This recipe for Instant Pot Mashed Sweet Potatoes cooks in no time at all without taking up space on the stovetop!

We love sweet potato casserole for the holidays but making mashed sweet potatoes in the instant pot is so easy, they’re great for weeknights too!

Instant Pot Mashed Sweet Potatoes with butter

An Easy Side Dish Recipe

  • Mashed sweet potatoes are healthy and hearty with a mildly sweet and nutty flavor.
  • The Instant Pot makes this recipe quick and easy. Minimal cook time and minimal clean-up? Yes, please!
  • Make these mashed sweet potatoes in advance and reheat before serving or use them to top a shepherd’s pie recipe!
  • Need more holiday side dish inspiration? Check out our favorite holiday Side Dishes.

ingredients to make Instant Pot Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Ingredients

SWEET POTATOES Sweet potatoes and yams are different vegetables although the term is often used interchangeably. Sweet potatoes are softer and cook up creamier while yams are denser and have more starch. Choose sweet potatoes that are firm and heavy without and soft spots.

DAIRY Just like regular mashed potatoes, real butter and milk or cream makes them extra rich and flavorful. To keep them healthier, use a bit less butter and milk in place of cream.

VARIATIONS Make savory mashed sweet potatoes with garlic and onion and broth instead of water. For a sweeter version, use apple juice and a dash of cinnamon. Top with mini marshmallows and let them melt on the top before serving. Use Pumpkin Pie Spice in this recipe and other holiday favorites!

process of adding ingredients together to make Instant Pot Mashed Sweet Potatoes

How to Make Instant Pot Mashed Sweet Potatoes

  1. Wash, peel, & cut sweet potatoes into 2″ cubes.
  2. Cook prepared sweet potatoes in the Instant Pot until they are soft (per the recipe below).
  3. Add remaining ingredients & mash until smooth.

plated Instant Pot Mashed Sweet Potatoes with butter and cinnamon

Recipe Tips

  • Drain the potatoes well to remove as much water as possible.
  • Add an apple or some chopped carrot or butternut squash to the potatoes before cooking.
  • Mashed sweet potatoes can be topped with marshmallows and then place the lid on a few minutes to melt or soften them.
  • Top with some chopped pecans. Lightly toast nuts in a sauté pan until they are barely golden. This intensifies the flavor and makes them extra crunchy!

How to Store Leftovers

Keep mashed sweet potatoes in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Add a little milk and reheat on the stove. Freeze in zippered bags with the date labeled on the outside up to 4 weeks.

 More Ways to Enjoy Sweet Potatoes

What’s your favorite way to serve sweet potatoes? Leave us a comment below! 

image of Everyday Comfort cookbook by Holly Nilsson of Spend With Pennies plus text
cooked Instant Pot Mashed Sweet Potatoes in the instant pot
5 from 7 votes↑ Click stars to rate now!
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Instant Pot Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Creamy, flavorful mashed sweet potatoes are so easy to make in the Instant Pot!
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 8
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Ingredients  

  • 4 pounds sweet potatoes
  • ½ cup water or apple juice
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons warm milk or cream, as needed
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon optional
  • 1-2 tablespoons brown sugar

Instructions 

  • Wash, peel, and cut sweet potatoes into 2-inch pieces.
  • Add sweet potatoes and water to the instant pot.
  • Close the lid and select MANUAL. Choose HIGH PRESSURE for 9 minutes.
  • Once cooked, quick release the pressure and let the potatoes cool slightly.
  • Drain the liquid and let the potatoes rest a few minutes to ensure they're well drained. Add the butter, cinnamon, and brown sugar. Mash until smooth adding warmed milk, as needed.

Notes

  • Drain the potatoes well to remove as much water as possible.
  • Add an apple or some chopped carrot or butternut squash to the potatoes before cooking.
  • Mashed sweet potatoes can be topped with marshmallows and then place the lid on a few minutes to melt or soften them.
  • Top with some chopped pecans. Lightly toast nuts in a sauté pan until they are barely golden. This intensifies the flavor and makes them extra crunchy!
  • Leftover mashed sweet potatoes can be kept in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Freeze cooled sweet potatoes in a zippered bag for up to 4 weeks. 
5 from 7 votes

Nutrition Information

Calories: 289 | Carbohydrates: 47g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 26mg | Sodium: 214mg | Potassium: 808mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 32488IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 107mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
cooked Instant Pot Mashed Sweet Potatoes with butter and writing
Instant Pot Mashed Sweet Potatoes in a bowl with butter and a title
ingredients in an instant pot to make Instant Pot Mashed Sweet Potatoes with a title

 

Instant Pot Mashed Sweet Potatoes in the instant pot and plated with writing

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About the author

Holly Nilsson is the creator of Spend With Pennies, where she creates easy, comforting recipes made for real life. With a passion for nostalgic flavors and simplified techniques, Holly helps busy home cooks create delicious meals that always work. She is also the author of “Everyday Comfort,” which promises to inspire even more hearty, home-cooked meals.
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Comments

  1. I made these for Thanksgiving yesterday. The cooking time was *perfect* in my IP. I ended up not adding cinnamon, but I did add a bit more brown sugar. I got multiple ‘best sweet potatoes I’ve ever had’ comments from my family. This is my new go-to!5 stars