Spicy sweet potato mash is the Thanksgiving-table favorite that tastes like fall in a bowl. Roasted sweet potatoes smash fluffy with coconut butter, then stir with honey, chili powder, cayenne, and warm ginger for a sweet-and-spicy medley. Simple, festive, and impossible to stop eating.
Spicy Sweet Potato Mash
This Spicy Sweet Potato Mash is an irresistible side dish that is perfect for the fall! There is a medley of flavors in this super simple dish, and they all blend together to create a sweet and spicy addition to any meal. This is a family favorite during Thanksgiving dinner, as the honey and spices mix so well with the sweet potato. If you’d like a whipped version of this recipe with fewer clumps, blend the roasted sweet potato in a food processor or with a handheld mixer.
Serves 4–6
4–5 large sweet potatoes, pierced and roasted until soft
2 tablespoons (30 ml) coconut butter
2 tablespoons (30 ml) raw organic honey
1 tablespoon (15 ml) chili powder
1 tablespoon (15 ml) cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon (5 ml) sea salt
1 teaspoon (5 ml) ground ginger
1⁄2 teaspoon (10 ml) black pepper
1⁄2 teaspoon (10 ml) cumin
- Peel and cube the roasted sweet potatoes, place in a large bowl with coconut butter, and smash until fluffy.
- Add the remaining ingredients, and stir until fully combined. Enjoy!
Pro Tips
- Roast the sweet potatoes whole, pierced, until soft — roasted flesh is sweeter and drier than boiled, which keeps the mash fluffy rather than gluey.
- Peel and cube them only after roasting, then smash with the coconut butter while they're still hot for the smoothest texture.
- A full tablespoon of cayenne is a serious amount — mash first, then add the spices gradually so you can tune the heat to your table.
- For a whipped version with fewer clumps, blend the roasted sweet potato in a food processor or with a handheld mixer before spicing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this mash ahead?
Yes — reheat it gently with a splash of water or extra coconut butter to bring back the creaminess before serving.
How spicy is it?
With a tablespoon each of chili powder and cayenne it's properly spicy, balanced by the honey and sweet potato. Scale the cayenne down for a milder holiday side.
Is spicy sweet potato mash paleo?
Yes — it's sweetened with raw honey and enriched with coconut butter, with no dairy anywhere in the bowl.
How many does it serve?
Four to six as a generous side dish — perfect alongside roast turkey or grilled meats.
Recipe Card
Ingredients
Method
- Peel and cube the roasted sweet potatoes, place in a large bowl with coconut butter, and smash until fluffy.
- Add the remaining ingredients, and stir until fully combined.
- Enjoy!
