If you have been searching for the perfect creamy, comforting side dish that comes together effortlessly, look no further than this Easy Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes Recipe. It turns what can sometimes feel like a time-consuming chore into a quick, delightful experience that results in fluffy, rich mashed potatoes every time. Whether you’re feeding a family of six or just want to impress dinner guests with minimal fuss, these mashed potatoes will quickly become a beloved staple in your recipe collection. Using the Instant Pot not only speeds up the cooking process but also locks in flavors, delivering a luscious texture that’s hard to beat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All you really need for this Easy Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes Recipe are a handful of simple, yet essential ingredients that blend together to create incredible flavor and texture. Each ingredient plays an important role—from the creamy richness of butter and heavy cream to the subtle warmth of garlic that brightens the entire dish.
- Yukon Gold potatoes: These provide a buttery texture and golden color that’s perfect for mashing.
- Water: Just enough to cover the potatoes so they steam perfectly under pressure.
- Butter: One stick brings that rich, silky smoothness that mashed potatoes are famous for.
- Heavy or whipping cream: This adds creaminess and helps achieve that velvety finish.
- Garlic cloves: Minced fresh garlic infuses a mild, savory depth after being gently warmed.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning, these elevate every bite and balance the flavors.
How to Make Easy Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Pressure Cook the Potatoes
Start by peeling and quartering 3 pounds of Yukon Gold potatoes. Place them in the Instant Pot and add enough water to just cover the potatoes along with a generous pinch of salt. Close the lid securely and set the steam valve to “sealing.” Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. The pressure will build up, and this steam cooking method softens the potatoes beautifully in less time than traditional boiling.
Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Butter Cream
While the potatoes pressure cook, melt a half cup of butter and warm 3/4 cup of heavy cream together in a small saucepan over low heat. Add in the minced garlic cloves and let the flavors meld gently, which softens the garlic’s sharp edge and infuses the cream with savory goodness. This simple step is a flavor booster that takes your mashed potatoes to the next level.
Step 3: Quick Release and Drain
Once the cooking time is up, use the quick release method to safely release the pressure. Carefully remove the inner pot using oven mitts and drain the potatoes in a colander. If you notice any remaining excess water, return the potatoes to the pot and use the “sauté” function briefly to evaporate it. Be vigilant here to prevent burning the potatoes; switch to “keep warm” once the water is gone.
Step 4: Mash and Combine
Now for the fun part: mash the potatoes directly in the Instant Pot for easy cleanup and better heat retention. Slowly stir in the warm garlic butter cream mixture to create a silky texture. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste—about a teaspoon of salt for this quantity is a great starting point. The warmth from the pot helps everything meld perfectly, leaving you with creamy, flavorful mashed potatoes that melt in your mouth.
How to Serve Easy Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Mashed potatoes are a blank canvas waiting for some tasty additions. A sprinkle of fresh chopped chives or parsley adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness. For extra indulgence, a pat of butter melting on top right before serving can’t be beaten. Crispy bacon bits or shredded cheese can also elevate your presentation and flavor if you want a heartier touch.
Side Dishes
This Easy Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes Recipe pairs beautifully with a variety of mains. It’s a natural companion to roasted chicken, juicy steaks, or holiday turkey. Steamed or roasted vegetables like green beans or Brussels sprouts balance the meal with some crunch and brightness. You could even serve these potatoes alongside some saucy meatloaf for a cozy, classic dinner experience.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to wow your guests, try piping the mashed potatoes onto plates with a piping bag fitted with a star tip for elegant swirls. You can also make little mashed potato cakes by cooling, shaping, and lightly pan-frying them for a crisp exterior that contrasts wonderfully with the creamy interior. Adding a drizzle of browned butter or a sprinkle of smoked paprika can transform this humble side dish into a showstopper.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover mashed potatoes from this recipe can be safely stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to cool them before sealing to maintain freshness and prevent condensation, which can water down the texture.
Freezing
If you want to make ahead and freeze mashed potatoes, this recipe holds up really well. Portion into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some room for expansion. They can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing creaminess or flavor, making them great for quick meal prep or holiday entertaining.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm gently on the stove or microwave, stirring occasionally to keep them smooth. Adding a splash more cream or a pat of butter while reheating will restore their fresh-from-the-pot texture perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use potatoes other than Yukon Gold for this recipe?
Absolutely! Russet potatoes work well too and give a fluffier texture, though Yukon Golds tend to be creamier and less starchy, making them ideal for this Easy Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes Recipe.
Do I need to soak or rinse the potatoes before cooking?
There’s no need to soak or rinse for this recipe. Simply peel, quarter, and cook. The Instant Pot method steams the potatoes quickly and evenly, preserving their natural flavor and texture.
Can I prepare the garlic butter cream in advance?
Yes, you can make the garlic butter cream a few hours ahead. Just warm it gently right before mixing it into the mashed potatoes to bring out the flavors and keep everything silky smooth.
Is this recipe suitable for dairy-free alternatives?
You can swap the butter and heavy cream for plant-based alternatives like vegan butter and coconut cream or almond milk for a dairy-free version, though the flavor and texture will be slightly different from the classic version.
How can I make the mashed potatoes fluffier?
To achieve fluffier mashed potatoes, make sure not to overwork them—mashing just until smooth is key. Also, adding warm cream and butter gradually helps incorporate air and prevents gluey texture, perfect for this Easy Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes Recipe.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting about a bowl of creamy mashed potatoes that just works every time, and this Easy Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes Recipe delivers on that promise with speed and simplicity. I encourage you to give it a try—it might just become your go-to side dish for weeknight dinners, holiday feasts, or anytime you want a trustworthy, delicious comfort food that’s ready in a flash.
Print
Easy Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes recipe delivers creamy, flavorful mashed potatoes in a fraction of the time compared to traditional methods. Using Yukon Gold potatoes cooked in the Instant Pot and a warm butter, cream, and garlic mixture, this dish is perfect for a comforting side that’s quick to prepare and deliciously smooth.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 3 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and quartered
- Water, enough to just cover potatoes
- Salt, generous pinch (for cooking water)
Butter & Cream Mixture
- 1/2 cup butter (1 stick)
- 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (or to taste)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prep Potatoes: Peel and quarter the Yukon Gold potatoes. Place them in the Instant Pot and add enough water to just cover the potatoes along with a generous pinch of salt.
- Pressure Cook: Close the Instant Pot lid, ensure the valve is set to “sealing,” and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. It will take about 10 minutes to reach pressure before cooking starts.
- Warm Butter and Cream: While potatoes cook, combine butter, heavy cream, and minced garlic in a small saucepan. Warm over low heat to infuse garlic flavor and slightly cook the garlic, mellowing its sharpness.
- Release Pressure: When cooking is complete, perform a quick pressure release to safely open the Instant Pot.
- Drain Potatoes: Carefully lift out the inner pot using oven mitts and drain the potatoes thoroughly in a colander. Return potatoes to the inner pot. If excess water remains, use the “sauté” function for about one minute to evaporate it, then press “keep warm” to turn off heat to avoid burning.
- Mash and Combine: Mash potatoes directly in the Instant Pot. Slowly add the warmed butter, cream, and garlic mixture while mashing until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste, starting with about 1 teaspoon of salt. Serve warm with extra butter if desired.
Notes
- Use Yukon Gold potatoes for creamy texture and buttery flavor.
- Adjust garlic quantity according to your preference.
- Be careful draining the hot potatoes to avoid burns.
- Season gradually with salt and pepper to suit your taste.
- For dairy-free version, substitute butter and cream with plant-based alternatives.
