The Instant Pot Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Chipotle and Maple Recipe is an absolute game-changer for your side dish lineup. These mashed sweet potatoes are creamy, bursting with a balanced smoky heat from chipotle chiles, and sweetened just right with pure maple syrup. The Instant Pot makes cooking them effortless and takes the guesswork out of achieving that perfect tender texture. It’s the kind of dish that feels both comforting and exciting at the same time—a perfect blend of cozy and bold flavors that will quickly become a family favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of simple ingredients, you’ll create a dish that’s rich in flavor and vibrant in color. Each component plays a crucial role, from the natural sweetness of the potatoes to the smoky warmth of chipotle and the smooth creaminess of butter and half and half.
- Sweet potatoes: Choose firm, evenly sized tubers for consistent cooking and a naturally sweet base.
- Half and half: Adds luxurious creaminess without overpowering the other flavors.
- Diced chipotle chiles in adobo sauce: For that perfect smoky heat and depth of flavor.
- Organic maple syrup: Enhances sweetness with a rich, caramel-like nuance.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps balance the spice and sweetness.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasoning to bring all the flavors together.
- Paprika: Adds a mild smokiness and vibrant color.
- Allspice: Offers a subtle warmth reminiscent of fall spices.
- Fresh thyme: A bright, herbal finish that complements the richness.
How to Make Instant Pot Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Chipotle and Maple Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Sweet Potatoes
Start by washing your sweet potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt and debris. This helps ensure clean, tasty mash later, plus it protects your Instant Pot from any grit while cooking.
Step 2: Set Up the Instant Pot
Add one cup of water to the bottom of your Instant Pot and place the metal trivet inside. This steams the sweet potatoes evenly without direct contact with water, preserving their texture perfectly.
Step 3: Add Sweet Potatoes and Cook
Place the sweet potatoes on the trivet. Seal the lid and set your Instant Pot to cook on high pressure for 15 minutes. This timing cooks them through while keeping them firm enough for easy mashing.
Step 4: Pressure Release and Peel
Let the Instant Pot naturally release pressure—this gradually finishes the cooking process. Once safe to open, remove the sweet potatoes and allow them to cool slightly before peeling off the skins effortlessly.
Step 5: Saute the Flavor Base
Switch your Instant Pot to the sauté setting, then add butter, half and half, chipotle chiles in adobo, paprika, allspice, maple syrup, and a dash of salt and pepper. Stir everything together so the flavors meld and the butter melts into a luxurious sauce.
Step 6: Mash and Combine
Add the peeled sweet potatoes back to the pot with your sauce mixture. Mash everything together by hand with a potato masher for a rustic texture, or use an immersion blender for a velvety smooth consistency—either way, the flavors will be beautifully combined.
Step 7: Garnish and Enjoy
Add a sprinkle of fresh thyme for an herby lift and serve immediately. Your Instant Pot Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Chipotle and Maple Recipe are now ready to impress!
How to Serve Instant Pot Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Chipotle and Maple Recipe
Garnishes
A handful of fresh thyme leaves or chopped parsley add a pop of color and freshness that contrasts perfectly with the smoky, sweet richness. A drizzle of extra maple syrup or a light sprinkle of smoked paprika can also enhance presentation and flavor.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with roasted meats like turkey or pork, grilled chicken, or even a hearty plant-based main. Its bold flavor profile brings excitement to holiday dinners or casual weeknight suppers alike.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, serve the mashed sweet potatoes in a hollowed-out mini pumpkin or squash, or layer them with sautéed greens and toasted nuts in a warm casserole dish. This turns your Instant Pot Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Chipotle and Maple Recipe into a stunning centerpiece as well as a side.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover mashed sweet potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. They retain their flavors well, and the chipotle-maple combination remains deliciously intact.
Freezing
This recipe freezes wonderfully. Portion the mashed sweet potatoes into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion. They’ll last for up to 3 months, making them a perfect make-ahead for busy days.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm gently in a saucepan or microwave, stirring occasionally to keep the texture creamy. You may want to add a splash of half and half or butter to revive the sumptuous texture and flavors.
FAQs
Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?
While this recipe shines specifically with sweet potatoes due to their natural sweetness and color, you could try it with regular potatoes. Keep in mind, the flavor profile will be quite different, especially the sweet and smoky balance.
How spicy is the chipotle in this recipe?
The chipotle chiles provide a moderate smoky heat that complements the sweetness of the potatoes and maple syrup without overwhelming your palate. You can adjust the amount depending on how much kick you enjoy.
Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?
Absolutely! Swap the half and half and butter for your favorite plant-based milk and vegan butter alternative. Make sure they’re unsweetened and unflavored to maintain the perfect taste.
Can I make this recipe without an Instant Pot?
You can, but it will take longer. Boil or roast the sweet potatoes until tender, then mash and mix with the remaining ingredients in a saucepan. The Instant Pot just speeds up and simplifies the cooking process.
What’s the best way to peel sweet potatoes after cooking?
Once cool enough to handle, the skins usually peel right off by rubbing with your hands or using a paper towel. This step is much easier after cooking, so no need to peel beforehand.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Instant Pot Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Chipotle and Maple Recipe enough—it’s the kind of dish you’ll find yourself craving time and again. It’s flavorful, comforting, and surprisingly simple to prepare, with just the right blend of sweet, smoky, and creamy elements. Give it a try at your next meal, and watch it become a beloved staple in your kitchen!
Print
Instant Pot Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Chipotle and Maple Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Instant Pot Mashed Sweet Potatoes recipe offers a creamy, flavorful twist on the classic side dish. Combining tender sweet potatoes with smoky chipotle chiles, sweet maple syrup, and warming spices, this dish is perfect for holiday dinners or any comforting meal. Using the Instant Pot ensures the sweet potatoes cook quickly and evenly, while sauteing in the same pot layers the flavors beautifully.
Ingredients
Sweet Potatoes
- 4–5 sweet potatoes
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup half and half
- 1/4 cup organic maple syrup
- 1/2 stick unsalted butter (4 tablespoons)
Spices & Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons diced chipotle chiles in adobo sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon allspice
- Fresh thyme, for garnish
Other
- 1 cup water (for Instant Pot)
Instructions
- Wash Sweet Potatoes: Thoroughly wash the sweet potatoes to remove any dirt or debris before cooking.
- Add Water to Instant Pot: Pour 1 cup of water into the Instant Pot and place the metal trivet inside. This creates steam for pressure cooking.
- Place Sweet Potatoes in Pot: Arrange the sweet potatoes on the trivet inside the Instant Pot.
- Pressure Cook: Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes to soften the sweet potatoes.
- Natural Pressure Release: Allow the pressure to naturally release, then carefully open the Instant Pot lid.
- Peel Sweet Potatoes: Once the sweet potatoes are cool enough to handle, remove the skins carefully.
- Switch to Sauté Mode: Turn the Instant Pot to sauté function to prepare the mixture.
- Add Butter and Seasonings: Add the butter, half and half, diced chipotle chiles, paprika, allspice, maple syrup, and a dash of salt and pepper to the pot.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir the mixture well to blend the flavors as the butter melts.
- Add Sweet Potatoes Back: Return the peeled sweet potatoes to the Instant Pot with the seasoned mixture.
- Mash Sweet Potatoes: Mash the sweet potatoes by hand with a potato masher or use an immersion blender until smooth and creamy.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh thyme and serve warm for a delicious side dish.
Notes
- For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender instead of a potato masher.
- Adjust the amount of chipotle chiles depending on your preferred spice level.
- Substitute half and half with coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
- Use fresh thyme or substitute with dried thyme if fresh is unavailable.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
