If you’re searching for that perfect, soul-warming side dish, you’ve got to try the Best Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Sage, Rosemary, and Cinnamon Recipe. This recipe transforms humble sweet potatoes into a silky, fragrant masterpiece bursting with cozy herbal notes and a hint of warming cinnamon. It’s so luscious and flavorful, it will elevate any meal from everyday to extraordinary. Whether it’s a holiday feast or simply a comforting weeknight dinner, this dish always brings that magical touch of home-cooked goodness you didn’t know you were missing.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every great recipe starts with simple, thoughtful ingredients that each play a vital part in creating delicious flavors and textures. This recipe is no exception—each element from fresh herbs to creamy butter helps build layers of aroma and richness that make the mashed sweet potatoes truly unforgettable.
- Sweet potatoes (3 pounds): The star of the show, providing natural sweetness and vibrant color.
- Butter (1/4 cup): Adds luscious creaminess and depth of flavor.
- Heavy/whipping cream (1/4 cup): Enriches the texture, making the mash silky smooth.
- Fresh sage (1 tablespoon, chopped finely): Offers an earthy, aromatic touch that pairs perfectly with sweet potatoes.
- Fresh rosemary (1 tablespoon, needles only, chopped finely): Brings piney fragrance and a subtle savory contrast.
- Ground cinnamon (1/4 teaspoon): Adds warm, spicy sweetness with just the perfect hint of spice.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Pepper (to taste): Adds a gentle kick to round out the flavor profile.
How to Make Best Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Sage, Rosemary, and Cinnamon Recipe
Step 1: Roast the Sweet Potatoes
Start by lining a baking sheet with foil and preheating your oven to 425°F, positioning your rack in the middle. Place the whole, unpeeled sweet potatoes on the sheet and carefully prick them with a knife all over. This allows steam to escape and ensures even cooking. Roast for 45 to 50 minutes until they’re incredibly soft and tender—this roasting caramelizes their natural sugars, intensifying the sweet potato flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Herb-Infused Cream Mixture
While the potatoes roast, combine the butter, heavy cream, finely chopped sage, rosemary, cinnamon, salt, and pepper in a small saucepan. Warm this mix gently over low heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This step infuses the cream with those wonderful herbal and spicy notes that will make your mashed sweet potatoes stand out with aromatic complexity.
Step 3: Scoop and Cool the Sweet Potato Flesh
Once the sweet potatoes are roasted and tender, slice them lengthwise to release steam and let them cool just enough so your hands don’t get burnt. Scoop out the vibrant orange flesh and transfer it to a large pot, ready for mashing. This simple step preserves all the creamy texture you want without the hassle of peeling while raw.
Step 4: Mash and Combine with the Cream Mixture
Pour the warm, herb-infused cream mixture over the sweet potato flesh. Using a handheld potato masher, work through the mixture until perfectly smooth and creamy, ensuring every bit of that lovely sage, rosemary, and cinnamon melds into the mash. The result is silky, dreamy mashed sweet potatoes packed with flavor.
Step 5: Serve Immediately for Best Flavor
Transfer your mashed sweet potatoes to a serving bowl and dig in right away. For an extra special touch, melt a little butter with cream and drizzle over the top just before serving. This final flourish adds an irresistible glossy finish and even more richness to each mouthful.
How to Serve Best Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Sage, Rosemary, and Cinnamon Recipe
Garnishes
To make your presentation pop and add extra flavor, sprinkle a few fresh sage leaves or a light dusting of cinnamon over the top. A small pat of butter melting on the warm mash also adds inviting richness and shine. These simple garnishes not only look beautiful but also hype the herbal and sweet undertones for every guest.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted meats like turkey, chicken, or pork, especially during festive dinners. It’s also fabulous alongside green beans, sautéed kale, or a crisp salad, balancing hearty protein with fresh, vibrant textures. Its comforting profile works well at any meal that calls for a touch of homey elegance.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the mashed sweet potatoes in individual ramekins topped with a crumble of toasted pecans or crispy fried shallots for texture contrast. You can even swirl in some pureed roasted garlic or a drizzle of maple syrup to create layers of flavor. The Best Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Sage, Rosemary, and Cinnamon Recipe is so versatile—it invites you to get creative with your presentation and savor every bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover mashed sweet potatoes in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep the cream and butter mixture separate if possible to preserve freshness, then stir everything together gently before reheating to restore that luscious texture.
Freezing
You can freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Be sure to cool them completely before freezing and leave a little room at the top for expansion. When ready to enjoy again, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Warm your mashed sweet potatoes gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently and adding a splash of cream or milk if needed to loosen the texture. You can also reheat in the microwave in short bursts, stirring in between, to keep the mash creamy and avoid drying out.
FAQs
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh sage and rosemary?
Fresh herbs are preferred because they offer the brightest flavor and aroma, but dried herbs can work in a pinch. Use about one-third of the amount called for with fresh herbs, and add them to the cream mixture earlier so they have time to infuse.
Is it necessary to roast the sweet potatoes whole?
Roasting whole sweet potatoes helps retain their moisture and deepens their natural sweetness. You can peel and cube them before cooking for faster roasting, but the texture might be slightly different—still delicious though!
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use coconut cream or your favorite non-dairy cream to keep that rich and creamy texture while maintaining flavor.
How spicy is the cinnamon in this recipe?
The amount of cinnamon used here is mild and intended to add warmth without overpowering. It enhances the sweet potatoes subtly, so it’s perfect even for those wary of spices.
Can I prepare the mashed sweet potatoes in advance for a party?
Yes, you can make the mash ahead and refrigerate it. Reheat gently just before serving and add an extra splash of cream if needed to refresh the texture. It’s a lifesaver when prepping several dishes!
Final Thoughts
The Best Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Sage, Rosemary, and Cinnamon Recipe is a timeless, cozy dish perfect for sharing with those you love. Its irresistibly creamy texture, combined with the fragrant herbs and warm cinnamon, creates a side that’s as comforting as it is impressive. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just looking to add a little magic to your table, this recipe is sure to become a cherished favorite. Go ahead, give it a try, and watch it bring smiles and happy hearts all around your dinner table.
Print
Best Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Sage, Rosemary, and Cinnamon Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 70 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This recipe for Best Mashed Sweet Potatoes combines roasted sweet potatoes with a warm, herb-infused cream mixture for a smooth, flavorful side dish. Featuring fresh sage, rosemary, and a hint of cinnamon, these mashed sweet potatoes are creamy, aromatic, and perfect for holiday dinners or comforting weeknight meals.
Ingredients
Sweet Potatoes
- 3 pounds sweet potatoes
Cream Mixture
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup heavy/whipping cream
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped finely
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary needles, chopped finely
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat and Roast: Line a baking sheet with foil and preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the whole, unpeeled sweet potatoes on the baking sheet and prick them all over with a knife. Roast for 45-50 minutes until the sweet potatoes are very soft when pierced.
- Prepare Cream Mixture: While the sweet potatoes roast, combine butter, heavy cream, chopped sage, rosemary, cinnamon, salt, and pepper in a small saucepan. Warm over low heat, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes to infuse the flavors.
- Cool and Scoop: Once roasted, cut the sweet potatoes in half lengthwise to release steam and let them cool until safe to handle. Scoop the soft flesh out into a pot.
- Mash Together: Pour the warm cream mixture into the pot with the sweet potato flesh. Use a handheld potato masher to mash everything together until smooth and creamy.
- Serve and Garnish: Transfer the mashed sweet potatoes to a serving bowl. For an optional garnish, melt an additional teaspoon of cream with a couple tablespoons of butter in the microwave, then drizzle over the mash before serving.
Notes
- To test if sweet potatoes are done roasting, pierce with a fork; they should be soft throughout.
- For extra creaminess, add more butter or cream to taste.
- Fresh herbs add the best flavor, but dried can be substituted in reduced amounts.
- Mashed sweet potatoes can be made ahead and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed before serving.
