If you’re in the mood for something warm, rich, and soul-soothing, let me point you in the direction of Creamy Sweet Potato Mash with Garlic Butter. It’s a dish that takes a humble vegetable and transforms it into a bowlful of buttery comfort—perfect for chilly evenings, roast dinners, or when you just want something simple and satisfying without a lot of fuss.
We often think of mash as something that comes from white potatoes, and while those are undeniably delicious, sweet potatoes bring a whole new level of flavour to the table. Their natural sweetness, when roasted, becomes even more pronounced. Combined with butter and a little garlic, they create a mash that’s earthy, sweet, savoury, and silky all at once. It’s a side dish that doesn’t stay on the sidelines—it takes centre stage.
What makes this mash so special is its texture. Roasting the sweet potatoes instead of boiling them intensifies their flavour and keeps the moisture just right. Once mashed, they become smooth and almost velvety. A swirl of garlic-infused butter adds richness and depth, while a touch of cream or milk brings everything together in the creamiest way imaginable. It’s the kind of dish that has people coming back for seconds, and maybe even thirds.
The garlic is key here, and it’s worth taking the time to roast it if you can. Roasted garlic is soft, mellow, and slightly sweet, without the sharp bite that raw garlic can have. When mashed into the sweet potatoes, it gives a savoury backbone that cuts through the sweetness and ties the whole dish together. Add a sprinkle of black pepper and perhaps a pinch of sea salt on top, and you’ve got something truly comforting and indulgent.
Creamy sweet potato mash pairs beautifully with roast chicken, grilled sausages, pork chops, or a piece of pan-fried fish. It also makes an excellent addition to a vegetarian plate, especially when served alongside greens like spinach, kale, or broccoli. If you want to turn it into a meal of its own, try topping it with a poached egg and a few fried mushrooms or chickpeas—it’s simple but deeply satisfying.
Another lovely thing about sweet potato mash with garlic butter is how well it keeps. Leftovers reheat wonderfully and can be repurposed in creative ways—spread into the base of a grain bowl, stirred into soups for thickness, or even used as a filling for stuffed vegetables.
Creamy Sweet Potato Mash with Garlic Butter is one of those timeless dishes that feels both comforting and special. It’s easy to make, endlessly versatile, and packed with flavour. Whether it’s spooned next to your Sunday roast or enjoyed on its own, it’s guaranteed to bring warmth to the table.
Sweet Potato Mash with Garlic Butter
Ingredients
- 2 medium sweet potatoes scrubbed and halved
- 1 whole garlic bulb
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 30 g unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp whole milk or cream adjust for desired consistency
- salt to taste
- freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan) / 400°F / Gas Mark 6.
- Slice the top off the garlic bulb to expose the cloves, drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, wrap in foil, and place on a baking tray.1 whole garlic bulb, 2 tbsp olive oil
- Place the halved sweet potatoes (cut-side down) on the same tray. Drizzle with the remaining olive oil and roast for about 35–40 minutes, or until the flesh is very tender and starting to caramelise at the edges.2 medium sweet potatoes, 2 tbsp olive oil
- Once cooked, let the sweet potatoes cool slightly, then scoop the flesh into a mixing bowl.
- Squeeze out the roasted garlic cloves and add them to the bowl.
- Add the butter, a pinch of salt and pepper, and mash until smooth.30 g unsalted butter, salt, freshly ground black pepper
- For a creamier mash, stir in milk or cream a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.3 tbsp whole milk
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste, and serve the sweet mash potato with garlic butter warm as a side dish.