Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Orange & Thyme

Sweet potatoes always seem to get roped into the holiday meal lineup, decked out with brown sugar and a marshmallow topping thick enough to double as insulation. And while I’m not one to turn down a bite of that nostalgia, sometimes you just want a sweet potato mash that doesn’t taste like dessert.

A few weeks ago, I found myself staring at a bowl of bright orange sweet potatoes on my counter, looking for a way to shake things up. I wanted something creamy, cozy, and packed with depth of flavor—something that would work just as well next to a roasted chicken on a weeknight dinner as it would on a Thanksgiving table.

After a little tinkering, this version was born. Quinton took one bite, raised an eyebrow, and before I knew it, his plate was clean. That’s when I knew I had a winner. The natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes shines through, but a pop of citrusy orange zest and a little fresh thyme balances it. The result? A silky smooth texture with a touch of savory depth that makes it feel just a little fancier than your standard regular mashed potatoes.

And the best part? It’s just as easy as your go-to mashed potato recipe, but with a depth of flavor that feels restaurant-worthy. Whether it’s a weeknight staple or a standout addition to your holiday table, this dish has a way of making every meal feel like a special occasion.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Silky Smooth Texture – Thanks to the right technique, these mashed sweet potatoes are velvety, not gluey.
• Perfect Side Dish – Whether it’s a holiday meal or a casual dinner table spread, these pair beautifully with roasted meats and fresh greens.
• Naturally Sweet Flavor – A drizzle of honey enhances the potatoes' natural sweetness, while thyme and orange zest keep things balanced.
• Easy & Foolproof – A few simple steps, a handful of simple ingredients, and you’ve got a dish that’s bound to become a favorite recipe.

Sweet Potatoes in Southern Cooking

Sweet potatoes have been a Southern kitchen staple for generations, showing up in everything from casseroles to cornbread to pies. Their naturally sweet flavor and vibrant color make them the perfect blank canvas for all kinds of dishes, whether buttery and rich or light and savory.

While some folks swear by the classic marshmallow-laden sweet potato mash, others (like me) prefer to let the orange sweet potatoes do the talking. A little honey, a splash of milk, and a wooden spoon’s worth of melted butter are all you really need to make them shine.

A Hint of Citrus & Herbs

The combination of orange zest and thyme might sound a little unexpected, but trust me—it works. The bright orange lifts the richness of the butter, while the thyme adds a subtle earthiness that rounds everything out. It’s a small twist that makes all the difference, turning a simple side into something that feels just a little special.

Equipment You’ll Need

• Large Saucepan or Pot – For boiling the whole sweet potatoes until fork tender.
• Colander – To drain potatoes well before mashing.
• Hand Mixer or Potato Masher – For getting that silky smooth texture.
• Microplane/Zester – To get that bright orange zest without any bitterness.
• Serving Bowl – Because a little presentation goes a long way.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

• Whole Sweet Potatoes – The star of the show, naturally packed with flavor.
• Salted Butter – Adds richness and enhances the depth of flavor.
• Honey – A touch of natural sweetness that complements the bright orange citrus.
• Little Whole Milk – Helps create that creamy, easy savory texture.
• Kosher Salt & Black Pepper – For balance and just the right amount of seasoning.
• Fresh Orange Zest & Juice – The secret ingredient that brightens everything up.
• Little Fresh Thyme – A subtle, earthy note that keeps things from feeling too sweet.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Sweet Potatoes

• Peel and rinse the sweet potatoes, then cut them into even cubes for even cooking.

2. Boil Until Fork Tender

• Place the sweet potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water by about an inch.
• Stir in 1 tablespoon of salt, bring to a boil, then reduce to medium-low heat for a gentle simmer.
• Cook for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork tender.

3. Drain & Dry the Potatoes

• Drain the potatoes well, then return them to the pot.
• Let them sit over medium-low heat for about a minute to evaporate excess moisture.

4. Add the Flavor Boosters

• Stir in the melted butter, honey, milk, salt, pepper, orange juice, orange zest, and thyme.
• Let everything warm for about a minute to let the flavors meld.

5. Mash Until Smooth & Creamy

• Use a hand mixer for an ultra-smooth texture or a wooden spoon for a more rustic mash.
• Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

6. Serve & Enjoy

Transfer to a serving bowl, garnish with a little fresh thyme, and serve warm.

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Chef Secrets & Tips

• Don’t Skip the Drying Step – Extra moisture can lead to a gluey texture. Letting the potatoes dry for a minute ensures a silky smooth texture.
• Use Heavy Cream for Extra Richness – Swap out the little whole milk for coconut milk or heavy cream for an even creamier result.
• Balance the Sweetness – Prefer a more savory side? Reduce the honey and add an extra pinch of salt.
• Make It Ahead – This dish reheats beautifully. Just store it in an airtight container and warm it over low heat with a splash of milk.

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Serving Suggestions

• Pair with savory meats – Perfect alongside Grilled Salmon, Meatloaf, Pan Roasted Chicken, Braised Beef Short Ribs, or a Thanksgiving Turkey.
• Add some crunch – Sprinkle toasted pecans or walnuts on top for extra texture.
• Brighten it up – A little browned butter drizzled on top adds even more depth of flavor.

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Storage & Reheating Tips

• Store in an Airtight Container – Keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Reheat on Medium-Low Heat – Stir in a splash of milk or cream and warm gently on the stovetop.
• Freeze for Later – Portion into freezer-safe bags and thaw before reheating.

This mashed sweet potato recipe is simple, cozy, and packed with flavor. Whether it’s a holiday meal or just a regular Tuesday night, it’s the kind of side dish that makes everything feel a little more special. The natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes, the bright citrus, and the depth of the thyme make this one of my favorite recipes to whip up whenever I need a comforting but fresh-tasting side.

So, if you’re looking for the best mashed sweet potatoes to shake up your holiday table or just want an easy recipe for weeknight dinners, give this one a go. And if you’ve got a favorite way to make sweet potato mash, I’d love to hear about it—drop a comment below, and let’s talk taters!

More Potato Recipes

If you love this mashed sweet potato recipe, there’s a good chance you’re a fan of all things potato. Whether you’re craving something creamy, crispy, or downright indulgent, here are a few more ways to enjoy everyone’s favorite comfort food.