Mashed Potatoes in the Instant Pot are creamy, rich, tasty, and easy to make. Made quickly and without draining, this pressure cooker mashed potatoes are absolutely the best!
Mashed Potatoes in the Instant Pot
I cannot think of any side dish more versatile than mashed potatoes. They go well with most dishes and are the perfect side dish anytime, especially during the holidays.
Making the best mashed potatoes just got easier and quicker thanks to the pressure cooker. This Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes will save you time while producing fluffy, light and creamy mashed potatoes every time.
In culinary school I was taught that the secret to perfect and creamy restaurant quality mashed potatoes is “cream and butter”. After many trials, I must admit that is absolutely true. This Instant Pot Mashed Potato recipe is a basic and delicious recipe without a lot of added ingredients. Although I decided to use Half and Half instead of heavy cream, the result is a creamy and incredibly tasty side dish everyone will love.
If you want super decadent mashed potatoes, feel free to use heavy cream, I usually do that when serving them on special occasions.
Pressure Cooker Mashed Potatoes Ingredients
Which potatoes are best for Mashed Potatoes?
- Starchy potatoes like Yukon Gold and russet potatoes are ideal for mashing. They produce tasty, creamy and super fluffy mashed potatoes.
- Waxy potatoes on the other hand, take longer to get smooth and creamy – for that reason, they tend to get “overworked” – that can end up in a gluey, gummy mess no one would like.
How to make Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes (No Drain)
Making mashed potatoes in the pressure cooker is so simple and easy. The best part is you don’t even need to drain your potatoes! Huge plus as I don’t like to deal with any unnecessary extra steps, especially when we are talking about hot liquid and hot potatoes!
- Add the chopped potatoes into the instant pot and add broth and milk – you can use just broth if you prefer but I love the extra flavor and creaminess the potatoes get from the milk.
- To peel or not to peel the potatoes? I love mashed potatoes either way but in this case I peeled the potatoes.
- Season lightly with salt and pepper. Don’t over season the potatoes at this point.
- Seal the instant pot and press “manual”. Set the timer to 10 minutes.
- When the timer is up, let the pressure release natural for 5 minutes. Then open the valve and do a quick release.
- Open the lid and start mashing the potatoes. Add the butter and Half and Half and season to taste.
Tips and Variations for Mashed Potatoes in Instant Pot
- In culinary school we would get in trouble if we used anything other than a masher or a potato ricer to mash our potatoes. I know many people who uses a hand held mixer to whip their potatoes. As long as your potatoes are hot, they will easily mashed into fluffy and creamy clouds of deliciousness with a simple masher.
- Don’t use a blender or an immersion blender. The potatoes will end up in a gluey mess.
- Make your Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes very light by using a combination of broth and low fat buttermilk instead of using Half and Half.
- Here are a few addition ideas to turn your Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes into your own special creation:
Garlic Powder
Sour Cream
Cream Cheese
Chives
Chopped Crispy Bacon
Parmesan Cheese
Truffle Oil (added at the end).
Roasted Garlic (added at the end). - This recipe can easily be doubled. Use 5 lbs of potatoes and 1 1/2 cup of cooking liquid (broth or a combination of milk and broth). Adjust the rest of the ingredients accordingly. Cook on high pressure for 12 minutes.
What to serve with this Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Serve these comforting and delicious pressure cooker mashed potatoes with:
Pressure Cooker Whole Chicken Rotisserie Style
Creamy Chicken with Artichokes and Sun Dried Tomatoes
Beer Braised Brisket with Vegetables
Perfect Pan Seared Steak
Honey Mustard and Herb Oven Roasted Pork Loin
Cajun Grilled Shrimp Skewers
Brined and Roasted Turkey (the best and juiciest Thanksgiving turkey ever!)
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Creamy Pressure Cooker Mashed Potatoes with Half and Half
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 pounds potatoes peeled and cut into 1.5 inch pieces
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup . milk *see notes
- Salt and ground black pepper to taste
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup Half and Half or more as needed
Instructions
- Place the potatoes into the pressure cooker (Instant Pot). Add the broth, milk and season lightly with salt and ground black pepper. Stir,
- Put the lid on and turn to close. Turn the valve to "sealing". Press the "Manual" button and set the timer to 10 minutes. The Instant Pot will take a little time to come to pressure (about 5-8 minutes).
- When the time is up (your pressure cooker will beep) let the instant pot pressure release naturally for 5 minutes. Then, open the valve to release the remaining pressure.
- Open the lid and using a potato masher start mashing the potatoes right in the Instant Pot. Add the butter and Half and Half and keep mashing until you reach your desire consistency. Season with salt and ground black pepper to taste.
- Serve or keep them warm in the pressure cooker until ready to serve.
Chef's Tips
- Potatoes cooked with milk produce creamier mashed potatoes, however you can use just chicken broth to cook the potatoes if you prefer.
- The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of Half and Half. You can add more if needed until you reach a desire consistency.
- For richer, creamier potatoes, use heavy cream.
- For lighter potatoes you can use milk instead of Half and Half.
Jane says
Wondering if you can keep them in the “warm” setting until the rest of the dinner is ready
Kathy says
Yes! I always do that.
Kathy says
Yes! I always do.
Nikki Ellison says
Newbie here!! Just tried this recipe & its delicious!!! If I double the recipe do I double the cook & release times?
Kathy says
Hi Nikki, For 5 lbs of potatoes, cook on high pressure for 12 minutes. Release time should be the same. Enjoy!!
Nancy says
I’m not sure mine will hold 10 lbs either I’ve never tried this before! Fingers crossed!
Kathy says
Hahahaha I think it’s going to work out! It’s just mashed potatoes! Sending good vibes your way!
Nancy says
I meant to comment sooner but time just seems to get away from me. I wanted to let you know my potatoes turned out wonderful! In fact I’ll be doing them the same for Christmas dinner. Thanks so much for this recipe! Happy holidays to you!
Sincerely,
Nancy
Kathy says
Hi Nancy! Thank you for the feedback, that is very sweet. Happy Holidays to you as well!
Nancy says
How much liquid for 10 pounds potatoes? And can I use all milk? Thanks for sharing this great recipe will save me so much time!
Kathy says
Hi Nancy, My IP doesn’t hold 10 pounds of potatoes so I haven’t try that amount. However, if you add about 1 1/2 cup of liquid the potatoes will cook and get tender. After that you can add as much liquid and butter as you want to reach the desire consistency and taste. I suggest you use a combination of milk and broth at the beginning. It can be 1 cup milk and 1/2 cup broth. Hope this helps. Happy Holidays!
Nancy says
Thanks so much! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!Thanks so much! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Kathy says
You too! Happy Thanksgiving and thank you so much for following my blog! It means the world!
Michaela Kenkel says
I really need to get my Instant pot out for Thanksgiving! Talk about time saving!! Your potatoes turned out so fluffy!
Kathy says
Yes! It saves so much time!! Thank you
Jacke says
This turned out so creamy. I will be making tmashed potatoes in the instant pot for all the holidays.
Kathy says
Thank you! Glad you liked it.
Julie says
Now those are some delicious looking mashed potatoes. I can’t wait to use this method for Thanksgiving and it’s going to free up a burner on the stove…win win!
michele says
I need to try potatoes in an instant pot……. they seem so easy to do from all of your tips. Nothing beats a nice fluffy potato!
Sandra says
Bookmarking this mashed potatoes recipe for Thanksgiving! I’m really having fun with my Instant Pot and love how quick dishes come together. I love the idea to add truffle oil. How much should I add? I have a small bottle that my brother brought back from Europe that I’ve been saving for a special dish.
Debra C. says
These potatoes make my mouth water, I appreciate your tips and tricks too – so helpful! This is a perfect holiday sidedish!
Kathy says
Thank you!
Madi says
These would be so awesome to make for Thanksgiving or Christmas! I love that they are made in an Instant Pot!
debi at Life Currents says
I love mashed potatoes but don’t make them often because they take so long. The IP is the answer! Thanks for the tip & the recipe!