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Maple Pecan Sweet Potato Mash

  • Author: Chef Sophia
  • Total Time: 28 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

This Maple Pecan Sweet Potato Mash is a cozy, autumn-inspired side dish that brings together the natural sweetness of tender sweet potatoes, rich maple syrup, warm spices, and buttery toasted pecans. It’s creamy, comforting, and just a little indulgent the perfect addition to holiday dinners, weeknight meals, or festive gatherings where you want something simple yet irresistibly delicious.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 large sweet potatoes (about 2–2.5 lbs), peeled and cubed
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 3–4 tbsp pure maple syrup (to taste)
  • 1/4 cup milk or heavy cream (add more for extra creaminess)
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg (optional)
  • 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 cup pecans, roughly chopped
  • 1 tbsp butter (for toasting pecans)

Instructions

  1. Cook the sweet potatoes:
    Add peeled, cubed sweet potatoes to a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil and cook until very soft, about 15–18 minutes.
  2. Toast the pecans:
    While the potatoes cook, melt 1 tbsp butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped pecans and toast for 3–5 minutes, stirring often, until fragrant and lightly golden. Set aside.
  3. Mash:
    Drain the cooked sweet potatoes well. Add butter, maple syrup, milk/cream, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), salt, and pepper. Mash until smooth and creamy. Add more milk if you prefer a softer texture.
  4. Taste & adjust:
    Add additional maple syrup, salt, or spices to your liking.
  5. Serve:
    Transfer to a serving bowl. Top with toasted pecans and drizzle with extra maple syrup if desired.

Notes

  1. Drain the sweet potatoes thoroughly to avoid watery mash dryness gives you more control over the consistency.
  2. Taste the mash before adding the full amount of maple syrup; sweet potatoes vary in sweetness.
  3. Toasting the pecans is essential it brings out their natural oils and elevates the nuttiness.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 18 minutes
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Boiled + Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American / Holiday Comfort

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: ~1 cup
  • Calories: ~240
  • Sugar: ~10g
  • Sodium: ~220mg
  • Fat: ~11g
  • Saturated Fat: ~4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: ~6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: ~35g
  • Fiber: ~4g
  • Protein: ~2g
  • Cholesterol: ~15mg

Keywords: sweet potato mash, maple sweet potatoes, holiday side dish, pecan sweet potato mash, Thanksgiving sides, Christmas recipes

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Find it online: https://www.chefsophia.com/maple-pecan-sweet-potato-mash/