Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes

Looking for more side dishes? Try my Thanksgiving Stuffing, Sweet Potato Casserole, or the Best Homemade Rolls!

Why I love these potatoes:

EASY – This is the easiest and quickest way to make mashed potatoes, and I love that don’t have to wait for a big pot of water to boil. Learn all of my instant pot tips and tricks! Delicious – This is one “cheater” method I am a fan of since it tastes just as good as the stovetop mashed potatoes! Make Ahead – I love to make these 1-2 hours ahead of time and just leave them in the Instant Pot on warm. Add more seasoning or liquid before serving, if necessary. Helps dinner go smoother on a busy night!

How to make Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes:

Cut potatoes into quarters and place in the bottom of the instant pot. (You can choose to leave the skin on, or peel the potatoes first.) Pressure Cook: Add water and salt and secure lid to the pot. Cook on manual/high pressure for 10 minutes. Allow pressure to naturally release for 3-5 minutes and then quick release the remaining pressure. Drain water and season potatoes: open instant pot lid and pour out any extra water. Add milk, sour cream, butter, bouillon paste, and salt and pepper. Mash everything until combined, but be careful not to over mash the potatoes, which leads to gummy mashed potatoes instead of fluffy mashed potatoes. Taste and add more seasonings, as needed. Store leftover mashed potatoes in the refrigerator for up to five days.

Best Potatoes for Mashing:

Higher starch potatoes, like Yukon gold potatoes or russet potatoes, are the best kind of potatoes to use for mashed potatoes. Red potatoes, although great for roasting, are waxier and will result in a more pasty and gummy texture.

Make Ahead and Reheating Instructions:

To Make Ahead: Prepare the mashed potatoes an hour or two before serving them and leave them in the Instant Pot on the warm setting. When you’re ready to serve, give them a stir and add a few splashes of milk if they aren’t smooth. Taste them and add more salt or seasonings, if needed. To Reheat: You can also rewarm mashed potatoes in the microwave. Add a splash of milk and additional seasonings until you reach the right consistency and taste.

Recipe Variations:

Stove Top Mashed Potatoes Dairy Free Mashed Potatoes: replace butter with dairy-free butter substitute, and add chicken broth instead of milk and sour cream.