Description
This recipe for silky sweet potatoes whipped with goat cheese, topped with pistachios and fresh sage is the ultimate way to elevate a classic dish. The sweet potatoes are blended into a creamy, velvety texture with tangy goat cheese, while toasted pistachios add crunch and nutty flavor. Fresh sage completes the dish with a fragrant, earthy touch, making it perfect for holiday feasts, dinner parties, or simply a comforting side to enjoy at home.
Ingredients
- 3 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- ½ cup half-and-half
- ¼ cup butter
- 2 ounces goat cheese, crumbled
- ½ cup roasted and salted pistachios, coarsely chopped
- 1 tablespoon butter (for topping)
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh sage leaves, for garnish
Instructions
1. Cook the Sweet Potatoes:
- Place the peeled and cubed sweet potatoes into a large pot. Cover them with water.
- Heat the pot over medium-high heat and bring the water to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 15–20 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender.
- Drain the sweet potatoes and return them to the pot.
2. Mash the Sweet Potatoes:
- Add the half-and-half, ¼ cup butter, goat cheese, salt, and black pepper to the cooked sweet potatoes in the pot.
- Use a potato masher or hand mixer to whip the sweet potatoes until smooth and creamy.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
3. Prepare the Pistachio Topping:
- In a small skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat.
- Add the chopped pistachios to the skillet and toast them for 1–2 minutes, stirring frequently, until golden and aromatic.
4. Assemble the Dish:
- Transfer the whipped sweet potatoes to a serving dish and smooth out the surface.
- Sprinkle the toasted pistachios evenly over the top of the sweet potatoes.
- Garnish with fresh sage leaves for a final touch of color and flavor.
5. Serve:
- Serve the dish warm. It’s perfect for a festive table or as a unique addition to a weeknight meal.
Notes
- Consistency Tip: If you prefer a thinner consistency, add an extra splash of half-and-half while mashing the sweet potatoes.
- Customize the Cheese: Goat cheese adds tanginess, but cream cheese or ricotta can be substituted for a milder flavor.
- Nut Alternatives: If you don’t have pistachios, walnuts or pecans make great substitutes.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the mashed sweet potatoes a day in advance. Reheat and add the pistachio topping and sage just before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American