Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes: the creamy, dreamy side dish that’s about to revolutionize your weeknight dinners! Forget peeling, boiling, and watching over a bubbling pot with this recipe, you can have perfectly fluffy mashed potatoes on the table in a fraction of the time.

Mashed potatoes, in their simplest form, have been a staple for centuries, evolving from humble peasant fare to a beloved comfort food enjoyed worldwide. While their origins are rooted in resourcefulness, their enduring popularity lies in their versatility and comforting texture. They’re the perfect blank canvas for flavor, pairing beautifully with everything from roasted meats to hearty stews.

What makes Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes so irresistible? It’s the combination of convenience and incredible flavor. The Instant Pot locks in the potato’s natural sweetness, resulting in a richer, more flavorful mash than traditional boiling methods. Plus, the hands-off approach frees you up to focus on other aspects of your meal. The result is a velvety smooth texture that melts in your mouth, making them a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Get ready to experience the easiest and most delicious mashed potatoes you’ve ever made!

Ingredients:

5 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and quartered
1 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian option)
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup butter, unsalted
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional garnishes: chopped chives, sour cream, bacon bits

Preparing the Potatoes:

First, make sure your potatoes are properly prepped. I like using Yukon Gold potatoes because they have a naturally creamy texture, but Russet potatoes will also work if that’s what you have on hand. Peel all 5 pounds of potatoes and quarter them. Quartering ensures they cook evenly and quickly in the Instant Pot.
Once the potatoes are quartered, place them directly into the Instant Pot. Don’t worry about layering them in any particular way; just dump them in!
Now, pour in 1 cup of chicken broth. The broth adds a subtle savory flavor to the mashed potatoes, but you can easily substitute vegetable broth if you prefer a vegetarian option. The liquid is essential for creating steam and pressure inside the Instant Pot, which is how the potatoes will cook.
Seal the Instant Pot lid, making sure the valve is set to the “Sealing” position. This is crucial for building pressure inside the pot.

Cooking Process:

Set the Instant Pot to “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” mode and set the timer for 12 minutes. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on your Instant Pot model, but 12 minutes is a good starting point.
While the potatoes are cooking, take this time to soften your cream cheese. Having softened cream cheese will make it much easier to incorporate into the potatoes later, resulting in a smoother and creamier final product. You can leave it at room temperature or microwave it for a few seconds.
Once the 12 minutes are up, let the Instant Pot naturally pressure release for 10 minutes. This means you let the pressure release on its own without manually opening the valve. Natural pressure release helps the potatoes cook more evenly and prevents them from exploding.
After the 10 minutes of natural pressure release, carefully quick release any remaining pressure by turning the valve to the “Venting” position. Be cautious, as steam will shoot out! Use a kitchen towel or oven mitt to protect your hand.
Once all the pressure is released and the pin drops, carefully open the Instant Pot lid.

Mashing and Flavoring:

Drain the potatoes in a colander. Be careful, as they will be very hot! Discard the chicken broth (or vegetable broth).
Return the drained potatoes to the Instant Pot.
Add the softened cream cheese, heavy cream, butter, garlic powder, and onion powder to the potatoes. The cream cheese adds a tangy richness, the heavy cream contributes to the creamy texture, and the butter provides a smooth, buttery flavor. The garlic and onion powder add a subtle savory depth.
Using an electric hand mixer or a potato masher, mash the potatoes until they reach your desired consistency. If using an electric mixer, be careful not to overmix, as this can make the potatoes gluey. I prefer using a hand mixer for a super smooth texture, but a potato masher works just as well if you prefer a slightly chunkier mash.
Season the mashed potatoes with salt and pepper to taste. Start with a small amount and gradually add more until you reach your preferred level of seasoning. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it away!
Give the mashed potatoes a final stir to ensure all the ingredients are evenly distributed.

Serving and Garnishing:

Serve the Instant Pot mashed potatoes hot. They are a perfect side dish for almost any meal, from roasted chicken to steak to meatloaf.
For an extra touch, garnish the mashed potatoes with chopped chives, sour cream, or bacon bits. These garnishes add visual appeal and enhance the flavor of the dish. A sprinkle of fresh parsley also works well.
Store any leftover mashed potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, microwave the mashed potatoes in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. You may need to add a splash of milk or cream to restore their creamy texture. You can also reheat them in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently.

Tips and Variations:

Potato Variety: While Yukon Gold potatoes are my go-to choice for mashed potatoes, you can experiment with other varieties like Russet or red potatoes. Russet potatoes will yield a fluffier mash, while red potatoes will have a slightly firmer texture.
Broth Options: Feel free to experiment with different types of broth to add unique flavors to your mashed potatoes. Beef broth can add a richer, more savory flavor, while mushroom broth can add an earthy depth.
Dairy Alternatives: If you’re dairy-free, you can substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative, the heavy cream with coconut cream or almond milk, and the butter with olive oil or vegan butter.
Flavor Enhancements: Get creative with your flavor additions! Roasted garlic, caramelized onions, or fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme can add a delicious twist to your mashed potatoes.
Chunky vs. Smooth: The level of smoothness in your mashed potatoes is entirely up to you. If you prefer a chunkier mash, use a potato masher and don’t overmix. If you prefer a super smooth mash, use an electric hand mixer and mix until all the lumps are gone.
Make-Ahead Option: You can make the mashed potatoes ahead of time and reheat them when you’re ready to serve. Just be sure to store them properly in the refrigerator and add a splash of milk or cream when reheating to restore their creamy texture.
Preventing Gluey Potatoes: Overmixing potatoes, especially with an electric mixer, can release too much starch and result in gluey mashed potatoes. To avoid this, use a light hand when mixing and don’t overdo it.
Adding Roasted Garlic: For a deeper, more complex flavor, try adding roasted garlic to your mashed potatoes. Simply roast a head of garlic in the oven until soft and caramelized, then squeeze the cloves into the potatoes before mashing.
Using an Immersion Blender: While I prefer a hand mixer for the smoothest results, an immersion blender can also be used. Just be careful not to overblend, as this can also lead to gluey potatoes.
Keeping Warm: If you’re not serving the mashed potatoes immediately, you can keep them warm in a slow cooker on the “Warm” setting. Just be sure to stir them occasionally to prevent them from drying out.

Conclusion:

And there you have it! Creamy, dreamy, and unbelievably easy Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes that will revolutionize your weeknight dinners and holiday feasts. Seriously, if you’re looking for a foolproof way to achieve perfectly smooth and flavorful mashed potatoes without all the fuss, this is it. I know I sound enthusiastic, but trust me, once you try this method, you’ll never go back to boiling potatoes on the stovetop again. Why is this recipe a must-try? Well, beyond the sheer convenience of the Instant Pot, the potatoes cook evenly and retain more moisture, resulting in a naturally creamier texture. Plus, cleanup is a breeze! One pot, minimal effort, maximum flavor what’s not to love? This recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights when you need a comforting side dish in a hurry, and it’s equally impressive for special occasions when you want to wow your guests without spending hours in the kitchen. But the best part is how versatile these Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes are. They’re fantastic as is, with just butter, milk, and a touch of seasoning. However, feel free to get creative and customize them to your liking!

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

* Garlic Lovers: Roast a head of garlic and mash it into the potatoes for an extra layer of savory flavor. * Cheesy Goodness: Stir in shredded cheddar, Gruyere, or Parmesan cheese for a decadent and comforting twist. * Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or chives for a burst of freshness. * Bacon Bliss: Crumble crispy bacon on top for a salty and smoky flavor. * Loaded Potatoes: Top with sour cream, chives, cheese, and bacon for a fully loaded experience. * Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for a little heat. * Vegan Option: Use plant-based butter and milk alternatives to make these mashed potatoes vegan-friendly. * Make-Ahead Magic: These mashed potatoes can be made ahead of time and reheated. Just add a splash of milk or broth when reheating to restore their creamy texture. These Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes are the perfect accompaniment to so many dishes. Serve them alongside roasted chicken, grilled steak, pan-seared salmon, or even a hearty vegetarian stew. They’re also a fantastic addition to holiday meals, providing a comforting and crowd-pleasing side dish that everyone will love. I truly believe that this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen. It’s simple, delicious, and incredibly versatile. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your Instant Pot, gather your ingredients, and get ready to experience the best mashed potatoes of your life. I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! Once you do, please come back and share your experience in the comments below. Let me know what variations you tried, what you served them with, and how much you loved them. I can’t wait to hear all about your Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes success stories! Happy cooking!