Best Instant Pot Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Simple, creamy, and reliably delicious Best Instant Pot Mashed Sweet Potatoes. This recipe uses the Instant Pot to make tender sweet potatoes quickly, then mashes them with butter, a splash of milk, and a touch of maple for rich flavor. Perfect for weeknight dinners, holiday sides, or whenever you need a comforting vegetable.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds sweet potatoes, scrubbed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1 cup water
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1/4 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup or honey (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for warmth)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or chives for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Pour 1 cup of water into the Instant Pot and place the trivet or a steaming rack inside.
- Place the cut sweet potatoes on the trivet in an even layer. You can stack slightly, but try not to pack them too tight so steam can circulate.
- Close the lid and set the valve to sealing. Cook on High Pressure for 8 minutes for 2-inch pieces of sweet potato. If your pieces are larger, add 1 to 2 minutes; if smaller, reduce by a minute.
- When the cook time finishes, allow a natural release for 5 minutes, then carefully quick-release any remaining pressure by switching the valve to venting.
- Open the lid and transfer the sweet potatoes to a large bowl, leaving the cooking liquid behind.
- Add the butter, milk, maple syrup (if using), salt, pepper, and cinnamon to the potatoes.
- Mash with a potato masher for a rustic texture, or use an electric hand mixer on low for extra-smooth results. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, or maple as needed.
- Spoon into a serving bowl and garnish with chopped parsley or chives if you like. Serve warm.