Instant Pot Mashed Sweet Potatoes

If you love comfort food that is both cozy and bursting with natural sweetness, these Instant Pot Mashed Sweet Potatoes are exactly what you need. Imagine perfectly tender sweet potato cubes, whipped smooth with butter, cream, and brown sugar, and lightly spiced with cinnamon. Each bite is creamy, rich, and comforting, making this a perfect side dish for weeknight dinners or holiday feasts. Trust me, once you make these, you’ll never go back to stovetop versions—the Instant Pot makes them effortless and perfectly tender every time.

Recipe Origin
Mashed sweet potatoes are a classic side in Southern and holiday cuisine, celebrated for their natural sweetness and creamy texture. Using the Instant Pot takes this beloved dish to the next level, saving time and guaranteeing consistent results without the fuss of peeling, boiling, and mashing in separate steps.

Kitchen Tools You Will Need
You will need an Instant Pot or electric pressure cooker, a cutting board and knife, a measuring cup, a potato masher or electric hand mixer, a mixing bowl, and a spatula for stirring in the butter and cream.

Why You Will Love Instant Pot Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Quick and Effortless: The Instant Pot cooks sweet potatoes faster than traditional boiling, steaming, or baking methods.

Creamy and Smooth: The sweet potatoes cook evenly and are easy to mash to a silky, luscious consistency.

Customizable: Adjust the sugar, butter, or cinnamon to your taste. You can also add nutmeg, ginger, or a dash of maple syrup for seasonal flair.

Perfect for Holidays: These mashed sweet potatoes are a classic side for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any dinner where comfort food is needed.

Healthy and Satisfying: Sweet potatoes are naturally sweet, packed with vitamins, and pair beautifully with savory main dishes.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results
Cut sweet potatoes into even-sized cubes to ensure they cook uniformly. Use room temperature butter and cream for easier mashing and incorporation. Do not overfill your Instant Pot with water; just enough to steam the sweet potatoes.

Ingredients in Instant Pot Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Here is the magic of this recipe it uses simple ingredients to create a creamy, sweet, and slightly spiced side dish that everyone will love.

Sweet Potatoes: Naturally sweet, creamy when cooked, and the star of this dish.

Water: For steaming the sweet potatoes in the Instant Pot.

Heavy Cream: Adds richness and a smooth texture to the mashed potatoes.

Brown Sugar: Enhances the natural sweetness and gives the dish a warm, comforting flavor.

Unsalted Butter: Adds creaminess and depth without overwhelming the natural flavor of the sweet potatoes.

Cinnamon: Provides a warm, aromatic note that complements the sweetness perfectly.

Kosher Salt: Balances the flavors and enhances the natural taste of the sweet potatoes.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions
Let’s dive into creating these perfectly creamy mashed sweet potatoes.

Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Peel and cut the sweet potatoes into large, even cubes. This ensures they cook evenly in the Instant Pot.

Add to Instant Pot: Pour 3 cups of water into the Instant Pot and place the steamer basket inside. Add the sweet potato cubes to the basket.

Pressure Cook: Secure the lid and set the Instant Pot to high pressure for 10 minutes. Once the cooking time is complete, allow a natural release for 5 minutes, then carefully perform a quick release to remove the remaining pressure.

Mash the Sweet Potatoes: Transfer the cooked sweet potatoes to a mixing bowl. Use a potato masher or hand mixer to mash until smooth.

Add Cream and Butter: Stir in the heavy cream and butter until fully incorporated and creamy.

Sweeten and Spice: Add brown sugar, cinnamon, and kosher salt. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution of flavors. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Serve and Enjoy: Serve warm as a comforting side dish. These mashed sweet potatoes pair beautifully with roasted meats, poultry, or even a holiday spread.

Nutrition Facts
Servings: 8 to 10
Calories per serving: Approximately 180
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

How to Serve Instant Pot Mashed Sweet Potatoes

As a Holiday Side: Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or festive dinners.

With Roasted Meats: Pair with turkey, chicken, ham, or pork for a comforting meal.

Topped with Extras: Add a drizzle of maple syrup, a sprinkle of chopped pecans, or mini marshmallows for a classic twist.

In Casseroles: Use these mashed sweet potatoes as a base for sweet potato casseroles or layered sides.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Prep Ahead: Peel and cube sweet potatoes a day in advance and store in water in the fridge to save time.

Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream if needed to restore creaminess.

Freezing: Freeze mashed sweet potatoes in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Variations to Try
Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for seasonal warmth. Stir in orange juice or zest for a citrusy brightness. Mix in roasted garlic for a savory twist. Add cream cheese for extra richness and tang.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?
A1: Yes, but the flavor and sweetness will differ. Regular potatoes create a more savory mash.

Q2: Can I make this vegan?
A2: Yes, substitute butter and cream with plant-based alternatives like coconut cream and vegan butter.

Q3: Can I cook sweet potatoes without a steamer basket?
A3: Yes, you can cook directly in water, but a steamer basket helps prevent soggy potatoes.

Q4: Can I reduce the sugar?
A4: Yes, adjust the brown sugar to your preferred level of sweetness.

Q5: Can I add other spices?
A5: Absolutely. Nutmeg, cloves, or allspice all work well with sweet potatoes.

Q6: How do I keep mashed sweet potatoes from being watery?
A6: Drain cooked sweet potatoes thoroughly and mash immediately with minimal liquid.

Q7: Can I use frozen sweet potatoes?
A7: Yes, but adjust cooking time slightly to ensure they are fully tender.

Q8: Can I make this ahead of time?
A8: Yes, make it in advance and reheat gently, adding cream if necessary to maintain creaminess.

Q9: Can I add a savory twist?
A9: Yes, add roasted garlic, a pinch of smoked paprika, or herbs like rosemary for a savory version.

Q10: Can I freeze this mash with butter and cream already added?
A10: Yes, it freezes well. Thaw in the fridge and reheat slowly, stirring in extra cream if needed.

Conclusion
These Instant Pot Mashed Sweet Potatoes are creamy, sweet, and comforting with just the right hint of cinnamon. They are quick to make, require minimal effort, and deliver consistent results that will impress family and friends. Perfect for everyday dinners or special occasions, they pair beautifully with roasted meats, poultry, or even a vegetarian feast. The Instant Pot makes them tender in a fraction of the time, giving you more moments to enjoy the flavors and the company at your table. Try this recipe and enjoy a smooth, creamy, and naturally sweet side dish that will likely become a staple in your kitchen.

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