Mashed Sweet Potatoes (Instant Pot, Stove Top)

Mashed potatoes are my family’s all time favorite side dish, which is why I have such a wide variety of recipes. My yukon gold mashed potatoes have been a tried and true favorite for years, and my crock pot mashed potatoes have tangy buttermilk flavor and are a more hands off way to prepare them.

These Mashed Sweet Potatoes are a colorful twist on the classic. They have a sweet, nutty flavor and creamy texture, with fresh orange zest and rosemary to make them really special.

They come together quickly, making them perfect for busy weeknights, barbecues or holiday meals. And they’re so festive!

Love sweet potatoes? Be sure to try my caramelized roasted sweet potato halves and baked sweet potato recipe!

Why you’ll love this recipe

• These mashed sweet potatoes are creamy and velvety with the flavors of orange and rosemary.
• Instructions include both Instant Pot and stove top instructions.
• It’s a quick and easy side dish that’s gluten-free and vegetarian.
• It’s a versatile side dish that can be changed up with your favorite herbs and seasonings.

Recipe ingredients

• Sweet potatoes. You’ll need 3 lbs. of sweet potatoes. Use your favorite variety, just be aware that the texture may vary slightly depending on which one(s) you use.
• Half and half. The half and half may be substituted with whole milk, heavy cream or your favorite non dairy milk. Heavy cream will make extra rich and creamy mashed sweet potatoes. Sub with your favorite non dairy milk to make this recipe dairy free.
• Butter. Adds flavor to the dish. Sub with dairy-free butter or even olive oil to make this recipe dairy-free.
• Orange zest. The zest adds a delicious orange flavor that compliments the flavor of the sweet potatoes. It may be omitted if you don’t have any on hand.
• Rosemary. Sub with your favorite herbs, parsley or chives if desired.

See the recipe card below for the full list of ingredients and quantities.

How to make this mashed sweet potato recipe

This mashed sweet potato recipe can be prepared using (2) different cooking methods — the Instant Pot and stove top.

The instructions are virtually the same, but mashed sweet potatoes in the Instant Pot requires less water and is a more hands off way to prepare them.

Pro tip: Be sure not to overcook the sweet potatoes as they will become watery, and drain them well in a colander before mashing.

See the recipe card below for full instructions.

Instant Pot mashed sweet potatoes instructions

Instant Pot mashed sweet potatoes are extremely easy to make, and they come out perfectly creamy and velvety every single time.

1. Place the sweet potatoes into the Instant Pot followed by 1 cup of water and secure the lid. Press the Pressure Cook button and set to cook at High Pressure for 8 minutes.
2. Quick release the pressure when they’ve finished cooking and remove the lid when it’s safe to do so.
3. Drain the sweet potatoes well in a colander.
4. Add back to the Instant Pot and mash well with a potato masher.
5. Add the half and half and butter, orange zest, rosemary, and salt and pepper to taste.
6. Stir well to combine. 

Stove top mashed sweet potato recipe instructions

If you don’t have an Instant Pot, cooking the sweet potatoes the old fashioned way on the stove top works perfectly as well.

1. Place the sweet potatoes in a large pot and fill with enough water to cover by 1″. Cover and cook over high heat until boiling, then remove the lid and reduce the temperature to medium. Simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the sweet potatoes are tender.
2. Drain completely in a colander.
3. Place the sweet potatoes back in the pot and mash well.
4. Add the half and half, butter, orange zest, rosemary and salt and pepper to taste and stir until well combined.

Tips for success

• Cut them uniformly so that they cook evenly.
• Drain the sweet potatoes well after cooking to keep them from being watery.
• Don’t over cook them or they will be mushy.
• Purée them in the food processor or with an immersion blender for the smoothest consistency.
• Make them in advance! Keep them warm in your Instant Pot, or heat a large pot with 2-3 inches of water over low heat. Place the mashed sweet potatoes in the pot you cooked them in, cover them and place the pot in the pan of water until you’re ready to serve them.

Serving suggestions

These savory mashed sweet potatoes can be served up the following ways:

• Serve on busy weeknights alongside air fryer pork chops or air fryer chicken breast.
• They make a great Sunday dinner side dish with roasted chicken or turkey meatloaf.
• Serve them with pan seared steak or Instant Pot short ribs for a delicious date night dinner.
• Liven up your next barbecue with this colorful side. They’re the perfect accompaniment with grilled tomahawk steak, grilled bbq chicken and Instant Pot ribs.
• Add them to your holiday menu! They’re wonderful served with crock pot glazed ham and roast turkey.

Storage and reheating

• Store sweet potato mash in the refrigerator in an air tight container for up to 3 days.
• Warm them in the microwave or oven until heated through.