If you’re looking for a cozy, elegant side dish that brings both comfort and a touch of gourmet flair, then you absolutely must try this Sage Brown Butter Mashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe. It’s the perfect marriage of creamy mashed sweet potatoes infused with the rich, nutty depth of brown butter and bright herbaceous notes from fresh sage. Each bite is a warm hug of flavors that balances sweetness, earthiness, and a hint of savory garlic, making it a standout at any meal, whether a holiday feast or a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Sage Brown Butter Mashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe comes down to a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients that work together beautifully. Each one plays a crucial role in creating a velvety texture, vibrant color, and complex flavor that feels both comforting and sophisticated.
- 3 large sweet potatoes or yams: The star ingredient, bringing natural sweetness, creaminess, and gorgeous orange color to your dish.
- 3 tablespoons butter: Essential for making the rich brown butter that adds nuttiness and depth to the mash.
- 2 tablespoons fresh sage, chopped finely: Adds an earthy, slightly peppery herbal note that perfectly complements the sweetness of the potatoes.
- 1/3 cup whipping or heavy cream: Gives the mash a luscious creaminess and smooth texture.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a subtle savory punch that rounds out the flavors beautifully.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Crucial for seasoning and enhancing all the natural flavors.
How to Make Sage Brown Butter Mashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Boil the Sweet Potatoes
Start by peeling and cutting the sweet potatoes into smaller chunks—this helps them cook quickly and evenly. Pop them into a large pot of boiling water and cook until they are soft enough for a knife to slide through easily. This usually takes about 15 to 20 minutes. This step is key because perfectly cooked sweet potatoes ensure creamy and smooth mashed results.
Step 2: Make the Sage Brown Butter
While the potatoes are boiling, it’s time to make that irresistible brown butter that elevates this dish. Melt the butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Keep a close eye on it because you want a deep golden brown color and that signature nutty aroma without burning it. Once it starts to brown, toss in the finely chopped sage to let its flavors infuse the butter. After about a minute, add the minced garlic, cooking just 15 seconds more to soften its sharpness without overpowering the dish. Then, remove the pan from the heat and let that fragrant mixture sit.
Step 3: Mash and Combine
Drain the sweet potatoes thoroughly, then return them to the pot or a large bowl for mashing. Pour the sage brown butter, along with the garlic, cream, and seasoning, over the potatoes. Mash everything together with a potato masher or electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust your salt and pepper at this stage to get the flavors just right. Serve immediately for the best experience.
How to Serve Sage Brown Butter Mashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of finely chopped fresh sage or a light dusting of smoked paprika adds both color and an extra flavor boost. Toasted pecans or walnuts can also add a delightful crunch, making each mouthful a little more exciting while complementing the buttery and herbal notes of the mash.
Side Dishes
This Sage Brown Butter Mashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe pairs beautifully with roasted poultry like turkey or chicken, making it a perfect contender for holiday dinners. It also complements savory mains such as grilled pork chops or pan-seared salmon, providing a sweet and earthy counterbalance.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the mashed sweet potatoes in hollowed-out sweet potato skins baked until crispy. You could also garnish with crumbled goat cheese or a drizzle of maple syrup for an extra touch of richness and surprise. Presentation can totally elevate this humble dish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers from this Sage Brown Butter Mashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Just make sure to cool them to room temperature before sealing to maintain the best texture.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover mashed sweet potatoes in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. It’s best to leave a little room for expansion and label your containers with the date for easy tracking.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw frozen portions overnight in the fridge if possible. Warm gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking or drying out. Adding a splash of cream or a pat of butter helps restore the creamy texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use dried sage instead of fresh?
Fresh sage is best for this recipe because it offers a bright, vibrant flavor and beautiful texture. If you must use dried sage, use about one-third of the amount and add it with the garlic to prevent bitterness.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Substitute the butter with a plant-based margarine and use coconut cream or another non-dairy cream alternative. Keep in mind this will slightly change the flavor, but it can still be delicious!
What type of sweet potatoes works best?
You can use any large, orange-fleshed sweet potatoes or yams. Just choose ones that are firm and free of blemishes for the best texture and sweetness in your mash.
Is it okay to prepare this a day ahead?
You can prepare the mashed sweet potatoes a day ahead and refrigerate them. Reheat gently, adding a splash of cream or butter to bring back the creaminess before serving.
How do I prevent the brown butter from burning?
Watch it closely and keep the heat medium to medium-low, stirring frequently. As soon as the butter turns golden and smells nutty, remove it from the heat promptly. Adding the sage helps slightly cool the butter while imparting flavor.
Final Thoughts
If you want to impress your family or guests with something delightfully simple yet bursting with flavor, don’t hesitate to try this Sage Brown Butter Mashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe. It’s a dish that feels special and comforting all at once—a true winner that’s bound to become a favorite on your dinner table!
Print
Sage Brown Butter Mashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Sage Brown Butter Mashed Sweet Potatoes recipe offers a rich and aromatic twist on classic mashed sweet potatoes by incorporating nutty browned butter infused with fresh sage and garlic. Creamy, flavorful, and comforting, it’s a perfect side dish for cozy dinners and holiday meals.
Ingredients
Sweet Potatoes
- 3 large sweet potatoes or yams, peeled
Brown Butter Sage Sauce
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons fresh sage, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Additional Ingredients
- 1/3 cup whipping/heavy cream
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Boil the Sweet Potatoes: Cut the peeled sweet potatoes into smaller pieces to speed up cooking. Place them in a large pot filled with water and bring to a boil. Cook until the sweet potatoes become tender and easily pierced by a knife, approximately 15 to 20 minutes.
- Prepare the Brown Butter Sage Sauce: About 10 minutes into boiling the sweet potatoes, melt the butter in a small skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Continue cooking the butter until it turns golden brown and develops a nutty aroma, being careful not to burn it. Just before the butter finishes browning, add the finely chopped sage and sauté for about 1 minute. Then add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 15 seconds before removing the skillet from heat.
- Mash and Combine: Drain the cooked sweet potatoes thoroughly and return them to the pot or a mixing bowl. Mash the sweet potatoes while gradually incorporating the browned butter sage sauce along with the heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Serve: Serve the mashed sweet potatoes immediately as a flavorful and comforting side dish.
Notes
- Keep a close eye on the butter when browning to avoid burning, as it can quickly go from golden brown to burnt.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute butter with a plant-based alternative and use coconut or almond cream instead of heavy cream.
- Fresh sage is preferred for optimal flavor, but dried sage can be used in smaller amounts if needed.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted meats and hearty winter vegetables.
- If preferred, add a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon to the mash for extra warmth and aroma.
