Mashed potatoes are the ultimate comfort food, and when you add a touch of sweetness and a creamy finish, they become something truly special. This Creamy Sweet Mashed Potatoes recipe brings together the earthiness of Yukon Golds and the richness of butter and cream with a subtle kiss of brown sugar and vanilla to make every bite feel like a warm hug. Itโs a side dish you can bring to any tableโwhether itโs a holiday feast or a cozy weekday dinner.
These potatoes are so smooth and luscious, youโll forget theyโre made from scratch with just a few simple ingredients. The natural sweetness is balanced perfectly with a creamy, buttery base that melts right in your mouth. And the best part? They come together with very little effort and make any meal feel special.
Why Youโll Love This Creamy Sweet Mashed Potatoes Recipe
This is not your average mashed potatoes recipe. Itโs delightfully creamy and sweet but still savory enough to go alongside your favorite roasts, grilled meats, or vegetarian mains. The addition of heavy cream and vanilla might seem surprising at first, but they blend beautifully to create a flavor profile thatโs both familiar and fresh. The smooth, whipped texture is another winโno lumps, just pure velvet.
Can I Use Sweet Potatoes Instead?
Absolutely! If you prefer using sweet potatoes, you can easily substitute them in this recipe. The vanilla and brown sugar will complement their natural sweetness even more. Just be sure to reduce the sugar a bit if your sweet potatoes are very sweet on their own. Yukon Golds, however, offer a unique buttery texture that balances savory and sweet elements effortlessly.
Ingredients for the Creamy Sweet Mashed Potatoes
When it comes to mashed potatoes, the ingredients are few, but each one plays an important role. Hereโs what youโll need and why they matter.
- Yukon Gold potatoes: Their buttery flavor and creamy texture make them perfect for this dish.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and that silky mouthfeel everyone loves.
- Heavy cream: Creates an ultra-smooth consistency and enhances the luxurious taste.
- Whole milk: Helps to thin the mash slightly without compromising creaminess.
- Brown sugar: Offers a gentle sweetness that deepens the flavor.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a unique twist, giving the potatoes a dessert-like warmth without being overpowering.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out all the flavors.


How To Make the Creamy Sweet Mashed Potatoes
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
Peel and cube your Yukon Gold potatoes into even chunks. This ensures they cook evenly and makes mashing easier later on.
Step 2: Boil Until Tender
Place the potatoes in a large pot, cover with cold water, and add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for about 15 minutes or until fork-tender.
Step 3: Drain and Dry
Drain the cooked potatoes well and return them to the hot pot. Let them sit for a couple of minutes to steam off excess moisture.
Step 4: Mash to Perfection
Using a potato masher or hand mixer, mash the potatoes until smooth. Add the butter, then slowly pour in the warm cream and milk mixture. Keep mixing until the texture is airy and silky.
Step 5: Sweeten and Flavor
Stir in the brown sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix well until everything is fully combined and the potatoes are fluffy and fragrant.
Step 6: Serve Warm
Spoon the creamy mash into a serving dish and top with an extra pat of butter if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy every luxurious bite.
Serving and Storing These Creamy Sweet Mashed Potatoes
This recipe serves about 6 people, making it ideal for family dinners or small gatherings. They pair beautifully with both savory and sweet holiday dishes, and the leftovers are just as good the next day.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, place them in a saucepan over low heat, stirring in a splash of milk or cream to bring back the creamy texture. They can also be microwaved in short bursts, stirring between each one.
What to Serve With Creamy Sweet Mashed Potatoes?
Herb-Roasted Chicken
The savory herbs and juicy meat contrast beautifully with the creamy sweetness of the potatoes.
Honey Glazed Carrots
Double down on sweet and buttery with a vibrant veggie side.
Classic Meatloaf
Old-school comfort food meets a modern mashed upgrade.
Green Bean Almondine
For a fresh and crunchy bite to round out your plate.
Maple-Glazed Ham
These potatoes were made for hamโthe sweet and salty combo is pure heaven.
Garlic Butter Shrimp
Add some seafood flair with this rich and buttery protein.
Crispy Tofu
Great vegetarian pairing with some texture to balance the creaminess.
Buttery Dinner Rolls
Because every good mashed potato moment needs some bread to scoop it up.
Want More Side Dish Ideas?
If youโre into creamy and cozy sides, check out these other comfort-loving favorites:
- Loaded Scalloped Potatoes for cheesy, crispy-layered bliss.
- Baked Potatoes in Foil with Parmesan Ranch Sauce if youโre all about bold flavor.
- Cheesy Brussels Sprout Bake for a gooey veggie-packed addition.
- Southern Cornbread Poppers when you want something fun and a little spicy.
- Roasted Broccoli and Carrots for balance and color.
Save This Recipe For Later
๐ Save this recipe to your Pinterest side dish board so you can come back to it any time.
Iโd love to hear how it turned out for you. Did you lean more sweet or savory? Add some cinnamon or try it with maple syrup? Share your version in the comments below!
Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks on Mia Recipes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for feeling great!

Creamy Sweet Mashed Potatoes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Creamy Sweet Mashed Potatoes made with Yukon Golds, butter, cream, and a touch of brown sugar and vanilla for the ultimate sweet-savory side dish. Perfect for holidays or cozy dinners, this smooth and velvety mash is a must-have comfort food. Keywords include sweet mashed potatoes, creamy mashed potatoes, holiday side dishes, and butter mashed potatoes.
Ingredients
2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup whole milk
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
1. Peel and cube the Yukon Gold potatoes into even chunks.
2. Place them in a pot, cover with cold water, and add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil.
3. Reduce to a simmer and cook for about 15 minutes, until fork-tender.
4. Drain and return the potatoes to the pot. Let them sit for a couple of minutes to release steam.
5. Mash the potatoes until smooth using a masher or hand mixer.
6. Add the butter and mix until melted and combined.
7. Slowly add the warmed cream and milk, continuing to mix until the texture is silky.
8. Stir in the brown sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix well until fully incorporated.
9. Transfer to a serving dish, add a pat of butter on top if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
This recipe is best with Yukon Gold potatoes due to their natural buttery texture.
You can reduce the brown sugar if your preference leans less sweet.
Warming the milk and cream before adding helps keep the mash smooth and hot.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Boiling and Mashing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 370mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg


