If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing, ultra-comforting holiday classic with minimal fuss, this Instant Pot Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe is about to become your new best friend. Imagine perfectly creamy sweet potatoes infused with warm spices, sweetened just right, piled high with toasty marshmallows, and topped off with a bit of crunch—all made with less effort than ever, right in your Instant Pot. It’s almost unfair how easy this is, yet every bite tastes like a cozy, homemade hug. Whether it’s Thanksgiving, a family gathering, or you’re simply in the mood for something special, this casserole is practically guaranteed to steal the show!

Instant Pot Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about what goes into making this irresistibly luscious casserole. Each ingredient is chosen for maximum flavor and the perfect texture—no complicated steps or fancy extras. Trust me, every item plays an important role in creating the signature taste of this dish!

Sweet potatoes: The foundation of the dish, sweet, naturally creamy, and the vibrant color makes the casserole stunning on any table.
Light brown sugar: Adds the perfect level of sweetness and a gentle hint of molasses that makes the casserole rich and indulgent.
Salted butter: Gives the mashed sweet potatoes a silky texture and savory richness that balances the sugar and spice.
Vanilla extract: Just a splash adds warmth and brings out the natural sweetness of the potatoes.
Pumpkin pie spice: Infuses the casserole with classic cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove notes—it’s autumn in a bottle!
Pinch of salt: Enhances all the other flavors and prevents the dish from being overly sweet.
Pecans or walnuts (optional): Chopped nuts introduce a delightful crunch and a nutty depth—feel free to skip if you prefer nut-free.
Mini marshmallows: The crowning glory! Toast them to golden perfection for that gorgeous, gooey top everyone fights for.

How to Make Instant Pot Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Set Up Your Instant Pot

Start by placing a trivet at the bottom of your Instant Pot and pour in one cup of water. This is the key to creating steam and making sure your sweet potatoes cook evenly and stay lusciously tender—not watery or mushy.

Step 2: Prep the Sweet Potatoes

Next, peel and chop your sweet potatoes into chunky 1-inch cubes and pile them into a steamer basket. This helps the steam circulate and cooks the sweet potatoes to perfection without them turning to soup.

Step 3: Seal and Cook

Secure the lid on your Instant Pot and seal the vent. Now simply set it to “High Pressure” for 3 minutes—it’s astonishing how quickly the Instant Pot transforms tough sweet potatoes into soft, mashable cubes!

Step 4: Quick Release

Once the cooking cycle is done, do a quick release by turning the sealing valve. This step stops the cooking process immediately, so your sweet potatoes stay perfectly tender.

Step 5: Mash and Mix

Transfer the hot, cooked sweet potatoes into a large bowl and give them a good mash. While they’re still warm, fold in the brown sugar, butter, vanilla, pumpkin pie spice, and a pinch of salt. If you’re adding nuts, now’s the time! Mix everything until it’s creamy and luscious.

Step 6: Assemble in Baking Dish

Scoop your silky mash into an oven-safe dish, smoothing the top for an even layer—it’s about to become the star attraction on your holiday table!

Step 7: Marshmallow Magic

Sprinkle a generous blanket of mini marshmallows over the surface of the potatoes. Don’t be shy here—the more, the gooier!

Step 8: Toast the Marshmallows

Pop the casserole under the broiler for around 5 minutes, just until the marshmallows puff up and turn delightfully golden-brown. Keep an eye out—marshmallows toast fast, and you want that perfect level of caramelized, toasty deliciousness.

How to Serve Instant Pot Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

Nothing says celebration like a few finishing touches: sprinkle extra chopped pecans or walnuts over the marshmallows, or add a tiny pinch of cinnamon right before serving. For even more flair, try a drizzle of maple syrup or a scattering of orange zest to brighten every bite.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs beautifully with classic holiday mains like roast turkey, honey-glazed ham, or herby chicken. Round out the meal with green beans, cranberry sauce, and buttery dinner rolls—each bite of the Instant Pot Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe becomes even more luxurious with these favorites by its side.

Creative Ways to Present

Don’t be afraid to get creative. Serve the casserole in mini ramekins for individual servings, or scoop leftovers onto warm buttermilk biscuits for a sweet-and-savory brunch twist. A sprinkle of toasted coconut on top gives it an unexpected crunch your guests will love!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Instant Pot Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe keeps wonderfully. Just cover the baking dish tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen as it sits—sometimes the second day is even better!

Freezing

If you want to make this ahead or save some for later, you’re in luck. Cool the casserole completely, wrap it well, and freeze (preferably without marshmallows) for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and add fresh marshmallows before broiling.

Reheating

To reheat, simply cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through. Uncover for the last few minutes to re-toast the marshmallows if you’d like. A quick pop into the microwave works for single servings, though the oven maintains the texture best.

FAQs

Can I use canned sweet potatoes in this Instant Pot Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe?

Absolutely! Just drain them well and proceed directly to the mashing and mixing step—no need for pressure cooking. The texture is slightly different, but it’s a handy shortcut in a pinch.

Do I have to add marshmallows?

Not at all! While marshmallows are traditional, you can skip them or swap for a simple pecan streusel topping if you want a slightly less sweet casserole. Both options are delicious!

Can I make the Instant Pot Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe in advance?

Yes, you can assemble the sweet potato filling up to two days ahead. Just wait to add the marshmallows until you’re ready to broil and serve—this keeps them perfectly fresh and gooey.

Is it possible to double the recipe?

Yes, you can easily double it! Just be sure not to overfill your Instant Pot, and you may want to mash in batches to keep everything creamy. You’ll need a larger baking dish for broiling the marshmallows.

What’s the best way to mash sweet potatoes?

A basic potato masher works great for a rustic, chunky texture. If you love them silky-smooth, an electric mixer or food processor is your friend—just don’t overmix, or they can get gummy.

Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about serving a classic dish that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. This Instant Pot Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe covers all the bases: it’s quick, comforting, a little bit nostalgic, and absolutely irresistible. Give it a whirl—your holiday table (and your tastebuds) will thank you!

Instant Pot Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 26 reviews

Author: Sophie
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Instant Pot Sweet Potato Casserole recipe is a delightful twist on a classic side dish, combining the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with a gooey marshmallow topping. With warm spices and a hint of vanilla, this dish is perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

Sweet Potato Mixture:

2 ½ lbs sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes (about 2–3 large sweet potatoes)
¾ cup light brown sugar, packed
2 tablespoons salted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1–½ teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
pinch of salt
½ cup pecans or walnuts, chopped (optional)

Topping:

2 cups mini marshmallows

Instructions

Prepare Instant Pot: Place trivet in Instant Pot and add 1 cup of water.
Steam Sweet Potatoes: Put sweet potatoes in a steamer basket in the Instant Pot.
Cook: Close lid, set Instant Pot to high pressure for 3 minutes.
Quick Release: Once done, quick release pressure.
Mash: Transfer cooked sweet potatoes to a bowl and mash.
Mix: Add brown sugar, butter, vanilla, pumpkin pie spice, salt, and nuts if desired. Mix well.
Transfer: Place mixture in an oven-safe dish.
Top: Add mini marshmallows on top.
Broil: Broil for 5 minutes or until marshmallows are toasted.

Notes

This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated in the oven before serving.
Adjust sweetness to taste by adding more or less sugar.
Experiment with different nuts for added crunch and flavor.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Instant Pot, Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 320
Sugar: 32g
Sodium: 180mg
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 62g
Fiber: 5g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 10mg

Keywords: Instant Pot, Sweet Potato Casserole, Holiday Side Dish, Marshmallow Topping