Mashed Purple Sweet Potatoes

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Tired of boring mashed potatoes? This purple mashed potatoes recipe offers vibrant color, creamy texture, and complex carbohydrates, making it the perfect side dish for holidays, meal prep, fall dinners or everyday dinners.

Mashed Purple Sweet Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are comforting and classic, but let’s be honest, they’re not exactly exciting. Purple mashed potatoes, though? Now that’s a dish that turns heads. With their bold, vibrant color and naturally sweet, nutty flavor, they transform your average mash into something that looks gourmet, tastes incredible, and supports your health in the process.

Whether you’re prepping for holiday dinners, Sunday meal prep, or simply want to impress your guests, this recipe adds a colorful twist to the table. Interested in other side dishes? Check out my 20 Fall Side Dishes Recipes.

The first time I saw purple sweet potatoes at the farmers’ market, I thought they looked more like something from an art project than a vegetable bin. But I’m always up for a culinary experiment, so I grabbed a few and brought them home. I boiled them, mashed them, and added a little coconut milk and butter. The result? A creamy, rich mash with the most stunning color I’d ever seen.

Since that day, they’ve been in my regular rotation. I now look forward to fall and winter just so I can stock up at the grocery store or local market. It’s the only thing I’ll mash with as much excitement as I did the first time.

As a chef and nutrition consultant, I love finding ways to merge nourishment with culinary creativity, and purple mashed potatoes do just that beautifully. I appreciate their naturally creamy texture and how easily they adapt to both sweet and savory applications. I’m all about the nutritional power they bring to the table, especially for women looking to support hormonal health, energy levels, and immunity.

Purple sweet potatoes are rich in antioxidants that support heart health and reduce inflammation, both of which are essential for women in perimenopause and beyond. And bonus: they look gorgeous on the plate.

If you love exploring new sides, you might also enjoy a Creamy Purple Sweet Potato Soup that brings out their best qualities in another delicious way.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Creamy, flavorful, and naturally sweet
• Full of antioxidants and vitamin C
• A great alternative to regular mashed potatoes
• Ideal for special occasions and everyday meals alike
• Easy to make dairy-free, vegan, or Whole30
• Makes meal prep more exciting (and colorful!)
• Pairs with everything from roasted veggies to vegan meatballs

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Ingredient Substitutions

• Use vegan butter, olive oil, or coconut oil in place of regular butter.
• Swap coconut milk with almond milk, oat milk, or coconut cream.
• For a richer mash, stir in a little cream cheese or sour cream.
• Want a slightly sweet twist? Add a drizzle of maple syrup.
• Garlic powder or onion powder can add a savory boost without extra prep.

Health Benefits (Especially for Women’s Health)

• Purple sweet potatoes are more than just a pretty vegetable. They’re loaded with anthocyanins—powerful antioxidants that support heart health, help lower inflammation, and protect against chronic disease. They also aid in reducing oxidative stress, which can be especially important for women balancing hormones and supporting the immune system. Curious about how antioxidants work in your favorite tubers? Explore more about their benefits in my nourishing collection of Fall body nourishment tips designed to give your routine an easy wellness boost.
• They’re high in vitamin C, which helps with collagen production and immunity, and rich in potassium and fiber—both of which promote healthy digestion and steady energy. Unlike regular russet or white potatoes, they’re lower on the glycemic index and may help balance blood sugar, making them ideal for those watching energy dips or managing hormone fluctuations.

Chef Angie’s Tips

• To retain the vibrant purple color, avoid overcooking. Steam instead of boil if possible.
• Always start cooking your potatoes in cold water for even texture.
• Don’t be afraid to leave the skins on for more fiber and rustic charm.
• Use a potato ricer for a super-smooth mash, or opt for a handheld masher for a more textured feel.
• Add a splash of warm plant-based milk if your mash thickens while sitting.
• Reheat leftovers gently over low heat, adding a bit of liquid to bring them back to life.

Ways To Serve

• As a bold side dish for roasted meats, stews, or plant-based proteins
• Topped with crispy shallots, garlic chips, or a swirl of olive oil
• Paired with eggplant steak, grilled tofu, or lentil loaf
• Served under a generous spoonful of vegan mushroom gravy
• Alongside green beans, purple cauliflower, or roasted carrots for a colorful plate
• Dolloped onto a plate with holiday fare like roasted turkey or root vegetable stew
• With salads
• For more comforting dishes with a wholesome twist, browse my favorite healthy soup recipes.

If you enjoy creative flavor twists in your sides, check out these best fall side dishes for inspiration.

Storage

Store leftover purple mashed potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat over low heat on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of milk or water.

You can freeze them, though the texture may be slightly less creamy when thawed. If you do freeze, reheat slowly and stir well to regain smoothness.

Equipment

• Large pot or medium pot
• Potato masher, or potato ricer
• Small saucepan for warming butter or milk

FAQ

Are purple mashed potatoes healthier than white or russet potatoes?

Yes! Purple potatoes contain more antioxidants, particularly anthocyanins, which support immune function and cardiovascular health.

Can I make these dairy-free?

Absolutely. Use vegan butter, olive oil, and any plant-based milk such as almond, oat, or coconut milk.

Where do I buy purple sweet potatoes?

You’ll often find them at Whole Foods, farmers’ markets, or in well-stocked grocery stores during fall and winter.

What’s the difference between purple sweet potatoes and purple yams?

They’re very similar. Both have deep color and slightly sweet flavor, but sweet potatoes are a bit creamier and less starchy.

Can I serve this at holiday dinners?

Yes! It’s one of my favorite holiday recipes. The color alone makes it a festive addition to your table.

You’ll find more inspiration for center-of-the-plate veggie dishes in my collection of Top 10 Thanksgiving side dishes, which often double as vegetarian main courses when you pile your plate high!

Whether it’s your first time cooking with purple sweet potatoes or you’ve been using them for years, this dish is a celebration of color, comfort, and nutrition. Purple mashed potatoes are one of the best ways to upgrade your usual sides, especially when you want something that tastes as good as it looks.

Give it a try—and get ready for compliments at your next dinner table gathering.

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