Name: Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 pounds russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks; 1 cup water; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1/2 cup whole milk (or more as needed); 1/4 cup sour cream; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; Chopped fresh chives for garnish (optional)

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If you’re on the hunt for the ultimate comfort food side that’s quick, creamy, and absolutely foolproof, it’s time you met Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes. Fluffy, rich, and full of homemade flavor, these potatoes are a weeknight lifesaver and a holiday hero, ready in a fraction of the time you’d spend with a pot on the stove. Whether you’re prepping for a big gathering or simply craving a cozy, hearty dish, this recipe is destined to become your new go-to whenever you want perfect mashed potatoes every single time.

Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What’s so wonderful about Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes is that a handful of simple, familiar ingredients come together to create something truly special. Each one plays an important role, from adding creaminess to punching up the flavor and color—so don’t skip a thing!

Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes (3 pounds): The hearty, starchy base that gives your mash that classic, fluffy texture. Yukon Golds make things a bit more buttery, while russets lean extra smooth.
Water (1 cup): Just enough to steam the potatoes perfectly in the Instant Pot—substitute with chicken broth for even deeper flavor.
Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons): The secret to luscious, restaurant-style potatoes and those irresistible buttery notes.
Whole milk (1/2 cup or more): For a creamy consistency that ties all the ingredients together. Add more if you like your mash extra velvety.
Sour cream (1/4 cup): Adds a gentle tang and richness, making the potatoes ultra-silky and flavorful.
Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for bringing out all the natural potato flavors, so taste and adjust as needed.
Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): A touch of spice to balance out the creaminess and wake up your taste buds.
Chopped fresh chives (optional): For a bright, fresh finish that makes your Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes look as gorgeous as they taste.

How to Make Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes

Step 1: Prep the Potatoes

Peel your russet or Yukon Gold potatoes and chop them into large chunks—about 2 inches each is just right. This helps them cook quickly and evenly, giving you perfect, creamy chunks ready for mashing. If you like leaving the skins on for extra texture (especially with Yukon Golds), you absolutely can!

Step 2: Cook in the Instant Pot

Add the potato chunks straight into the Instant Pot, then pour in 1 cup of water. Secure the lid, set the valve to “sealing,” and select Manual (High Pressure) for 10 minutes. That’s it! Let the Instant Pot do its magic while you prep your butter and seasonings.

Step 3: Quick Release and Drain

Once the timer beeps, perform a quick release to let off the steam. Carefully open the lid and check the potatoes—they should be super tender and easy to break apart. If you see any extra water at the bottom, drain it out (but don’t worry if there’s just a little left—it helps with the mashing).

Step 4: Mash and Mix

Add in the unsalted butter, whole milk, sour cream, salt, and black pepper right on top of the hot potatoes. Grab your potato masher and get to work! Mash to your desired level of smoothness, adding a splash more milk for extra creaminess if you love super-soft mashed potatoes. Taste and adjust seasoning as you go—don’t be afraid to personalize!

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Spoon your fluffy Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes into a serving bowl, and give them the finishing touch: a generous sprinkle of freshly chopped chives. Serve them piping hot while the butter is still melting throughout for maximum deliciousness.

How to Serve Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes

Garnishes

Garnishing is your chance to let these potatoes shine even brighter! Chopped fresh chives add not only a splash of lively green but an aromatic lift. If you’re feeling decadent, a pat of extra butter melting over the top or a dusting of paprika can add a gorgeous pop to your Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes.

Side Dishes

These creamy mashed potatoes truly go with everything. Serve them alongside comforting classics like roast chicken, hearty beef stew, or even your favorite plant-based mains. They’re also the side dish that disappears first at every holiday feast—be sure to make enough!

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to wow a crowd, try piping the mashed potatoes into swirls for individual portions, or layer them in mini ramekins with cheese for a bistro-inspired twist. Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes can even be used to top a shepherd’s pie or nestled into stuffed mushrooms for fancy appetizers.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, transfer cooled Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes to an airtight container and pop them in the fridge. They’ll stay creamy and dreamy for up to four days, making them a fantastic make-ahead option for busy weeks.

Freezing

Yes, mashed potatoes can be frozen! Spoon cooled potatoes into freezer-safe bags, flatten them for quick thawing, and freeze for up to two months. They might lose just a bit of their fluffiness, but a splash of milk during reheating brings them right back to life.

Reheating

To reheat, pop your potatoes in the microwave (stirring every minute or so), or warm them gently in a saucepan over low heat, adding a bit of extra milk as needed. Stir well as they heat, and they’ll be as good as new!

FAQs

Can I use a different type Side Dish

Absolutely! While russet and Yukon Gold potatoes are classic for Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes because of their creaminess, red potatoes also work for a sturdier, chunkier mash. You might get a different texture, but feel free to experiment.

Is it okay to leave the potato skins on?

If you love some extra texture or are using thin-skinned Yukon Golds, leave them on for more rustic mashed potatoes. Just be sure to scrub them well before cooking.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! For dairy-free Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes, substitute plant-based butter, use almond or oat milk, and skip or swap the sour cream for a vegan alternative. They’ll still be rich and satisfying.

How can I make my mashed potatoes even richer?

For an ultra-decadent treat, add a few roasted garlic cloves or stir in a couple ounces of cream cheese along with your butter and milk. The result is irresistibly creamy and full of complex flavor.

What if I don’t have an Instant Pot?

No worries! You can still enjoy amazing mashed potatoes by boiling the potatoes in a regular pot until fork-tender, then mashing and mixing as instructed. The Instant Pot just speeds things up and gives consistently perfect results every time.

Final Thoughts

Once you taste these Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them! Give this recipe a spin and see just how quick, easy, and rewarding homemade mashed potatoes can be. I can’t wait to hear how they earn a permanent spot in your comfort food rotation!

Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes Recipe

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4.8 from 24 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Creamy and flavorful Instant Pot mashed potatoes that are quick and easy to prepare. With the perfect balance of butter, milk, and sour cream, these mashed potatoes are a comforting side dish for any meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Potatoes:

3 pounds russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks

Additional Ingredients:

1 cup water
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 cup whole milk (or more as needed)
1/4 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Chopped fresh chives for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Prepare the Potatoes: Place the peeled and chopped potatoes into the Instant Pot and add 1 cup of water.
Cook in Instant Pot: Secure the lid and set the valve to sealing. Cook on Manual High Pressure for 10 minutes.
Release Pressure: Once the cooking time is complete, perform a quick release of the pressure. Drain any excess water from the potatoes if needed.
Mix Ingredients: Add the butter, milk, sour cream, salt, and pepper to the potatoes. Mash until smooth and creamy, adding more milk if necessary to reach your desired consistency.
Season and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with chopped chives if desired. Serve warm.