Mashed sweet potatoes are a delicious and nutritious side dish that can be served with any meal. These garlic flavored, savory mashed sweet potatoes are simple to make.
They are perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner, but are also perfect for a Halloween dinner menu!
For more amazing Halloween Party treats see our Mummy Brownies, Mummy Pigs in a Blanket, Halloween Snack Mix, Monster Cookie Truffles, Halloween Sugar Sprinkle Cookies, Brain Jello, and Reeses Peanut Butter Cookies. Your party guest will have a spooky time at your Halloween table!

Why you will love this recipe
Savory mashed sweet potatoes are a delicious, nutritious addition to any meal. They're perfect for winter holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas, but they can be enjoyed all year round. Here are five reasons why mashed sweet potatoes are great:
- They're loaded with vitamins A and C.
- They're packed with antioxidants.
- They have a high fiber content.
- They taste great!
- They're versatile - they can be eaten as a side dish or added to recipes like chili or soup.
So next time you need a quick and easy side dish, give mashed sweet potatoes a try!
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Ingredients
Canned sweet potatoes make this savory side dish ready in less than 20 minutes. Saute the garlic and fresh thyme to add when mashing or whipping for the ultimate flavor.

- Canned Sweet Potatoes - one 40 oz can or 6 fresh sweet potatoes steamed and peeled.
- Garlic, minced
- Fresh Thyme, minced
- Parmesan Cheese
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Olive oil
- Butter
Full ingredient amounts and preparation instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
How to make Savory Mashed Sweet Potatoes
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Step 1. Saute the Garlic
Mince the garlic and saute it in a skillet with olive oil. Mince the fresh thyme and add it last, taking the skillet off the burner. Let the garlic and thyme infuse in the oil while you prepare the sweet potatoes.

Full ingredient amounts and preparation instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Step 2. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
Open and drain the liquid off the sweet potatoes. If you used fresh steamed sweet potatoes, slice the potatoes lengthwise and scoop out the soft flesh into a bowl.
Add the sauteed olive oil and thyme to the bowl of sweet potatoes.

Full ingredient amounts and preparation instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Step 3. Mash and Season
Using a hand mixer or a potato masher, mash the sweet potatoes, garlic mixture, and Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy. Add butter, salt, and pepper to taste. Garnish with Parmesan cheese and some fresh thyme and serve.

Full ingredient amounts and preparation instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these savory mashed sweet potatoes just as they are, or pair them up with our Sweet and Sour Bat Wings and Halloween 7 Layer Dip for a savory Halloween Party menu or buffet spread.
For more amazing Halloween Party treats see our Mummy Brownies, Mummy Pigs in a Blanket, Halloween Snack Mix, Monster Cookie Truffles, and Reeses Peanut Butter Cookies. Your party guest will have a spooky time at your Halloween table!

Equipment
Equipment can have a big impact on how a recipe turns out. Stone bakeware takes longer to heat up than metal pans, and also retain heat for longer, which could make the recipe more watery, or burnt on the outsides. Here are a couple tools you will need to make this dish.
Storage
Cover any leftovers and store in your refrigerator up to 3 days.
Tips for Success
- If using canned sweet potatoes, be sure to drain them well.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, absolutely! These freeze well. Bring to room temp or defrost overnight in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
You can, just either steam or bake them first, scrape them out of their skins, and whip or mash!
Food safety
- Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
- Wash hands after touching raw meat
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
- Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
See more guidelines at USDA.gov.
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📖 Recipe
Savory Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Equipment
Ingredients
- 40 oz can sweet potato or 6 fresh sweet potatoes steamed and peeled.
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon thyme, minced
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese save a little for the garnish
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 350° F. Spray a casserole dish with non stick spray. Set aside.
- Heat a small skillet with the olive oil. Add the minced garlic and saute on medium. When brown, remove from heat and add the minced fresh thyme. Let the garlic and thyme infuse the olive oil for a few minutes.6 cloves garlic, minced, 1 teaspoon thyme, minced, 2 tablespoon olive oil
- Open and drain the canned sweet potatoes. If using fresh, peel and scoop the cooked flesh out and put in a bowl.40 oz can sweet potato
- Add the garlic infused olive oil, browned garlic, and the thyme. Using a hand mixer, mix until smooth and creamy.
- Taste and add salt and pepper to taste. Mix well, Add half the Parmesan cheese and mix.1 teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon pepper
- Scoop mashed sweet potatoes into the casserole dish. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on the top and place in the oven for 10 to 15 minutes. Remove and serve!½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Notes
- If using canned sweet potatoes, be sure to drain them well.
- You can use the canned pizza topping type of Parmesan, or fine fresh Parmesan.
Nutrition
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