Boiled sweet potatoes are a foolproof method for making a colorful side dish packed with nutrition!

Low in calories with a mildly sweet flavor, this easy recipe shows you how to cook boiled sweet potatoes and then use them all week long in so many ways! Cubed or mashed, fried, roasted, or even baked whole, sweet potatoes are a delicious way to stretch your food dollars too!

mashed Boiled Sweet Potatoes on a plate with broccoli and meat

Perfect Boiled Sweet Potatoes

As much as we love sweet potato casserole, sometimes we love this simple veggie on its own simply boiled and seasoned.

Boiling instead of baking saves on cook time and oven space.

Boiled Sweet Potatoes in water before boiling

Simple Ingredients

Sweet Potatoes This is the most basic method consisting of sweet potatoes, butter, and salt and pepper.

Variations Once they are prepared, they can be topped with any variety of seasonings or sauces. Maple syrup, honey, sage, and tarragon are commonly paired with sweet potatoes, but feel free to get creative with anything you have on hand!

They are delicious with butter and a sprinkle of brown sugar or apple pie spice or pumpkin pie spice.

mashing Boiled Sweet Potatoes

How to Make Boiled Sweet Potatoes

Boiled sweet potatoes are super easy and ready in 1-2-3!

  1. Scrub and dice sweet potatoes into evenly sized cubes.
  2. Place them in cold, salted water and bring to a boil. Sweet potatoes are done when they are fork-tender.
  3. Drain, mash if desired and season with butter, salt, and pepper. Serve immediately.

To Microwave

  1. Put raw cubed potatoes in a microwave-safe bowl or casserole dish.
  2. Add 1 ½ inches of water to the dish and cover with plastic wrap. Poke holes in the plastic wrap so it can vent.
  3. Microwave on high for about 3 to 5 minutes or until they are tender.
  4. Carefully remove the plastic wrap, drain, and serve with butter, salt, and pepper.

PRO TIP: Freeze mashed sweet potatoes in ice cube trays and pop one or two out to add to soups, stews, and casseroles for a little flavor and nutrition boost!

Sweet Potato Favorites

Did you make these Boiled Sweet Potatoes? Be sure to leave a rating and a comment below! 

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close up of cooked Boiled Sweet Potatoes with butter melting on top
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Boiled Sweet Potatoes

These Boiled Sweet Potatoes are simple, sweet, & savory!
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 4
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Ingredients  

  • 2 pounds sweet potatoes scrubbed
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions 

  • Peel potatoes and cut into 1" chunks.
  • Place potatoes in cold salted water and bring to a boil over high heat.
  • Cook 18-20 minutes or until tender when pierced with a fork.
  • Place potatoes in a strainer and drain well.
  • Mash if desired and stir in butter, salt & pepper to taste.

Notes

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
5 from 18 votes

Nutrition Information

Calories: 245 | Carbohydrates: 46g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 15mg | Sodium: 175mg | Potassium: 764mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 32351IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 68mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
sweet potatoes in water before boiling and final plated dish with a title
Boiled Sweet Potatoes with butter and writing
close up of Boiled Sweet Potatoes with butter and writing
Boiled Sweet Potatoes with butter and a title

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About the author

Holly Nilsson is the creator of Spend With Pennies, where she creates easy, comforting recipes made for real life. With a passion for nostalgic flavors and simplified techniques, Holly helps busy home cooks create delicious meals that always work. She is also the author of “Everyday Comfort,” which promises to inspire even more hearty, home-cooked meals.
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