Silky Sweet Potato Puree (Easy Way to Make Sweet Potato Puree)

This sweet potato purée recipe is creamy, naturally sweet, and incredibly easy to make with just two ingredients. Whether you’re serving it as a smooth Thanksgiving side dish, using it as the base for sweet potato pie, forming it into sweet potato patties, or making homemade baby food, this simple recipe delivers perfect results every time. The sweet potatoes steam until soft and tender, then blend into a silky-smooth purée with butter or olive oil for richness. It’s healthy, customizable, and a great make-ahead staple for both everyday meals and holiday cooking. Once you try this method, you’ll never go back to canned purée again!

Why I Love This Sweet Potato Puree

Mashed sweet potatoes can be a hassle to make, so I wanted to create a quicker and easier version with an ultra-silky smooth texture. I boiled some sweet potatoes until slightly tender, blended them with a little oil, and created a perfect sweet potato puree.

If it sounds super easy, that's because it is! I designed this recipe to have a foolproof method that comes together quickly, so you can make it fast on Thanksgiving day or whenever you need to add sweet potato puree to a recipe. It's incredibly versatile!

I used it to make my sweet potato gnocchi, decadent sweet potato pound cake, and sweet potato pudding, giving them the perfect texture. It's also a terrific side dish for Thanksgiving. In fact, it always makes it to our table on turkey day, along with this Pioneer woman stuffing and these crack green beans. It's a family favorite in the Cunningham household, and the holidays just wouldn't be the same without it. And this is a terrific sweet potato puree for baby food! 

Ingredients You'll Need

• 2 sweet potatoes
• 2 tbsps. butter or extra virgin olive oil (optional for smoother texture)

How To Make Sweet Potato Puree

Step 1: Prep The Potatoes

Begin by peeling both of the sweet potatoes. I like to use a peeler to make it easier, but a paring knife will work well, too, if that's all you have.

Next, once the sweet potatoes are peeled, put them on a cutting board and cut the sweet potatoes into about 1-inch cubes.  

Step 2: Cook The Potatoes

Now, fill a large pot with 2-inches of water and bring it to a simmer over low heat. Once the water is simmering, put the prepared sweet potatoes in a steamer basket or any wired basket and place it in the pot. Then, cover the pot with a lid and steam the potatoes for about 15 minutes or until they're fork tender.

Step 3: Blend The Cooked Potatoes

Next, after the sweet potatoes are cooked, place them in a food processor with an S-blade - or any high-powered blender.

Now, if you're using butter, olive oil, or any add-ins, you can put them in the food processor or blender at this point as well. Then, blend everything together until the potatoes turn into a smooth potato puree. Finally, serve the puree however you want and enjoy!

Sweet Potato Puree Variations To Try

One of the best things about this sweet potato purée recipe is how easy it is to customize. You can keep it simple and naturally sweet, or dress it up with different flavors to match the season or your mood. Here are a few delicious ways to take it up a notch:

• Sweet and Spiced: Blend in 2 tablespoons of brown sugar and ½ teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg for a cozy, fall-inspired purée that’s perfect for Thanksgiving or holiday dinners.
• Maple Glazed: After blending, drizzle pure maple syrup over the top before serving for a rich, caramel-like sweetness that pairs really well with roasted turkey or ham.
• Nutty Crunch: Top the purée with chopped pecans or walnuts for texture and a nutty contrast to the creamy sweet potatoes.
• Savory Twist: Add a pinch of sea salt, cracked black pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil for a more savory version that pairs well with grilled meats or roasted vegetables.
• Citrus Brightness: Stir in a splash of orange juice or a bit of zest before serving for a subtle, refreshing tang that complements the natural sweetness of the potatoes.

How To Use Sweet Potato Puree

This purée isn’t just a side dish — it’s a versatile base you can use in both sweet and savory recipes. Here are some of my favorite ways to use it:

• Breakfast Boost: Stir a few spoonfuls into oatmeal or overnight oats with a pinch of cinnamon and brown sugar for a cozy, nutrient-packed breakfast.
• Smoothies and Bowls: Add sweet potato purée to smoothies or smoothie bowls for a creamy texture and natural sweetness that pairs well with banana, apple, or peanut butter.
• Soups and Sauces: Whisk it into soups, stews, or pasta sauces for added thickness, creaminess, and a boost of vitamins and fiber.
• Healthy Dip: Blend it with spicy hummus or Greek yogurt to create a smooth, slightly sweet dip that’s great with pita chips, crackers, or fresh veggies.
• Baking and Cooking: Use it as a base for sweet potato muffins, sweet potato pancakes, or savory sweet potato patties — it keeps baked goods moist and adds a subtle sweetness.
• Baby Food: For homemade sweet potato purée for babies, blend it with fruits like banana, pear, or apple for a naturally sweet flavor, or mix with mild vegetables like carrots or peas for added nutrition.

Sweet Potato Puree FAQS

What is sweet potato purée made of?

At its core, sweet potato purée is made from cooked sweet potatoes that are blended until smooth. The simplest version only requires sweet potatoes and butter or olive oil, but you can enhance the flavor and texture by adding ingredients like buttermilk, milk, cream, maple syrup, cinnamon, salt, or pepper. It can be made sweet or savory, depending on how you plan to serve it — as a Thanksgiving side, a pie filling, or even baby food.

How does Gordon Ramsay make sweet potato purée?

Chef Gordon Ramsay’s sweet potato purée focuses on rich, savory flavor. He typically combines boiled sweet potatoes with sautéed garlic, butter, milk, sour cream, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper for a silky, creamy texture with depth. His version leans toward a restaurant-style side dish that pairs beautifully with roasted meats or grilled fish.

What’s the difference between mashed sweet potatoes and sweet potato purée?

While both use cooked sweet potatoes, mashed sweet potatoes have a chunkier texture and are usually made by mashing with a fork or potato masher. Sweet potato purée, on the other hand, is blended until completely smooth, creating a velvety texture that’s ideal for baking, desserts, baby food, or elegant side dishes.

Can I use canned sweet potatoes for purée?

Yes, you can use canned sweet potatoes or yams in place of fresh ones. Just make sure to drain and rinse them to remove excess syrup or brine before blending. Keep in mind that canned sweet potatoes are softer and often pre-sweetened, so you may need to reduce or skip added sugar or syrup in your recipe.

Can I make sweet potato purée ahead of time?

Absolutely! Sweet potato purée stores very well. You can make it up to 3 days in advance and keep it refrigerated in an airtight container. For longer storage, freeze it in silicone ice cube trays or freezer bags for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

How do you reheat sweet potato puree?

There are two methods I've found that keep sweet potato puree creamy and smooth: using the stovetop and the microwave. Place the purée in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If it feels too thick, stir in a splash of milk, cream, or butter to loosen the consistency. For a quicker option, transfer the purée to a microwave-safe bowl, cover it loosely with a lid or plastic wrap, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between. This ensures it heats evenly without drying out. Add a little milk or olive oil if needed to bring back its moisture and shine.

Is sweet potato purée healthy?

Yes — it’s packed with vitamin A, potassium, and fiber, making it a nutritious and naturally sweet addition to your diet. For a lighter version, use olive oil instead of butter and skip the added sugar. It’s also an excellent option for babies starting solids because it’s easy to digest and naturally sweet without needing added ingredients.

Can I use sweet potato purée for baking?

Definitely! Sweet potato purée works perfectly in baked goods like muffins, pies, pancakes, and breads. It adds moisture, flavor, and natural sweetness. You can substitute it 1:1 for pumpkin purée in most recipes for a softer, slightly sweeter result.

How do I make sweet potato purée smoother?

For the creamiest purée, use a high-powered blender or food processor and blend while the potatoes are still warm. If it’s too thick, add a splash of milk, cream, or butter until it reaches your desired consistency. For an ultra-smooth finish, pass the purée through a fine mesh strainer or sieve before serving — this is a professional chef’s trick for the smoothest texture and flawless presentation.

More Sweet Potato Recipes To Try

• Sweet potato cobbler
• Sweet potato cookies
• Sweet potato hash browns
• Sweet potato cornbread
• Sweet potato casserole
• Sweet potato pecan pie
• Old fashioned sweet potato pie
• Candied yams