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 variety of recipes of them here. 

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.

I decided to give our favorite side dish a colorful twist with these Mashed Sweet Potatoes, and they instantly became a family favorite.

My family has always loved oven roasted sweet potatoes and air fryer sweet potato fries, so I knew it wasn’t going to be a stretch.

That said, I was a bit surprised when my family actually started requesting this recipe over classic mashed potatoes.

I can’t say I blame them. The flavors in this mashed sweet potato recipe are simply irresistible, and they make any meal incredibly festive!

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.

Recipe FAQs

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. Oven baked pork chops are also a great option!
• 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.

Recipe notes

• Pro tip: Be sure not to overcook the sweet potatoes as they will become watery, and drain them well in a colander before mashing.
• Substitute the half and half with whole milk, heavy cream, buttermilk, skim milk, or any combination of them.  Make these mashed sweet potatoes dairy free by using coconut milk or your favorite non-dairy milk and vegan butter.
• Customize this recipe to your liking!  Sub the rosemary with your favorite chopped herbs, or add roasted garlic for extra savory mashed sweet potatoes.  Add maple syrup and cinnamon, and top with pecans for a healthier sweet potato casserole inspired side.
• Make this mashed sweet potato recipe ahead and select the Keep Warm button on the Instant Pot.  Secure the lid and stir from time to time until ready to serve.