Roasted Garlic Mashed Sweet Potatoes are a warm and cozy side dish perfect for Thanksgiving. The sweet, buttery potatoes mixed with roasted garlic make each bite a treat!
Honestly, who can resist a creamy dish that smells amazing? I love serving these with a sprinkle of parsley on top for some color. They disappear quickly at my table! 🥰
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: These are the heart of the dish, providing sweetness and creaminess. If you can’t find sweet potatoes, orange or yellow-fleshed squash can be a nice alternative.
Garlic: Roasting garlic mellows its flavor, making it sweet and less pungent. If you’re in a hurry, you can use garlic powder, but it won’t have the same depth. Roasted garlic is worth the time!
Butter: Unsalted butter gives a rich, creamy texture. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, try using coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative.
Heavy Cream: For extra creaminess, heavy cream is great, but you can swap it with milk, almond milk, or even vegetable broth if you prefer a lighter version.
Herbs for Garnish: Fresh sage or thyme adds a lovely aroma. If you’re out of fresh herbs, a dash of dried herbs can work in a pinch.
How Do I Get the Perfect Creamy Texture?
The texture of your mashed sweet potatoes is crucial for this recipe. To get it nice and creamy:
- Mash the sweet potatoes while they’re still warm. Cold potatoes can become gummy.
- Add butter and cream gradually while mashing to monitor consistency. You can always add more later!
- If you prefer an ultra-smooth texture, use a potato ricer or food processor, but don’t over-mix to avoid a gluey result.
By following these tips, you’ll create a delightful side dish that everyone will love at your Thanksgiving table!
Roasted Garlic Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Mashed Sweet Potatoes:
- 3 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 1 whole head of garlic
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (or more for desired consistency)
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Garnish:
- Fresh sage leaves or thyme (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 45 minutes in total—30-35 minutes for roasting the garlic and 15-20 minutes for cooking and mashing the sweet potatoes. It’s a manageable time to create a delicious side dish for your Thanksgiving feast!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Roast the Garlic:
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the top off the head of garlic to expose the cloves. Drizzle with olive oil, wrap it in foil, and roast for about 30-35 minutes until the cloves are soft and golden. The aroma will be heavenly!
2. Boil the Sweet Potatoes:
While the garlic is roasting, place the peeled and cut sweet potatoes into a large pot and cover them with cold water. Bring to a boil and cook for about 15-20 minutes or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. Once they’re done, drain them well to get rid of excess water.
3. Squeeze the Roasted Garlic:
After the garlic has cooled enough to handle, squeeze the softened garlic cloves out of their skins into a bowl. This will create a sweet and buttery garlic paste that will enhance the flavor of your mash!
4. Mash It All Together:
Using a potato masher or mixer, mash the sweet potatoes until they are creamy. Add the roasted garlic, butter, and heavy cream. Mix everything together until smooth and well combined. Don’t forget to taste and season with salt and pepper to your liking!
5. Finish and Serve:
Transfer your lovely mashed sweet potatoes to a serving dish. For a finishing touch, drizzle a little melted butter or olive oil on top, sprinkle with chopped fresh herbs like sage or thyme, and add a few whole leaves for garnish. This will make your dish look as good as it tastes!
6. Enjoy!
Serve your Roasted Garlic Mashed Sweet Potatoes warm as a delightful Thanksgiving side dish! Enjoy the creamy, velvety texture and the harmonious flavor of roasted garlic.
Can I Use Regular Potatoes Instead of Sweet Potatoes?
Yes, you can! Although sweet potatoes provide a unique flavor and sweetness, regular potatoes such as Yukon Gold or red potatoes can be used as a substitute. Just keep in mind that the taste will differ slightly.
How Do I Store Leftover Mashed Sweet Potatoes?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk to restore creaminess if needed.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the mashed sweet potatoes a day in advance. Just be sure to reheat them gently on the stovetop, stirring occasionally, and add a bit more cream or butter to achieve the desired consistency.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
To make the mashed sweet potatoes vegan, substitute the unsalted butter with vegan butter or olive oil, and replace the heavy cream with almond milk or coconut milk. This will still give you a creamy texture without the dairy!