Copycat Costco Mashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe

4

The Costco Mashed Sweet Potatoes are always on my list. They’re rich, creamy, and perfectly sweet, making them the ultimate comfort food. But what if I told you that you can take this already-delicious dish to a whole new level with just a few tweaks?

How to make Costco Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Costco Mashed Sweet Potatoes is a ready-to-heat side dish sold in the Costco deli or refrigerated section, especially around Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Ingredients

• 4–5 medium sweet potatoes (about 3–4 lbs, peeled and cubed)
• Use fresh sweet potatoes instead of canned to get the right consistency and flavor.
• Butter: 3–4 tbsp (unsalted for better control of flavor; add more to taste).
• Heavy Cream: ½ cup (or substitute with milk or coconut milk for a lighter, dairy-free option).
• Brown Sugar: 1–2 tbsp (adjust based on desired sweetness).
• Maple Syrup: 1–2 tbsp for a warm, rich flavor.
• Cinnamon: ½ tsp for warmth.
• Nutmeg: ¼ tsp for depth (optional).
• Vanilla Extract: 1 tsp for subtle sweetness.
• Salt: ½ tsp to balance flavors.
• Chopped Pecans: For crunch.
• Mini Marshmallows: For a classic casserole vibe.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes

1. Peeling and Cutting: Peel the sweet potatoes, then chop them into evenly sized chunks (about 1–2 inches) for even cooking.
2. Boil the Sweet Potatoes: Place the cubed sweet potatoes in a large pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook for 15–20 minutes, until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender. (You should be able to pierce them easily with a fork.)
3. Drain and Steam: Drain the potatoes and let them sit for 3–5 minutes in the pot with the lid off to allow excess moisture to evaporate. This ensures a smoother mash.

Step 2: Mash the Potatoes

1. Add the Butter: While the sweet potatoes are still warm, add the butter (start with 3 tbsp) and mash using a potato masher or hand mixer until mostly smooth.
2. Incorporate Cream/Milk: Slowly mix in the heavy cream (or milk alternative) while continuing to mash. Add more if you want a lighter or softer consistency.

Step 3: Sweeten and Season

1. Add the Flavor Boosters: Stir in brown sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, and salt. Adjust sweetness and seasonings based on your preference. Taste as you go!
2. Whip (Optional): If you want silky-smooth mashed sweet potatoes, use a hand blender or immersion blender for an extra creamy finish.

Step 4: Reheat or Bake for Serving

If serving immediately, warm the mashed sweet potatoes in the pot over low heat, stirring occasionally, until ready to serve.

1. If preparing in advance, transfer to a baking dish, cover with foil, and reheat in a 350°F oven for 15–20 minutes before serving. You can add toppings like marshmallows or pecans (see optional toppings below) before reheating for added flair.

If you want to elevate your homemade Costco-style mashed sweet potatoes:

1. Classic Marshmallow Topping: Spread the mashed sweet potatoes into a casserole dish, sprinkle mini marshmallows on top, and broil for about 1–2 minutes (watch carefully to avoid burning).
2. Nut Topping: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the top for added texture and nutty richness. You can even drizzle a little maple syrup for extra flavor.
3. Brown Sugar Crumble: Mix 2 tbsp butter, 2 tbsp brown sugar, and 2 tbsp flour into a crumble and scatter over the potatoes before baking.

Tips for Perfect Creamy Costco Mashed Sweet Potatoes

• Choose the Right Sweet Potatoes: Look for orange-fleshed sweet potatoes such as Beauregard or Jewel varieties. These are naturally sweet and creamy, making them ideal for mashing.
• Don’t Overboil: Avoid boiling the sweet potatoes for too long, as they can become waterlogged and affect the texture of the mash.
• Keep Taste Balanced: Sweet potatoes are naturally sweet, so start small when adding sugar or maple syrup, then taste and adjust.
• Adjust Cream Amount: Start with less cream or milk and incrementally add more while mashing to reach your desired consistency.
• For a Savory Twist: Skip the brown sugar and cinnamon for a savory version. Add garlic powder and black pepper instead, and use chicken or vegetable broth instead of cream.
• Make Ahead: Mashed sweet potatoes can be made a day in advance. Store in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.

What to serve with

Costco Mashed Sweet Potatoes are a versatile side dish that perfectly complements many main courses and additional sides.

• Roast Turkey: The natural sweetness of mashed sweet potatoes pairs beautifully with the savory, herb-infused flavors of roast turkey.
• Glazed Ham: The sweet, smoky glaze of a holiday ham complements the creaminess of the mashed sweet potatoes, creating a balanced, flavorful plate.
• Grilled or Roasted Chicken: Simple, herb-roasted chicken allows the sweet potatoes to shine, making for a wholesome, well-rounded meal.

Ingredients Substitutes

We’ll break down the most commonly used ingredients in mashed sweet potato recipes and their best substitutes, ensuring your dish is just as delicious!

1. Butter Substitute

Butter enhances creaminess and richness, but there are plenty of alternatives if you’re looking for dairy-free, plant-based, or healthier options:

• Vegan Butter (1:1): Plant-based butters made from nuts, coconut oil, or olive oil work perfectly. They replicate the richness of traditional butter.
• Coconut Oil (1:1): Great for a slight coconut flavor; ideal for a tropical or unconventional twist.
• Greek Yogurt: Use 2–3 tablespoons of plain Greek yogurt for creaminess with fewer calories.
• Olive Oil, Avocado Oil, or Sunflower Oil (1:1): These oils add a smooth texture but slightly different flavor notes. Olive oil, in particular, adds a savory depth.

2. Cream or Heavy Cream Substitute

Heavy cream or milk is often added for a creamier texture, but it’s easy to swap if you don’t have any on hand or prefer non-dairy alternatives.

• Coconut Milk: Use full-fat canned coconut milk for a rich, creamy consistency and a subtle coconut flavor.
• Almond Milk or Oat Milk: Use unsweetened varieties for a lighter texture and neutral flavor.
• Cashew Milk: Its creamy texture makes it particularly good for this dish.
• Low-Fat Milk: Regular low-fat or skim milk can be used for a lighter version.
• Chicken or Vegetable Broth: For a savory twist, use broth instead of cream, which reduces calories and adds flavor.

3. Sweetener Substitute

If you want to adjust the natural sweetness of the Costco Mashed Sweet Potatoes or prefer sweetening with less sugar, try these alternatives:

• Maple Syrup or Honey (1:1): Both add a subtle, natural sweetness with extra depth of flavor.
• Agave Syrup: A good choice for vegans who don’t prefer honey.
• Stevia or Monk Fruit Sweetener: Perfect if you’re watching your sugar intake; adjust the quantity since these are more potent than sugar.
• Brown Sugar Alternative: For a deeper, caramel flavor. Use light brown sugar or coconut sugar.
• Dates or Date Syrup: Purée dates into a paste or drizzle with date syrup for a natural, rich sweetness.

4. Spices Substitute

Traditional warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg add flavor to sweet potatoes. If you’re out of one spice or want to mix things up:

• Pumpkin Pie Spice: A premade blend that contains cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves is an easy one-to-one swap.
• Cardamom: Adds a sweet and slightly citrusy flavor as a replacement for cinnamon.
• Allspice or Cloves: Both add warmth but use sparingly since they’re more intense.
• Ginger: A great option for a zesty twist.

5. Vanilla Extract Substitute

Vanilla extract often adds a subtle, aromatic sweetness to dishes. If you’re out of it:

• Almond Extract (1/4 tsp): It’s stronger than vanilla, so use sparingly.
• Maple Syrup (1:1): Adds a hint of sweetness with a warm, earthy tone.
• Vanilla Bean Paste: Scrape out a vanilla bean or use vanilla paste for an even richer vanilla flavor profile.

7. Potato Base Substitute

While this is all about enhancing Costco’s Mashed Sweet Potatoes, you can also mix the base if needed.

• Regular Sweet Potatoes (Homemade): If you don’t have Costco’s version, peel, boil, and mash sweet potatoes (about 4–5 medium ones for a Costco tray equivalent). Season to match your preferred taste.
• Mashed Butternut Squash or Pumpkin Purée: For a lighter or slightly less sweet option, these squashes work well as a swap or partial mix-in.

Final Thoughts

By pairing Costco Mashed Sweet Potatoes with these main courses, sides, beverages, and desserts, you’ll not only round out your meal but impress your guests with a well-thought-out and delicious dining experience.

More Recipes:

• Trader Joe’s Chocolate-Covered Gummy Bears Recipe
• Copycat IHOP Dubai Chocolate Pancakes Recipe