I’m so excited to share this Brown Butter Sweet Potato Mash Recipe with you because it’s one of those comforting dishes that feels special but is surprisingly easy to make. If you’ve ever thought mashed sweet potatoes were just a simple side, wait till you try this version—with nutty brown butter and cozy spices, it’s pure magic on a plate. Trust me, once you taste it, it’ll be one of those recipes you want to make again and again.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich, Nutty Flavor: The brown butter transforms simple mashed sweet potatoes into a luscious, deep-flavored dish.
Perfectly Balanced Sweetness: Maple syrup and warm spices create just the right hint of sweetness without overwhelming the potatoes.
Creamy and Light Texture: Using coconut milk gives it a silky smoothness that’s dairy-free friendly yet indulgent.
Easy to Make Ahead: This mash reheats wonderfully, so you can prep it in advance and have stress-free, impressive sides.

The image shows a white bowl filled with thick, smooth orange sweet potato mash. The mash has swirled texture with a shiny surface, topped with a light drizzle of syrup pooling slightly in the center. A cinnamon stick rests on the left side of the mash, and small bits of brown spices are sprinkled on top. A metal spoon is scooping up part of the mash on the right side, with the spoon handle extending out of the bowl. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a bit of a blue cloth visible in the bottom right corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Brown Butter Sweet Potato Mash, sweet potato mash ideas, cozy side dishes, fall comfort foods, easy sweet potato recipes

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Brown Butter Sweet Potato Mash Recipe plays a role in giving you that warm, comforting, and slightly sweet flavor profile. I always recommend choosing good-quality sweet potatoes and pure maple syrup for the best results.

Flat lay of three whole fresh sweet potatoes with smooth orange skin, a small white ceramic bowl filled with creamy full-fat coconut milk, a petite white bowl holding golden maple syrup, a tiny white bowl of clear vanilla extract, a small white bowl with warm brown cinnamon powder, a small white bowl with bright yellow butter cubes, a tiny white bowl of pale beige ground ginger, a miniature white bowl containing fine allspice powder, and a tiny white bowl with white salt crystals, all arranged in perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Brown Butter Sweet Potato Mash, sweet potato mash ideas, cozy side dishes, fall comfort foods, easy sweet potato recipes

Sweet potatoes: Look for firm, blemish-free potatoes with a deep orange color for maximum sweetness and creaminess.
Full-fat coconut milk: Adds creaminess and a subtle tropical note, plus it’s a great dairy alternative.
Maple syrup: Pure maple syrup lends natural sweetness and complexity—avoid maple-flavored syrups for authentic taste.
Vanilla extract: Just a touch enhances overall flavor and brings out the sweet notes.
Cinnamon: Provides warmth and a classic hint of spice that pairs beautifully with sweet potatoes.
Butter: This is the star for browning—adds a nutty depth that elevates the entire dish.
Ground ginger: Offers subtle zing and earthiness without overwhelming.
Allspice: Adds that cozy, spicy warmth reminiscent of fall and holiday flavors.
Salt: Balances and brightens all the flavors, making sure the sweetness doesn’t get cloying.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of the things I love about this Brown Butter Sweet Potato Mash Recipe is how easy it is to tweak to fit your mood or dietary needs. Feel free to experiment with additions or swaps—I frequently adjust it depending on the occasion or what’s in my pantry.

Nutty Twist: Adding chopped toasted pecans or walnuts on top adds great crunch and pairs perfectly with the brown butter flavor.
Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut oil instead of butter to make it completely dairy-free without losing the richness.
Spice it Up: Toss in a pinch of cayenne pepper if you want to surprise your taste buds with a little warmth.
Mash Texture: I sometimes leave it a bit chunky for a rustic feel, or go fully smooth depending on what I’m serving it with.

How to Make Brown Butter Sweet Potato Mash Recipe

Step 1: Roast the Sweet Potatoes to Perfection

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Poke the sweet potatoes all over with a fork—this helps steam escape and ensures they cook evenly. I like to place them on a foil or parchment-lined baking sheet for easy cleanup. Roast for about an hour, until you can easily pierce them with a fork. When I first made this, I was impatient and undercooked the potatoes, resulting in a lumpy mash—so don’t skip this step! Let them cool just enough to handle before peeling; the skin should slip right off.

Step 2: Make That Golden Brown Butter

While the potatoes roast, melt your butter over medium heat in a small skillet or saucepan. This is one of my favorite kitchen moments—watching bright yellow butter bubble and turn to a rich golden brown with those delicious nutty bits forming at the bottom. Keep a close eye and stir frequently to avoid burning! Once you smell that irresistible aroma, remove from heat and pour into a heatproof bowl.

Step 3: Mash and Mix

After peeling your sweet potatoes, pop them into a large bowl. Add the coconut milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, ground ginger, allspice, salt, and most of the brown butter (save about a tablespoon for topping). Use a hand mixer or a trusty potato masher to blend everything until smooth but still fluffy. You’ll want to taste it here—you can always add a splash more coconut milk if it needs to be creamier or a pinch more salt to really make the flavors pop.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!

Transfer your beautifully mashed sweet potatoes to a serving dish. I love sprinkling a little extra cinnamon on top for that inviting aroma, then dotting with the reserved brown butter so it slowly melts as you serve. This final touch makes this mash feel indulgent and special every single time.

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Pro Tips for Making Brown Butter Sweet Potato Mash Recipe

Don’t Rush the Roasting: Fully cooked sweet potatoes make all the difference; undercooked ones lead to a grainy texture.
Watch Your Butter Closely: Brown butter can go from perfect to burnt in seconds, so stay attentive and stir often.
Taste as You Go: Sweet potatoes vary in natural sweetness; adjust maple syrup and spices to your liking after mashing.
Use Warm Ingredients: Warm coconut milk blends more easily, giving you a smoother mash without lumps.

How to Serve Brown Butter Sweet Potato Mash Recipe

A white bowl filled with smooth sweet potato mash that has a rich orange color and a creamy texture with soft swirls on top. The surface of the mash is glossy, showing a drip of honey or syrup in a few places. A silver spoon is resting inside the bowl on the right side, partially dipped into the mash. The background is a white marbled surface, adding a clean and simple look to the scene. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Brown Butter Sweet Potato Mash, sweet potato mash ideas, cozy side dishes, fall comfort foods, easy sweet potato recipes

Garnishes

I usually garnish this mash with a sprinkle of extra cinnamon and a few more browned butter droplets for shine and flavor. If I’m feeling fancy or want a bit of texture, toasted pecans or chopped fresh herbs like sage or parsley add a lovely contrast that makes the dish look restaurant-worthy.

Side Dishes

My family goes crazy for this mash alongside roasted turkey or pork tenderloin, but it’s equally fantastic next to sautéed greens or a crisp autumn salad. It’s versatile enough to fit holiday spreads or simple weeknight dinners—you really can’t go wrong.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to pipe the mash into pretty rosettes on a platter using a star tip, then drizzle brown butter and scatter chopped nuts on top. It turns a humble side into a showstopper that guests always ask me about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover brown butter sweet potato mash covered in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheating is a breeze, and it tastes almost as good as freshly made.

Freezing

If you want to freeze it, I recommend portioning the mash into freezer-safe containers or bags. It freezes well for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often and adding a splash of coconut milk if it seems dry. Microwaving works too—just cover and heat in short bursts, stirring between—so it heats evenly without drying out.

FAQs

Can I make this Brown Butter Sweet Potato Mash Recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Just swap out the butter for a vegan alternative like coconut oil or a vegan margarine, and double-check your vanilla extract is vegan-friendly. The coconut milk already keeps it dairy-free.
What’s the best way to roast sweet potatoes for mashing?

Roasting them whole and unpeeled is the easiest and helps lock in moisture and sweetness. Make sure to prick them with a fork for steam release and roast until very tender—about 60 minutes at 400°F.
Can I use canned coconut milk for this recipe?

Yes! Use full-fat canned coconut milk for the creamiest results. Shake the can well before opening, and stir the thick cream back in if it’s separated.
How do I prevent brown butter from burning?

Cook your butter over medium or medium-low heat, stirring frequently. Once it starts to brown and you smell that nutty aroma, immediately remove it from the heat to avoid burning.
Can I prepare the brown butter ahead of time?

You definitely can. Brown butter can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge. Warm it gently before adding to the mash so it blends smoothly.

Final Thoughts

This Brown Butter Sweet Potato Mash Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it turns a classic comfort food into something that feels a little extra special—whether it’s for a holiday feast or a cozy weeknight dinner. I love how the fragrant spices and that golden brown butter come together to create a side dish that’s both simple and unforgettable. You really can’t go wrong making a batch—you might even find it becomes your new go-to for sweet potatoes. Give it a try and I promise you’ll be making it often!