Davis' Spiced Sweet Potato Mash

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

This american-inspired quick meals (vegetarian) ready in about 35 minutes pairs sweet potatoes, unsalted butter, brown sugar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 American cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Peel and dice 2 lbs sweet potatoes into 1-inch cubes. Place in a pot, cover with cold water, and add 1/4 tsp salt. Bring to a boil and simmer for 15 minutes until fork-tender.
  2. Step 2: Drain the sweet potatoes thoroughly, reserving 1/4 cup of cooking water. Return the potatoes to the pot.
  3. Step 3: Add 3 tbsp unsalted butter, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1/2 tsp cinnamon, and 1/4 tsp nutmeg. Mash with a potato masher until smooth.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1/4 cup heavy cream and 1/4 cup reserved cooking water. Continue mashing until the mixture is creamy and holds together, adding more reserved water if too thick.
  5. Step 5: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt if needed. Serve warm.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Davis' Spiced Sweet Potato Mash take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 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 Davis' Spiced Sweet Potato Mash?

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 sweet potatoes from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Davis' Spiced Sweet Potato Mash?

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 Davis' Spiced Sweet Potato Mash 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 Davis' Spiced Sweet Potato Mash 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.

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