Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Caramelized Onion and Pancetta

Elevate your side dishes with these Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Caramelized Onion and Pancetta—a savory twist on a classic favorite! Velvety sweet potatoes are whipped to creamy perfection with butter and a splash of milk, then infused with the rich flavors of golden caramelized onions and crispy pancetta. A hint of fresh thyme adds an aromatic touch, making this dish the ultimate blend of sweet, salty, and savory. Perfect as a standout side for holiday feasts or weeknight dinners, this recipe is both comforting and sophisticated. Ready in just 45 minutes, it’s an easy yet impressive way to wow your family and guests.

Nutriscore Rating: 65/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 large Sweet potatoes
• 3 tablespoons Unsalted butter
• 0.25 cup Whole milk
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 1 tablespoon Olive oil
• 1 large Yellow onion
• 0.5 cup Pancetta, diced
• 1 teaspoon Fresh thyme leaves (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Peel and cut the sweet potatoes into 2-inch chunks.

Step 2

Place the sweet potatoes in a large pot and cover them with water. Add a pinch of salt and bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat.

Step 3

Reduce the heat to medium and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender. Drain and set aside.

Step 4

While the sweet potatoes are cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Step 5

Thinly slice the yellow onion and add it to the skillet. Cook the onion, stirring occasionally, for about 10-12 minutes or until it turns golden brown and caramelized. Reduce heat if necessary to avoid burning.

Step 6

In the same skillet, add the diced pancetta and cook until crispy, about 3-4 minutes. Transfer the caramelized onion and pancetta to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess fat.

Step 7

In the large pot used for boiling the sweet potatoes (now drained), return the cooked sweet potatoes. Add the butter, milk, salt, and black pepper.

Step 8

Mash the sweet potatoes using a potato masher or an electric hand mixer until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 9

Gently fold in the caramelized onion and crispy pancetta, reserving a small portion for garnish if desired.

Step 10

Transfer the mashed sweet potatoes to a serving dish. Garnish with the reserved onion, pancetta, and fresh thyme leaves if using. Serve warm and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1114.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1578.1

Total Fat 90.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 38.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.4g
Cholesterol 184.3mg	0%
Sodium 4591.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 165.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 24.5g	0%
Total Sugars 41.8g
Protein 32.3g	0%

Vitamin D 26.8IU	0%
Calcium 349.1mg	0%
Iron 6.6mg	0%
Potassium 575.2mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 50.8%

Protein: 8.0%

Carbs: 41.2%