Instant Pot Mashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe

Introduction

Mashed sweet potatoes made in the Instant Pot are a quick and creamy side dish with just the right balance of sweetness and spice. This recipe blends buttery richness with warm seasonings for a comforting addition to any meal.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds sweet potato
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/4 to 1/2 cup light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 pinches ground cumin (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Wash, peel, and cut the sweet potatoes into 1-inch chunks.
2. Step 2: Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode. When hot, add the butter and let it melt. Add the sweet potatoes and sauté for about 3 minutes. Do not reduce the butter, as it provides necessary liquid for cooking.
3. Step 3: Press cancel, then stir in 1/2 cup water and salt. Place the lid on the Instant Pot and set the valve to seal. Cook on manual pressure for 8 minutes.
4. Step 4: When cooking ends, let the pot remain on warm mode for at least 10 minutes before releasing the pressure.
5. Step 5: Add brown sugar, milk, black pepper, ground cumin (if using), and an additional 2 tablespoons of butter if desired.
6. Step 6: Mash the mixture with a potato masher until smooth. Cover and let sit for 5 to 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld and thicken slightly before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra creaminess, substitute milk with half-and-half or cream.
• Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, autumnal flavor.
• Use coconut milk and omit butter for a dairy-free version.
• Don’t skip the resting time after mashing; it helps the texture improve and flavors deepen.

Storage

Store leftover mashed sweet potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of milk if needed to loosen the texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen sweet potatoes for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen sweet potato chunks, but reduce the pressure cooking time slightly since they’re partially cooked already. About 6 minutes should suffice.

How can I make this recipe vegan?

Replace the butter with a plant-based alternative and use non-dairy milk such as almond, soy, or coconut milk. Adjust seasonings to taste.

Instant Pot Mashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 76 reviews

• Author: Naomi
• Total Time: 31 minutes
• Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x

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Description

This Instant Pot Mashed Sweet Potatoes recipe is a delicious and convenient way to prepare creamy, flavorful sweet potatoes with minimal effort. Tender sweet potatoes are sautéed with butter, then pressure-cooked to perfection and mashed with spices and brown sugar for a comforting side dish that pairs well with a variety of mains.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Sweet Potatoes

• 2 pounds sweet potatoes

Seasonings & Add-ins

• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/4 to 1/2 cup light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 pinches ground cumin (optional)
• 1/2 cup water

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Wash and peel the sweet potatoes. Cut them into 1-inch chunks to ensure even cooking inside the Instant Pot.
2. Sauté Sweet Potatoes: Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode. When hot, add 4 tablespoons of butter and allow it to melt. Add the chunks of sweet potato and sauté for about 3 minutes. The butter will provide necessary moisture for pressure cooking later.
3. Add Water and Season: Press cancel on the Instant Pot to stop sautéing. Stir in 1/2 cup of water and 1 teaspoon of salt to the pot. This liquid will help steam the sweet potatoes during pressure cooking.
4. Pressure Cook: Place the Instant Pot lid on and set the valve to seal. Cook on manual pressure for 8 minutes. Once cooking is complete, allow the Instant Pot to remain in warm mode for at least 10 minutes to let the potatoes finish cooking gently.
5. Release Pressure and Mash: After the warm period, release the pressure carefully and remove the lid. Add 1/4 to 1/2 cup of light brown sugar, 1/2 cup milk, 2 tablespoons of butter, ground black pepper, and optional ground cumin to the cooked sweet potatoes.
6. Mash Sweet Potatoes: Using a potato masher, mash the mixture until smooth and creamy. Cover the pot and let the mashed sweet potatoes sit for 5 to 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the texture to thicken slightly.
7. Serve: Serve the mashed sweet potatoes warm alongside your favorite main course, such as roasted meats or vegetarian dishes, for a comforting and flavorful side.

Notes

• You can adjust the amount of brown sugar to your preferred sweetness level.
• For creamier mashed sweet potatoes, use whole milk or substitute with cream.
• Ground cumin adds a warm earthy tone but is optional based on your taste.
• Allowing the mashed potatoes to rest covered enhances flavor and thickens texture.
• Use unsalted butter to better control the saltiness of the dish.
• This recipe can be doubled in an Instant Pot that can hold larger quantities, adjusting cooking time accordingly.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 minutes (pressure cooking) plus 3 minutes sautéing and 10 minutes resting
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Instant Pot
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: instant pot mashed sweet potatoes, mashed sweet potatoes, pressure cooker sweet potatoes, creamy sweet potatoes, quick sweet potato recipe