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Simply put, sweet potato side dishes require a spot on any good Thanksgiving menu! Creamy potatoes made with russets or Yukon gold usually take the spot for the "mashed" category, but you can mix it up this year and try these mashed sweet potatoes. Cooked on the stove with just a few added ingredients, these mashed sweet potatoes are buttery and lightly sweetened, like the filling of sweet potato casserole. It's one of the best sweet potato recipes for any fall or winter dinner!

How do you make mashed sweet potatoes?

This mashed sweet potato recipe is cooked much like Ree Drummond's favorite creamy mashed potatoes. Sweet potatoes are diced, then boiled until tender. Once drained, they take a sweeter direction than your classic mashed potato. Mixed with plenty of butter, brown sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, and black pepper, they are the perfect balance of spiced and sweet. 

Do you peel sweet potatoes before boiling?

Yes, it is important to peel the sweet potatoes before dicing and boiling. Because the peel no longer remains on the potatoes, it’s good to cut them into larger pieces so that the potatoes do not get water-logged when boiled. An alternative to this method of dicing and boiling, is to steam whole potatoes in a steamer basket, then peel them once cooked. This process takes a bit more time, and peeling the cooked potatoes can be tedious. 

Can mashed sweet potatoes be made ahead?

Yes! If not serving these sweet potatoes the day that they are made, let them cool slightly, then transfer to a buttered, 13-by-9-inch baking dish. Cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat: Remove the casserole from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Dot the top of the casserole with 5 to 6 pats of butter. Cover tightly with foil. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes or until the edges are bubbling and the center is very hot.

sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces

Salt, plus more to taste

salted butter, plus more for serving

black pepper, plus more to taste

A potato masher with small holes makes for the smoothest mashed sweet potatoes.