Maple-Bourbon Sweet Potato Mash

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

Creamy mashed sweet potatoes infused with maple syrup, bourbon, and a hint of spice, ideal as a comforting side dish. This american-inspired vegetarian (vegan-friendly) ready in about 40 minutes pairs sweet potatoes, butter, maple syrup for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 150 calories and feeds 6, 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.

★ 4.6 (10 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 30 min Serves 6 American cuisine 150 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Place 3 peeled and cubed sweet potatoes in a pot, cover with cold water, and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Simmer for 20-25 minutes until fork-tender.
  2. Step 2: Drain potatoes thoroughly and return to the pot. Add 2 tbsp butter, 2 tbsp maple syrup, 1 tbsp bourbon, and 1/4 tsp salt.
  3. Step 3: Mash with a potato masher or fork until smooth, adding 1/4 cup milk gradually to reach desired creaminess.
  4. Step 4: Taste and adjust seasoning, then serve warm.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Maple-Bourbon Sweet Potato Mash take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (10 min prep + 30 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 Maple-Bourbon 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 Maple-Bourbon 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 Maple-Bourbon Sweet Potato Mash for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Maple-Bourbon Sweet Potato Mash vegan-friendly?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan-friendly based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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