How to Make the Best MASHED SWEET POTATOES in Your City
Your City: These Mashed Sweet Potatoes (Savory-Forward) are luxuriously smooth, perfectly seasoned and roasted for deep flavor... finished with Bald Buck Seasoning to bring out the best in the sweet potatoes.
What Most People Don’t Know About Making MASHED SWEET POTATOES
- Undersalting is the #1 mistake: Sweet potatoes need more seasoning than most expect, beginning with 1 to 1½ tsp for ~4 lb helps balance their natural sweetness.
- Avoid over-mixing: Electric beaters and over-handling can turn the mash gluey. Use a ricer, food-mill or hand masher for the best texture.
- Add fat & liquid before mashing: Introducing warm milk/cream and butter early keeps the texture light and prevents the potatoes from becoming gummy.
Ingredients (Yields: 8–10 servings)
- 4 large sweet potatoes (~4 lb), such as garnet or ruby
- 8 sprigs fresh thyme, divided
- 6 Tbsp unsalted butter
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 1 to 1½ tsp Bald Buck Seasoning
- Optional: up to ½ cup warm milk or cream (for a softer mash)
- Optional: freshly ground black pepper or a pinch of cayenne... only if you like a savory edge
Instructions
- Slow-Roast the Potatoes: Preheat oven to 300 °F. Wrap each sweet potato in foil with 3 sprigs of thyme. Place on a baking sheet and roast 1½ – 1¾ hours, or until a skewer meets slight resistance. Then open foil, increase oven to 400 °F, and roast uncovered another 25-30 minutes until caramelized and tender.
- Brown the Butter: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and let it bubble gently ~8–10 minutes until milk solids turn golden and it smells nutty. Remove from heat and stir in maple syrup and the leaves from the remaining 2 thyme sprigs.
- Peel & Mash: When the potatoes are cool enough to handle, peel them (skins should slide off easily). Place flesh into a large bowl. If using milk or cream, warm it first and add now. Pour in the browned butter & syrup mixture. Mash gently with a hand masher for a rustic texture or use a ricer/food mill for ultra-smooth. Avoid using an electric mixer to maintain proper texture.
- Season & Serve: Stir in 1 tsp Bald Buck Seasoning, taste, and add up to another ½ tsp if needed. If desired, finish with black pepper or a pinch of cayenne. Serve warm. Reheat gently with a splash of milk if making ahead.
