Best Easy Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes Recipe & Tutorial

Save for later!

Mashed potatoes are the ultimate comfort food in our house, whether it’s a side with dinner, part of a meal, or served with eggs for breakfast. No need for watching a pot of boiling water, these Instant Pot mashed potatoes are a game-changer. It’s the secret to making the easiest, creamiest mashed potatoes that will rival traditional mashed potatoes any day.

Whether you’re a busy parent, a cooking newbie, or a professional, this method will transform your potato game and make weeknight dinners a breeze. I’ll walk you through the simple steps to create the most luxurious, creamy, and foolproof mashed potatoes you’ve ever tasted.

No more slaving over a hot stove or dealing with multiple pots and pans. You’ll have perfect mashed potatoes at the push of a button and a fraction of the time. 

Use this easy Instant Pot recipe to make some cheesy mashed spud goodness all in just one pot. You will be making the creamiest, dreamiest mashed potatoes in no time. Say hello to the only easy side dish recipe you need to have perfect potatoes every time. 

Why Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes Are a Game Changer

Creamy, buttery, and seasoned to perfection, these mashed potatoes create a rich comfort food filling that pairs beautifully with any meat as a side. Whether you prefer a plain potato filling or one enhanced with cheese or herbs, this recipe is a must-try for every kitchen. Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes offer:

• Faster cooking time compared to traditional boiling
• More consistent texture and temperature – same results every time
• Less hands-on cooking time – you can set and walk away
• Easy cleanup – only one pot needed!
• Retains nutrients – less water means wasting less vitamins

Recommended Potato Types for Best Results

Choosing the right potatoes for your Instant Pot mashed potatoes may seem silly, but really any potato will do the job. We prefer using Yukon Gold Potatoes as they have a buttery flavor, but Russet Potatoes or Red Potatoes are great options too.

We also like to leave the skin on our potatoes for extra fiber and texture, but you can peel your potatoes if desired.

Tools

• Instant Pot with Rack Insert (or other electric pressure cooker)
• Potato Masher
• Measuring Cups

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon associate or other affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases. We try to recommend products we personally use or have used and trust. If you choose to purchase through our links in this post, we may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you. Read the full disclosure here. 

Instant Pot Mashed Potato Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 Cup Water
• 12 Medium Potatoes (we prefer the gold variety)
• 1 Medium Onion, quartered
• 4-5 Cloves Garlic, whole and peeled
• 8oz Chicken Broth
• 4 TBSP Butter
• 2oz Cream Cheese
• 2oz Sour Cream
• 1 tsp Salt
• 1/8 tsp Ground Black Pepper
• 1 tsp Garlic Powder
• 1/2 Shredded Cheese (optional)

Notes:

• Be sure to load the Instant Pot correctly by placing the rack in before the potatoes
• Pressure cooking time and settings may vary between brands, but we have found between 20-25 to be ideal
• Quick release vs. natural release isn’t a huge deal, but we prefer to let it depressurize on its own
• You can use an Immersion blender to mash your potatoes, but it may make them more gluey. Try a hand mixer if you don’t want to mash by hand for a more fluffy texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cooking Potatoes

1. Line Instant Pot inner pot with rack insert and add a cup of water
2. Place washed (and if desired, peeled) potatoes, quartered onions, and peeled garlic into pot
3. Set to cook on high pressure for 20 minutes
4. Let naturally release for 10 minutes before opening sealing valve
5. Drain water and remove rack

Step 2: Mashing the Potatoes

1. Mash potatoes slightly and then add in all other ingredients
2. Continue mashing until desired consistency
3. Let cool to room temperature before using in pierogies or store in the refrigerator if not using immediately

Serving Suggestions

Serve your mashed potatoes with steak, venison, or chicken for dinner, or try with eggs for breakfast. You can also use them in recipes like our Shepherd’s Pie or to fill Pierogies for a fun new dinner meal. 

We also often serve our mashed potatoes with a roast or some type of larger cut of meat, or with stews and soups.

Tips for the Best Creamy Mashed Potatoes

• A good rule of thumb is to try to avoid over-mashing your potatoes or they will get a little gloopy or gluey. We like to have a mix between a creamy texture and a few potato chunks.
• The dairy really adds to the smooth texture and flavor, don’t skip if you don’t have to

Flavor Variations and Mix-Ins

We tend to stick with a traditional garlic mashed potato, but there are a ton of possibilities for different flavors. Try adding in your favorite cheeses or fresh herbs:

• Garlic and garden herbs
• Loaded mashed potatoes with bacon, chives and sour cream
• Vegan and dairy-free cheeses
• Parmesan Cheese and Mushrooms
• Mix in caramelized onions or chopped herbs like parsley or rosemary

Leftover Mashed Potatoes

We always have some leftovers with this recipe, which is how we prefer it. Perfect for lunch the next day or to make “potato squares” as my kids call them for breakfast.

To make potato squares, store leftover mashed potatoes in a square airtight container and when ready to make breakfast slice the cold potatoes into squares and pan fry for a crispy mashed potato hashbrown substitute.

Storing and Reheating Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes can be made up to two days in advance. Store them in the refrigerator in an airtight container and bring them to room temperature before using. You can also freeze mashed potatoes in an airtight container for 2-3 months.

To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge, then heat in oven or microwave, stirring as needed to reincorporate liquid.

Whether you’re whipping up a quick weeknight side or preparing for a holiday feast, these Instant Pot mashed potatoes will be your new go-to recipe. So, what are you waiting for? Grab those spuds, fire up your Instant Pot, and get ready to impress your taste buds and your guests!

Share your mashed potato creations with us in the comments below.

FAQS