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Instant Pot Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Looking for an easy holiday side dish? These Instant Pot mashed sweet potatoes are just that! Easy to make, full of flavor, and don’t take up precious stove space!

Instant Pot Mashed Sweet Potatoes in a bowl with a spoon.

Looking for an easy side dish for your holiday dinner? These Instant Pot mashed sweet potatoes are the perfect recipe!

Sweet and simple this recipe is easy to make and doesn’t require the use of your stove!

Which, if you’re busy making a holiday dinner is always a plus!

I kept the seasonings simple for this recipe BUT you can easily switch it up by adding cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, or even a teaspoon of freshly grated ginger.

These mashed sweet potatoes are so easy to make and a less sweet option to sweet potato casserole.

Instant Pot Mashed Sweet Potatoes in a white serving bowl.

Ingredients to make mashed sweet potatoes?

  • Sweet potatoes – I used standard sweet potatoes in this recipe but feel free to swap them out for russet or Yukon gold potatoes.
  • Water – This helps the sweet potatoes cook and stops them from sticking to the inside of the Instant Pot.
  • Kosher salt – A touch of seasoning!
  • Black pepper – A little spice.
  • Half and half – I love using half and half because it makes the mashed sweet potatoes creamy and smooth. For even richer potatoes use heavy cream!
  • Unsalted butter – This adds just a touch of richness and great flavor! You can always add more or less butter if you’re a big fan.
Scooping out a serving of Instant Pot Mashed Sweet Potatoes.

How to make Instant Pot mashed sweet potatoes?

Making these potatoes is so easy!

My favorite part is not having to use one of the burners on my stove. They are always in demand during the holiday cooking extravaganza.

Do you make these Instant Pot mashed sweet potatoes you simply add the sweet potatoes, water, kosher salt, and black pepper to the Instant Pot.

Put on the lid, cook them for 12 minutes, vent, drain the potatoes, and add them back to the pot.

Then you’ll add in your half and half, butter, and other mix-ins you desire.

Mash it up using a potato masher or an immersion blender and blend until your desired consistency.

Instant Pot FAQ

An Instant Pot is an electric multi-cooker that can be used to sauté, as a slow cooker, and of course, pressure cook.

There are a lot of horror stories about using old-fashioned stovetop pressure cookers but these are much safer and WAY easier to use.

They use high-pressurized steam to help cook meat and vegetables at a much quicker rate than traditional stovetop or slow cooker options.

Instant Pots are VERY easy to use and very safe. Don’t worry if you’re new to the electric pressure cooker world. You will absolutely LOVE it!

Instant Pot is a brand name electric pressure cooker. Since most people recognize the name “Instant Pot” and think of an electric pressure cooker it’s often easier to just title a recipe with IP in the name.

I have also used the crockpot version electric pressure cooker with equally delicious results.

This is the same as most people calling a plastic bandage a Band-aid or a tissue a Kleenex. Over time the brand names become synonymous with a type of product.

When a recipe calls to let your Instant Pot “natural release” it means your pressure cooker will naturally (and very slowly) release the pressure.

Many recipes call for the pressure cooker to naturally release for a period of time because this helps the recipe cook just a little longer.

Since the pressure cooker will be slowly losing pressure you do not have to do anything; it will eventually lose all its pressure and the lid will unlock.

When a recipe calls for quick release, this means you will manually be letting the pressure out of the Instant Pot.

You will have to turn the vent to the “venting” position and a bunch of hot steam will come out of the vent. It is very important that you do not put your hand in the steam as it is VERY HOT.

This will then immediately unlock the lid and the food can be served.

Instant Pot Mashed Sweet Potatoes served in a round bowl.

Can I add any other seasonings to this recipe?

This is a BASIC recipe that is sort of a clean slate that you can jazz up however you like.

Here are a few fun options for mix-ins.

  • Cinnamon – This adds a touch of classic sweet potato flavor.
  • Pumpkin pie spice – Very similar to cinnamon but with the addition of nutmeg and ginger.
  • Freshly grated ginger – I like to use freshly grated ginger but you could use dried as well.
  • Fresh thyme – Go savory and add some minced fresh herbs.
  • Parmesan cheese – I love the idea of fresh herbs. mixed with cheesy salty Parmesan cheese.
  • Brown sugar – Love sweet mashed sweet potatoes? Add some brown sugar with a dash of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice.
  • Molasses – Don’t have any brown sugar on hand? Try molasses!
  • Toasted pecans – If you like a little crunch try adding in some toasted pecans. Toasted walnuts could work here too.
  • Minced garlic – Go the savory route and throw in a little garlic!

Flavor combinations

Here are a few put-together ideas :

  • Sweet:
    • 1/4 cup dark brown sugar
    • 1/4 cup toasted pecans
    • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Savory:
    • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1 teaspoon freshly minced thyme leaves

Craving mashed sweet potatoes but don’t have an Instant Pot? Why not try these delicious savory mashed sweet potatoes?

A hand holding the bowl of Instant Pot Mashed Sweet Potatoes.

Love these Instant Pot mashed sweet potatoes?

Why not try a few of my other delicious holiday side dish recipes?!

Instant Pot Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Looking for an easy holiday side dish? These Instant Pot mashed sweet potatoes are just that! Easy to make, full of flavor, and don't take up precious stove space!
5 from 4 votes
Print Pin
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 6 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds sweet potatoes peeled and cut into 1 inch cubes
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 cup half and half
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

Instructions

  • Add the sweet potatoes, water, and kosher salt to the Instant Pot.
  • Attach the lid and ensure the valve is in the "sealing" position.
  • Set the Instant Pot to "pressure cook – manual high" for 12 minutes.
  • Once the Instant Pot has finished cooking, release the pressure manually by switching the valve to the "venting" position – be careful it might splatter and hot steam will come out of the top!
  • Drain the potatoes and return them to the Instant Pot.
  • Add the half and half and butter.
  • Use a potato masher or immersion blender to process the potatoes to your desired consistency.
  • Serve warm and store any leftover potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 210kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 24mg | Sodium: 286mg | Potassium: 525mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 21719IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 60mg | Iron: 1mg
Course Side Dishes
Cuisine American
Keyword instant pot potato recipes, instant pot recipes, instant pot thanksgiving recipes, sweet potato recipes
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Instant Pot Mashed Sweet Potatoes pin for pinterest.
Brandy

About Brandy!

I am a food lover and recipe developer bringing you delicious recipes that taste great and are easy to make! My food is inspired by travels around the world and my love of flavorful food. A list of things that make me happy: cats, Coke Zero, houseplants, and travel. Read more...

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