This Vegan Sweet Potato Mash gives you all the cozy creaminess of traditional mashed potatoes but none of the dairy! Made with simple ingredients like sweet potatoes, Yukon Gold potatoes, and tahini, it delivers a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors with an extra special touch from the tahini. There's nothing better served alongside your favorite hearty main dishes and it's tasty enough to serve to the whole family during the holidays. They'll never even know it's vegan!
What is Vegan Sweet Potato Mash?
Sweet potato mash is a creamy, traditional side dish made by mashing tender sweet potatoes (and sometimes regular potatoes) with lots of butter, cream, and sour cream until thick and fluffy.
It usually ends up bright orange and has a lovely natural sweetness that works great with lots of fall and winter flavors, like wild rice, lentils, cranberries, and more.
In this vegan version, the mash gets its richness from plant-based ingredients like vegan butter and unsweetened plant milk with an extra savory, nutty note from the tahini.
Plus, it relies on buttery Yukon gold potatoes in addition to sweet potatoes for an extra decadent texture and flavor. Perfect for serving alongside any holiday meal!
Why you’ll love this Vegan Mashed Sweet Potato Recipe
- Naturally sweetened with sweet potatoes and pure maple syrup
- Creamy, velvety texture that’s both comforting and satisfying
- Made with simple, wholesome ingredients
- Uses tahini to elevate the flavor and add a nutty note
- Perfect side dish for more traditional meals, like holiday dinners
- Packed with nutrients like fiber, vitamins A and C, and healthy fats
Ingredients for Easy Mashed Sweet Potatoes
This simple recipe tastes luxurious, but uses pretty basic ingredients to get just the right texture and flavor. It's just sweet enough, but also stands up next to traditionally savory entrees and sides.
- Yukon Gold Potatoes: These buttery potatoes add a rich, creamy texture that pairs beautifully with sweet potatoes. You can also use white potatoes, like Russets, but I'm partial to Yukon Gold.
- Large sweet potatoes: Naturally sweet and loaded with vitamins, these are the star of the dish. You can really use any type of sweet potatoes or yams, so don't stress about which one you're getting.
- Softened vegan butter: Adds a creamy richness and buttery flavor. Look for brands like Earth Balance or Violife.
- Sesame tahini: Adds a rich, nutty depth to the dish. Look for a high-quality tahini made with just sesame seeds for the best results.
- Pure maple syrup: For an extra touch of natural sweetness and flavor.
- Unsweetened non-dairy milk: Keeps the mash smooth and creamy. Use your favorite plant-based milk, like oat or almond milk, for a neutral flavor. For a thicker and richer version, you could use full-fat coconut milk.
- Salt: Season to taste.
How to Make Vegan Mashed Sweet Potatoes
This recipe is really as easy as it is satisfying. Boil the potatoes until tender, whip up the flavorful butter-tahini mixture, and mash everything together with the remaining ingredients. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner yet special enough to impress at your holiday table!
- Put sweet potato and potato in a large pot, cover with water, add 1 tsp salt and boil until fork tender.
- In a bowl whisk softened butter, tahini and pure maple syrup together.
- When potatoes are fork tender, drain the water. Add the butter/tahini/pure maple syrup to the potatoes along with salt and plant milk. Use your preferred method to mash and mix. I use a whisk to mash and whip the potatoes. Taste for salt and add more if desired.
- Enjoy within 3-4 days for best quality.
Tips for Making the Best Sweet Potato Mash
- Use the right tools. A whisk or potato masher works well for a chunky texture, but if you prefer an ultra-smooth mash, try a hand mixer or stand mixer.
- Taste as you go. Adjust the salt, sweetness, and creaminess to suit your personal preference. Add a little at a time until you find the perfect flavor balance.
- Peel (or don't). If you like a more earthy and textured mash, keep the potato skins on. They add a slight chewiness, extra nutrients, and a hearty, rustic feel. In this situation, I usually use organic potatoes since you're leaving the skin on.
- Amp up the flavor. For extra savory flavor and cheesiness, sprinkle in some nutritional yeast.
FAQs
Let the mash cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
You can reheat your leftover vegan mash in the microwave or on the stove on medium-low heat, adding a little extra plant milk if needed to restore creaminess.
For longer storage, transfer the chilled leftovers to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating like normal.
This recipe can easily tilt towards a sweeter flavor profile with a little ground cinnamon or toasted pecans. For more of a savory flavor profile, add fresh herbs like fresh parsley, thyme, or green onions.
This recipe can be served with a wide range of entrees, like stuffed tomatoes or peppers, plant-based meats (think Tofurkey or lentil loaf), or sautéed greens or roasted vegetables, like Brussels sprouts or broccoli. Think warm, hearty flavors, like roasted mushrooms, nuts, and lentils. It's also the perfect side dish for more traditional-style holiday meals, too, and is a great alternative to traditional mash at Thanksgiving at Christmas dinner.
Other Delicious Vegan Potato Recipes
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Vegan Sweet Potato Mash
Ingredients
- 5 yukon gold potatoes cut in cubes
- 3 large sweet potatoes peeled and cubed
- 5 tbsp vegan butter softened
- 3 tbsp sesame tahini
- 2 tbsp pure maple syrup
- ½ cup unsweetened plant milk
- 1 tsp salt plus more to taste
Instructions
- Put sweet potato and potato in a large pot, cover with water, add 1 tsp salt and boil until fork tender.
- In a bowl, whisk softened butter, tahini and pure maple syrup together.
- When potatoes are fork tender, drain the water. Add the butter/tahini/pure maple syrup to the potatoes along with salt and plant milk. Use your preferred method to mash and mix. I use a whisk to mash and whip the potatoes. Taste for salt and add more if desired.
- Enjoy within 3-4 days for best quality.