Let me tell you about my absolute favorite side dish: Brown Butter Mashed Sweet Potatoes! Seriously, these creamy, dreamy potatoes are like a hug in a bowl. The nutty flavor of the brown butter mingles perfectly with the natural sweetness of the potatoes, and it’s just pure comfort food. I remember the first time I made these for a family gathering; everyone couldn’t stop raving about them! Trust me, the first bite will have you hooked. They’re not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make, which is a win-win in my book! Whether it’s Thanksgiving, a cozy dinner, or just a regular weeknight, these mashed sweet potatoes always steal the show. You’re going to love how simple it is to elevate your meal with this recipe!
Ingredients for Brown Butter Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Gather these simple ingredients to create the most delicious Brown Butter Mashed Sweet Potatoes! I promise, you’ll find them all easy to locate, and they come together beautifully.
- 2 pounds sweet potatoes (peeled and cubed)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup milk (adjust for creaminess)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (or more if you love that warm spice!)
These ingredients create the ultimate combination of flavors and textures that you’ll absolutely adore. Don’t worry if you don’t have whole milk on hand; feel free to use whatever milk you prefer. Now, let’s whip these up!
How to Prepare Brown Butter Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Alright, let’s dive into how to make these heavenly Brown Butter Mashed Sweet Potatoes! I promise, the steps are super straightforward, and the end result is worth every minute in the kitchen. Just follow along, and you’ll have a delicious side dish that everyone will love!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Sweet Potatoes
First things first, peel and cube your sweet potatoes into roughly 1-inch pieces. This helps them cook evenly, and trust me, it’s worth the effort! Next, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, toss in those sweet potato cubes and let them cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until they’re fork-tender. You’ll know they’re done when you can easily pierce them with a fork. Just be careful not to overcook them, or they’ll get mushy!
Making the Brown Butter
While your sweet potatoes are boiling away, it’s time to work on the star of the show: the brown butter! In a medium saucepan, melt your unsalted butter over medium heat. Now, keep an eye on it—this is where the magic happens! You’ll want to stir it occasionally until it turns a lovely golden brown color and starts to smell nutty. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes, so don’t wander off! Once it’s ready, remove it from the heat to prevent burning.
Combining Ingredients
Now, it’s time to bring everything together! Drain your cooked sweet potatoes and return them to the pot. Pour in the brown butter (it’s okay if the little brown bits go in too—they add flavor!), along with the milk, salt, pepper, and cinnamon. Using a potato masher or a fork, mash everything together until it’s smooth and creamy. You can adjust the milk to get your desired creaminess. Give it a taste and add more cinnamon if you want that warm spice to shine! Serve these beauties warm, and get ready for the compliments!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible flavor: The nutty brown butter perfectly complements the natural sweetness of the potatoes, creating a delightful taste experience.
- Creamy texture: The smooth, velvety consistency makes each bite feel like a warm hug.
- Simple preparation: With straightforward steps, this dish comes together quickly, making it perfect for any home cook.
- Versatile side dish: Great for holidays, family gatherings, or a cozy weeknight dinner—this dish fits any occasion!
- Make-ahead option: You can prepare these sweet potatoes in advance and simply reheat them, saving you time on busy days.
- Customizable: Feel free to adjust spices or add more ingredients to suit your taste—make it your own!
Tips for Success with Brown Butter Mashed Sweet Potatoes
If you want to take your Brown Butter Mashed Sweet Potatoes to the next level, I’ve got some fantastic tips for you! These little nuggets of wisdom will help you achieve that creamy texture and flavor perfection.
- Adjust the Creaminess: Don’t be afraid to play with the milk! If you like your mashed sweet potatoes extra creamy, feel free to add a splash more milk until you reach your preferred consistency. I often find that a bit of half-and-half makes them even richer!
- Season to Taste: Taste is everything! Start with the recommended seasonings, but if you’re a spice lover like me, go ahead and sprinkle in extra cinnamon or even a pinch of nutmeg for a warm, cozy flavor. You could also try adding a hint of maple syrup for a sweet twist!
- Experiment with Add-ins: Get creative! Consider mixing in some roasted garlic for a savory kick or a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for tanginess. You can even fold in some fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for a gourmet touch!
- Perfect Timing: Keep an eye on your sweet potatoes while they boil. The goal is fork-tender, so check them around the 15-minute mark to avoid overcooking. Nobody wants mushy mashed potatoes!
- Make Ahead: If you’re prepping for a special occasion, you can make these mashed sweet potatoes a day ahead. Just store them in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk to bring back that creamy texture!
With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to mastering the art of Brown Butter Mashed Sweet Potatoes. Enjoy the process, and don’t forget to taste as you go! Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information for Brown Butter Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Before I share the nutritional values, I want to remind you that these numbers can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. So, while I’ve provided a typical breakdown per serving, keep in mind it’s not set in stone!
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 200mg
These Brown Butter Mashed Sweet Potatoes not only taste incredible but also pack a nutritious punch! Enjoy every creamy bite without a worry, and feel good about adding this delightful side to your meals!
FAQ About Brown Butter Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?
Absolutely! While sweet potatoes give that lovely sweetness and nutty flavor, you can definitely use regular potatoes if that’s what you have on hand. Just keep in mind that the taste will be a bit different!
What if I don’t have unsalted butter?
No worries! If all you have is salted butter, just reduce the amount of added salt in the recipe. This way, you’ll still get that rich, buttery goodness without it being overly salty.
Can I make these ahead of time?
You bet! These mashed sweet potatoes can be made a day in advance. Just store them in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of milk to bring back that creamy texture.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, just reheat on the stove or in the microwave, and maybe add a little extra milk to keep them nice and creamy!
Can I freeze Brown Butter Mashed Sweet Potatoes?
Yes, you can freeze them! Just let them cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep for about 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently, adding a splash of milk if needed.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Now, let’s talk about how to store those delicious Brown Butter Mashed Sweet Potatoes and keep them tasting just as amazing as the day you made them! I always make a little extra because they’re just too good to waste.
First, if you have any leftovers, let them cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. This will help prevent any condensation from ruining that lovely creamy texture! You can store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure the lid is on tight to keep them fresh!
When you’re ready to enjoy your mashed sweet potatoes again, reheating is super simple. You can either pop them in the microwave or warm them up on the stovetop. If microwaving, heat in short bursts, stirring in between so they warm evenly. If using the stovetop, add a splash of milk to help bring back that creamy consistency. Just heat them gently over low heat, stirring often to avoid any sticking.
And if you want to make these ahead of time for a special occasion, you can also freeze them! Just let them cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep for about 2 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, thaw them overnight in the fridge and reheat as mentioned above. This way, you can enjoy that nutty brown butter flavor any time you crave it!
Print
Brown Butter Mashed Sweet Potatoes: Creamy Comfort Delight
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Boiling and mashing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Creamy mashed sweet potatoes with a nutty brown butter flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds sweet potatoes
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Peel and cube the sweet potatoes.
- Boil the sweet potatoes in salted water until tender.
- Meanwhile, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat until it turns brown.
- Drain the sweet potatoes and return them to the pot.
- Add the brown butter, milk, salt, pepper, and cinnamon.
- Mash until smooth and creamy.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- Adjust milk for desired creaminess.
- Add more cinnamon for extra flavor.
- Can be made ahead and reheated.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Brown Butter Mashed Sweet Potatoes