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How To Make Mashed Potatoes In The Instant Pot
Recipe Snapshot
PREP + COOK TIME: 33 minutes (including time to pressurize)
METHOD: Instant Pot
OTHER TOOLS: knife and cutting board, hand masher or hand mixer
TOTAL INGREDIENTS: 5
Want perfectly creamy, consistent mashed potatoes every time? Making mashed potatoes in the Instant Pot is my favorite method, and it couldn’t be easier! With a rich blend of cream cheese, butter, and milk, the potatoes have a classic, delicious flavor that pairs wonderfully with your weeknight dinners or holiday meals.
What’s To Love About This Recipe
- After many rounds of preparing mashed potatoes for family gatherings, I can confidently say this method turns out consistently every time. In fact, it’s the only way I make mashed potatoes now!
- The potatoes are cooked, then mashed right in the Instant Pot, with no need for oven or stovetop babysitting. When you’re prepping a full meal, the Instant Pot adds ease by keeping your hands free for other dishes.
- This recipe combines milk, butter, and cream cheese for the best flavor and richness, without heaviness. Plus, it’s easy to adapt with dairy-free swaps without sacrificing quality!
- With the Instant Pot, it’s easy to scale up the recipe for holidays or large dinners without altering the cooking time.
- Instant Pot mashed potatoes are also flexible. You can include different varieties of potatoes or choose to leave the skins on or off. Keep the flavors simple or dress up the dish with extra seasonings and additions at serving time.
- One-pot, creamy mashed potatoes require minimal prep and cleanup. The smooth and buttery mash makes the perfect weeknight dinner side or holiday favorite!
Ingredients Needed
- Russet potatoes – For this recipe, you’ll need 2 pounds of russet potatoes, which will likely equal 2-3 medium potatoes. Russets provide the fluffiest texture due to their starchiness and also bring that classic mashed potato flavor. You can either peel the potatoes for a smooth mash or leave the skins on for a more rustic texture.
- Butter – Mashed potatoes really wouldn’t live up to the hype without a generous addition of butter, right? Choose a regular dairy-based butter or a plant-based version to keep it dairy-free. Either unsalted or salted will work and is up to your preference.
- Cream cheese – This is the standout ingredient, delivering richness and a slight tanginess to the potatoes. Again, either a regular or dairy-free version will work.
- Milk – A couple tablespoons of milk after cooking helps the ingredients to mash well and create a smooth texture. Use regular milk or dairy-free milk (just be sure it is also unflavored if using a plant-based version).
- Salt – Finish off your simple, yet decadent mashed potatoes with a pinch of salt for flavor!
How To Make Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
- Peel and dice the potatoes.
- Place potatoes in the Instant Pot and add enough water to cover.
- Seal, then cook on high pressure for 8 minutes.
- When cooking is complete, quickly release the pressure from the pot by turning the knob (watch out for steam!).
- Drain the water, then return the potatoes to the pot or a large bowl.
- Add remaining ingredients and mix with a hand mixer or a potato masher until smooth.
Pro Tips
- You can double or triple this recipe without changing the cooking time – perfect for large crowds or potluck meals!
- Larger batches may need more liquid, but don’t fill past the fill line on the pot.
- Be sure to cut potatoes into even chunks for consistent cooking.
- Add just enough water to cover the potatoes. Too much will increase the cooking time.
- Using the quick-release feature helps prevent overcooking and too much water absorption.
- Drain well before mashing to avoid watery potatoes.
- Be cautious about over-mashing, which can lead to a gummy or gluey texture. A hand masher is a great tool for a rustic texture, and a hand mixer will produce ultra-smooth potatoes.
- Mash the potatoes while hot for the smoothest texture.
- Add the other ingredients gradually after cooking, and adjust the texture as needed by mashing more or adding more liquid to thin the potatoes.
- Keep the potatoes warm in the Instant Pot on the “warm” setting for up to 2 hours after mashing.
Recipe Substitutions and Variations
- Potatoes with a high starch content make the best traditional mashed potatoes. As an alternative to russet potatoes, you can use Yukon golds (peeled or unpeeled) for a creamier, denser mash. And for a different spin, try this method for Instant Pot Mashed Sweet Potatoes.
- Add more milk or use broth for a looser mash.
- Extra butter will make the mashed potatoes richer and more indulgent.
- For even fluffier mashed potatoes, use heavy whipping cream instead of cream cheese. Start with 1/4 cup of cream and add more until you reach the desired consistency.
- Peeling the potatoes or leaving the skins on is a personal preference. Peeling them will create smoother, more consistent results.
- For tasty add-ins, include minced garlic, herb blends, and add grated Parmesan or shredded cheese.
- For dairy-free mashed potatoes, use plant-based butter, dairy-free cream cheese, and unsweetened dairy-free milk. The texture remains creamy and smooth, and you won’t miss out on richness or flavor.
How To Serve Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are a favorite side for so many classic meals. Whether a formal meal or simply home-cooked comfort food, they’re sure to be delicious and devoured!
Serve mashed potatoes with a traditional Thanksgiving or holiday meal featuring Turkey Breast, Oven-Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Brussels Sprouts, and Air Fryer Green Beans. Using a mixture of cooking methods keeps everything heating at just the right pace and ready to serve together.
For a hearty, comforting family dinner, serve potatoes with a main protein such as Pork Tenderloin, Instant Pot Country Style Ribs, or Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks. Add your preferred veggie sides like Corn on the Cob or a fresh Wedge Salad with Herbed Buttermilk Dressing.
For holidays or simple dinners, elevate your potatoes with a savory homemade gravy (find out how to make the BEST brown gravy here.)
Storing and Reheating
How To Best Store Leftovers
Fridge
Store leftover mashed potatoes in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 4 days. (Freezing is not ideal due to texture changes.)
How To Best Reheat Leftovers
Reheat leftover potatoes with a splash of milk or broth in the microwave or on the stovetop. Stir throughout to ensure even heating.
How To Make Mashed Potatoes In The Instant Pot
Want perfectly creamy, consistent mashed potatoes every time? Making mashed potatoes in the Instant Pot is my favorite method, and it couldn’t be easier! With a rich blend of cream cheese, butter, and milk, the potatoes have a classic, delicious flavor that pairs wonderfully with your weeknight dinners or holiday meals.
Equipment
- Hand masher or hand mixer
Ingredients
- 2 pounds russet potatoes
- 1/4 cup butter regular or plant-based
- 4 oz cream cheese regular or dairy-free
- 2 tablespoons milk regular or dairy-free
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Peel and dice potatoes
- Place potatoes in Instant Pot and add enough water to cover
- Seal and cook on high pressure for 8 minutes
- When cooking is complete, quickly release pressure from pot by turning knob
- Drain water, then return potatoes to pot or a large bowl
- Add remaining ingredients and mix with a hand mixer or a potato masher until smooth
Notes
- Store leftover mashed potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat leftovers in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of milk or broth, stirring in intervals.
- Double or triple the recipe without changing the cook time. Larger batches may need extra liquid; however, don’t fill the Instant Pot past the fill line.
- Cut potatoes into evenly sized pieces for consistent cooking.
- Use the quick release to prevent overcooking, and drain well before mashing.
- Mash while hot for the best texture.
- Avoid over-mashing to prevent a gummy texture.
- Potatoes can remain on the “warm” setting in the pot for up to 2 hours after mashing.
