Sweet Potato Puree
Emily
Make rich, smooth sweet potato puree with this easy recipe, perfect for baby food, side dishes, and meal prep. Simple, nutritious, and delicious!
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 20 minutes mins
Total Time 30 minutes mins
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 120 kcal
Main Ingredients
- 2 large sweet potatoes or 3–4 medium
- Choose orange-fleshed sweet potatoes with smooth skin. These provide a creamy texture and rich flavor once cooked and pureed.
- Water for boiling or steaming
- Needed only if you’re boiling or steaming the potatoes. Use enough to fully cover the sweet potato chunks or to fill the bottom of a steamer basket.
Optional Add-Ins (for flavor variations)
- Pinch of salt and pepper for savory use
- Enhances natural flavor when served as a side dish.
- Cinnamon or nutmeg for sweet variation
- Great for pairing with holiday meals or breakfast dishes.
- Butter or olive oil optional
- Adds richness and a smooth mouthfeel especially if serving with dinner.
- Breast milk formula, or water (for baby food)
- Helps loosen the puree to a smoother baby-friendly consistency.
Tools You’ll Need
- Peeler – To remove skin before or after cooking.
- Sharp knife and cutting board – For slicing into even chunks.
- Large pot steamer basket, or baking sheet – Depending on your cooking method.
- Colander if boiling – To drain excess water.
- Blender food processor, or immersion blender – To achieve a smooth, lump-free puree.
- Airtight container – For storing leftovers in the fridge or freezer.
Step 1 – Wash and peel the sweet potatoes
Rinse the sweet potatoes under cool water to remove dirt.
Use a vegetable peeler to remove the skin, or leave the skin on if you plan to peel after cooking.
Cut into evenly sized chunks to ensure they cook at the same rate.
Step 2 – Cook the sweet potatoes
Choose one of the following methods:
Boiling
Add the chopped sweet potatoes to a pot and pour in enough water to submerge them fully.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 12–15 minutes or until fork tender.
Drain using a colander and let sit briefly to release excess moisture.
Steaming
Add water to the bottom of a pot and place chunks in a steamer basket above the water.
Cover and steam for 15–18 minutes or until easily pierced with a fork.
Roasting
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Use a fork to poke holes in the whole sweet potatoes, then arrange them on a baking tray.
Roast for 45–50 minutes until soft. Let cool slightly, then peel.
Step 3 – Mash or blend the sweet potatoes
Transfer cooked potatoes to a blender, food processor, or use an immersion blender.
For a rustic mash, use a potato masher or the back of a fork.
Blend until you reach a smooth consistency, adding a splash of water, milk, or broth as needed to adjust texture.
Step 4 – Adjust and serve or store
For savory dishes, add salt and pepper or a drizzle of olive oil.
For sweeter meals, mix in a dash of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even orange zest.
Serve warm, or let the puree cool before storing.
Step 5 – Store properly
Spoon the puree into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
To freeze, transfer to ice cube trays or silicone molds. Once frozen, move to a freezer-safe bag.
To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight or warm gently on the stove or microwave.
Nutrition Information
-
- Calories: 120
- Total Fat: 0.3g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 60mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 28g
- Protein: 2g
- Vitamin A: 380% DV
- Vitamin C: 35% DV
Keyword baby food, homemade sweet potato puree, side dish, sweet potato puree