These rich and creamy mashed sweet potatoes are the perfect side dish for just about any holiday meal. However, they’re so quick and easy to make, you’ll want to enjoy them throughout the year.
If you don’t have sweet potatoes, you can also make this with winter squash, such as Tetsukabuto squash, acorn, butternut and pumpkin.
What’s more, sweet potatoes are as nutritious as they are delicious. They contain fewer calories and are higher in fiber, Vitamin A, and Vitamin C than their white counterparts.
And… if you’re growing a garden, you can even eat sweet potato leaves, cooked or raw!
If you have fresh thyme, it’s a lovely addition to this. If not, you can use dried thyme, at half the quantity of the recipe, or your other favorite herb.
Creamy Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Fresh Thyme
Ingredients
- 4 large sweet potatoes peeled and cubed
- 3 T. unsalted butter room temperature
- 4 oz. cream cheese softened
- 2-3 T. half and half
- 2 T. fresh thyme leaves minced
- 2 t. ground cinnamon
- 1 t. ground all-spice
- Sea salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional toppings:
- Whipped cream cheese**
- Walnuts halves toasted
Instructions
- 1. Place the sweet potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Bring the water to a boil and cook until the potatoes are fork tender, approximately 15- 20 minutes. Once the potatoes are cooked, drain thoroughly and return to the pot.
- 2. Add butter, cream cheese, and half & half to the sweet potatoes and mash with an immersion blender or a hand-held mixer. For a thinner consistency, add more half & half, if desired.
- 3. Once the potatoes are creamy, stir in thyme leaves, cinnamon, and allspice until well blended. Season with salt and pepper, to taste, and serve immediately topped with a spoonful of whipped cream cheese and/or toasted walnuts, if desired.
- Enjoy!
Notes
Time-Saving Tip: The smaller the sweet potatoes are cut before boiling, the faster they will cook.
*Source: Cleveland Clinic Foundation infographic
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/2013/03/white-potatoes-vs-sweet-potatoes-which-is-
healthier/
**To make whipped cream cheese topping, blend 4 oz. softened cream cheese, 3 tablespoons half & half, and a dash of cinnamon with an immersion blender or hand- held mixer until light and fluffy. Cover and store any leftovers in the refrigerator and use wherever you enjoy regular cream cheese.
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