Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Pears

Elevate your side dish game with this irresistible recipe for Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Pears—a harmonious blend of creamy, buttery sweet potatoes and tender, caramelized pears. This unique twist on traditional mashed potatoes balances natural sweetness with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, creating a cozy, autumn-inspired dish perfect for holiday dinners or weeknight meals. The addition of ripe yet firm pears adds an unexpected fruity flair, while a touch of optional honey enhances the flavor profile for just the right amount of sweetness. Ready in just 45 minutes and with a creamy texture that's easy to customize, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that pairs beautifully with roasted meats or can shine as a vegetarian centerpiece.

Nutriscore Rating: 73/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 pounds sweet potatoes
• 2 pears (ripe but firm)
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup milk (or cream)
• 0.5 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 0.25 teaspoons ground nutmeg
• 0.5 teaspoons salt
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into 1-inch cubes.

Step 2

Place the sweet potatoes in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Add a pinch of salt and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.

Step 3

While the sweet potatoes are cooking, peel, core, and dice the pears into small pieces.

Step 4

Once the water is boiling, reduce the heat to medium and simmer the sweet potatoes for 15-20 minutes, or until fork-tender.

Step 5

In a medium saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the diced pears and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pears are soft and fragrant.

Step 6

Drain the cooked sweet potatoes and return them to the pot. Add the remaining butter, milk (or cream), cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and honey (if using).

Step 7

Using a potato masher or hand mixer, mash the sweet potatoes until smooth and creamy. Adjust the milk to achieve desired consistency.

Step 8

Gently fold in the cooked pears, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the mashed sweet potatoes.

Step 9

Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, cinnamon, or honey as needed.

Step 10

Serve warm as a side dish, garnished with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon or a pat of butter if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1575.1 grams (1575.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1484

Total Fat 39.90g	51%
Saturated Fat 22.30g	112%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.10g
Cholesterol 119mg	40%
Sodium 2003mg	87%
Total Carbohydrate 268.80g	98%
Dietary Fiber 40.00g	143%
Total Sugars 104.40g
Protein 23.40g	47%

Vitamin D 131IU	653%
Calcium 633mg	49%
Iron 7mg	39%
Potassium 806mg	17%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 23.5%

Protein: 6.1%

Carbs: 70.4%