Vegan Mashed Sweet Potatoes

🎃 A Simple, Cozy Side That’s Big on Flavor

Mashed sweet potatoes don’t have to be complicated. These vegan mashed sweet potatoes come together easily with just a handful of simple ingredients, no milk or cream required.

Steaming the sweet potatoes makes them melt-in-your-mouth tender, allowing their natural sweetness and creaminess to shine. A touch of vegan butter and maple syrup transforms them into a smooth, rich mash with pure, comforting flavor.

Perfect for both your holiday table or weeknight dinners, this recipe proves that simple ingredients can deliver the most delicious results.

💚 Why You’ll Love These Vegan Mashed Sweet Potatoes

• Pure sweet potato flavor – No cream or plant milk to dilute the taste.
• Naturally creamy – Steaming preserves texture and moisture.
• Simple ingredients – A few pantry staples, one saucepan, and 20 minutes.
• Versatile – Elegant enough for entertaining, easy enough for weeknights.
• Vegan & gluten-free – Naturally vegan and dairy-free with no compromise on flavor.

🥄 Ingredients for Mashed Sweet Potatoes (with Notes)

• Sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed – Use medium to large sweet potatoes for even cooking. Orange-fleshed varieties are naturally sweet and creamy.
• Vegan butter – Adds richness and helps the mash become silky. Use a plant-based butter of your choice.
• Sea salt – Enhances flavor; start with a little and adjust to taste after mashing.
• Maple syrup – Provides natural sweetness; adjust the amount depending on how sweet you like your mash.
• Toasted pecans (optional) – Adds crunch and a nutty flavor; can substitute with walnuts or omit entirely.

🔥 How to Make Vegan Mashed Sweet Potatoes

1. Steam the sweet potatoes.
   Peel and cube the sweet potatoes. Place them in a steamer basket over a pot of simmering water, cover, and steam for 15 minutes, or until very tender when pierced with a fork. Reserve the water.
2. Mash with butter and salt.
   Transfer the sweet potatoes to a large bowl (or food processor). Add vegan butter and sea salt, then mash by hand or pulse briefly in the food processor until smooth. Avoid over-processing to keep the texture light and fluffy. Add in the reserved water as necessary to achieve the perfect texture.
3. Add maple syrup.
   Stir in maple syrup. Taste and adjust as needed—more maple for sweetness, more salt for balance.
4. Serve warm.
   Spoon into a serving dish and top with extra vegan butter and maple syrup, if desired. Sprinkle with toasted pecans.

✨ Tips for Best Results

• Steam, don’t boil. Preserves texture and avoids waterlogged potatoes.
• Skip the milk. Sweet potatoes are naturally creamy; milk or cream dilutes their flavor.
• Mash gently. Use a fork, masher, or brief pulses—over-mixing can make them gummy.
• Toast your pecans. Adds a nutty crunch and aroma.

🍽️ Serving Ideas

• Add to your holiday menu as a vegan and dairy-free side.
• Pair with your favorite main, side salad and/or roasted vegetables for a weeknight meal.

🥡 Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently, adding a touch of vegan butter or water if needed to loosen.

💬 Final Thoughts

These vegan mashed sweet potatoes show that comfort doesn’t need to be complicated. Steamed, mashed, and lightly sweetened with maple syrup, they’re everything you want in a cozy side dish, smooth, rich, and effortlessly delicious. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a holiday spread, they’ll fit right in. 🧡