Chipotle Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Looking for a side dish that will completely wow your taste buds? These Chipotle Mashed Sweet Potatoes are absolutely dreamy—ultra-creamy and perfectly smoky with just the right kick of spice. Every bite is rich, buttery, and laced with a subtle chipotle heat that makes classic mashed sweet potatoes even more irresistible.

This is the ultimate crowd-pleaser: boldly flavored, silky smooth, and made in under an hour. Whether you’re spicing up your weeknight dinner or looking for a standout dish for Thanksgiving, these mashed sweet potatoes will steal the show!

I first made these after tasting a chipotle sweet potato purée at a friend's holiday gathering, and I’ve been hooked ever since. It’s now a must-have on our family table!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Easy and fast—ready in just 40 minutes
• Smoky-sweet flavor that stands out from basic mashed potatoes
• Perfect for the holidays or any cozy weeknight meal
• Naturally gluten-free and easy to make plant-based
• Makes boring sides exciting with just a few easy ingredients

Key Ingredients for Chipotle Mashed Sweet Potatoes

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Sweet Potatoes

The star of the show! Sweet potatoes bring natural sweetness and a creamy, velvety texture to the mash. For best results, peel and cut them into evenly sized cubes so they cook quickly and evenly. Choose firm, deep orange potatoes for maximum flavor. You can swap in yams or use a mix of sweet potato varieties for a slightly different texture.

Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce

This is what adds the smoky depth and spicy warmth! Blend one or two peppers with a little adobo sauce for control over the heat level. Start small—you can always add more for extra kick. If you can’t find canned chipotles, try 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika or a splash of your favorite hot sauce for smokiness.

Butter

Butter adds rich flavor and lush creaminess to the potatoes. You can use unsalted or salted butter; just adjust the added salt to taste. For a dairy-free or vegan version, swap in plant-based butter or olive oil.

Milk or Cream

This makes your sweet potatoes extra smooth and luscious. Whole milk, cream, half-and-half, or even unsweetened almond milk all work well. Go ultra-indulgent with heavy cream, or keep it lighter with your favorite non-dairy milk.

Lime Juice

A splash of lime juice brightens up the potatoes and balances out the sweetness and spice. Fresh is best, but bottled works in a pinch. You could sub lemon juice if needed, but lime really complements the smoky chipotle flavor.

Instructions for Chipotle Mashed Sweet Potatoes

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Boil the Sweet Potatoes

Peel and chop your sweet potatoes into 1-inch cubes for faster cooking. Add them to a large pot, cover with cold water, and bring to a boil. Simmer for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until fork-tender.

Drain and Steam Off Excess Water

Carefully drain the cooked sweet potatoes in a colander. Return them to the hot pot and let them sit uncovered for 2 minutes. This blasts off excess moisture and keeps your mash thick, not watery.

Mash until Creamy

Add the butter to the hot potatoes and mash until mostly smooth. Mix in the milk a little at a time until you reach your desired creaminess.

Stir in Chipotle and Flavors

Stir in the chopped chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, lime juice, salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust: add more chipotle for spice, or a little extra milk for an ultra-smooth mash.

Finish and Serve

Spoon the mashed sweet potatoes into a serving bowl. Sprinkle on fresh chopped cilantro or extra chipotle for garnish. Serve hot and watch them disappear!

Recipe Variations

Make It Vegan

For a fully plant-based version, use vegan butter or olive oil and swap in unsweetened almond or oat milk. The result is still wonderfully creamy and flavorful!

Adjust the Heat

If you love spice, use an extra chipotle pepper or more adobo sauce. For a milder mash, start with just one pepper and taste as you go—swap in smoked paprika for flavor without the heat.

Add a Touch of Sweetness

Stir in a tablespoon of maple syrup or honey for a touch of extra sweetness that complements the smoky chipotle.

Extra Silky Potatoes

For ultra-smooth mash, use an immersion blender instead of a hand masher. You can also push the potatoes through a ricer before adding the mix-ins.

Dairy-Free and Gluten-Free

This mash is naturally gluten-free. To make it dairy-free, just use your favorite plant-based butter and milk.

Serving Suggestions

Chipotle Mashed Sweet Potatoes are fantastic alongside grilled chicken, roasted turkey, or barbecued pork. For a hearty vegetarian meal, pair them with black bean tacos or a big green salad. Add chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, or a crumble of feta on top for extra pop!

Storage and Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, microwave in 1-minute bursts, stirring between each, or warm gently on the stove with a splash of milk to loosen. Chipotle mashed sweet potatoes freeze well for up to 2 months—thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chipotle Mashed Sweet Potatoes (FAQ)

Q: Can I make Chipotle Mashed Sweet Potatoes ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can make this dish up to 2 days in advance. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk if needed.

Q: Are chipotle peppers very spicy?
A: Chipotle peppers in adobo are smoky with a moderate heat. Start with one and add more as you like—taste as you go!

Q: Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh?
A: Fresh sweet potatoes yield the best texture and flavor, but in a pinch, you can use canned (drain and rinse well first). Reduce added milk since canned are softer and wetter.

These Chipotle Mashed Sweet Potatoes are a total flavor bomb side dish that’s both easy and unforgettable. Smoky, creamy, and just spicy enough, they’re sure to earn a permanent spot at your family dinners. Give them a try and don’t forget to leave a comment or rating to let me know how you liked them!