Creamy & Easy Instant Pot Mashed Sweet Potatoes: Your Ultimate Thanksgiving Side Dish!

Get ready to elevate your holiday table with the ultimate side dish: incredibly delicious and unbelievably easy Instant Pot Mashed Sweet Potatoes! This recipe promises a creamy, flavorful experience with a hint of garlic and cinnamon that will make it an instant hit. Forget the long cooking times and complicated steps; with just a handful of ingredients and less than 20 minutes, you can create a show-stopping dish that’s perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any busy weeknight.

Whether you’re a seasoned Instant Pot user or just starting, this recipe is designed for success. We’ll guide you through every step to ensure your sweet potatoes are perfectly cooked, wonderfully mashed, and bursting with flavor. The secret lies in the quick pressure cooking method and a special blend of savory and sweet notes that truly sets this dish apart.

The Secret Flavor Profile: Garlic, Butter, and Cinnamon

While many mashed sweet potato recipes lean heavily into the sweet, I have a personal preference for a balance of savory and sweet, highlighted by a generous dose of garlicky butter and a subtle hint of cinnamon. This combination creates a depth of flavor that is truly irresistible. The fresh garlic provides a robust, aromatic base, while the butter adds a luxurious creaminess. The cinnamon, rather than making the dish overtly sweet, complements the natural sweetness of the potatoes, adding a warm, inviting spice. If you’re hesitant about the garlic and cinnamon, rest assured they blend harmoniously to create a unique and unforgettable taste.

Of course, this recipe is adaptable to your taste! If you prefer your mashed sweet potatoes on the sweeter side, consider adding a tablespoon of brown sugar or a drizzle of maple syrup. For those who enjoy a richer, more savory profile, increasing the garlic or adding a touch of fresh rosemary or thyme can work wonders. I personally opt for salted butter and no added sugar, finding the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes perfectly sufficient, especially when balanced with the savory elements.

Why the Instant Pot is a Game-Changer for Mashed Sweet Potatoes

The Instant Pot isn’t just a convenient appliance; it’s a culinary superpower for dishes like mashed sweet potatoes. Traditional stovetop methods can be messy and require constant monitoring, but the Instant Pot streamlines the entire process. Here’s why it’s superior:

• Speed: Sweet potatoes are cooked to perfection in just 3 minutes of pressure cooking time, significantly faster than boiling on the stovetop. This speed is invaluable during busy holidays or weeknights.
• Consistency: The sealed environment of the Instant Pot ensures even cooking, resulting in consistently tender sweet potato chunks every single time. No more unevenly cooked potatoes!
• Less Mess: Everything happens in one pot, from cooking the potatoes to sautéing the garlic and mashing. This means fewer dishes to wash and a tidier kitchen.
• “Keep Warm” Function: An often-underestimated feature, the “keep warm” setting is perfect for holiday entertaining. It allows you to prepare your mashed sweet potatoes ahead of time and keep them warm and ready to serve without losing their creamy texture or flavor.

Leveraging the Instant Pot means you get to enjoy more time with your loved ones and less time hovering over a hot stove.

Essential Ingredients for Your Instant Pot Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating these delicious mashed sweet potatoes. You’ll be surprised at how simple the list is for such a flavorful dish!

• Sweet Potatoes: Any variety of sweet potatoes will work beautifully for this recipe. Look for firm, unblemished potatoes. Make sure to peel them thoroughly and cut them into uniform 1-inch chunks. This ensures they cook evenly and quickly in the Instant Pot.
• Whole Milk: For the creamiest results, whole milk is recommended. However, heavy cream will make them even richer, and any type of milk (like 2% or skim) can be used for a lighter version. For a delicious vegan-friendly option, unsweetened coconut milk or almond milk are excellent substitutions that add a subtle, pleasant flavor.
• Butter: I used salted butter, which adds a nice savory balance to the sweetness of the potatoes. If you prefer to control the salt content, unsalted butter is a great choice; just remember to adjust the added salt accordingly. Vegan butter can also be used for a dairy-free version.
• Garlic: Fresh is best! Minced fresh garlic cloves provide an aromatic punch that powdered garlic simply can’t replicate. It adds a depth of savory flavor that beautifully complements the sweet potatoes.
• Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon adds a warm, inviting spice that enhances the natural sweetness of the potatoes without making them overly dessert-like. A little goes a long way to create that perfect subtle hint.
• Water: Essential for the Instant Pot to come to pressure and steam the sweet potatoes. Just one cup is all you need for perfectly tender results.
• Salt and Pepper: These humble seasonings are crucial for balancing and enhancing all the flavors. Always taste and adjust to your preference before serving.

Top Tips for Perfectly Creamy Instant Pot Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Achieving perfectly smooth and flavorful mashed sweet potatoes in your Instant Pot is incredibly simple when you follow these expert tips:

• Precise Pressure Cooking Time: The sweet potatoes only need 3 minutes of pressure cooking time. This might seem short, but it’s the ideal duration for perfectly tender potatoes that are easy to mash without becoming waterlogged. Always perform a quick release of pressure immediately after the cooking cycle ends to prevent overcooking.
• Thorough Draining is Key: After cooking, it’s crucial to thoroughly drain the potatoes. Excess water can make your mash watery and prevent it from becoming creamy. A colander works perfectly for this.
• Utilize the “Keep Warm” Function: One of the Instant Pot’s best features for entertaining! Once your potatoes are cooked and mashed, press the “keep warm” function. This will maintain their temperature and creamy consistency until you’re ready to serve, making it ideal for holiday meal prep.
• Add Milk Slowly for Ideal Consistency: The amount of milk needed can vary slightly depending on the size and moisture content of your sweet potatoes. Always pour the milk in slowly, a little at a time, while mashing. This allows you to control the consistency and achieve your desired level of creaminess. You might need a bit more or less than the recipe suggests.
• Incorporate Fresh Herbs for Extra Flavor: Elevate your mashed sweet potatoes with fresh herbs. Rosemary, thyme, and sage are fantastic additions that not only impart wonderful earthy flavors but also add a beautiful pop of color, making your dish more visually appealing. Stir them in at the end.
• Avoid Overmixing: Overmixing mashed potatoes can activate their starches, leading to a gummy or gluey texture. Mash until just smooth and creamy, then stop. A potato masher is perfect for this; avoid using a food processor if you want to maintain that fluffy texture.
• Get Creative with Toppings: Customize your mash with exciting toppings! For extra sweetness, toasted marshmallows or a sprinkle of candied pecans are delightful. If you prefer a savory crunch, crispy fried onions or crumbled bacon bits make fantastic additions.
• Adjust Sweetness as Desired: If you find the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes isn’t quite enough for your preference, a drizzle of maple syrup or honey can easily be incorporated while mashing. Start with a tablespoon and add more to taste.

Can I Make These on the Stovetop?

Absolutely! While the Instant Pot offers unparalleled speed and convenience, you can certainly achieve delicious mashed sweet potatoes using a traditional stovetop method. Simply boil the peeled and chunked sweet potatoes in salted water until very tender (about 15-20 minutes), then drain thoroughly. From there, you can proceed with the sautéing of garlic and cinnamon in butter, followed by mashing with milk and seasoning, just as you would with the Instant Pot method. If you’re looking for another fantastic stovetop recipe, you can check out these equally delicious mashed sweet potatoes made on the stovetop.

How Many People Does This Recipe Feed?

This recipe, as written, is designed to serve approximately 4 people as a generous side dish. When preparing for holidays or larger gatherings, keep in mind that guests often have many other delicious sides to choose from, so portions may be smaller. Generally, a 1/2 cup serving is considered sufficient per person during a holiday feast. For a larger crowd, simply double or triple the recipe; the Instant Pot is usually large enough to accommodate an increased quantity of sweet potatoes.

What Goes Well With Mashed Sweet Potatoes?

Mashed sweet potatoes are incredibly versatile and pair wonderfully with a wide array of main courses, making them a fantastic addition to almost any meal. Their sweet and savory profile complements rich meats and adds a comforting element to lighter dishes. Here are some of my favorite pairings:

• Holiday Roasts: They are a classic companion to holiday centerpieces like juicy roast turkey, honey-glazed ham, or a succulent roasted chicken.
• Everyday Entrees: Don’t reserve them just for special occasions! Mashed sweet potatoes are excellent with everyday meals such as air fryer steak, pork chops, or even baked salmon.
• Vegetarian Options: They can be a hearty side to a black bean burger, a lentil loaf, or roasted root vegetables.
• Comfort Food Classics: Serve them alongside meatloaf, pot roast, or shepherd’s pie for a truly comforting meal.

Their creamy texture and balanced flavor make them a welcome addition to virtually any plate, providing both nutrition and deliciousness.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

These Instant Pot mashed sweet potatoes are not only delicious but also convenient to store and prepare in advance. You can easily make them ahead of time, which is a huge bonus during busy holiday cooking!

• Refrigeration: Store any leftover mashed sweet potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This keeps them fresh and flavorful for quick reheating.
• Freezing: For longer storage, mashed sweet potatoes freeze beautifully. Allow them to cool completely, then transfer them to freezer-safe bags or containers. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: To reheat, gently warm the mashed sweet potatoes in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You might need to add a splash of milk or a pat of butter to restore their creamy consistency. Alternatively, reheat in the microwave in short bursts, stirring between each, until hot.
• Make-Ahead: Prepare the mashed sweet potatoes completely up to 1-2 days in advance. Store them in the refrigerator, then reheat gently on the stovetop or in the Instant Pot’s “keep warm” function with a little extra milk or butter just before serving.

Find more delicious recipes and cooking tutorial videos on YouTube and Facebook.

Instant Pot Mashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe

These instant pot mashed sweet potatoes will be a hit at your Thanksgiving table this year! A delicious side dish that’s incredibly tasty but super easy to make. Prepared with just a few ingredients in under 20 minutes.

Author: Julie Maestre

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 4 minutes

Total Time: 14 minutes

Servings: 4

Course: Holidays

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Instant Pot Mashed Sweet Potatoes, Instant Pot Side Dishes, Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Equipment

• Instant Pot
• Potato Masher

Ingredients

• 2 lbs sweet potatoes (about 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp butter (salted or unsalted)
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 3/4 cups whole milk (or heavy cream, coconut milk for vegan)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup water (for pressure cooking)

Instructions

1. Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into uniform 1-inch chunks.
2. Add the prepared sweet potatoes and 1 cup of water to the Instant Pot. Close the lid and set the valve to sealing. Select the “Pressure Cook” (or “Manual”) function and set the timer for 3 minutes on high pressure.
3. Once the three minutes of pressure cooking are complete, perform a quick release by carefully moving the valve to the venting position. Allow all the pressure to release, then open the lid.
4. Carefully drain the cooked sweet potatoes thoroughly, discarding the cooking liquid. Set the potatoes aside in the Instant Pot.
5. Press the “Sauté” function on the Instant Pot. Add the butter and minced garlic. Sauté for about 30-60 seconds, or until the garlic becomes fragrant.
6. Stir in the ground cinnamon and cook for just 5 seconds, allowing the aroma to bloom.
7. Add the drained sweet potatoes back into the Instant Pot with the butter-garlic-cinnamon mixture. Press the “Keep Warm” function.
8. Using a potato masher, begin mashing the sweet potatoes. Gradually add the whole milk, a little at a time, continuing to mash until your desired creamy consistency is achieved.
9. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Give it a final stir and serve warm!

Notes

The cooking time mentioned does not include the time it takes for the Instant Pot to come to pressure (which can be an additional 5-10 minutes depending on the model and amount of liquid).

Nutrition Information

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation.

• Calories: 277 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 49g
• Protein: 5g
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Cholesterol: 20mg
• Sodium: 198mg
• Potassium: 825mg
• Fiber: 7g
• Sugar: 12g
• Vitamin A: 32427 IU
• Vitamin C: 6mg
• Calcium: 126mg
• Iron: 1mg

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make these mashed sweet potatoes vegan?

Yes, absolutely! To make this recipe vegan-friendly, simply substitute the whole milk with unsweetened plant-based milk like almond milk or coconut milk, and use a high-quality vegan butter alternative instead of dairy butter. The result will still be wonderfully creamy and flavorful.

What other spices can I add to my mashed sweet potatoes?

Beyond cinnamon, there are many spices that can enhance mashed sweet potatoes. For a sweeter profile, try a pinch of nutmeg, allspice, or ginger. For a more savory touch, smoked paprika, a touch of cayenne pepper for heat, or even a very small amount of cumin can add intriguing depth.

What kind of sweet potatoes are best for mashing?

While any sweet potato variety works, orange-fleshed sweet potatoes like Jewel or Garnet are popular choices due to their naturally sweet flavor and creamy texture when mashed. White or purple varieties can also be used, but their flavor and texture might differ slightly.

Can I prepare the sweet potatoes ahead of time?

You can peel and cut the sweet potatoes a day in advance and store them in an airtight container submerged in cold water in the refrigerator. This prevents them from browning. Drain them well before pressure cooking.

We hope you enjoy these fantastic Instant Pot Mashed Sweet Potatoes as much as we do! They are truly a game-changer for holiday meals and a delightful addition to any dinner table. Don’t forget to try this recipe and share your experience!