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    Home » Recipes » Side Dish

    Vegan Mashed Sweet Potatoes

    Published: Oct 26, 2020 · Updated: Dec 12, 2020 by Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC · 33 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Pin for vegan mashed sweet potatoes.

    This vegan mashed sweet potatoes recipe is made with a few ingredients and takes 30 minutes to make. It's vegan, vegetarian, and refined sugar-free.

    Bowl of vegan mashed sweet potatoes on a towel

    While I enjoy sweet potatoes all year long, I especially enjoy them during the holidays. One of the most popular ways to enjoy them is making mashed sweet potatoes. They pair well with almost any main course and are a delicious addition to any Thanksgiving meal.

    How do I define the perfect mashed sweet potatoes? They are:

    • Creamy
    • Sweet, but not too sweet
    • A little savory
    • Flavorful
    • Delicious

    Jump to:
    • Ingredients you'll need
    • How to make vegan mashed sweet potatoes
    • Storing and reheating
    • How to cook sweet potatoes
    • How to mash sweet potatoes
    • Substitutions and variations
    • More Thanksgiving dishes
    • Other sweet potato recipes
    • Vegan Mashed Sweet Potatoes

    Ingredients you'll need

    To make these mashed sweet potatoes, you'll need the following ingredients:

    Layout of ingredients used in mashed sweet potatoes.
    • Sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 2-inch cubes
    • Maple syrup
    • Almond milk: Or any other kind of milk.
    • Ground cinnamon and nutmeg
    • Sea salt

    How to make vegan mashed sweet potatoes

    Once you have the ingredients, making them is pretty straightforward:

    1. Cook the potatoes: In a large pot, pour enough water to cover an inch of the base. Insert steamer basket and place the chunks of potatoes on top. Cover the lid and steam on medium heat for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are very tender.

    Big pot with diced sweet potatoes sitting on a steamer basket

    2. Mash the potatoes: In a medium-sized bowl, add the steamed sweet potatoes. Mash the mixture until the desired texture is achieved. 

    Hand mashing sweet potatoes with a potato masher

    3. Add remaining ingredients: Add almond milk, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt and mix until well combined. Adjust seasoning and sweetness, if needed. Serve and top with pecans, if using.

    Almost mashed sweet potatoes in a bowl

    Storing and reheating

    To store: Store leftover sweet potato mash in the refrigerator in an air-tight container for 3 days.

    To freeze: mashed sweet potatoes store well in the freezer for up to 3 months.

    To reheat: When you're ready to enjoy the mashed sweet potatoes, warm it on a skillet on medium-low heat, the microwave, or enjoy at room temperature.

    How to cook sweet potatoes

    If you scour the internet for recipes on how to make mashed sweet potatoes, you'll find a few different methods for cooking the sweet potatoes:

    1. Boil: Submerging the sweet potatoes in boiling water to cook them.

    2. Steam: Exposing them to hot steam without submerging them in the boiling water below them. Quick and easy without losing any of the nutrients in the water.

    3. Roast: Cooking the sweet potatoes in high dry heat in the oven until they are cooked through. This method usually takes the longest.

    I find that steaming sweet potatoes is the easiest and quickest way to cook them - less than 30 minutes from start to finish.

    How to mash sweet potatoes

    There are a few ways to mash the sweet potatoes once they are cooked. Each technique will lead to a different texture:

    • Potato masher: This will give you a chunkier texture depending on how long you mash it.
    • Fork: This is a great alternative if you don't have a potato masher and also prefer a slightly coarse and chunky texture.
    • Food processor: Using a food processor will lead to an ultra-smooth texture but be sure not to over-process, otherwise you'll end up with a gummy-like texture.
    • Immersion blender: This will give you a smoother texture than using the potato masher but not as smooth as the food processor.
    • Hand or stand mixer: Similar to the food processor, this will lead to a smooth and creamy texture.

    Substitutions and variations

    Leave the skin on the sweet potatoes: for a more rustic taste, simply leave the skin on the sweet potatoes.

    Use another milk: Any type of dairy-free milk works. Use coconut milk for added flavor and creaminess.

    Roasting the sweet potatoes: Instead of steaming the sweet potatoes, try roasting them. To roast, preheat oven to 400°F. In a medium bowl, toss sweet potatoes with avocado oil, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. On a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, lay the sweet potatoes in a single layer.

    Garnish with fresh herbs: Add crushed garlic and fresh herbs for a savory flavor. Some of my favorite include chives.

    Add additional toppings: Add chopped nuts, fruit, and other toppings for added flavor. Check out Eat with Clarity's sweet potato breakfast bowl for a filling breakfast idea.

    Roast for about 30 minutes, until the sweet potatoes are tender. Once cool enough to handle, add the roasted sweet potatoes back into the bowl. Add in the remaining ingredients and mash.

    Boiling the sweet potatoes: Sweet potatoes can also be boiled in water if you don't have a steamer basket on hand. Simply pour enough water to cover the sweet potatoes and boil until cooked through. Turn off the stove and drain the sweet potatoes.

    Bowl filled with final dish and a spoon.

    More Thanksgiving dishes

    For more holiday side dishes, check out these recipes:

    • Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole
    • Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad
    • Homemade Cranberry Sauce
    • Vegan Collard Greens
    • Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte
    • Apple Spinach Salad

    Other sweet potato recipes

    • Sweet Potato and Kale Soup
    • Crispy Sweet Potato Black Bean Bowl
    • Roasted Sweet Potato Kale Bowl
    • Sweet Potato Pancakes
    • Sweet Potato Soup

    Did you make this vegan mashed sweet potato recipe? Leave a comment below and rate the recipe to let us know how it turned out! Save this easy Thanksgiving recipe for later by pinning to your favorite Thanksgiving Pinterest board and be sure to tag me on Real + Vibrant’s Instagram to show me your delicious mashed sweet potato!

    Editor’s note: This recipe was originally published on October 31, 2019. Since then, it’s been freshened up with new pictures and more details to help you make the recipe.

    Bowl of vegan mashed sweet potatoes on a towel.

    Vegan Mashed Sweet Potatoes

    5 from 19 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Prep time: 5 minutes
    Cook time: 20 minutes
    Servings: 4 servings
    Calories: 100kcal
    Author: Sapana Chandra
    This easy vegan mashed sweet potatoes recipe is one of my favorite Thanksgiving side dishes! Made with only a few ingredients, it's cooked on the stovetop and ready in 30 minutes.

    Ingredients

    • 3 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into 2-inch chunks
    • ¼ cup almond milk
    • 1-2 tablespoons maple syrup
    • ½ teaspoon sea salt
    • ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
    • Dash of nutmeg

    Optional Topping:

    • Raw pecans, roughly chopped

    Instructions

    • Cook the Potatoes: In a large pot, pour enough water to cover an inch of the base. Insert steamer basket and place the chunks of potatoes on top.  Cover the lid and steam on medium heat for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are very tender.
    • Mash the Potatoes: In a medium-sized bowl, add the steamed sweet potatoes. Mash the mixture until the desired texture is achieved. 
    • Add Remaining Ingredients: Add almond milk, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt and mix until well combined. Adjust seasoning and sweetness, if needed. Serve and top with pecans, if using.

    Notes

    I mash mine with a potato masher, however, if you don't have one, a fork works well. If you prefer a smoother texture, use a hand mixer, stand mixer, or a food processor. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 100kcal, Carbohydrates: 23g, Protein: 2g, Fat: 1g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Sodium: 365mg, Potassium: 340mg, Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 7g, Vitamin A: 13832IU, Vitamin C: 2mg, Calcium: 53mg, Iron: 1mg
    Course: Side Dish
    Cuisine: American
    Tried this recipe?Mention @realandvibrant and hashtag #realandvibrant!

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    About Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC

    Sapana Chandra is a certified health coach, author of Plant Power Bowls, and founder of Real +Vibrant. Here you’ll find simply delicious vegetarian recipes with step-by-step photo instructions – recipes you’ll be excited to enjoy and share with your loved ones.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Jacqueline says

      November 04, 2020 at 11:37 am

      My bf and I made it tonight. Very easy to make and tastes great - we skipped the maple syrup as sweet potatoes are sweet enough for our taste. Thanks for the tip on steaming instead of boiling. Last time we attempted to make a sweet potato mash it ended up too soggy, but this time it turned out perfect.
      Thank you!5 stars

      Reply
    2. Connor says

      July 15, 2020 at 2:45 pm

      My girlfriend and I really enjoyed this! We used soy milk rather than almond milk. As other people have mentioned, it’s so easy to make. Not much clean up either!5 stars

      Reply
    3. Jennifer says

      December 24, 2019 at 8:58 am

      I love how these are so easy to make and so tasty. I added extra cinnamon, turned out perfect!5 stars

      Reply
    4. Alison says

      November 29, 2019 at 4:58 pm

      I love the simplicity of this recipe, yet so delicious!5 stars

      Reply
      • Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says

        December 07, 2019 at 1:35 pm

        Thank you, Alison!

        Reply
    5. Sophie says

      November 03, 2019 at 2:41 pm

      I made these this weekend and they were so good!! My non-vegan friends had no idea they were vegan. Thank you!5 stars

      Reply
      • Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says

        November 19, 2019 at 11:42 am

        That makes me so happy to hear, Sophie! Thank you for your feedback.

        Reply
    6. SHANIKA says

      November 01, 2019 at 10:03 am

      There's nothing like Mashed Sweet Potatoes instead of regular ones! This is the perfect side for the Holidays! So easy!5 stars

      Reply
      • Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says

        November 02, 2019 at 9:20 am

        So happy you enjoyed it!

        Reply
    7. Sonia says

      November 01, 2019 at 9:48 am

      My hubby loves mashed potatoes and I was looking for something new to try this year for Thanksgiving and this fits the bill Perfectly... We love sweet potatoes❤️

      Reply
      • Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says

        November 02, 2019 at 9:20 am

        So happy to hear, Sonia!

        Reply
    8. Calleigh | The Fork Bite says

      November 01, 2019 at 8:38 am

      Oh boy! that’s a side dish no one can refuse! It’s creamy, sweet, and savory, aka a perfect combination.

      Reply
      • Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says

        November 02, 2019 at 9:21 am

        So happy to hear you love it, Calleigh!

        Reply
    9. Michelle says

      November 01, 2019 at 8:34 am

      So good! I prefer the boiling method because it takes some of the sweetness out, which I (weirdly) don't care for. These are really good, and thank you so much for including the different preparation methods!5 stars

      Reply
      • Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says

        November 02, 2019 at 9:21 am

        That completely makes sense! So glad you enjoyed it!

        Reply
    10. Raia Todd says

      November 01, 2019 at 8:19 am

      Mmm! Yes! These are the perfect side for Thanksgiving! I love that they're dairy-free so everyone can enjoy them. 🙂5 stars

      Reply
      • Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says

        November 02, 2019 at 9:22 am

        Thanks, Raia! So glad you love it!

        Reply
    11. kim says

      November 01, 2019 at 7:55 am

      What a fabulous recipe! So easy and delicious! I'll definitely be making this again!5 stars

      Reply
      • Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says

        November 02, 2019 at 9:22 am

        Thank you, Kim! So happy to hear you enjoyed it!

        Reply
    12. Cookilicious says

      October 31, 2019 at 1:22 pm

      Sapana, this looks delicious! Wish I could dig in!

      Reply
      • Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says

        November 02, 2019 at 9:22 am

        Thank you!!

        Reply
    13. Calleigh says

      October 31, 2019 at 1:17 pm

      This side dish is loaded with flavors, perfect for the coming holidays..

      Reply
      • Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says

        November 02, 2019 at 9:23 am

        Thank you!!

        Reply
    14. Jessica Formicola says

      October 31, 2019 at 1:00 pm

      These are the absolute best mashed sweet potatoes! Thanks so much for sharing the recipe!5 stars

      Reply
      • Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says

        November 02, 2019 at 9:24 am

        That makes me so happy to hear, Jessica!

        Reply
    15. Adrianne says

      October 31, 2019 at 12:59 pm

      What a great healthy recipe with loads of flavour! I can't believe it is vegan. Wow, you have done well. Looking forward to giving it a go, the maple syrup and cinnamon combo is delighting my tastebuds!5 stars

      Reply
      • Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says

        November 02, 2019 at 9:24 am

        Thank you, Adrianne! So glad you enjoyed it.

        Reply
    16. Adriana says

      October 31, 2019 at 12:36 pm

      Such a classic yummy side for Thanksgiving dinner and any time of the year. I enjoy this mashed sweet potatoes yearlong. So incredibly yummy!5 stars

      Reply
      • Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says

        November 02, 2019 at 9:24 am

        Thank you! So happy to hear!

        Reply
    17. Anita says

      October 31, 2019 at 12:23 pm

      This mashed sweet potatoes is very easy to put together, and I love the addition of nutmeg!5 stars

      Reply
      • Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says

        November 02, 2019 at 9:24 am

        So happy to hear you enjoyed them, Anita!

        Reply
    18. Melany says

      October 31, 2019 at 11:49 am

      I'm hosting Thanksgiving this year and so excited about putting my first meal together. I'll be using this vegan sweet potato mash for sure - so easy to make!5 stars

      Reply
      • Sapana Chandra, MS, CHC says

        November 02, 2019 at 9:25 am

        I hope you enjoy it, Melany!

        Reply

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    Sapana Chandra

    Hi, I'm Sapana! I’m a recipe developer and author of the cookbook Plant Power Bowls. Here you'll find simple, delicious, vegetarian recipes made with fresh, seasonal ingredients. Learn more about me

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