Horseradish Mashed Sweet Potatoes | Sweet & Spicy Side Dish

The first time I served these horseradish mashed sweet potatoes at a family dinner, my guests were initially skeptical. “Horseradish and sweet potatoes?” my brother-in-law questioned with raised eyebrows. But after that first tentative bite, the table fell silent. It was that magical moment when everyone is too busy enjoying their food to speak.

The magic of this dish lies in its perfect balance. The potatoes’ natural sweetness creates a beautiful canvas for the sharp, spicy notes of horseradish. It’s sophisticated enough for a holiday table yet simple enough for a weeknight meal. This side dish particularly shines alongside roasted meats, where the zesty kick provides a perfect counterpoint to rich, savory flavors.

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Why This Recipe Works

The brilliant contrast between sweet and spicy is what makes this dish unforgettable. Baking the sweet potatoes instead of boiling them concentrates their flavor and natural sugars while preventing them from becoming waterlogged. The creamy horseradish sauce adds heat and tang without overwhelming the sweet potatoes’ natural flavor. The result is a sophisticated side dish with layers of flavor that evolve with each bite—starting with the potatoes’ familiar sweetness before revealing horseradish’s surprising warmth at the finish.

Ingredients

• Salt – Enhances all flavors and creates depth
• Sweet potatoes – Provides naturally sweet, earthy flavor and creamy texture when mashed.
• Melted butter – Adds richness and helps create a silky, smooth consistency
• Horseradish sauce – Delivers a spicy kick that perfectly balances the sweetness

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Thoroughly wash and scrub the sweet potatoes under running water to remove dirt.
3. Place the clean sweet potatoes on a baking sheet, leaving some space between each potato.
4. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 1 hour. Cooking time may vary depending on the size of your potatoes.
5. To check for doneness, insert a fork into the thickest part of the potatoes—it should slide in easily and without resistance.
6. Remove the potatoes from the oven and allow them to cool until you can comfortably handle them, about 10-15 minutes.
7. Once cooled slightly, peel the skin off the sweet potatoes. The skin should slip off easily after baking.
8. Place the peeled sweet potatoes in a mixing bowl or the bowl of your stand mixer.
9. Add the melted butter, horseradish sauce, and salt to the potatoes.
10. Mix on medium speed until the potatoes are smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes. Stop to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
11. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
12. Transfer to a serving dish and serve warm, topped with additional melted butter if desired.

Chef’s Notes

For the best texture, don’t overmix the potatoes—stop when they’re smooth but before they become gluey. If you prefer a chunkier texture mash by hand instead of using an electric mixer. To give the dish a more elegant presentation, transfer the finished potatoes to a serving dish and create swirls on top with the back of a spoon. Then drizzle with melted butter and sprinkle with a touch of fresh herbs like thyme or chives.

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days
• Freezer: These potatoes freeze well for up to 1 month
• Reheating: Warm in a 350°F oven, covered, for about 20 minutes or microwave until heated through, adding a splash of milk or butter if they seem dry

Horseradish Mashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe

Creamy sweet potatoes with a surprising kick of horseradish. It is the perfect balance of sweet and spicy for a unique side dish that pairs beautifully with roasted meats.

5 from 2 votes

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Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Horseradish Mashed Sweet Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour hour

Total Time: 1 hour hour 5 minutes minutes

Servings: 8

Calories: 126kcal

Author: Stephanie Manley

Ingredients

• 2 pounds sweet potatoes
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1/4 cup Horseradish sauce
• 1 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place washed and scrubbed sweet potatoes on a baking sheet. Bake potatoes for approximately 1 hour. The potatoes are done when a fork pierces through the potatoes. When potatoes have cool enough to handle, peel potatoes and place in a mixer. Add melted butter, horseradish sauce, and salt to the potatoes. Mix potatoes until smooth and creamy. Serve with additional melted butter if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 126kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 7mg | Sodium: 118mg | Potassium: 400mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 16175IU | Vitamin C: 4.6mg | Calcium: 38mg | Iron: 0.7mg