Cinnamon-Spiced Sweet Potato Mash with Cheddar
A velvety and comforting side dish made with roasted sweet potatoes, melted cheddar cheese, and a hint of cinnamon, perfect for pairing with any main course. This american-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 50 minutes pairs large, peeled and cubed sweet potatoes, unsalted butter, whole milk for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 210 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 large, peeled and cubed sweet potatoes
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup, shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss 2 peeled and cubed sweet potatoes with 1 tbsp of the unsalted butter; spread on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes until tender and golden at the edges.
- Step 2: While potatoes roast, melt the remaining 1 tbsp unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat; add 1/4 cup whole milk and heat until warm but not boiling.
- Step 3: Once potatoes are tender, transfer to a large bowl and mash with a potato masher until smooth. Add 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper, then stir in the warm milk mixture until well combined.
- Step 4: Serve immediately, garnished with additional cheese if desired.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Cinnamon-Spiced Sweet Potato Mash with Cheddar take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (15 min prep + 35 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Cinnamon-Spiced Sweet Potato Mash with Cheddar?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep unsalted butter from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Cinnamon-Spiced Sweet Potato Mash with Cheddar?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Cinnamon-Spiced Sweet Potato Mash with Cheddar for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Cinnamon-Spiced Sweet Potato Mash with Cheddar vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Solid recipe. Not groundbreaking but definitely making it again.
- ★★★☆☆
Okay for a quick meal. I've had better vegetarian dishes though.
- ★★★☆☆
Okay for a quick meal. I've had better vegetarian dishes though.