Mashed sweet potatoes with caramelized pineapple is a unique and delicious twist on a classic dish. The creamy, naturally sweet mashed sweet potatoes are perfectly complemented by a rich, tangy, and caramelized pineapple topping. This recipe offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures, making it an ideal dish for any special occasion or family gathering. The toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds add a nice crunch, rounding out this savory-sweet side dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish combines the creamy richness of mashed sweet potatoes with the bright sweetness of caramelized pineapple. The caramelization process enhances the pineapple’s natural sugars, creating a deep, rich flavor that pairs beautifully with the smooth, velvety sweet potatoes. The addition of toasted pine nuts or almonds adds an elegant crunch, making every bite a delightful experience. Whether served for a holiday meal, a weeknight dinner, or a special occasion, this recipe will impress your guests with its unique and irresistible flavors. Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Caramelized Pineapple

Ingredients

4 pounds sweet potatoes (scrubbed)
1 medium-to-large pineapple (peeled, cored, and diced, with its juice)
3/4 cup packed dark brown sugar (or grated piloncillo)
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
2/3 cup pine nuts or slivered almonds (for garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.
Prick the sweet potatoes 5 or 6 times with a fork or paring knife. Arrange them on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 50 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the size of the sweet potatoes, until they are very soft with juices beginning to caramelize on the baking sheet.
Remove the sweet potatoes from the oven and let cool until you can handle them.
Carefully remove the skins from the sweet potatoes and place the flesh in a large bowl. Mash with a potato masher or fork until very smooth.
Prepare the caramelized pineapple: In a blender, puree the diced pineapple with its juice until smooth. Transfer the mixture to a large saucepan or Dutch oven. Add the dark brown sugar and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Attach a candy thermometer to the pan and simmer until the mixture thickens, caramelizes, and reaches 210°F, about 12-15 minutes.
Add the mashed sweet potatoes to the caramelized pineapple mixture along with the kosher salt. Mix thoroughly with a sturdy whisk and cook for another 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until you have a rich, smooth puree.
Toast the pine nuts or almonds: In a small skillet over medium-low heat, toast the nuts for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until lightly browned and fragrant. Immediately remove from heat.
Serve: Transfer the sweet potato mixture to a serving bowl, garnish with the toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds, and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 8
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Variations

Vegan Option: Use coconut oil or vegan butter to mash the sweet potatoes and adjust the caramelized pineapple mixture to be dairy-free.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or ground ginger to the sweet potato mixture for a bit of heat and extra flavor.
Nut-Free: Skip the pine nuts or almonds for a nut-free version, or substitute with sunflower seeds or roasted pumpkin seeds for a crunchy topping.
Maple Sweetened: Replace the dark brown sugar with maple syrup for a more natural, yet still deliciously sweet, flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. If needed, add a little water or a splash of juice to adjust the consistency.

FAQs

1. Can I use canned sweet potatoes for this recipe?

While fresh sweet potatoes offer the best flavor and texture, you can use canned sweet potatoes in a pinch. Just be sure to drain them well and adjust the cooking time accordingly.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the mashed sweet potatoes and caramelized pineapple mixture ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge and reheat when ready to serve. Add the toasted nuts just before serving.

3. Can I make this dish without a candy thermometer?

Yes, you can make the caramelized pineapple without a thermometer. Just simmer the pineapple mixture until it thickens and turns golden brown. It should take about 12-15 minutes.

4. Can I freeze mashed sweet potatoes with caramelized pineapple?

Yes, you can freeze this dish. Let the mashed sweet potatoes cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove, adding a bit of juice or water if necessary to loosen it up.

5. What other nuts can I use for garnish?

If you prefer a different nut, walnuts, pecans, or cashews would all work well as a crunchy garnish.

6. Can I use brown sugar instead of piloncillo?

Yes, dark brown sugar is a suitable substitute for piloncillo. Piloncillo has a unique, rich flavor, but brown sugar provides a similar depth of sweetness.

7. Can I add spices to the mashed sweet potatoes?

Yes, you can enhance the flavor of the sweet potatoes with a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger for a more spiced profile.

8. Can I make the pineapple topping without pureeing it?

Yes, you can make the pineapple topping by simply chopping it finely and cooking it as instructed, but pureeing it gives a smoother, more cohesive texture with the mashed sweet potatoes.

9. How do I prevent the sweet potatoes from drying out when baking?

To prevent drying out, make sure the sweet potatoes are well-pricked with a fork before baking. This helps release steam and keeps them moist. You can also wrap them loosely in foil if you prefer.

10. Can I use other fruits in place of pineapple?

While pineapple provides a unique balance of sweetness and acidity, you could experiment with other tropical fruits such as mango or papaya. However, the caramelization process will vary, so adjust the cooking times accordingly.

Conclusion

Mashed sweet potatoes with caramelized pineapple is a standout side dish that brings together the rich sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes and the vibrant flavor of caramelized pineapple. This dish is full of unique flavors and textures, from the creamy mashed sweet potatoes to the crunchy, toasted nuts. Whether it’s served during the holidays or as part of a regular meal, this recipe will elevate any dining experience with its incredible taste and presentation!