This post may contain affiliate links, view our disclosure policy.

Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes are so fluffy, light, and easy to make right in the Instant Pot! Russet potatoes, whole milk, butter, sour cream, salt, and garlic pepper are all you need for this simple side dish recipe. Or use in any recipe that calls for mashed potatoes.

Creamy, fluffy mashed potatoes inside an Instant Pot pressure cooker.

INSTANT POT MASHED POTATOES

You will love these creamy, fluffy, easy to make instant pot mashed potatoes. They take about the same amount of time as cooking on the stove top, but I love making them in the instant pot because you don’t have to worry about your big pot of water boiling over all over the stove….. I am speaking from experience here 🙂 It happens every time I try to make mashed potatoes on the stove top!

Just peel the potatoes, cut them into large chunks, and cover them up with water in the Instant pot. That’s it. Add in a few ingredients when the cook time is done and they are ready to serve. 

If you want the creamiest mashed potatoes ever then be sure to also try my cream cheese mashed potatoes. They cook on the stove top and have a bar of cream cheese added right in!

Step by step picture instructions on how to make instant pot mashed potatoes.

INGREDIENTS NEEDED TO MAKE MASHED POTATOES IN THE INSTANT POT

Russet Potatoes

Water

Salt

Whole Milk – Yes use whole milk. Don’t try to replace it with a lower fat milk because the potatoes will suffer. Get the good stuff!

Butter – I use salted but unsalted works just as well. You may have to add some additional salt.

Salt & Pepper

WHAT KIND OF POTATO IS BEST FOR MASHED POTATOES?

The best potato to use when making mashed potatoes are Russet potatoes. They have the highest starch content which makes them fluffy and soft when mashed. Other potatoes tend to get a gummy and gluey texture when mashed. 

For best results use Russet potatoes. A good in-between potato is Yukon Gold or sometimes also called yellow potatoes. They have slightly less starch than the Russet but can work well in mashed potatoes.

Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes are so fluffy, light, and easy to make right in the Instant Pot! Russet potatoes, whole milk, butter, sour cream, salt, and garlic pepper are all you need for this simple side dish recipe. Or use in any recipe that calls for mashed potatoes.

TIPS & HELPFUL HINTS FOR MAKING THE BEST MASHED POTATOES

  • Drain the cooked potatoes really well. No extra steps are needed, just simply pour the potatoes and water into a colander. Let them sit there for a bit to make sure all the water is drained and then transfer them back to the Instant Pot insert. 
  • You can use a potato masher or a handheld mixer to mash the potatoes.
  • Adjust the salt accordingly. Everyone has different salt preferences when it comes to food. I would for sure add the 2 teaspoons of salt in with the potatoes and water. Potatoes beg for salt because without it they’re so bland. Start small and add from there. You can always add more salt but you can’t take away salt. 
  • These potatoes keep really well on the ‘warm’ setting of the Instant Pot. They can stay warm for 1-2 hours with great results. It’s perfect to make ahead so they are ready to go for dinner or even on Thanksgiving. 

Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes are so fluffy, light, and easy to make right in the Instant Pot! Russet potatoes, whole milk, butter, sour cream, salt, and garlic pepper are all you need for this simple side dish recipe. Or use in any recipe that calls for mashed potatoes.

WHAT TO SERVE WITH MASHED POTATOES

One of my favorite things to do with mashed potatoes is to make shepherds pie with them. The fluffy, cheesy potatoes on top of a seasoned ground beef and veggie mix is pure comfort food. I love this recipe because it also uses up leftover brown gravy which is something we always seem to have extra of from Thanksgiving dinner. 

I love to serve these Instant Pot mashed potatoes at Thanksgiving along with some crockpot cranberry turkey breast, honey glazed ham, and of course the best green bean casserole with no mushrooms or canned soup in it. 

Make slow cooker chicken and gravy and serve it on top a pile of mashed potatoes. 

Creamy, fluffy mashed potatoes inside an Instant Pot pressure cooker.
Together As Family Logo

Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes


Author Jessica
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Pressure Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 10 people (3/4 cup each)
Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes are so fluffy, light, and easy to make right in the Instant Pot! Russet potatoes, whole milk, butter, sour cream, salt, and garlic pepper are all you need for this simple side dish recipe. Or use in any recipe that calls for mashed potatoes.

Equipment

6 QT Instant Pot/Pressure Cooker

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pounds Russet potatoes about 7-8 large potatoes
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • water to cover the potatoes in the IP
  • 3/4 cup whole milk
  • 4 tablespoons butter I use salted
  • 1/2 cup sour cream full-fat is best
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • salt & black pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Peel the potatoes and cut into large chunks.
    * I cut each potato in half (lengthwise) and then cut each half in about 3-4 large chunks.
  • Place chunks of potato in the insert of the Instant Pot. Sprinkle salt over the potatoes. Fill the insert with water just until the potatoes are covered.
  • Place lid on, making sure the valve is set to 'sealing', and manually change the cook time to 10 minutes.
    * Instant Pot will take about 10-12 minutes to come to pressure and then start the 10 minute countdown. Make sure the water + potatoes don't go above the fill line. I use a 6 QT Instant Pot and it's fine.
  • When cook time is done do a quick pressure release. Meaning move the valve to the 'venting' position and let the pressure release.
    When done, take the insert out and dump the potatoes and water into a colander to drain. Transfer the drained potatoes back to the insert of the Instant Pot.
  • Add the milk and butter into a microwave-safe container and microwave for 1 minute. You want the milk and butter to be warm so it won't curdle when you add it into the hot potatoes.
  • Add the warmed milk + butter into the potatoes. Use a potato masher or a handheld mixer to mash the potatoes to your liking.
  • Add the sour cream and garlic powder. Stir together. Taste and add salt & pepper as necessary.
  • Serve right away or keep on the warm settings inside the Instant Pot for 1-2 hours.

Notes

Serving Size : It's hard to determine what a serving size is for mashed potatoes. I figure 3/4 cup is probably average. You can get 10 servings at 3/4 cup each. The entire recipe makes a little over 8 cups total of mashed potatoes. 
Potatoes : Russet potatoes are the best ones to use when making mashed potatoes. They have the highest starch content which makes them absorb all the milk, butter, and sour cream, and they whip so fluffy and light without getting a gluey or gummy texture to them. Use them for best results. 
Whole Milk : Mashed potatoes are not diet food! Use the whole milk please. You need the higher fat. 
Garlic Powder : You don't need this. If you prefer just plan mashed potatoes then simply leave it out. 
Salt : I end up adding about 1/4 teaspoon additional salt at the end. I do not add any black pepper but that's just personal preference. Remember that normally people put gravy over potatoes, which is salty also, so I tend to prefer my mashed potatoes without lots of salt on them. But you will for sure need that 2 teaspoons of salt in the IP. Potatoes need some salt!

Nutrition

Calories: 218kcal | Carbohydrates: 34g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 20mg | Sodium: 531mg | Potassium: 801mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 241IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 58mg | Iron: 2mg

Did You Make This Recipe?

I'd love to see it! You can share it with me on @togetherasfamilyblog and follow on Pinterest @together-as-family-blog-recipes or Facebook @togetherasfamilyblog for more!

 

Did you love this recipe?

Make sure to comment below so we can chat about it! Or follow on your favorite social network for even more family recipes.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




One Comment