Instant Pot Mashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe
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Looking for a side dish that’s as simple to make as it is delicious? These Instant Pot mashed sweet potatoes are the perfect combination of creamy, sweet, and spiced flavors. With the convenience of the Instant Pot, you can have this healthy, crowd-pleasing dish ready in just 30 minutes—ideal for weeknight dinners or your holiday table!
These Instant Pot mashed sweet potatoes are so smooth and delicious! So easy to make and perfect taste and texture!
Why You’ll Love Instant Pot Mashed Sweet Potatoes
- Effortless Cooking: The Instant Pot does all the heavy lifting—no need to babysit the stove or mash for hours. Just set it and let it work its magic!
- Naturally Sweet and Creamy: Sweet potatoes are naturally rich and flavorful, and when combined with maple syrup and cinnamon, they turn into a dreamy, melt-in-your-mouth side dish.
- Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, these mashed sweet potatoes are as good for your body as they are for your taste buds.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual dinner or a holiday feast, this versatile recipe fits right in. Plus, it’s easy to pair with a variety of main courses.
- Customizable: Adjust the sweetness, spice, or add-ins like pecans or marshmallows to make it your own. It’s a recipe you can adapt to suit your preferences!
Instant Pot is perfect for cooking sweet potatoes! I already made Instant Pot baked sweet potatoes and roasted sweet potatoes, and now it’s time for mashed sweet potatoes! They are so yummy!
Ingredients For Instant Pot Mashed Sweet Potatoes
- Sweet Potatoes – The star of the dish, providing natural sweetness and a creamy texture.
- Water – Needed for pressure cooking the sweet potatoes in the Instant Pot.
- Maple Syrup – Adds a touch of sweetness and enhances the natural flavors of the sweet potatoes.
- Cinnamon – A warm spice that pairs beautifully with the sweet potatoes for a cozy flavor.
- Butter (Optional) – Adds richness and a velvety finish to the mashed sweet potatoes.
For exact measurements, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.
You don’t have to wait until Thanksgiving to make mashed sweet potatoes :) They are a delicious side dish that is perfect any time of the year! And if it is Thanksgiving time, you absolutely have to check out my marshmallow sweet potato casserole – to make it, you top these mashed sweet potatoes with marshmallows, stick in the oven and bake until the marshmallows are gooey and roasted – amazing!
Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Instant Pot Mashed Sweet Potatoes
- Instant Pot – The key tool for cooking the sweet potatoes quickly and evenly.
- Potato Masher – Essential for mashing the sweet potatoes into a smooth texture.
- Measuring Cups – For accurately measuring the water and maple syrup.
- Measuring Spoons – To ensure you get the perfect amount of cinnamon.
- Knife (Optional) – To help with peeling the sweet potatoes if needed.
Instant Pot cooks sweet potatoes until they are perfect creamy mashing consistency. Plus the skin slides right off – everything is made as easy for you as possible :)
Stir in some maple syrup, cinnamon and melted butter – mmmmmm!
Do you like other things on the plate on the picture above? I’m serving these Instant Pot mashed potatoes with Instant Pot burgers and chopped Caprese salad! Yes, you can make tender and juicy burgers in Instant Pot, if you never tried this method, you have to check it out – it’s a game changer!
How To Make Mashed Sweet Potatoes In The Instant Pot
Step 1: Pressure cook whole sweet potatoes until very soft
Put whole unpeeled sweet potatoes and 1 cup of water in the Instant Pot and pressure cook on High pressure for 30 minutes, following by the quick release (QR).
Step 2: Drain the water and peel sweet potatoes
The skins will slide right off!
Step 3: Mash sweet potatoes.
Using a potato masher, mash the sweet potatoes until smooth.
Step 4: Mix in maple syrup, cinnamon and butter.
Mix in your favorite additions to make these sweet potatoes even tastier :)
Serving Suggestions
- Pair these mashed sweet potatoes with a Juicy Roasted Split Chicken Breast or Perfectly Baked Turkey Breast Tenderloin with Spices for a comforting and balanced meal.
- Serve them alongside Grilled Garlic Salmon with Summer Veggies in Foil or Juicy BBQ Pork Chops for a delightful mix of sweet and savory flavors.
- Add a sprinkle of toasted Low-Carb Candied Pecans or Oven-Roasted Walnuts on top for a satisfying crunch and added texture.
- For a holiday twist, top with mini marshmallows and broil until golden and gooey.
- Enjoy them on their own as a warm, nutritious snack or a light lunch option.
Tips For Success
- Choose the Right Sweet Potatoes: Look for medium-sized sweet potatoes that are firm and free of blemishes. Uniform sizes will ensure even cooking.
- Don’t Skip the Water: The cup of water in the Instant Pot is essential for creating the steam needed to pressure-cook the sweet potatoes to perfection.
- Quick Release the Pressure: Once the cooking time is up, perform a quick release to avoid overcooking the sweet potatoes. Overcooking can make them too watery.
- Peel with Ease: Let the sweet potatoes cool slightly after cooking. Their skins should slip right off with minimal effort, saving you time.
- Mash to Your Preferred Texture: Use a potato masher for a chunky texture, or for extra smooth potatoes, you can use an immersion blender.
- Customize the Flavor: Adjust the maple syrup and cinnamon amounts based on your sweetness and spice preferences. For a richer taste, consider adding a splash of cream or milk.
- Make It Vegan: Skip the butter or use a plant-based alternative for a completely vegan dish that’s still rich and creamy.
- Prepare Ahead: You can cook the sweet potatoes in advance, store them in the fridge, and mash them just before serving. This can be a time-saver for busy days.
- Double the Recipe: Need more servings? Simply double the ingredients—your Instant Pot can handle it as long as it’s not overfilled.
Variations and Substitutions
- Add a Nutty Crunch: Stir in some chopped toasted pecans or walnuts for added texture and a nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the potatoes.
- Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder for a subtle heat that contrasts the natural sweetness.
- Use Honey Instead of Maple Syrup: For a slightly different flavor profile, swap the maple syrup for honey. It works wonderfully with the cinnamon.
- Herbed Twist: Replace the cinnamon with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for a savory version of mashed sweet potatoes.
- Dairy-Free Creaminess: If you’re skipping the butter, consider using coconut milk or almond milk for a creamy and flavorful vegan option.
- Citrus Zest: Add a little orange or lemon zest for a bright, citrusy twist that lightens the dish.
- Sweet Potato Mash Bake: After mashing, transfer the sweet potatoes to a baking dish, top with breadcrumbs and cheese, and broil until bubbly for a baked variation.
- Lower Sugar Option: Reduce or skip the maple syrup for a less sweet version that still highlights the natural sweetness of the potatoes.
- Smoked Paprika Addition: Sprinkle in some smoked paprika for a slightly smoky flavor that adds depth to the dish.
- Kid-Friendly Version: Mix in a dollop of cream cheese for extra creaminess and a flavor kids will love.
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: Let the mashed sweet potatoes cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, place the mashed sweet potatoes in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Lay the bag flat in the freezer for easy stacking. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Reheating in the Microwave: Place the desired amount in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until warmed through.
- Reheating on the Stove: Transfer the sweet potatoes to a saucepan and reheat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of milk, water, or butter if the potatoes seem dry.
- Reheating in the Instant Pot: Use the “Keep Warm” or “Saute” setting on low to gently warm the mashed sweet potatoes. Stir occasionally for even heating.
- Tips for Freezing: Portion the mashed sweet potatoes into single-serving sizes before freezing. This makes reheating quick and convenient!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of sweet potatoes for this recipe?
Yes, you can use any variety of sweet potato, including white-fleshed or purple sweet potatoes. Keep in mind that the flavor and texture might vary slightly depending on the type you choose, but they all work well in this recipe.
Can I make this recipe without an Instant Pot?
Absolutely! You can boil or bake the sweet potatoes until tender and then follow the same mashing and mixing steps. However, the Instant Pot is a faster and more convenient option.
How do I adjust the sweetness level?
The sweetness can be easily adjusted by adding more or less maple syrup. Start with the suggested amount and taste as you go—you can always add more to suit your preference.
Can I make these mashed sweet potatoes ahead of time?
Yes! These sweet potatoes store well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat them just before serving, and add a splash of milk or butter if they seem too thick.
What can I use instead of butter for a vegan version?
For a vegan option, use plant-based butter, coconut oil, or simply skip the butter altogether. You can also add a splash of coconut milk for extra creaminess.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, you can easily double the recipe as long as your Instant Pot has enough space to accommodate the extra sweet potatoes. Make sure not to overfill the pot beyond the recommended capacity.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely! These mashed sweet potatoes freeze beautifully. Divide them into single-serving portions for convenience, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat as needed.
What are some creative toppings for these mashed sweet potatoes?
Some great toppings include toasted pecans, marshmallows (for a holiday twist), a drizzle of maple syrup, or even a sprinkle of brown sugar and cinnamon for extra sweetness.
How do I prevent the sweet potatoes from being watery?
Make sure to drain the cooking water completely after pressure cooking. If the potatoes are too soft, reduce the cooking time slightly next time to maintain a firmer texture.
If you liked these Instant Pot mashed sweet potatoes, you will also love these easy recipes:
Sweet Potato Muffins – use some of these mashed sweet potatoes to make these amazing muffins! They are the best ever!
Sweet Potato Hashbrowns – healthier alternative to traditional hashbrowns and so delicious! You can even cook them on Saute setting in your Instant Pot :)
Instant Pot Fall-Off-The-Bone Ribs – once I discovered how to make ribs in the Instant Pot, I never want to eat the ones from the restaurant! These are better than restaurant, they are truly fall-off-the-bone!
Instant Pot Beets – Instant Pot is the best and easiest way to cook beets! Truly hands-off! I also have an amazing beet salad recipe on that page to make with those cooked beets :)
Instant Pot Salsa Chicken – this super-easy recipe uses just 2 ingredients: chicken and salsa! You can eat it in so many different ways – in tacos, burritos, lettuce wraps, over rice and of course with mashed sweet potatoes! Yum!
Instant Pot Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Ingredients
- 4 sweet potatoes
- 1 cup water
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 4 tbsp butter optional
Recommended Kitchen Tools (click the links below to see the items used to make this recipe)
- Knife for peeling if needed
Instructions
- Put water and sweet potatoes in the Instant Pot. Close the lid, turn the valve to a Sealing position and press the "Pressure Cook" or "Manual" button and set the time to 30 minutes on High pressure.
- When it's done cooking, quick release (QR) the steam. Remove sweet potatoes from the pot, drain the water, peel the sweet potatoes and put them back in the pot. Mash sweet potatoes with a potato masher and mix in the maple syrup, cinnamon and butter (if using).
Nutrition
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