If you’re craving a comforting side dish that is both delicious and nourishing, you have to try this Easy and Healthier Instant Pot Mashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe. It transforms humble sweet potatoes into a creamy, buttery delight with a fresh herb twist, all made effortlessly in the Instant Pot. Not only does it save you time, but it also cuts down on unnecessary fats while maintaining that rich, velvety texture we all love. Whether you’re cooking for weeknight dinners or holiday feasts, this recipe checks all the boxes for flavor, simplicity, and healthfulness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Easy and Healthier Instant Pot Mashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role: the sweet potatoes bring natural sweetness and vibrant color, while the vegetable broth steams and infuses flavor. Butter and cream add richness, and fresh herbs enhance the brightness of the mash. These straightforward ingredients collaborate perfectly to make a soulful dish that’s surprisingly light.
- 2 pounds sweet potatoes (peeled and cut into 2" chunks): Choose evenly sized pieces for uniform cooking and smooth mashing.
- 1 cup vegetable broth: Provides moisture and subtle savory depth without extra fat.
- 2 tablespoons butter (melted): Offers creaminess and a rich flavor that balances the sweetness.
- 2-3 tablespoons heavy/whipping cream: Adjust the creaminess level to your preference for the perfect texture.
- Handful fresh parsley (chopped finely): Adds a fresh, slightly peppery note that brightens the dish.
- 1-2 tablespoons fresh chives (chopped): Contributes a mild oniony bite without overpowering the sweetness.
- Salt & pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings to enhance and balance the flavors.
How to Make Easy and Healthier Instant Pot Mashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Pressure Cook the Sweet Potatoes
Start by peeling your sweet potatoes and cutting them into roughly 2-inch chunks — this size ensures they cook evenly and quickly. Place them in your Instant Pot and pour in the vegetable broth. The broth is key here; it will steam the potatoes gently, infusing them with subtle flavor while keeping them moist for perfect mashing.
Step 2: Seal and Cook
Secure the Instant Pot lid, making sure the valve is set to ‘sealing.’ Set the cooking time for 8 minutes on high pressure. Remember, it will take about 10 minutes for the pot to come up to pressure, so plan accordingly. This quick pressure cooking method softens the sweet potatoes to an ideal consistency, perfect for fluffy mashing without losing nutrients.
Step 3: Melt the Butter
While the potatoes cook, melt the butter in a small bowl using the microwave. This step allows you to fold it smoothly into the mash later, ensuring every bite is indulgently rich yet balanced.
Step 4: Release Pressure and Check Doneness
After the timer goes off, carefully perform a manual pressure release. Test the sweet potatoes by poking them with a knife—if they don’t slide in easily, seal the pot again and cook for an additional 2 minutes. This extra check guarantees your potatoes will mash to creamy perfection without unpleasant lumps or toughness.
Step 5: Drain and Prepare for Mashing
Remove the inner cooking pot from the Instant Pot carefully, and drain out the vegetable broth. Unlike traditional mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes don’t need leftover cooking liquid for moisture, so you can set the broth aside or discard it. Mashing these in the pot makes cleanup a breeze and preserves their beautiful vibrant color.
Step 6: Mash and Season
Add the melted butter and start with 1 tablespoon of cream to your drained sweet potatoes. Mash until mostly smooth, then continue adding cream one tablespoon at a time to reach your desired consistency. Don’t hold back on seasoning—generous salt and pepper bring out the natural sweetness, while chopped fresh chives and parsley add layers of freshness and elegant color. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
How to Serve Easy and Healthier Instant Pot Mashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can elevate this Easy and Healthier Instant Pot Mashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe to a whole new level. Fresh chopped parsley and chives are wonderful choices; their bright green specks add vibrancy and a subtle punch of herbal fragrance. For a little extra indulgence, sprinkle some toasted pecans or a dash of smoked paprika for color and a gentle smoky aroma.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with a wide range of mains. Think roasted chicken, grilled salmon, or even a hearty lentil loaf. The natural sweetness and creamy texture of the mashed sweet potatoes complement both savory and lightly spiced dishes, making it a versatile crowd-pleaser on any table.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress, try swirling the mash onto a serving platter with a spoon and drizzling a little browned butter on top. You can also pipe the mash into pretty rosettes using a piping bag for a sophisticated touch during holiday dinners or special gatherings. These presentation tips make the dish feel special without extra fuss.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover mashed sweet potatoes store wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This makes the Easy and Healthier Instant Pot Mashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe not only a delicious side but also a convenient option for meal planning. Just stir well before reheating to restore the creamy texture.
Freezing
This mashed sweet potato recipe freezes beautifully. Portion the mash into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some headspace as the potatoes will expand slightly. Frozen mash can last up to 3 months, providing you with a ready-made side on busy days or as a handy addition to holiday meals.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw frozen mashed sweet potatoes overnight in the fridge for best results, then warm gently on the stovetop or microwave, stirring occasionally. You can add a splash of cream or a pat of butter during reheating to refresh the creamy texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?
Absolutely! While this recipe specifically highlights sweet potatoes for their natural sweetness and color, you can easily swap in regular Yukon gold or russet potatoes. Just note that you might want to reserve some cooking liquid to adjust the moisture since regular potatoes absorb liquids differently.
Is it okay to skip the cream for a dairy-free version?
Yes! You can replace heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a non-dairy creamer alternative. Both options keep the mash creamy and delicious while catering to dairy-free or vegan diets.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of smoked paprika into the mash offers a gentle heat that pairs wonderfully with the sweetness. You can also sprinkle chopped jalapeños or a drizzle of hot honey on top for an exciting twist.
Can I prepare this dish without an Instant Pot?
Yes, but it will take a bit longer. You can boil the sweet potatoes in vegetable broth on the stove until tender, then proceed with mashing and seasoning as described. The Instant Pot just speeds up the process and retains more nutrients.
What makes this recipe healthier than traditional mashed potatoes?
This version cuts down on heavy butter and cream quantities while using vegetable broth to steam the potatoes, reducing added fats. Sweet potatoes are also high in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, making this mash a flavorful and nutritious choice.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a side dish that’s quick, satisfying, and full of wholesome goodness, I can’t recommend the Easy and Healthier Instant Pot Mashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe enough. Its natural sweetness, silky texture, and fresh herb flavors make it a standout companion for nearly any meal. Give it a try—you’ll find it becomes one of your go-to favorites, just like it did for me!
Print
Easy and Healthier Instant Pot Mashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes (plus 10 minutes to come to pressure)
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy and Healthier Instant Pot Mashed Sweet Potatoes recipe offers a quick and nutritious way to prepare creamy, flavorful mashed sweet potatoes using an Instant Pot. Perfect for a comforting side dish, it combines tender sweet potatoes with butter, cream, and fresh herbs for a deliciously smooth and savory taste.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds sweet potatoes (peeled & cut into 2″ chunks)
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons butter (melted)
- 2–3 tablespoons heavy/whipping cream (or to taste)
- Handful fresh parsley (chopped finely)
- 1–2 tablespoons fresh chives (chopped)
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Peel and cut the sweet potatoes into roughly 2-inch chunks, then add them to the Instant Pot along with the vegetable broth.
- Pressure Cook: Close the Instant Pot lid, ensure the valve is set to “sealing,” and cook on high pressure for 8 minutes. It will take about 10 minutes to reach pressure before the cooking time begins.
- Melt the Butter: While the potatoes cook, melt the butter in a small bowl using the microwave.
- Release Pressure and Check Doneness: Manually release the pressure once cooking is complete. Insert a knife into the sweet potatoes to check if they are tender. If not fully cooked, cook on high pressure for an additional 2 minutes.
- Drain Broth: Carefully remove the inner pot and drain the vegetable broth. You can keep it aside if desired, though typically the sweet potatoes don’t need the extra moisture.
- Mash and Season: Mash the sweet potatoes directly in the inner pot removed from the cooker. Add melted butter and one tablespoon of cream, mashing to desired consistency. Add more cream as needed. Season generously with salt and pepper, then fold in chopped chives and parsley. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use fresh herbs like parsley and chives to enhance flavor and add freshness.
- You can adjust the amount of cream to achieve your preferred creaminess.
- If you prefer richer mashed sweet potatoes, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk.
- The vegetable broth adds flavor but can be substituted with water if needed.
- Be careful while removing the inner pot to avoid burns from steam or hot broth.
- Do not mash the potatoes inside the Instant Pot itself to avoid damaging the heating element.
