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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Instructions

Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Wash and peel the sweet potatoes. Cut them into 1-inch chunks to ensure even cooking inside the Instant Pot.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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