Vegan Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Try vegan mashed sweet potatoes for a rich, creamy, and sweet side dish without the need for dairy-based ingredients! This recipe is ready in less than 30 minutes and made with just 5 ingredients. Itโs decadent enough for the holidays but quick and easy enough to make for busy weeknight dinners.
๐งก Why you’ll love this recipe
- Nutrient-packed: Sweet potatoes are a powerhouse of vitamins, fiber, and beta-carotene, making this dish a healthy addition to any meal.
- Budget-friendly: Made with minimal, easily accessible ingredients, this recipe wonโt break the bank!
- Done in 25: From start to finish, you’ll have these vegan mashed sweet potatoes ready in less time than it takes to watch your favorite TV show.
- Versatile: This side dish serves as the perfect base for a variety of toppings, so you can customize it to suit any meal or occasion.
If you’re a fan of easy potato side dishes, don’t forget to check out our other recipes like vegan mashed potatoes, red skin mashed potatoes, vegan sweet potato casserole, and vegan scalloped potatoes.
๐ Easy vegan mashed sweet potatoes
If youโre anything like us, there arenโt many side dishes that top vegan mashed sweet potatoes. This recipe is a great example of how simple ingredients can be transformed into a flavor-packed dish without spending hours in the kitchen.
Contrary to the intensely savory flavors of vegan mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes provide a naturally sweet undertone. Once cooked, they develop a creamy texture and rich, buttery flavor thatโs complemented by notes of garlic and cracked black pepper.
Weโve opted for olive oil instead of vegan butter since almost everyone has a bottle of it lying around, but donโt worry! Youโll still taste all the same deliciously rich flavors as traditional recipes. So, if youโre short on time but need a crowd-pleasing side dish, give this recipe a try!
๐ Ingredients & substitutions
- Sweet potatoes: Orange-fleshed sweet potatoes work best here due to their natural sweetness and creamy texture. If you’re out of orange sweet potatoes, try using white sweet potatoes, butternut squash, or kabocha squash.
- Olive oil: Adds a rich, slightly fruity note that enhances the natural sweetness of the potatoes. Use the highest quality extra-virgin olive oil you can afford for the best results. If you prefer, you can substitute it with flavorless coconut oil, light olive oil, or vegan butter for a different flavor profile.
- Soy milk: Provides the creamy consistency we’re aiming for without dairy. Make sure itโs plain and unsweetened. Almond milk, oat milk, or any other plant-based milk can be used in its place.
- Garlic powder: Garlic powder is a quick and convenient way to infuse the mash with warm, savory undertones without needing to roast a head of garlic. If you prefer, you can use fresh minced garlic or roasted garlic cloves.
- Salt & pepper: Seasoning staples that bring out the flavors of the sweet potatoes. Feel free to add other seasonings like nutmeg or cinnamon for a warm spice note.
For a complete ingredient list and step-by-step guide, scroll down to our recipe card.
๐ How to make vegan mashed sweet potatoes
Step 1: Prep the potatoes
Add the sweet potato cubes to a large stockpot and cover them with water by about 1-2 inches. Bring them to a boil with a generous pinch of salt. The salt helps bring out the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes, so donโt skip this step!
Step 2: Cook the sweet potatoes
Once the water is boiling, reduce the heat slightly and let the sweet potatoes cook. Youโll know theyโre done when a fork can slide into the sweet potatoes easily. Drain and add them back to the pot.
Step 3: Mash the sweet potatoes
Mash the sweet potatoes using a potato masher or ricer until they’re relatively smooth and creamy (a few chunks are completely fine).
You can also use a food processor to mash the sweet potatoes, working in batches and pulsing them. Whichever method you choose, avoid overworking them to prevent the mash from becoming gluey.
Step 4: Flavor the mash
Stir in the olive oil, soy milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This is where you can get creative! Feel free to add your favorite herbs and spices to make it your own if youโd like.
Transfer your vegan mashed sweet potatoes to a serving bowl and add your favorite garnishes. Serve them immediately while hot. Happy eating!
If you have questions about this vegan mashed sweet potatoes recipe, check out our FAQs or leave a comment down below!
๐ฅ What to serve with vegan mashed sweet potatoes
These vegan mashed sweet potatoes enhance virtually any meal theyโre paired with! Here are some of our favorite toppings and mains to serve on or beside them:
- Herbs: Think savory options like chopped thyme, sage, rosemary, parsley, or dill.
- Vegan mains: Serve vegan mashed sweet potatoes on your holiday dinner table with vegan meatloaf, cauliflower steaks, vegan pot pie, or vegan stew.
- Veggies: For extra nutrients, serve them alongside air fryer green beans, air fryer Brussels sprouts, balsamic glaze Brussels sprouts, maple glazed carrots, or an apple walnut salad.
๐ก๏ธ Storage & reheating
Nothing is better than leftover vegan mashed sweet potatoes (nothing)! Feel free to make a double batch or prepare them ahead of time, then keep them fresh by following these simple storage tips:
- Fridge: You can keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezer: Once cooled, transfer your vegan mashed sweet potatoes to a freezer-safe bag or container, leaving a bit of room for expansion. They will last for up to a month this way.
- Reheating: Warm them up in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a little extra milk or oil to reach the right consistency. You can also reheat them in the microwave, stirring between each interval.
- Prep ahead: You can boil and mash the sweet potatoes a day in advance. When youโre ready to serve them, just reheat them and add the oil, milk, and seasonings.
โป๏ธ Flavor variations
- Sweet: Instead of savory seasonings, swap in sweet ingredients like cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, brown sugar, maple syrup, or a drizzle of molasses.
- Nuts: Add chopped walnuts or candied pecans from our vegan pumpkin cheesecake for a sweet crunch.
- Cheesy: Stir in a handful of vegan shredded cheese for a melty, gooey component.
- Caramelized onion: Fold in caramelized onions for a sweet and savory flavor.
๐งโ๐ณ Top tips
- Orange potatoes: Choose orange-fleshed sweet potatoes (not yams!) for their naturally creamy texture and sweet flavor.
- Cut into even cubes: Cube your potatoes into even pieces so they finish cooking at the same time.
- Cold water: Start cooking with cold water so the potatoes cook evenly from the inside out.
- Salt the water: The potatoes will absorb water as they cook so make sure you generously salt the water.
- Donโt overcook: Overcooked sweet potatoes will become waterlogged. Cook them just until theyโre fork-tender.
- Dry the potatoes: Once the potatoes are cooked, let them steam dry a bit in the hot pot before mashing to reduce the amount of water in the mash.
- Donโt over-mash: Over-mashing can result in gluey sweet potatoes. Mash or pulse them just enough to make them creamy.
- Warm the milk: Heat your soy milk slightly (or at least make sure itโs room temperature) before adding it to the potatoes to avoid cooling them down.
๐ฌ FAQ
Absolutely! You can substitute olive oil with vegetable broth, extra soy milk, or reserved cooking water for a lower-fat version or a different flavor profile.
If your vegan mashed sweet potatoes are too thick, simply stir in additional soy milk, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
A fork or even a large spoon can work in a pinch. Or, you can use a hand mixer or a food processor for a smoother texture. Just remember not to over-mix the potatoes to avoid a gluey texture.
Youโll know your sweet potatoes are done cooking when theyโre fork-tender, meaning a fork can easily pierce into the potatoes without resistance.
๐ด More vegan sides
If youโre on the hunt for more easy side dishes like these vegan mashed sweet potatoes, take a peek at these recipes:
- Vegan Garlic Bread: Savory, garlicky, and cheesy bread to pair with any meal.
- Vegan Cornbread: A warm, moist, and tender side dish made in a skillet.
- Vegan Biscuits: Comfort food classic made with just 8 ingredients.
- Air Fryer Zucchini: A quick, easy, and healthy side dish.
5-Ingredient Vegan Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Equipment
- Vegetable peeler
- Chef's knife
- Cutting board
- Stockpot
- Potato masher
Ingredients
- 3 pounds orange sweet potatoes (washed, peeled, & cubed into 1-inch pieces)
- ยผ cup olive oil (extra virgin)
- ยผ cup plain soy milk (unsweetened)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt & pepper to taste
For serving
- Fresh thyme or sage
- Cracked black pepper
Instructions
- Add the sweet potato cubes to a large stockpot and cover them with water by about 1-2 inches. Add a generous pinch of salt, then bring the water to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-high and cook for 15 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Drain the sweet potatoes, then add the potatoes back to the pot. Use a potato masher or ricer to mash the potatoes until relatively smooth and creamy.
- You can also use a food processor to mash the sweet potatoes, working in batches and pulsing them to prevent overmixing.
- Add the olive oil, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, stirring to combine. Taste and adjust the seasonings as you see fit.
- Transfer the sweet potatoes to a serving bowl and add a garnish of fresh thyme or cracked black pepper. Happy eating!
Video
Notes
- Orange potatoes: Choose orange-fleshed sweet potatoes (not yams!) for their naturally creamy texture and sweet flavor.
- Cut into even cubes: Cube your potatoes into even pieces so they finish cooking at the same time.
- Cold water: Start cooking with cold water so the potatoes cook evenly from the inside out.
- Salt the water: The potatoes will absorb water as they cook so make sure you generously salt the water.
- Donโt overcook: Overcooked sweet potatoes will become waterlogged. Cook them just until theyโre fork-tender.
- Dry the potatoes: Once the potatoes are cooked, let them steam dry a bit in the hot pot before mashing to reduce the amount of water in the mash.
- Donโt over-mash: Over-mashing can result in gluey sweet potatoes. Mash or pulse them just enough to make them creamy.
- Warm the milk: Heat your soy milk slightly (or at least make sure itโs room temperature) before adding it to the potatoes to avoid cooling them down.
- Nutritional information is a rough estimate and should not be taken as health advice.
Nutrition
Justine Drosdovech is a food writer, photographer, and one of the founders of Broke Bank Vegan. She is a self-taught plant-based chef but uses her healthcare background to craft dishes that are both delicious and nourishing.