Mashed Sweet Potatoes With Orange Juice and Cranberries Recipe

By
Katie Workman
Katie Workman
Award-winning food writer, blogger, and author of two cookbooks. She frequently appears on broadcast media sharing her expertise.
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Updated on 11/15/22
Mashed sweet potatoes with orange juice and cranberries

The Spruce Eats / Nita West

Prep: 10 mins
Cook: 35 mins
Total: 45 mins
Servings: 8 servings
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
204 Calories
5g Fat
38g Carbs
4g Protein
Show Full Nutrition Label Hide Full Nutrition Label
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 8
Amount per serving
Calories 204
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 5g 6%
Saturated Fat 3g 15%
Cholesterol 12mg 4%
Sodium 105mg 5%
Total Carbohydrate 38g 14%
Dietary Fiber 6g 22%
Total Sugars 12g
Protein 4g
Vitamin C 37mg 186%
Calcium 76mg 6%
Iron 1mg 7%
Potassium 838mg 18%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

Searching for new sides for the holidays? This dish not only has make-ahead appeal, but it’s downright beautiful, with the burst of red cranberries against the backdrop of stunning orange.

In general, mashed potatoes are a go-to staple in many households. However, there is something a little extra special about a mashed sweet potato dish that just makes the table that much more beautiful and festive. This dish is perfect for the holiday season and would complement many entrees and a variety of side dishes. This recipe is a true crowd-pleaser!

While, these mashed potatoes would easily fit into your holiday dinner plan, you should also consider serving this side with a hearty main dish on a non-holiday day. Try Maple Glazed Pork Loin, Spinach and Feta Stuffed Chicken Thighs, or Grilled Prosciutto Wrapped Pork Chops. And almost any not-as-sweet vegetable recipe will complement the creamy sweetness in the potato. it's also great paired with Colorful Autumn Salad, Traditional Sauteed Mushrooms, or Creamed Kale. 

Ingredients

  • Coarse or kosher salt, to taste

  • 3 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed

  • 2 tablespoons orange juice

  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter

  • 1/4 cup whole milk

  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

  • 1 cup frozen cranberries, defrosted and coarsely chopped

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

    Ingredients for mashed sweet potatoes with orange juice and cranberries
    The Spruce Eats / Nita West

  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the potatoes and allow the water to return to a simmer. Adjust the heat so the water remains at a simmer and simmer until the sweet potatoes are very soft, 20 to 25 minutes.

    Bring water to boil
    The Spruce Eats / Nita West

  3. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Use an immersion blender or a potato masher to mash the potatoes. Alternately, put the potatoes through a ricer or a food mill, allowing the mashed potatoes to fall back into the pot.

    Drain potatoes
    The Spruce Eats / Nita West

  4. Add the orange juice, butter, milk, salt, and pepper and stir to thoroughly combine and heat through.

    Add orange juice
    The Spruce Eats / Nita West

  5. Transfer to a serving dish and sprinkle with the chopped cranberries.

    Transfer to a serving dish
    The Spruce Eats / Nita West

  6. Serve hot and enjoy!

    Serve
    The Spruce Eats / Nita West

Tip

  • Make the potatoes up to 2 days ahead of time and store in an airtight container in the fridge. Heat in a pot over low heat, stirring frequently, until warmed thorough, or alternately in a 300 F oven, stirring occasionally. You may need to add a bit of extra milk or orange juice if the potatoes are too thick. Scatter the cranberries or the pomegranate seeds over the top just before serving.

Recipe Variations

  • Use defrosted frozen pomegranate seeds in place of the chopped, defrosted frozen cranberries for another ruby red sweet tart burst of color and flavor.
  • If you want an even more pronounced orange flavor, add 1 teaspoon of orange zest when you add the juice and other ingredients.