here’s what you need to do:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cut the potatoes into even-sized chunks and toss them with a little olive oil, salt and pepper.
- Spread the sweet potato chunks on a baking sheet. Roast them until they become tender and slightly caramelized which typically takes around 30 to 35 minutes.
Not only does this method enhance the flavor. It also gives your mashed sweet potatoes a smoother and creamier texture. It’s a twist that can elevate your dish from delicious, to unforgettable!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Certainly! You can easily make it a day ahead. Then warm it up either in the oven or the microwave.
How can I make this recipe healthier?
To make it healthier you can reduce the amount of sugar and butter or opt for nutritious substitutes, like coconut oil or almond milk.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, for 3 to 4 days. When reheating you’ll find that they still taste fantastic.
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Ingredients
- 3 lb sweet potatoes about 4-5 medium to large
- 1/3 c milk
- 6 tbsp butter
- 1/4 c brown sugar or more to taste
- 1/2 lb bacon
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon optional
- Kosher salt & black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a pot of water to a boil.
- Next peel the potatoes. Cut them into 2-inch chunks.
- Once the water is boiling add some salt. Carefully put in the potato chunks. Let them cook until they become tender (20 to 30 minutes) then drain off the water.
- After draining place the sweet potato chunks back, in the pot and let them sit for a few minutes to dry out. Mash them to your desired consistency.
- While the potatoes are cooking, take a skillet. Cook the bacon until it turns crispy. Then chop it into pieces.
- In a microwave dish heat up some milk and butter until the butter has melted completely. Stir in some sugar and cinnamon to create a mixture.
- Pour half of this milk mixture into your potatoes and stir everything together. Gradually add more of this mixture until you achieve your desired consistency. Stir in most of the chopped bacon saving some for garnishing purposes.
- Season with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
- To finish off garnish your potatoes with the remaining bacon pieces along, with a sprinkle of cinnamon. If desired you can also top it off with a pat of butter before serving.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
