Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes: The Ultimate Quick and Creamy Side
Effortlessly whip up velvety comfort food using your pressure cooker for busy evenings.
Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes: Your Go-To Easy and Creamy Side Dish
When you need a classic comfort food in record time, Instant Pot mashed potatoes are the answer. This recipe takes all the hearty, velvety flavor you love from traditional mashed potatoes and condenses the process down to a handful of simple steps—no more waiting half an hour for potatoes to boil. With the help of the pressure cooker, you’ll have dreamy, rich mashed potatoes ready in a fraction of the usual time, making them perfect for busy weeknights and the holiday rush alike.
Why Choose Instant Pot for Mashed Potatoes?
Mashed potatoes have always been a beloved staple, but it’s easy to get bogged down by the time and stove space they require. Enter the Instant Pot: a kitchen game-changer that delivers tender potatoes in just 10 minutes of cooking time—no watching pots or boiling over to worry about. This approach not only shaves precious minutes off your meal prep but also guarantees consistent results every time.
- Speed: Cut down your cooking time to just 10 minutes under pressure.
- Convenience: Free up your stove for other dishes during busy meals.
- Flavor and Texture: Achieve fluffy, creamy mashed potatoes with minimal effort.
Best Potatoes For Mashed Potatoes
The base of every good mashed potato recipe is the right potato. For creamy, fluffy results, you’ll want a variety that ticks all the boxes for starch content and flavor.
- Yukon Gold Potatoes: These are the gold standard—high in starch, buttery flavor, and a natural creaminess that shines in mashed potatoes.
- Russet Potatoes: Also a classic choice, their high starch content produces super-fluffy, light mashed potatoes. Either option works great, but Yukon Golds bring that extra bit of richness.
Want to switch it up? Try mixing both for balance and depth. Just avoid potatoes that are too waxy, as they can result in a gluey texture.
Ingredients
This recipe stays true to classic flavors—simple, hearty, and indulgent. Here’s what you’ll need for a big, crowd-pleasing batch:
- 5 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes (peeled and quartered for even cooking)
- 2 1/2 tsp kosher salt (plus more for tasting at the end)
- 2 sticks salted butter (plus extra for serving)
- 12 oz cream cheese
- 1/2 cup half-and-half
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 tsp seasoned salt (such as Lawry’s, for extra depth)
- 1 tsp black pepper (plus more for finishing)
Step-by-Step Directions
- Prep the Potatoes
- Peel and quarter your Yukon Gold potatoes to ensure even cooking.
- Add the potatoes to the Instant Pot insert, along with 1 1/2 cups water and 1 teaspoon kosher salt.
- Pressure Cook
- Secure the lid, set the valve to ‘sealing’, and set the Instant Pot to pressure cook for 10 minutes. (Remember: it will take a few minutes to reach pressure first.)
- Quick Release
- Once cooking is done, carefully turn the valve to ‘venting’ for a quick pressure release. Wait for the float valve to drop before opening the lid.
- If there’s excess water at the bottom after cooking, drain it off to prevent watery potatoes.
- Mash and Mix
- Let as much steam as possible escape as you mash the hot potatoes—this keeps them fluffy and avoids excess moisture.
- Add in the butter, cream cheese, half-and-half, heavy cream, seasoned salt, remaining kosher salt, and black pepper.
- Stir until everything is melted and the potatoes are smooth. Taste and adjust seasonings as desired.
- Serve
- Transfer to a serving dish, top with a few more pats of butter and a sprinkle of fresh black pepper. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Expert Tips for Perfect Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
- Cut potatoes evenly: Uniform pieces cook at the same rate, avoiding under- or overcooked bits.
- Let off the steam: Mashing while the potatoes are still steaming hot releases extra moisture for ultimate fluffiness.
- Butter is king: Don’t skimp on the butter or cream cheese—these fats provide much of the luxurious texture and mouthfeel.
- Adjust to taste: After mashing, always taste and tweak the seasoning. Add a splash more cream or a pinch of salt as needed.
- Keep warm: Use the Instant Pot’s ‘Keep Warm’ setting if you need to hold the potatoes before serving—just cover to prevent drying out.
Storing and Using Leftovers
Instant Pot mashed potatoes are just as tasty the next day. Here’s how to store and reuse them:
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess.
- Get creative: Leftover mashed potatoes make excellent ingredients for savory waffles, potato pancakes, shepherd’s pie, or even as a top crust for casseroles.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best potato masher to use?
A traditional potato masher helps maintain a fluffy texture without breaking down too much starch (which can make mashed potatoes gummy). Avoid food processors or hand mixers for large batches; they can make potatoes gluey.
Can I prep these mashed potatoes in advance?
Absolutely. Make a day ahead, refrigerate, and reheat on the stovetop or in the Instant Pot’s slow cook setting. Add extra cream or butter and stir thoroughly to restore their velvety texture.
How can I flavor these mashed potatoes differently?
For variation, add a handful of shredded cheddar, roasted garlic, chopped herbs, or even a little sour cream for tang. Stir extras in just after the initial mixing.
Can I double this recipe?
For larger crowds, the Instant Pot can handle about 5 pounds of potatoes comfortably. For huge gatherings, make two batches rather than risk clogging the pot or uneven cooking.
Are mashed potatoes gluten-free?
Yes, this classic Instant Pot recipe is naturally gluten-free—just ensure any seasonings you add don’t contain gluten additives.
Serving Suggestions
Instant Pot mashed potatoes are the ultimate side for practically any feast. Try them with:
- Roast turkey, chicken, or ham
- Hearty stews and braises
- Meatloaf or grilled sausages
- Vegetarian mains, like mushroom gravy or lentil loaf
Helpful Mashed Potato Variations
| Variation | How to Make |
|---|---|
| Garlic Mashed Potatoes | Add 2-3 cloves of roasted garlic when mashing for subtle richness. |
| Herb Mashed Potatoes | Stir in chopped fresh parsley, chives, or dill after mashing for a burst of freshness. |
| Cheddar Mashed Potatoes | Fold in ¾ cup shredded cheddar at the end for cheesy goodness. |
| Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes | Replace the half-and-half with buttermilk for a tangy, lighter finish. |
Mashed Potatoes: Instant Pot Edition FAQ
How long should I cook potatoes for mashed potatoes in the Instant Pot?
Set the timer for 10 minutes at high pressure. Factor in a few additional minutes for the Instant Pot to reach full pressure before cooking begins.
Do I need to peel the potatoes first?
For the creamiest texture, yes—peel your potatoes before cooking. You can leave the skins on for a rustic mash; just be sure to wash thoroughly.
Can I use other potato types for this recipe?
Russets are the preferred substitute and produce very fluffy mashed potatoes. Waxier potatoes, like red potatoes, are less ideal as they yield a denser mash.
How far in advance can I make Instant Pot mashed potatoes?
Make up to two days before serving. Store in a sealed container in the refrigerator and reheat, stirring in additional dairy if needed for a silky finish.
Conclusion: The Easiest, Creamiest Mashed Potatoes You’ll Ever Make
If you love the rich, old-fashioned taste of mashed potatoes but dread the wait, the Instant Pot is your new best friend. With the right ingredients, a handful of simple steps, and these foolproof tips, you’ll have crowd-pleasing mashed potatoes on the table in under 30 minutes, every time.
References
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a34575641/instant-pot-mashed-potatoes-recipe/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a12083/delicious-creamy-mashed-potatoes/
- https://www.megseverydayindulgence.com/2019/10/31/instant-pot-mashed-potatoes/
- https://thecozycook.com/instant-pot-mashed-potatoes/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aa6BS9QCO64
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