If you’re looking to elevate your side dish game, this Savory Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Fresh Herbs and Cream Cheese Recipe is a total showstopper. It brings together the natural sweetness of tender sweet potatoes with a luscious creaminess from the cream cheese and butter, rounded out beautifully by a fragrant mix of fresh herbs. This dish strikes the perfect balance between comforting and sophisticated, making it a staple for cozy family dinners or festive holiday spreads. Once you try this recipe, it just might become your new go-to side everyone asks for.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays an essential role, creating layers of flavor and a melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s impossible to resist. The sweet potatoes provide a natural sweetness and vibrant color, while the cream cheese adds richness and tang. The special blend of fresh herbs offers a bright, aromatic contrast that keeps things interesting in every bite.
- 4 lbs. sweet potatoes: Use about six medium-sized, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes for even cooking and smooth mashing.
- 1½ tsp kosher salt: Enhances the natural flavors without overpowering the dish.
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper: Adds a subtle hint of warmth and depth.
- ½ tsp Parisien Bonnes Herbes: This delicate herb blend of chives, dill weed, French basil, French tarragon, chervil, and white pepper adds a fresh, nuanced flavor that’s hard to beat.
- 4 oz. cream cheese: Use regular softened cream cheese for creamy texture and a slight tanginess that complements the sweet potatoes.
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter: Softened, plus extra for garnish, to add richness and a silky finish.
How to Make Savory Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Fresh Herbs and Cream Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Sweet Potatoes
Start by steaming or boiling your sweet potatoes until they are fork-tender—about 15 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when you can easily slide a thin knife in and out. This step is crucial for getting that perfect, creamy texture later on.
Step 2: Drain the Potatoes
If you boiled the potatoes, carefully drain them in a colander to remove excess water. For steamed potatoes, simply take them out of the pot and pour out any leftover water. This helps prevent watery mashed sweet potatoes that lack that luscious creaminess we’re after in this recipe.
Step 3: Remove Excess Moisture by Mashing Over Heat
Return your drained sweet potatoes to the pot and place it over medium-low heat. Mash them gently for 20 to 30 seconds to evaporate any extra moisture. This secret step ensures your mashed sweet potatoes won’t be too runny and keeps that rich consistency we want in the Savory Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Fresh Herbs and Cream Cheese Recipe.
Step 4: Add Seasonings and Dairy
Now comes the flavor magic. Stir in the kosher salt, black pepper, and that heavenly Parisien Bonnes Herbes blend. Add the softened cream cheese and butter to the warm potatoes—this will create a creamy, velvety mixture that’s as comforting as it is delicious.
Step 5: Final Mash and Adjust Seasonings
Give everything another good mash until the potatoes are smooth and creamy, but still slightly chunky if you prefer some texture. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. This step lets you personalize the flavor to your liking.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Turn off the heat and transfer your mashed sweet potatoes to a serving dish. Sprinkle a little more Parisien Bonnes Herbes over the top and add a few pats of softened butter right before serving. The warm butter melts beautifully, inviting everyone to dig into this gorgeous dish immediately.
How to Serve Savory Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Fresh Herbs and Cream Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
For a bright, colorful finish, consider sprinkling chopped fresh parsley or chives along with the Parisien Bonnes Herbes. A drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a touch of smoked paprika can also bring added depth and a stunning presentation to your plate.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs brilliantly with roasted meats like turkey, chicken, or pork, making it a natural choice for holiday dinners and Sunday roasts. Add a crisp green salad or sautéed leafy greens on the side to give a fresh veggie crunch that balances the creamy potatoes perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress your guests, try serving these mashed sweet potatoes in individual ramekins topped with a sprinkle of toasted nuts or caramelized onions. You could even swirl in a bit of maple syrup for an extra hint of sweetness that complements the herbs beautifully while making it feel just a bit more festive.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover mashed sweet potatoes keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just be sure to store them once cooled completely to maintain their creamy texture without becoming dry or dense.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish by transferring cooled mashed sweet potatoes into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve flavors and texture.
Reheating
To warm up your leftovers, microwave gently in short intervals, stirring frequently, or reheat on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of milk, cream, or butter if the mash looks a bit thick to bring back that perfect creamy consistency.
FAQs
Can I use regular herbs instead of Parisien Bonnes Herbes?
Absolutely! While the Parisien Bonnes Herbes blend provides a unique mix of flavors, you can easily substitute with fresh parsley, chives, dill, and tarragon to replicate the essence of this savory mash.
Is it better to steam or boil the sweet potatoes?
Both methods work well, but steaming tends to preserve more nutrients and prevents the potatoes from absorbing too much water, which helps maintain that perfect creamy texture in the Savory Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Fresh Herbs and Cream Cheese Recipe.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Swap the cream cheese and butter for dairy-free alternatives like vegan cream cheese and plant-based butter. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious and creamy.
How do I keep the mashed sweet potatoes from becoming watery?
The key is mashing them over low heat to evaporate excess moisture before adding the cream cheese and butter. Also, draining thoroughly after boiling or steaming helps a lot to achieve that rich, creamy consistency.
Can I add other spices to customize this dish?
Feel free to experiment! Nutmeg, cinnamon, or smoked paprika can add warmth and complexity, but keep in mind that the fresh herb blend already brings great balance to the dish.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Savory Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Fresh Herbs and Cream Cheese Recipe a try because it’s such a comforting and flavorful way to enjoy sweet potatoes. It’s simple enough for weeknights but elegant enough to impress guests, and that mix of creamy texture with fresh herbal brightness is just irresistible. Trust me—once it’s on your table, it’ll become a beloved dish you’ll want to make again and again.
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Savory Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Fresh Herbs and Cream Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Savory Mashed Sweet Potatoes recipe offers a creamy and flavorful twist on a classic side dish. Tender sweet potatoes are steamed or boiled, then mashed with cream cheese, butter, and a unique Parisien Bonnes Herbes blend, creating a rich and aromatic accompaniment perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
Sweet Potatoes
- 4 lbs. sweet potatoes (about 6 medium, peeled and cut into 1” cubes)
Seasonings
- 1½ tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- ½ tsp Parisien Bonnes Herbes (a blend of chives, dill weed, French basil, French tarragon, chervil, and white pepper)
Dairy
- 4 oz. cream cheese (softened, regular, not low fat)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter (softened & more for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Sweet Potatoes. Steam or boil the sweet potatoes until they are tender enough to easily slide a thin knife in and out, approximately 15 minutes.
- Drain the Potatoes. If boiling, drain them over a colander; if steaming, remove the potatoes and discard the water from the pot.
- Dry Mash Over Heat. Return the potatoes to the pot and place it over medium-low heat. Mash the potatoes gently for 20-30 seconds to cook off any excess liquid, ensuring they aren’t watery. Remove from heat once done.
- Add Seasonings and Dairy. Incorporate the kosher salt, black pepper, Parisien Bonnes Herbes, softened cream cheese, and unsalted butter into the mashed potatoes.
- Final Mashing and Adjust Seasoning. Mash all ingredients together until the potatoes reach a smooth and creamy consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Garnish and Serve. Top the mashed sweet potatoes with an extra sprinkling of Parisien Bonnes Herbes and additional pats of softened butter. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Boiling or steaming the sweet potatoes both work well; steaming helps retain more flavor and nutrients.
- Mashing over heat helps evaporate excess moisture for creamier mashed potatoes.
- Parisien Bonnes Herbes adds a delicate herbal complexity; if unavailable, substitute with a mix of chives, dill, basil, and tarragon.
- Use full-fat cream cheese for the richest texture.
- Serve warm for the best taste experience.
