Best Loaded Sweet Potato Mash
Best Loaded Sweet Potato Mash
Let's kick up your Thanksgiving side dish game with our unforgettable Best Loaded Sweet Potato Mash recipe. We're talking creamy, dreamy mashed sweet potatoes, elevated to a whole new level with layers of ooey-gooey cheese, a fragrant herb infusion, crispy bacon bits, and a dash of zesty scallions. It's a delicious side dish that's both a breeze to whip up and a healthy choice, perfect for any special occasion - be it Thanksgiving, Christmas, or just a cozy family dinner. Slow cooker + Make ahead option.
What Makes This Loaded Sweet Potato Mash SO GOOD?
You know, this time of year, everyone's raving about pumpkin and butternut squash recipes but I have a little secret: I'm all about the sweet potatoes. There's something about that humble, orange-hued veggie that really hits the spot for me. Don't get me wrong, I'll happily devour sweet potatoes any way they're served especially when it's in the form of Flaky Sweet Potato Biscuits or Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole over Thanksgiving, but I have to say mashed sweet potatoes are my absolute favorite side dish on my holiday table!
There are always your holiday menu staples like roast turkey, cornbread, and stuffing. But every year, I like to put my own spin on the classics to add some extra fun to the table and surprise my family's taste buds. This year, it's all about the loaded mashed potatoes.
Instead of making smooth and creamy white potatoes that everyone douses in gravy, I'm turning mashed potatoes into a flavor-packed side dish loaded with savory and cheesy flavors. If you're looking for a fun way to impress guests and step things up a notch this year, you'll want to add these loaded mashed potatoes to your menu.
Jump to:
- What Makes This Loaded Sweet Potato Mash SO GOOD?
- How To Make The Best Loaded Sweet Potato Mash
- Ingredients
- Why You’ll Love This Loaded Sweet Potato Mash
- Sweet Potato Mash Ingredient Swaps
- Best Topping Ideas for this Loaded Sweet Potato Mash
- The Best Way to Cook Mashed Potatoes
- What to Serve with Loaded Mashed Potatoes
- Are Sweet Potatoes Healthy?
- 5 Tips For The Creamiest Sweet Potato Mash
- Loaded Sweet Potato Mash Q + A's
- More Potato Recipes to Try
- MADE OUR RECIPE(S)?
- Best Loaded Sweet Potato Mash
How To Make The Best Loaded Sweet Potato Mash
The process is as straightforward as can be: simply boil the sweet potatoes until they're tender, give 'em a good mash, and mix in all those creamy ingredients. Then, it's time for the fun part—adding a slew of delectable toppings to amp up the flavor and make it truly irresistible.
Ingredients
First, gather the ingredients for your not-so-traditional mashed potatoes. Here's what you need:
- Potatoes. Use russet or Yukon gold potatoes for the best texture.
- Sweet potato. This is a sneaky way to add a bit of sweetness and extra flavor to your mashed potatoes.
- Bacon. Use crispy cooked bacon.
- Butter. I recommend using unsalted butter so you can control the flavor.
- Garlic powder
- Dried parsley. You could also use oregano, thyme, or basil if you prefer.
- Cheddar cheese. I like mild cheddar, but sharp will also work.
- Gouda. This is a delicious melty cheese that's unexpected at Thanksgiving.
- Almond milk. Feel free to use any milk you like or heavy cream for extra hardiness.
- Scallions for garnish.
SHOP MY FAVORITE TOOLS FOR COOKING, ESPECIALLY FOR THIS SWEET POTATO MASH!
Here, I’ve curated a list of cooking + baking essentials that I use to achieve my favorite baked goods or cooked meals, especially with this Best Loaded Sweet Potato Mash. Everything from my fave baking sheets, wooden spoons, parchment paper, mixing bowls, and more. SEE THEM HERE!
Why You’ll Love This Loaded Sweet Potato Mash
- Creamy goodness--It's the epitome of creamy comfort food
- A medley of toppings adds layers of flavor!
- Perfect for Thanksgiving + Christmas feasts.
- A crowd-pleaser--everyone at the table will LOVE this side dish!
- Versatile--complements various main dishes.
- A perfect balance of flavors in each bite.
- Seconds guaranteed you won't be able to resist going back for more!
- Uses simple ingredients.
- And just absolutely wholesome + PERFECT for any kind of weather or occasion.
Sweet Potato Mash Ingredient Swaps
Here are a few simple substitutions and swaps to make this potato recipe work for you:
- Replace one of the regular potatoes with another sweet potato for a sweeter flavor.
- Use another dried herb like thyme, rosemary, or oregano instead of parsley.
- Use more or less cheddar or gouda to meet your desired flavor.
- Replace the bacon with crispy chickpeas or another vegetarian-friendly topper.
- Opt for dairy-free/vegan butter if you are cutting down on dairy!
Best Topping Ideas for this Loaded Sweet Potato Mash
I like to add some extra texture to my Loaded Sweet Potato Mash--So I wanted to share a few more ideas in case you make this sweet potato mash recipe more than once and want to switch things up!
Other topping ideas include:
- Crispy bacon or candied bacon (if you're not plant-based, of course)
- Herb roasted tomatoes
- Roasted chickpeas
- For an extra crunch panko breadcrumbs
- Brown butter
- Roasted Garlic
- Homemade cranberry sauce drizzled on top!
- Crispy sage leaves
- Pomegranate Seeds
- Chilli fakes for some added spice!
The Best Way to Cook Mashed Potatoes
Boil + Roast + Slow Cooker options
You can either boil or roast your potatoes. If you already have the stove on, it's easy to toss them in and keep the stove clear for other dishes. To make them in the, bake your potatoes in the skin at 400°F for 25 to 30 minutes. The potatoes are done when you can easily insert a knife without any resistance. Then peel and mash the potatoes as directed.
You could even skip the stove and oven and cook your mashed potatoes in a slow cooker! To do this, peel and cube your potatoes. Cover them with water (or broth for extra flavor) and slow-cook on high for 3 to 4 hours or low for 6 to 7 hours. Then simply mash and follow the rest of the recipe as written.
What to Serve with Loaded Mashed Potatoes
Looking for holiday menu inspiration? I have plenty! This dish is a wonderful addition to your Thanksgiving table or any meal, really. Here's what I'll be serving alongside these loaded cheesy mashed potatoes:
- Cornbread: Classic cornbread or my Brown Butter Pumpkin Cornbread complements the greens beautifully or for a vegan option Vegan Sweet Potato Maple Herb Cornbread is amazing!
- Turkey: An obvious one!
- Mac and Cheese: Creamy mac and cheese adds comfort and richness try this Baked Vegan Buffalo Mac + Cheese recipe!
- Chicken: A Southern favorite that's a perfect match, this Jerk Whole Roast Chicken ot this Cranberry Maple Roast Chicken is truly amazing alongside it!
- Roasted veggies. I absolutely love these Maple Herb Glazed Carrots
- More potatoes: You can never have enough potatoes. Haha. These Crispy Garlic Herb Smashed Potatoes are always a crowd-pleaser!
- Biscuits: Fluffy biscuits complete the Southern meal. Honey Butter Cornbread Drop Biscuits or Garlic Herb Biscuits are a dream alongside this dish.
Are Sweet Potatoes Healthy?
Absolutely, sweet potatoes are not only a delicious addition to your holiday table but also a healthy one. They're packed with essential vitamins and minerals, making them a fantastic choice! Plus, embracing seasonal eating with sweet potatoes means you're savoring the freshest flavors fall has to offer.
SWEET POTATO HEALTH BENEFITS
- Rich in vitamin A: Sweet potatoes are loaded with vitamin A in the form of beta-carotene, promoting healthy skin and vision.
- High in dietary fiber: They aid digestion and promote a feeling of fullness.
- A great source of vitamin C: An antioxidant that boosts the immune system and promotes healthy skin.
- Essential minerals: Sweet potatoes provide important minerals like potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure, and manganese, vital for bone health.
- Antioxidant-rich: Packed with antioxidants, they help combat oxidative stress and lower the risk of chronic diseases.
- Complex carbohydrates: Sweet potatoes provide sustained energy and help stabilize blood sugar levels.
5 Tips For The Creamiest Sweet Potato Mash
Choose the right sweet potatoes-- Select orange-fleshed sweet potatoes (often labeled as "yams") for their natural creaminess and sweetness.
Cook until very tender--Boil or roast the sweet potatoes until they are very tender but not falling apart. This ensures a smooth and creamy texture.
Add warm liquid--Heat the milk, cream, or butter before adding it to the sweet potatoes. This prevents the mash from cooling too quickly and helps achieve ULTRA creaminess.
Use the right tools: Use a potato masher, food processor, hand mixer, or immersion blender for mashing, depending on your preferred texture.
Season gradually--Add seasonings like salt, herbs + butter gradually, tasting as you go to achieve the perfect flavor balance.
Loaded Sweet Potato Mash Q + A's
Yes! Get a head start on your holiday cooking with this recipe. You can prepare the cooked potatoes and bacon ahead of time. Store the components in separate airtight containers in the fridge and assemble everything on the stove when you're ready to eat.
Just place the peeled + cubed potatoes and water (or veggie broth/stock for flavor) into your slow cooker. Cook on high 3-4 hours or low 6-7 hours, stirring every hour or so or until tender. Then using a hand masher, mash potatoes until smooth and then stir in butter and milk.
To store sweet potato mash, place it in an airtight container, ensuring the surface is covered with plastic wrap or foil before sealing the container. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
If they are too thick, add a bit more warm liquid (milk or cream) and mix until you achieve the desired consistency. If they are too thin, you can heat them on low heat to evaporate some moisture, or simply add more mashed sweet potatoes to thicken them up.
To add some heat, consider incorporating ingredients like chopped jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a pinch of cayenne pepper when mashing the sweet potatoes. Adjust the spiciness to your preference.
To reheat leftovers, place them in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel or plastic wrap with a vent. Microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. You can also reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently.
More Potato Recipes to Try
If you loved this Best Loaded Sweet Potato Mash recipe, then you'll definitely want to add these mouthwatering potato recipes to your "must-make next" list:
- Braised Apple BBQ Ribs + Potatoes
- Sweet Potato Berry Breakfast Boats
- Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup
- Cajun Sweet Potato Grits with Crispy Chickpeas
- Flourless Vegan Sweet Potato Oats Waffles
- Easy Vegan Roasted Potato Salad
- Vegan Sweet Potato Maple Herb Cornbread
MADE OUR RECIPE(S)?
If you tried this Best Loaded Sweet Potato Mash recipe or any other recipe on my website, please please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how you go in the 📝 comments below. I love hearing from you.
Best Loaded Sweet Potato Mash
Ingredients
- 6 medium russet or Yukon potatoes, peeled + cubed (That's about 3lbs.)
- 1 medium sweet potato, peeled + cubed
- 2-3 cups chopped cooked bacon (That's about 6 slices; See Notes!)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups Mild cheddar cheese, shredded (You can also use Sharp cheddar, if preferred)
- ½ cup freshly grated smoked Gouda cheese
- ¼ cup Almond milk (You can also sub w/ heavy cream if preferred)
- 1 green onion, chopped
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add cubed potatoes. Cook for about 30 minutes or so, until potatoes are soft + tender. NOTE: See Notes for Slow Cooker + No-Boil options.
- Once done, drain potatoes and mash in a large bowl using potato masher. NOTE: If you want a nicely whipped mashed potato, add cooked potatoes to the bowl of an electric mixer using a paddle attachment.
- Once mashed, add the butter, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, parsley, cheeses, and milk, mixing until well combined and fully smooth.
- Toss in half the chopped cooked bacon and green onions and stir to incorporate.
- Serve mashed potatoes in a large serving bowl, top with remaining chopped cooked bacon and green onions.
- Bon Appetit!
Tips & Tricks
- POTATOES: Instead of Yukon potatoes, you can also use baby red potatoes or russet potatoes.
- MAKE AHEAD: All ingredients can be made (cooked potatoes, bacon, etc) and individually stored as meal prep and assembled + heated when ready to serve.
- NO-BOIL MASHED POTATOES: To cook them alternatively without boiling---place potatoes on a baking sheet (lined with parchment paper) and lightly dress them with olive oil. Bake in a 400 degree Fahrenheit oven for 25-30 minutes, until tender and knife goes through each potato smoothly. Once done, remove from oven and continue recipe.
- SLOW COOKER OPTION (MASHED POTATOES): Just place the peeled + cubed potatoes and water (or veggie broth/stock for flavor) into your slow cooker. Cook on high 3-4 hours or low 6-7 hours, stirring every hour or so or until tender. Then using a hand masher, mash potatoes until smooth and then stir in butter and milk.
Nutrition
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Best Loaded Sweet Potato Mash
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