Picture this: a chilly evening, the kind where the wind seems to whisper secrets through the bare branches outside your window.
You take a sip of your favorite drink, feeling the warmth spread through your body, and suddenly crave something comforting yet unexpected—a dish that surprises your senses. Enter creamy garlic parmesan mashed sweet potatoes.
They’re like a cozy sweater for your taste buds, with every bite a dance between the savory garlic and the sweet, buttery potato. It reminds me of those times when you find an old, forgotten sweater in your closet and it fits just right, evoking a comforting nostalgia.
Steps
- Boil the Sweet Potatoes: Place the sweet potato chunks in a large pot, add a tablespoon of salt, and cover with cold water until submerged by about an inch. Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium and cook for around 10 minutes, or until a knife easily pierces the potatoes. Drain the potatoes completely and return them to the pot.
- Prepare Garlic Butter: As the potatoes cook, melt butter in a small pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and a pinch of black pepper, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and lightly golden. Transfer the garlic butter to a heat-safe bowl and set aside.
- Mash the Potatoes: Use your preferred potato masher to mash the drained sweet potatoes in the pot to the desired texture, whether slightly chunky or smooth.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in the garlic butter, warm milk, sour cream, Parmesan cheese, and chives into the mashed potatoes. Mix until everything is evenly combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Season and Adjust: Taste the mashed mixture and add extra salt and pepper as needed. If the consistency is too dry, add more milk or sour cream to achieve the desired creaminess.
- Serve Warm: Dish up the mashed sweet potatoes while they are still warm, garnish with extra Parmesan if desired, and enjoy!
Ingredients
- 4 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
- Fine sea salt
- Freshly-ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup butter
- 4 cloves garlic, pressed or minced
- 3/4 cup milk, warmed
- 1/3 cup sour cream
- 1 ounce freshly-grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
FAQ
- Can I prepare Garlic Parmesan Mashed Sweet Potatoes in advance?
- Yes, you can prepare them ahead of time. You can either soak the uncooked potatoes in cold water for up to 4 hours, or cook the mashed potatoes, refrigerate them for up to 4 days, and then reheat using a microwave, Crock-Pot, Instant Pot, or oven.
- Is it necessary to peel the sweet potatoes for this recipe?
- Peeling the sweet potatoes is optional. You can choose to peel them or leave the skin on, depending on your preference.
- How can I enhance the flavor of the mashed sweet potatoes?
- You can enhance the flavor by adding crispy bacon as a garnish, mixing in more fresh herbs like rosemary, sage, or parsley, or using browned butter instead of regular butter for a nutty taste.
- What is the best way to mash the sweet potatoes?
- The best method depends on your texture preference. For chunkier mashed potatoes, use a regular masher, while a smooth masher is recommended for a creamier texture.
- Can I use pre-grated Parmesan cheese for this recipe?
- For the best flavor, it is recommended to buy a block of Parmesan cheese and grate it by hand instead of using pre-grated cheese.
Tips
- Evenly Cut Potatoes: To ensure the sweet potatoes cook evenly, cut them into similarly-sized 1-inch pieces before boiling. This prevents some pieces from being undercooked while others are overdone.
- Avoid Overmixing: Mix the ingredients into the mashed potatoes just until combined to prevent a gummy texture. Overmixing can cause the potatoes to become too dense.
- Grate Your Own Parmesan: For the best flavor, buy a block of Parmesan cheese and grate it yourself instead of using pre-grated cheese. This ensures maximum freshness and taste.
- Make-Ahead Convenience: If you need to prepare the dish in advance, you can cook the mashed potatoes and store them in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat using a microwave, slow cooker, oven, or pressure cooker to maintain texture and flavor.
Equipment
- Potato Masher – Depending on preference, you might want a standard potato masher or one designed for extra-smooth consistency.
- Fine Grater – For grating fresh Parmesan cheese.
- Large Stock Pot – To boil the sweet potatoes.
- Small Sauté Pan – For making the garlic butter.
- Strainer – To drain the boiled potatoes.
- Heat-Safe Bowl – For reserving the garlic butter.
