Baked sweet potatoes are a favorite at my house. But sometimes I want a quicker, hands-off side dish for dinner. When I'm looking for something quick and easy, these Instant Pot mashed sweet potatoes are one of my go-to recipes.
These sweet potatoes are transformed into a creamy, versatile side dish for any meal - from a weeknight dinner to a holiday feast. The combination of soft, buttery sweet potatoes, a touch of chili powder for a subtle kick, and the natural sweetness of maple syrup makes for a flavor-packed, soul-warming dish. What's more, we're keeping it entirely vegan, using non-dairy milk and vegan butter, ensuring everyone can savor these sensational mashed sweet potatoes.
When it comes to preparing a holiday meal, timing can sometimes be tricky. The great thing about making this sweet potato recipe in the Instant Pot is that they not only take less time to cook but they can be made ahead of time and left in the pot on the keep warm setting until you're ready to eat.
If you're looking for more Thanksgiving recipes, check out my gluten free dinner rolls, these regular mashed potatoes, or one of our holiday favorites - gluten free corn casserole.
Ingredient Notes
This easy Instant Pot sweet potatoes recipe requires only a few common ingredients to make a delicious side dish your family will love!
- Sweet Potatoes - Although sweet potatoes normally require a longer cooking time than white potatoes, the Instant Pot can handle them with ease. You can simply peel and cut the sweet potatoes into large chunks. I always use orange sweet potatoes, but white sweet potatoes or purple sweet potatoes would work too.
- Water - Used for creating steam in the Instant Pot.
- Salt - Salt is the perfect match for the sweetness of the potatoes. It creates a perfect sweet and salty combo that you will love.
- Non-Dairy Milk - I use unsweetened coconut milk (the kind in the carton) in my cooking because coconut milk provides a nice creamy texture. You can use your favorite non-dairy milk. If you're not dairy free, use whole milk or even half and half in the same measure.
- Vegan Butter - What are mashed potatoes without loads of buttery flavor? If you're not dairy free, use regular unsalted butter in the same measure.
- Maple Syrup & Chili Powder - A touch of maple syrup adds a little sweetness, which the chili powder adds some savory flavor. There isn't enough of either to make them very noticeable but they are a nice compliment to the sweet potatoes.
See recipe card for full ingredient list and quantities.
Substitutions & Variations
- Not Dairy Free - use dairy butter and milk in the same measure.
- Savory Herb Mash - Add a medley of savory herbs like rosemary, thyme, or sage for an earthy flavor. Fresh herbs work wonders, but dried herbs are excellent as well. Simply mix them in during the flavoring step.
- Garlic Infusion - If you're a garlic lover, roast a head of garlic and mix the creamy cloves into the mashed sweet potatoes. Roasted garlic adds a rich, mellow garlic flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the potatoes.
- Nutty Delight - Enhance the texture and flavor with a handful of toasted, chopped nuts. Pecans or walnuts are fantastic choices, providing a delightful crunch and nutty goodness.
- Citrus Zest - Freshen things up with a burst of citrus flavor. Add some orange or lemon zest to the mix for a zesty, bright twist.
- Spicy Kick - For those who love a bit of heat, toss in a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. It'll give your sweet potatoes a subtle, spicy edge.
- Cheesy Sensation - Consider adding a touch of your favorite cheese. Vegan or regular, a bit of cheddar, goat cheese, or parmesan can lend a wonderful creaminess and depth of flavor.
- No Maple Syrup - Use brown sugar as a substitute.
- Flavors of Sweet Potato Casserole -Instead of maple syrup and chili powder, add brown sugar, ground cinnamon and marshmallows for an easy side dish that will satisfy your sweet tooth.
How to Make Instant Pot Mashed Sweet Potatoes
For this recipe you will need an Instant Pot and a potato masher or handheld mixer.
STEP 1: Add cut sweet potatoes, water and 1 teaspoon of salt to the Instant Pot. Seal the lid and cook.
STEP 2: Once the time has elapsed, quick release pressure. The potatoes should be fork tender. Carefully drain water out. Use a potato masher to mash the cooked sweet potatoes.
STEP 3: Add the remaining salt, butter, milk, chili powder and maple syrup to the sweet potato mash.
STEP 4: Stir everything together until the butter has melted. Add more salt to your taste.
Expert Tip
If you don't own a potato masher, you can use a handheld mixer or immersion blender to whip the cooked potatoes instead.
Storage
Place leftover sweet potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave for about 2 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165F degrees.
More Instant Pot recipes to consider:
If you try this recipe, please leave a 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 star rating and let me know how you liked it in the comments below.
Recipe
Instant Pot Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Equipment
- Instant Pot Pressure Cooker
Ingredients
- 3 pounds Sweet Potatoes peeled and cut into 1 ½” cubes
- 1 ½ Cup Water
- 1 ½ teaspoons Salt divided
- ½ Cup Non-Dairy Milk warmed
- ¼ Cup Vegan Butter
- 2 Tablespoons Maple Syrup
- ½ teaspoon Chili Powder
Instructions
- Place the cut potatoes, water and 1 teaspoon of salt in the instant pot. Turn the valve to seal and cook on high pressure for 12 minutes.3 pounds Sweet Potatoes, 1 ½ Cup Water, 1 ½ teaspoons Salt
- When it’s done cooking, quick release the pressure. Open the lid and carefully drain the water.
- Use a potato masher to mash the potatoes or for creamier potatoes use a hand mixer.
- Turn the instant pot to Keep Warm.
- Add the remaining salt, non-dairy milk, butter, chili powder and maple syrup. Mix until everything is well combined.½ Cup Non-Dairy Milk, ¼ Cup Vegan Butter, ½ teaspoon Chili Powder, 2 Tablespoons Maple Syrup
- Serve immediately or keep warm until ready to serve.
Notes
Tiffany is the recipe developer, stylist and food photographer behind Well Fed Baker. As a lifelong baker who had to go gluten free and dairy free in 2016, Tiffany strives to share allergen friendly recipes that never feel like they are free from anything.
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