Rich, aromatic, and beautifully festive: This savoury sweet potato mash brings a cozy, elegant twist to classic holiday sides. With creamy, buttery potatoes infused with thyme, nutmeg, and smoked paprika, and a luscious topping of caramelized onions, prosciutto, and sage, it’s a warm and flavourful dish perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas entertaining.
Hey folks – I hope you’re all doing well!
With the holiday season not too far, I’m delighted to share this elegant Savoury Sweet Potato Mash with Caramelized Onions and Prosciutto. This side dish is a stunning balance of sweet and savoury, with deep caramelized flavour and a festive touch that makes it shine on your holiday table. Whether you serve it with roasted meats or as part of a vegetarian spread, this dish adds comfort and sophistication in equal measure.
Why You’ll Love This Savoury Sweet Potato Mash
- Festive flair: The combination of sweet potatoes, caramelized onions, nutmeg, sage, and crispy-chewy prosciutto delivers a rich, holiday-worthy side that feels indulgent yet effortless.
- Depth of flavour: Butter, thyme, smoked paprika, and a touch of chipotle create a warm, smoky undertone that complements the natural sweetness of the potatoes.
- Gorgeous texture: Creamy mash meets crisp, golden prosciutto and silky onions for the perfect contrast.
- Versatile pairing: Ideal with turkey, ham, or vegetarian mains – it can even stand alone as a cozy seasonal dish.
Flavour and Texture Profile
This savoury sweet potato mash delivers a holiday-perfect balance of sweetness and spice. The mash is creamy and buttery, with the warmth of nutmeg and the gentle smokiness of paprika and thyme. The topping also introduces contrast and richness – golden caramelized onions, crisp prosciutto, and fragrant sage bring complexity and texture, turning a simple side into a standout festive dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need for This Savoury Sweet Potato Mash
- Sweet Potatoes: The heart of this dish — naturally sweet, vibrant, and perfect for creating a smooth, velvety mash.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps achieve that luxurious, creamy consistency.
- Thyme: Brings an earthy, aromatic note that pairs beautifully with the sweet potatoes.
- Smoked Paprika: Adds gentle smokiness that balances the sweetness.
- Nutmeg: Adds a warm, festive undertone and enhances the depth of the mash.
- Salt: Rounds out the flavours and balances the sweetness.
- Onions: Slowly caramelized for a sweet and savoury depth that crowns the mash beautifully.
- Prosciutto: Pan-crisped, offering a salty, savoury and, chewy crunch.
- Sage: Fragrant and distinctly festive, pairing beautifully with both the onions and prosciutto.
- Olive Oil: Used for sautéing, helping to caramelize and crisp the topping.
- Smoked Paprika & Chipotle Powder: Bring subtle heat and smokiness for a dynamic finish.
How to Make This Savoury Sweet Potato Mash with Caramelized Onions and Prosciutto
It’s really easy to make this Savoury Sweet Potato Mash with Caramelized Onions and Prosciutto.
Start by boiling peeled, cubed sweet potatoes until tender, then mash them with butter, thyme, nutmeg, smoked paprika, and salt until smooth and creamy. Meanwhile, caramelize the onions in olive oil over medium heat until golden and sweet, then add the prosciutto and sage and cook until chewy-crisp. Stir in smoked paprika and a touch of chipotle for extra depth. Finally, spread the mashed sweet potatoes in a serving dish, spoon the warm caramelized onion–prosciutto mixture over top, and garnish with fresh thyme before serving.
More Potato Sides for the Holidays
If you looking for more festive recipes like this savoury sweet potato mash, be sure to check them:
- Festive Chestnut Mashed Potatoes: The Perfect Holiday Side
- Baked Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Prosciutto and Sage
- Savoury Mashed Sweet Potatoes Bake
I hope you enjoy this savoury sweet potato mash and will give the recipe a try. If you do, please let me know in the comment section below, send me a message on Instagram, or share your photos using the hashtag #havocinthekitchen.e your photos by adding the hashtag #havocinthekitchen.
Cheers!
Savoury Sweet Potato Mash with Caramelized Onions and Prosciutto
Festive savoury sweet potato mash with nutmeg, caramelized onions, prosciutto, and sage – a cozy holiday side dish perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner.
4
servings30
minutes40
minutesKeep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
- Sweet Potatoes:
2 lb (900 g) sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
3 tbsp (45 g) butter
1 tsp. fresh thyme
1/4 tsp. smoked paprika
a goof grating of nutmeg
salt, to taste
(bare in mind the saltiness of the topping)- Onion-Prosciutto Topping:
2 medium onions, thinly sliced
40-5 slices (about 80-100 g) prosciutto, chopped.
1 tbsp. (15 ml.) olive oil
4–6 fresh sage leaves, chopped
1/4 tsp smoked paprika
A pinch of chipotle powder
Directions
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring often, for 15-20 minutes until golden and caramelized.
- Add chopped prosciutto and sage to the skillet with the onions, season with the smoked paprika and a pinch of chipotle powder, and cook for about 5 minutes until the prosciutto turns chewy-crisp. Turn off the heat
- In a meantime, peel and cut the sweet potatoes into chunks. Place in a large pot of salted water and bring to a boil. Cook for 15–20 minutes, until fork-tender. Reserve a little (about 1/4 cup of liquid) then rain well.
- Return the potatoes to the pot. Add butter, thyme, smoked paprika, nutmeg, and salt. Mash until the desired consistency – ether smooth and creamy or more chunky. You may want to thin it up a little by adding some of the reserved liquid. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Spread the mashed sweet potatoes in a serving bowl on serve right away on serving plates. Spoon the caramelized onion and prosciutto mixture over top. Garnish with extra thyme if desired. Enjoy!
Sweet and salty…a perfect combo of flavour.
Sounds delicious!
Oh, this is such a tempting side dish!