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Instant Pot Mashed Sweet Potatoes are a healthy easy side dish that goes with almost any meal. You can make them sweet or savory and they only take 20 minutes to make!
You are going to love this instant pot mashed sweet potatoes recipe because it is so easy to make and is always a crowd pleaser! We didn’t add much to the sweet potatoes since they already have incredible flavor all on their own. Their natural sweetness really comes out when you cook them, then adding in a touch of cinnamon and maple syrup really elevates the flavors.
These mashed sweet potatoes have the best creamy, fluffy texture mixed with warm flavors that will make them your new favorite side dish!
If you prefer whole-cooked sweet potatoes then check out these Instant Pot Sweet Potatoes or these Air fryer Sweet Potatoes. Both recipes are also so easy and delicious!
Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ingredients You Will Need
- Variations
- How to Make Instant Pot Mashed Sweet Potatoes
- Expert Tips For Success
- How To Store Mashed Sweet Potatoes
- Reheating Tips
- Ways to use leftovers
- Recipe FAQ’s
- More Instant Pot Recipes To Try
- Other healthy sweet potato recipes
- The Best Instant Pot Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s so quick and easy!
- Gluten-free, dairy-free (if you use dairy-free milk).
- One of the best healthy side dishes that goes with so many things
- Perfect holiday recipe that everyone will love!
- It is very budget-friendly since a bag of sweet potatoes is around $2!
Ingredients You Will Need
Sweet potatoes – you will need about 2 pounds of fresh sweet potatoes (about 1 bag). You could also buy pre-peeled and chopped sweet potatoes that you can find at almost any grocery store. They are naturally sweet and very nutritious and you can enjoy them in a sweet potato salad or a sweet potato buddha bowl as well as mashed in this recipe.
Water – to help steam and cook the sweet potatoes.
Milk – adds a nice creamy texture and taste to the sweet potatoes. Any type of unsweetened milk will work. I used plain almond milk to keep this version dairy-free.
Butter – dairy-free, vegan, or regular butter will all work. You can also use ghee. The butter adds a nice creamy taste as well and makes the sweet potatoes smooth and so delicious.
Maple syrup – make sure to use real maple syrup. It adds a nice hint of maple flavor and also enhances the sweetness of the sweet potatoes.
Cinnamon – ground cinnamon adds some nice warm flavor to this dish and also is a nice compliment to the flavor of the potatoes.
Salt – to help enhance all of the flavors.
Pepper – optional
Variations
- Garlic and herb mashed sweet potatoes – once you add in the butter and milk, stir in some garlic and fresh herbs like rosemary and chives. As we did with this mashed butternut squash.
- Creamy garlic potatoes – We love to simply add butter, sour cream, a splash of milk, garlic, salt, and pepper for a simple savory version the kids love too! You could also stir in some Boursin herb cheese, which would be amazing!
How to Make Instant Pot Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Here are step-by-step instructions on how to make these healthy mashed sweet potatoes.
- Peel and cut the potatoes. You will need about 2 pounds of peeled sweet potatoes cut into about 1-inch pieces.
- Cook the potatoes in the Instant Pot. Add the cut sweet potatoes to the bottom of your Instant Pot, pour in 1 cup of water, secure the lid, and ensure it is set to the “steaming” position. Set the Instant pot in Manual Mode for 10 minutes and let the magic happen. After 10 minutes, the Instant Pot will either naturally release the pressure or you can manually release it by carefully flipping the release valve to the “venting’ position. It will take 30-60 seconds for all of the steam to release.
- Drain and mash the potatoes. Carefully remove the lid and drain the potatoes. Then return the potatoes back to the Instant pot. Mash the potatoes with a fork or potato masher, then fold in the butter. Finally add in the milk, maple syrup, and cinnamon. Season with salt to taste.
- Serve. Serve these potatoes hot with more butter and a pinch of cinnamon and salt.
For a complete list of the exact ingredients, measurements, cooking time, and instructions, please check out the FREE printable recipe card at the end of the post.
I know you and your family will love this mashed sweet potato recipe, it’s amazing!
Expert Tips For Success
- A potato masher or fork should work to mash the potatoes easily. Make sure to mash the potatoes while they are still nice and hot for the best results.
- Fold in the butter first, then add the rest of the ingredients for a nice smooth finish to the potatoes. This is a chef trick that is a game changer.
- To make this mashed sweet potato recipe vegan, use plant-based milk and vegan butter.
- For Paleo and Whole30, use coconut butter or ghee.
How To Store Mashed Sweet Potatoes
In the refrigerator: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing mashed sweet potatoes: You can freeze mashed sweet potatoes after you let them cool then transfer to a freezer-friendly bag and lay them flat in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Reheating Tips
From the fridge: warm portions in the microwave until warmed through.
Reheat from frozen by letting the potatoes defrost in the refrigerator overnight then reheat them on the stovetop, in the Instant pot on the “warm” setting, or in portions in the microwave.
Ways to use leftovers
You can use leftover mashed sweet potatoes in a sweet potato casserole or if you make them savory, you can use them as a topping on sweet potato shepherd’s pie.
Recipe FAQ’s
Do I need to use the steamer basket to cook the potatoes?
No, you do not need to use the steamer basket insert that came with your instant pot in this recipe.
Can you make this recipe in the slow cooker?
Yes, you can make this in the slow cooker. You will need to cook the potatoes on high for about 4 hours and you will only need about ½ cup of water.
Can I use regular butter in this recipe?
Yes, any type of butter will work in this recipe.
Can you use regular milk instead of plant-based milk in this recipe?
Yes! You absolutely can use any type of milk in this recipe. I just recommend that you use unsweetened milk since this recipe is sweet enough.
More Instant Pot Recipes To Try
- Instant Pot Spaghetti Squash
- Instant Pot Lentil Soup
- Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese – Instant Pot Recipe
- Instant Pot Butternut Squash Curry Soup
Other healthy sweet potato recipes
- The Best Instant Pot Sweet Potatoes
- Sausage and Pepper Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes
- Crispy Paleo Sweet Potato Fries
- Spicy Instant Pot Sweet Potato Soup
- Healthy Sweet Potato Casserole
Check out all of my healthy side dishes in PMG!
Did you try this Instant Pot Mashed Sweet Potato recipe? If you did, then please leave a rating and comment below. I would love to hear from you.
Print
The Best Instant Pot Mashed Sweet Potatoes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
These Instant Pot Mashed Sweet Potatoes are light and fluffy and packed with warm flavors like maple syrup and cinnamon. Thanks to the Instant Pot these sweet potatoes are quick and easy to make and are a wonderful side dish that is Vegan and Gluten Free.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds of sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup of water
- ¼ cup plain, unsweetened almond milk or any type of milk
- 4 tablespoons of vegan butter – I used Earth Balance
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup – real maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Place peeled and cut sweet potatoes into the bottom of the Instant pot.
- Pour in the water, secure the lid, and make sure the pressure release valve is set to “sealing”.
- Set the Instant Pot to “Manual Mode” for 10 minutes. The Instant Pot will take a few minutes to heat up and will then start to count down 10 minutes. Then it will either automatically release the pressure or you can do it manually by carefully turning the release valve to the “venting” position. Once all of the pressure is released, which takes 30-60 seconds, you can carefully remove the lid.
- Drain and rinse the potatoes and return them to the instant pot or a large bowl.
- Use a large fork or potato masher to mash up the potatoes then fold int he butter. Add in the milk, maple syrup, cinnamon, and salt and stir to combine. Make sure to mash them while they are nice and hot and do not overmix them.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Equipment
Notes
- For the best flavor make sure you select nice, ripe sweet potatoes that are darker orange and even in color with little to no blemishes on them.
- Make sure you mash the potatoes while they are still hot!
- To make this recipe savory, leave out the maple syrup and cinnamon and add in some minced garlic and some chives.
- You can store these mashed sweet potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Easily reheat them on the stovetop or in portions in the microwave.
- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 10
- Category: Healthy Side Dishes
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
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