Maple-Glazed Sweet Potato Mash with Toasted Pecans

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

Creamy mashed sweet potatoes sweetened with maple syrup and finished with a crunchy pecan topping for a vibrant side dish. This Southern-inspired vegetarian recipe, ready in about 35 minutes, pairs sweet potatoes, unsalted butter, pure maple syrup for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 25 min Serves 6 Southern 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 bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
  2. Step 2: Cook 15-20 minutes until fork-tender. Drain thoroughly, then return to pot.
  3. Step 3: Add 3 tbsp unsalted butter, 2 tbsp pure maple syrup, and 1/4 cup coconut milk. Mash until smooth, adding more coconut milk if too thick.
  4. Step 4: Toast 1/4 cup pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until golden, stirring constantly. Mix with 1 tbsp brown sugar and sprinkle over mashed potatoes just before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Maple-Glazed Sweet Potato Mash with Toasted Pecans take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 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-Glazed Sweet Potato Mash with Toasted Pecans?

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-Glazed Sweet Potato Mash with Toasted Pecans?

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-Glazed Sweet Potato Mash with Toasted Pecans 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.

What goes well with Maple-Glazed Sweet Potato Mash with Toasted Pecans?

Southern vegetarian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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