I’ve mentioned in the past that I’m definitely a sides man, and this year is no different. I’m sharing a killer sweet potato side dish today with a curious crunchy topping.
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This recipe starts with a mix of sweet potatoes and yams in the oven, covered in butter, and flecked with glistening bits of kosher salt and black pepper. After an hour roast, the skins will develop patches of golden caramelization, and the flesh inside becomes tender and melting. With skins removed, the sweet potatoes and yams get whipped together with butter, cream, cayenne pepper and orange zest. The finished flavor is sweet and bright with just a hint of after-burn. You can enjoy these mashed potatoes as is or take them over the top with this Rice Krispie Topping.
I usually have Rice Krispies in my pantry for making frequent batches of these. Here, several cups of this crunchy cereal are drizzled with a quick caramel flavored with salt and cayenne pepper. The topping-to-be is spread out on a baking sheet, sprinkled with fresh chopped rosemary, and cooled until brittle. Break the Rice Krispies into various sized bits, and serve beside the Mashed Sweet Potatoes mentioned above. The crunch of the topping is the perfect counter to the rich, creaminess of the potatoes. And the rosemary and cayenne provide pops of flavor that liven up each bite. PS. I would highly recommend making a double batch of this topping, because it’s down right snackable. Continue reading for the recipe plus five other Thanksgiving side dishes!
Thanksgiving Pro Tip: Make mashed potatoes (sweet or regular) up to 3 hours in advance and keep warm in a slow cooker. Set the slow cooker to low, pour in a thin layer of heavy cream, and then scoop in the mashed potatoes. Stir the potatoes gently every hour to ensure even heating. The Rice Krispie Topping can be made up to 4 days in advance, and stored covered at room temperature.
Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Rice Krispie Topping
Ingredients
- 5 pounds sweet potatoes and yams, skins on and scrubbed
- 8 1/2 tablespoons butter, divided (2 for roasting, 6 for mashing, 1/2 for the topping)
- 3 cups Rice Krispies
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper, plus more for the potatoes
- 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon grated orange zest
- Freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat an oven to 400°F. Place sweet potatoes and yams on a foil-lined baking sheet. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in the microwave, and drizzle over the potatoes and yams. Sprinkle with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, rolling the spuds around until evenly coated. Roast until tender (about 1 hour). Let cool a bit.
- While the potatoes and yams are cooking, make the topping. Lightly spray 1 large baking sheet, 2 large spoons and 1 large mixing bowl with non-stick spray. Add the Rice Krispies to the large bowl, and set aside. Add baking soda, kosher salt and cayenne to a small bowl, and set aside.
- In a medium saucepan set over medium-high heat, combine sugar, 1/2 tablespoon butter and 1/4 cup water. Clamp on a lid, bring to a boil, and cook for 7 minutes (the lid keeps sugar crystals from forming). Remove the lid, and continue to cook for 2 - 3 minutes until a golden caramel forms. Don't stir the mixture while it's cooking. Instead, occasionally gently swirl the pan to ensure even cooking. Take the mixture from the heat, and stir in the baking soda-salt-cayenne mixture. Immediately drizzle the caramel over the Rice Krispies, using the 2 prepared spoons to toss*. Transfer the topping to the prepared baking sheet, spreading it out in an even layer. Sprinkle with chopped rosemary, and let cool completely before breaking into smaller pieces.
- Take the skins off the sweet potatoes and yams, and discard. Transfer the flesh to a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (you can also hand mash or use a hand mixer here). Warm cream and 6 tablespoons butter in the microwave in a small bowl until the butter is melted. Add butter and cream to the sweet potatoes along with orange zest and a big pinch of cayenne pepper. Beat the potatoes and yams on low speed until well-combined. Season to taste with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- To serve, transfer mashed potatoes to a large bowl. Place topping in a smaller bowl, and set beside the potatoes. Let guests mix the two individually.
Notes
Here are 5 other Thanksgiving side dish ideas:
Brussels Sprout Slaw
Beet and Turnip Gratin
Green Bean Casserole
Brussels Sprout and Caramelized Shallot Gratin
Stuffed Savoy Cabbage with Rosemary Brown Butter
What are some of your favorite Thanksgiving side dishes??
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I’m Brandon: food explorer, recipe curator, cocktail shaker, dessert lover. Kitchen Konfidence is how I document my time spent in my favorite space, the kitchen. Did you make a recipe? Tag @brandiego on Instagram so I can see the how it went!
Averie @ Averie Cooks says
I am all about the sides and appetizers, no matter what day of the year it is. These look INSANELY GOOD! I love rice krispies in unexpected places and this is so unexpected and so genius. Sort of like a Christina Tosi/momofuku thing! I loooove it! The caramel, the cayenne, and all the buttery sweet potatoes…LOVE! Pinned of course!
Brandon Matzek says
Haha, great point Averie! I do love a good appetizer spread on any occasion. Thanks so much, and yes, channeling Tosi here 🙂
Liz @ Floating Kitchen says
Rice Krispie topping is such a great idea! I’m totally down. Also, I think we should just have a “sides-only” Thanksgiving!
Brandon Matzek says
Thanks Liz!! Haha yes, we can call it: Sidesgiving!
Ben says
All the sides look amazing but I have been impressed with the mashed sweet potatoes. Never seen anything similar. Great work!:)
Jenny (VintageSugarcube) says
I looove the way your brain works.. Always coming up with cool eats. Genius idea for sweet potatoes.
Happy Thanksgiving!
She Rocks Fitness says
These all look so delicious! I would have never thought of putting Rice Krispies on top…GENIUS! I cannot remember the last time I had that cereal. My favorite side dish is definitely sweet potatoes with the small marshmallows on top…extra crispy of course!
Rachel @ Bakerita says
This sounds absolutely amazing – that topping looks so good!! And sides are most definitely the best part of Thanksgiving. Pinned!
Liz@Virtually Homemade says
Oh my – I could eat those Rice Krispys straight! What a great idea.
Rebecca says
Can you make this earlier and reheat ?
Adri says
You have outdone yourself with this collection. Bravo! And as for that first one – you had me at yams, sweet potatoes and butter! I love the idea of the rice krispies. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.