Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes

Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes are so quick and easy, perfect for those last few minutes of a hectic holiday meal since they’re done in one pot and off to the side!

These mashed potatoes turn out light, fluffy, and naturally flavorful (in just over 20 minutes).

The Ultimate Comfort Food

This instant pot mashed potatoes recipe makes quick work of a classic mashed potatoes recipe.

They’re just as fluffy and creamy, making them the perfect side dish for Thanksgiving, Easter, or even a Sunday supper.

These are made in an instant pot which frees up time and space on the stove — especially for those larger meals like Thanksgiving.
Cooking potatoes in an Instant Pot or electric pressure cooker keeps things easy and fast.
These are creamy and fluffy with only one pot and no draining required. Mash them right in the Instant Pot!

If you’re not familiar with the Instant Pot, it’s an easy-to-use electric pressure cooker. Learn more about the Instant Pot here (and see why it’s one of my favorite appliances).

Ingredients

POTATOES: Russet potatoes or baking potatoes are the best potatoes mashing because of their starchy consistency. Once cooked tender and mashed, they have a fluffy texture. If you don’t have russets, try Yukon Gold, they’ll have a less starchy and more creamy texture but are still delicious.

Use chicken broth as the liquid in the bottom for a little it of extra flavor.

DAIRY: Use real butter and don’t be shy, it really makes these potatoes taste so amazing. Use milk as well (heat it first for best results), or feel free to sub half and half for even creamier potatoes.

Variations

If you’d like to add extras to your mashed potatoes, go right ahead! The joy of mashed potatoes is that because they have such a simple flavor, there are so many options to perk them up a bit.

Try sprinkling with chives, cheese, sour cream, cream cheese, garlic salt, or homemade ranch seasoning.

How to Make Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes

The method is similar to slow cooker mashed potatoes but, of course, these are quicker to cook.

Peel and chop potatoes.
Add to the Instant Pot with 1″ water or broth.
Seal and pressure cook on high pressure (as per recipe below).
Do not drain, add milk and butter and mash.

Tips for Great IP Potatoes

This has been made in a 6qt Instant Pot, cooking time in other models may vary.
Ensure you add just 1-inch of liquid to the bottom.
A few cloves garlic can be added to the potatoes before cooking if desired.
Potatoes can be mashed by hand or with a potato ricer or electric hand mixer. Do not overmix or they can become gummy.
Stir in fresh herbs like parsley or thyme if desired and a pinch of black pepper.

Serving and Leftover Mashed Potatoes

If they’re ready ahead of time, keep the Instant Pot on warm, serve them right out of the instant pot (one less bowl to wash)!

Mashed potatoes are great with a little drizzling (or dousing) in brown gravy Make them as a side with roast turkey or pot roast. For a simpler dinner make them with our favorite meatloaf recipe, island style pork, or marinated steak.

We always hope for leftovers! Use them as a topping on Shepherd’s pie. Or turn them into twice baked potato casserole, or even mashed potato salad.

Try Loaded Mashed Potato Cakes any time of day!

More Mashed Potato Favorites

Traditional Mashed Potatoes – The best ever
Loaded Mashed Potato Cakes – perfect leftovers
Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes – keto favorite
Mashed Sweet Potatoes – sweet & creamy
Mashed Potato Salad – ideal for a BBQ
Garlic Ranch Mashed Potatoes – tasty side dish

Did your family love these Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes? Be sure to leave a comment and a rating below!