Name: Savory Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 4.5 lbs sweet potatoes (peeled and diced into chunks); 4 tbsp butter; 1/3 cup plain greek yogurt; 3 cloves garlic (minced); 1.5 tsp salt; 1 tsp pepper; 1 tsp onion powder; 2 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary; 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Mashed potatoes are easily one of my top three dinner sides, and this version might just steal the #1 spot! These Savory Mashed Sweet Potatoes are whipped with butter, Greek yogurt, garlic, and fresh rosemary for a fluffy, well-seasoned side that's anything but sugary. They're ready in 50 minutes and serve a crowd, so they're perfect for the holidays. If you love a good potato side, you're going to LOVE my Roasted Garlic Parmesan Potatoes or my Healthier Sweet Potato Casserole!

A Quick Look

Recipe Name: Savory Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Ready In: 50 minutes
Serves: 12 servings
Main Ingredients: sweet potatoes, butter, plain greek yogurt, garlic, salt, pepper, onion powder, chopped fresh rosemary
Why You'll Love It: Switch up your normal mashed potatoes with this Savory Mashed Sweet Potatoes recipe. We're using a mix of butter, Greek yogurt, and various spices to create a well-seasoned, fluffy bowl of potato deliciousness!

Jump to:

The Best Savory Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients Needed To Make These Savory Mashed Sweet Potatoes
How to Make Savory Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Erin's Expert Tips
Frequently Asked Questions
Storing leftovers
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Savory Mashed Sweet Potatoes

The Best Savory Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes usually get the marshmallow-and-brown-sugar treatment, but they're just as delicious savory! Here they're mashed with garlic, rosemary, parsley, and onion powder, so you get a cozy herby side that pairs with just about any dinner. Trust me, sweet potatoes work in mashed form just as well as russets or Yukon Golds.

This recipe is also lighter than most mashed sweet potato recipes. Many call for ½ to ¾ cup of butter plus milk. We're using just 4 tablespoons of butter and swapping in Greek yogurt for creaminess, and you'd never know the difference! Looking for an even lighter mash? Try my Mashed Cauliflower Potatoes.

These make the perfect Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving side. Serve them alongside my Sausage Stuffing Muffins with Cranberry Sauce and Cranberry Turkey Meatballs for a holiday spread everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Savory, not sugary. Garlic and fresh herbs give sweet potatoes a whole new flavor.
Lightened up. Greek yogurt replaces most of the butter and milk.
Fluffy and creamy. The texture is so smooth and dreamy.
Feeds a crowd. Makes 12 servings, so it's perfect for the holidays.
Simple ingredients. Just a handful of pantry staples and fresh herbs.
Customizable. Add a drizzle of maple syrup if you want a touch of sweetness.

Ingredients Needed To Make These Savory Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Here's a little bit about everything that goes into these fluffy, herby sweet potatoes!

Photo of ingredients for Savory Mashed Sweet Potatoes with labels.

Sweet potatoes: You'll need about 4.5 lbs, peeled and diced into chunks.
Butter: Just 4 tablespoons for that rich, classic mashed potato flavor.
Plain Greek yogurt: The secret to a creamy texture without all the extra butter.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is key to the savory flavor.
Fresh rosemary and parsley: These herbs make the dish taste cozy and holiday-ready.

How to Make Savory Mashed Sweet Potatoes

These come together just like regular mashed potatoes! Simmer the sweet potato chunks until they're fork-tender, then drain them and mash everything together right in the pot.

The key is taking your time with the mashing. A few extra minutes give you that super soft, fluffy texture.

Step 1: Add the sweet potato chunks to a large saucepan or Dutch oven and cover with 3 inches of water.

Step 2: Cover and cook over medium-high heat for 25–30 minutes, or until fork-tender. Drain the water and return the potatoes to the pan.

Step 3: Add the butter, Greek yogurt, garlic, salt, pepper, onion powder, rosemary, and parsley.

Step 4: Mash with a potato masher for several minutes until very soft and creamy. Season with extra salt and pepper to taste and serve topped with a pat of butter.

Before you start

erin antoniak in the kitchen giving expert tips on how to make her recipes

Erin's Expert Tips

From my kitchen to yours

Cut the potatoes small. Smaller chunks cook faster and get fork-tender perfectly.
Mash until creamy. Don't rush it. A few extra minutes of mashing makes them ultra fluffy.
Don't skip the Greek yogurt. It adds creaminess without weighing the potatoes down.
Try the secret ingredient. A few tablespoons of maple syrup mixed in or drizzled on top pairs perfectly with the savory herbs.
Use fresh herbs. Fresh rosemary and parsley make a big difference in flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of the most common questions about making savory mashed sweet potatoes!

Yes, for this recipe. Peeling them first gives you the smoothest, fluffiest texture.

Add savory ingredients like garlic, onion powder, fresh rosemary, and parsley. They balance out the natural sweetness of the potatoes.

Yes! Make them up to 2 days ahead, store them in the fridge, and reheat on the stove with a splash of milk before serving.

Yes. Use about ⅓ the amount, since dried herbs are more concentrated. Fresh herbs give the best flavor, though!

Sweet potatoes are packed with vitamin A and fiber, and this recipe uses less butter than most. That makes it a lighter side dish option.

They're delicious with roast chicken, turkey, pork or meatballs, and they're a perfect addition to your Thanksgiving table.

Storing leftovers

Store leftover mashed sweet potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave, stirring in a splash of milk or a little butter to bring back the creaminess. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months and thaw overnight in the fridge.

If you tried this recipe or any other recipes on my blog, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below. Follow @erinliveswhole on Instagram and tag me in any of the recipes you make so I can repost them!

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