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Home » Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Orange & Thyme

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Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Orange & Thyme

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Creamy mashed sweet potatoes with orange and 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.


Creamy mashed sweet potatoes with orange and thyme.

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.

Creamy mashed sweet potatoes with orange and thyme.

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.

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.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Sweet Potatoes

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

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.
Sweet potatoes in a Dutch oven covered with water.
Sweet potatoes boiling in water.

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.
Cooked sweet potatoes drained.

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.
Melted butter and whole milk added to the sweet potatoes
Fresh thyme, salt, and pepper added to the sweet potatoes.

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.
Using a hand mixer to whip the sweet potato mixture.
Mashing the sweet potatoes with a hand mixer.
Creamy mashed sweet potatoes with orange and thyme.

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.

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.

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!

Creamy mashed sweet potatoes with orange and thyme.

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.

homestyle-mashed-potatoes-recipe

Homestyle Mashed Potatoes – Buttery, fluffy, and loaded with rich, creamy goodness, these classic mashed potatoes are the ultimate side dish for any meal.

Sweet Potato and Apple Bake | JenniferCooks.com

Sweet Potato and Apple Bake – A potluck favorite that gets eaten up fast! This sweet side dish is good enough to pass as a dessert, layering tender sweet potatoes with spiced apples and gooey marshmallows.

Twice-Baked-Potatoes

Twice Baked Potatoes – Crispy potato skins filled with a velvety mash of cheese, sour cream, and bacon—because one bake just isn’t enough.

Grilled Smashed Potatoes with Garlic and Rosemary – Smoky, crispy on the outside, and packed with flavor, these grilled potatoes are smashed and finished with fragrant garlic and rosemary.

Sweet Potato Casserole with Praline Streusel Topping | JenniferCooks.com

Sweet Potato Casserole with Praline Streusel Topping – A Southern classic, this sweet potato casserole is topped with a crunchy, buttery pecan streusel for the ultimate holiday side.

Crispy Duck Fat Oven Roasted Potatoes – Golden brown, irresistibly crispy, and full of deep, rich flavor, these potatoes are roasted to perfection in luxurious duck fat.


Before You Get Started! If you whip up this recipe, I’d love to hear what you think! Leave a review and rating to let me know how it turned out. Your feedback helps keep the kitchen running and allows me to keep sharing free recipes with y’all!


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Creamy mashed sweet potatoes with orange and thyme.

Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Orange & Thyme

Creamy, buttery, and perfectly balanced with bright orange zest and savory thyme, this mashed sweet potato recipe is an easy, flavor-packed side for weeknight dinners or holiday feasts alike!
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Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Fall recipes, gluten free friendly, holiday side dishes, Thanksgiving, Weeknight Dinner
Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 312kcal
Author: Jennifer Locklin

Equipment

  • Large Saucepan
  • Colander
  • Hand Mixer or Potato Masher
  • Microplane
  • Large Serving Bowl

Ingredients

  • 4 medium-sized sweet potatoes
  • 6 tablespoons salted butter
  • ⅓ cup honey
  • ½ cup whole milk or heavy cream for richer potatoes
  • 1½ teaspoons kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest
  • 1 medium navel orange juiced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves roughly chopped
Get Recipe Ingredients

Instructions

Prepare the Sweet Potatoes

  • Peel the sweet potatoes and rinse them under cool water.
  • Cut them into evenly sized cubes for even cooking.

Boil the Sweet Potatoes

  • Place the cubed sweet potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water by about 1 inch.
  • Stir in 1 tablespoon of salt.
  • Bring the water to a boil over high heat.
  • Reduce the heat to a gentle boil and cook for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.

Drain and Dry the Potatoes

  • Drain the cooked potatoes well.
  • Return them to the pot and set over medium-high heat.
  • Let any excess water evaporate for about 1 to 2 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.

Add the Flavorings

  • Remove the pot from heat.
  • Stir in the butter, honey, milk, salt, pepper, orange juice, orange zest, and thyme.
  • Let the mixture warm for about 1 minute, allowing the butter to melt.

Mash the Potatoes

  • Using an electric mixer or potato masher, mash the sweet potatoes until smooth and creamy.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Serve

  • Transfer to a serving bowl and garnish with additional fresh thyme.
  • Serve warm.

Notes

Ingredient Swaps:
  • Honey substitute: Maple syrup or brown sugar for a different sweetness profile.
  • Milk alternative: Use heavy cream for extra richness or unsweetened almond milk for a dairy-free option.
  • Butter substitute: Unsalted butter with an added pinch of salt, or use coconut oil for a non-dairy version.
  • Orange juice & zest alternative: Lemon juice and zest can work in a pinch, though it will have a tangier flavor.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 serving | Calories: 312kcal | Carbohydrates: 50g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.5g | Cholesterol: 33mg | Sodium: 763mg | Potassium: 596mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 25g | Vitamin A: 21836IU | Vitamin C: 19mg | Calcium: 88mg | Iron: 1mg

*Nutrition information is automatically calculated based on ingredient data and should be considered an estimate. When multiple ingredient options are provided, the first listed is used for calculation. Optional ingredients and garnishes are not included in the nutrition analysis.

Did you make this recipe? Tag @jennifercooks123 on Instagram and hashtag it #jennifercooks so we can see all the deliciousness!

Filed Under: Potatoes, Side Dish Tagged With: Comfort Food, Side Dish

About Jennifer

I’m Jennifer Locklin, author and owner of Jennifer Cooks. I am a trained chef and passionate about good food, cooking for family and friends, and creating recipes that form lasting memories from one generation to the next. I hope you find inspiration for cooking and creating here!

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Hello! I'm Jennifer Locklin, the creator of Jennifer Cooks. Cooking is a cherished tradition passed down in my family, deeply rooted in love and shared experiences.

My blog showcases tried-and-true recipes that promise to turn your cooking into memorable moments.

More about me →


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