There’s nothing quite like the creamy, velvety texture of perfectly mashed potatoes, and this Instant Pot version delivers in just 30 minutes. With a rich, buttery flavor and a hint of garlic, these spuds are the ultimate comfort food, ready to elevate any meal. The magic of the Instant Pot ensures they’re fluffy and smooth, with no lumps in sight.
Packed with potassium and a touch of Vitamin C, these mashed potatoes are as nourishing as they are indulgent. Whether you’re prepping for a holiday feast or a cozy weeknight dinner, this recipe is a game-changer—quick, effortless, and irresistibly delicious. Your taste buds (and schedule) will thank you!
What You’ll Need for Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
- 6 Russet potatoes, scrubbed well (peeled optional, depending on preference)
- 1 cup water (for steaming in the Instant Pot)
- 3 Tablespoons butter (unsalted preferred, but salted works too)
- ¼ cup sour cream (substitute with Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
- ¼ cup milk (any variety: whole, 2%, or plant-based)
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- Pepper, to taste
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional, or substitute with herbs like thyme or rosemary)
Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Mashed Potatoes
- Prepare the potatoes: Cut the scrubbed potatoes into small, even-sized pieces (about 1-2 inches) for faster cooking.
- Cook in the Instant Pot: Place the potato pieces into the Instant Pot and pour 1 cup of water over them. Close the lid, ensure the steam release knob is set to “SEALING”, and select the “MANUAL” or “PRESSURE COOK” setting for 10 minutes.
- Release pressure: Once the cooking time is complete, carefully move the steam release valve to “VENTING” to perform a quick pressure release. Wait until all the steam has escaped and the float valve drops.
- Drain the water: Open the lid and drain the water from the Instant Pot using a colander or by carefully tilting the pot (use oven mitts to avoid burns).
- Add flavor: Return the warm potatoes to the pot. Add the butter, sour cream, milk, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Mash to perfection: Use a potato masher for chunky potatoes or a hand mixer for a smoother texture. Mash until you reach your desired consistency.
- Taste and adjust: Taste the mashed potatoes and add more salt, pepper, or seasonings as needed.
- Serve and enjoy: Transfer to a serving dish, garnish with extra butter or herbs if desired, and enjoy your creamy, flavorful mashed potatoes!
Perfect Pairings: Sauce and Topping Ideas
Elevate your Instant Pot mashed potatoes with delicious toppings and sauces! Try a dollop of garlic herb butter (melt 2 tablespoons of butter with 1 minced garlic clove and a sprinkle of parsley) for a rich, savory twist. For a creamy option, drizzle with cheese sauce or sprinkle shredded cheddar on top. Craving something crunchy? Add crispy bacon bits or fried onions for a satisfying texture contrast.
Serve It Up: Creative Serving Suggestions
These mashed potatoes are a versatile side dish! Pair them with roasted chicken, grilled steak, or holiday ham for a hearty meal. For a fun twist, serve them in individual ramekins topped with chives and a pat of butter. They also make a great base for shepherd’s pie—just layer with ground meat and veggies, then bake!
Keep It Fresh: Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftover mashed potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, add a splash of milk or broth to keep them creamy, then warm in the microwave or on the stovetop. For a quick fix, use the Instant Pot’s sauté function to reheat while stirring occasionally. Avoid freezing, as the texture may become grainy.
Mix It Up: Recipe Variations
Customize your mashed potatoes to suit your taste! Swap sour cream for Greek yogurt for a tangy, protein-packed option. Add roasted garlic or caramelized onions for extra depth of flavor. For a cheesy version, stir in 1/2 cup of shredded Parmesan or cheddar before serving. Feeling adventurous? Mix in mashed cauliflower for a lighter twist.
Time-Saving Hacks for Busy Cooks
To save time, peel and chop your potatoes the night before and store them in a bowl of water in the fridge. Use a hand mixer instead of a potato masher for smoother potatoes in seconds. If you’re doubling the recipe, no need to adjust the cooking time—just add an extra 1/4 cup of water to ensure proper pressure.
How to Make our Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
Equipment
- Instant Pot
Ingredients
- 6 Russet potatoes, scrubbed well
- 1 cup water
- 3 Tablespoons butter
- ¼ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup milk
- ½ teaspoon salt
- pepper, to taste
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Cut the potatoes into small pieces.
- Place them into the Instant Pot and add 1 cup of water on top. Close the lid, make sure the knob is on sealing, and cook on “MANUAL” for 10 minutes.
- When it is finished cooking, move the valve on the top of the lid to “VENTING” and do a quick release of all the pressure.
- Drain the water from the pot.
- Add sour cream, milk, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to warm potatoes.
- Using a potato masher or a hand mixer (depending if you like them chunky or smooth), mash potatoes until they reach the consistency you desire.
- Add more salt and pepper and other seasonings as needed.
- Serve and enjoy!