This recipe for Instant Pot Mashed Sweet Potatoes cooks in no time at all without taking up space on the stovetop!
We love sweet potato casserole for the holidays but making mashed sweet potatoes in the instant pot is so easy, they’re great for weeknights too!
An Easy Side Dish Recipe
- Mashed sweet potatoes are healthy and hearty with a mildly sweet and nutty flavor.
- The Instant Pot makes this recipe quick and easy. Minimal cook time and minimal clean-up? Yes, please!
- Make these mashed sweet potatoes in advance and reheat before serving or use them to top a shepherd’s pie recipe!
- Need more holiday side dish inspiration? Check out our favorite holiday Side Dishes.
Ingredients
SWEET POTATOES Sweet potatoes and yams are different vegetables although the term is often used interchangeably. Sweet potatoes are softer and cook up creamier while yams are denser and have more starch. Choose sweet potatoes that are firm and heavy without and soft spots.
DAIRY Just like regular mashed potatoes, real butter and milk or cream makes them extra rich and flavorful. To keep them healthier, use a bit less butter and milk in place of cream.
VARIATIONS Make savory mashed sweet potatoes with garlic and onion and broth instead of water. For a sweeter version, use apple juice and a dash of cinnamon. Top with mini marshmallows and let them melt on the top before serving. Use Pumpkin Pie Spice in this recipe and other holiday favorites!
How to Make Instant Pot Mashed Sweet Potatoes
- Wash, peel, & cut sweet potatoes into 2″ cubes.
- Cook prepared sweet potatoes in the Instant Pot until they are soft (per the recipe below).
- Add remaining ingredients & mash until smooth.
Recipe Tips
- Drain the potatoes well to remove as much water as possible.
- Add an apple or some chopped carrot or butternut squash to the potatoes before cooking.
- Mashed sweet potatoes can be topped with marshmallows and then place the lid on a few minutes to melt or soften them.
- Top with some chopped pecans. Lightly toast nuts in a sauté pan until they are barely golden. This intensifies the flavor and makes them extra crunchy!
How to Store Leftovers
Keep mashed sweet potatoes in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Add a little milk and reheat on the stove. Freeze in zippered bags with the date labeled on the outside up to 4 weeks.
More Ways to Enjoy Sweet Potatoes
- Parmesan Roasted Sweet Potatoes – sweet & savory
- Baked Sweet Potato
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Carrots – air-fried or oven-roasted
- Mashed Sweet Potatoes (stove top version)
- Sweet Potato Pie – a delicious dessert
- Brown Sugar Roasted Sweet Potatoes – the best holiday side dish
- Sweet Potato and Apple Casserole – with crunchy pecans
What’s your favorite way to serve sweet potatoes? Leave us a comment below!
Instant Pot Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 pounds sweet potatoes
- ½ cup water or apple juice
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons warmed milk or cream, as needed
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon optional
- 1-2 tablespoons brown sugar
Instructions
- Wash, peel, and cut sweet potatoes into 2-inch pieces.
- Add sweet potatoes and water to the instant pot.
- Close the lid and select MANUAL. Choose HIGH PRESSURE for 9 minutes.
- Once cooked, quick release the pressure and let the potatoes cool slightly.
- Drain the liquid and let the potatoes rest a few minutes to ensure they're well drained. Add the butter, cinnamon, and brown sugar. Mash until smooth adding warmed milk, as needed.
Notes
- Drain the potatoes well to remove as much water as possible.
- Add an apple or some chopped carrot or butternut squash to the potatoes before cooking.
- Mashed sweet potatoes can be topped with marshmallows and then place the lid on a few minutes to melt or soften them.
- Top with some chopped pecans. Lightly toast nuts in a sauté pan until they are barely golden. This intensifies the flavor and makes them extra crunchy!
- Leftover mashed sweet potatoes can be kept in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze cooled sweet potatoes in a zippered bag for up to 4 weeks.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
Course Side Dish
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I made these for Thanksgiving yesterday. The cooking time was *perfect* in my IP. I ended up not adding cinnamon, but I did add a bit more brown sugar. I got multiple ‘best sweet potatoes I’ve ever had’ comments from my family. This is my new go-to!
Yay! I am so happy to hear this recipe was a hit with your family Barb!