Creamy Mashed Butternut Squash and Sweet Potatoes with Honey, Cinnamon, and Orange Zest Recipe
A comforting and flavorful mashed side dish combining the natural sweetness of butternut squash and sweet potatoes with warm spices, honey, and a hint of fresh orange zest. Perfect for autumn meals or holiday dinners, this recipe offers a creamy, smooth texture enhanced by butter and warm milk.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 small butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cut into large chunks
- 3 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into small chunks
Mix-ins
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- ⅓ cup milk, warmed
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons orange zest
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Place the peeled and cut butternut squash and sweet potato chunks into a large pot. Cover them with enough water to fully submerge the vegetables.
- Cook until Tender: Bring the water to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 10-15 minutes, testing doneness with a fork to ensure the squash and sweet potatoes are tender but not mushy. Once done, drain the water using a strainer and return the vegetables to the warm pot.
- Mash and Season: Add the butter, honey or maple syrup, warmed milk, cinnamon, kosher salt, black pepper, and orange zest to the pot. Use a potato masher to combine all ingredients thoroughly until the butter is melted and the mixture is smooth. For a lighter, whipped texture, use an electric mixer and beat on medium speed for 2 minutes.
Notes
- Peeling and cutting the butternut squash and sweet potatoes into uniform chunks ensures even cooking.
- Adjust the amount of honey or maple syrup based on desired sweetness.
- Warm the milk before adding to keep the mixture smooth and prevent cooling the mash.
- For added flavor, a pinch of nutmeg can be included with the cinnamon.
- This dish is best served warm and pairs well with roasted meats or as part of a vegetarian meal.