The Ultimate Easy Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes Recipe You’ll Love

Caroline

Sharing simple, flavorful recipes made with love and care.

There’s something wonderfully comforting about a bowl of creamy mashed potatoes, but who has time to stand over a pot peeling and boiling all day? That’s where this Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes recipe comes to the rescue. One quick set-it-and-forget-it step, and you’re free to focus on everything else sizzling in the kitchen. Having perfected this recipe, I can confidently say it’s the fastest way to get fluffy, buttery potatoes on your table without sacrificing any of that homemade charm. Whether you’re preparing a weekend feast or simply craving a cozy side, these mashed potatoes promise rich flavor and effortless prep—just the way we like it.

Why choose Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes recipe?

Speed and Ease: This recipe cuts your prep time dramatically with minimal hands-on work. Creamy Texture: Expect irresistibly smooth, fluffy potatoes every time. Rich, Buttery Flavor: Loads of butter and cream make each bite decadent. Versatile Side Dish: Perfect for family dinners or holiday spreads alike. Set-and-Forget Convenience: Let your Instant Pot do the heavy lifting while you multitask.

Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes recipe Ingredients

For the Potatoes

Russet potatoes – Choose starchy potatoes for the fluffiest instant pot mashed potatoes recipe.
Water – Just enough to steam the potatoes quickly and evenly in your Instant Pot.

For the Creamy Mash

Butter – Use high-quality unsalted butter to add rich, silky texture.
Heavy cream – Adds luxurious creaminess; substitute with half-and-half for a lighter option.
Salt – Enhances flavor and balances the buttery richness in this Instant Pot mashed potatoes recipe.
Pepper – Freshly ground black pepper for a mild, warming spice layer.

Optional Add-ins

Garlic cloves – Roast or sauté before adding for subtle depth and warmth.
Chives or parsley – Fresh herbs bring a vibrant pop of color and flavor to the creamy mash.

How to Make Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes

Prep Potatoes: Peel and cut potatoes into 1″ chunks. Rinse under cold water until water runs clear to remove starch, ensuring a light, fluffy texture.
Add & Seal: Place potato chunks and 1 cup water into Instant Pot. Lock lid and set valve to sealing. This primes potatoes for even steaming.
Pressure Cook: Select high pressure and cook for 10 minutes. Perform a quick release of steam once cooking ends, yielding tender potatoes that mash effortlessly.

For the Mash:

Mash & Season: Drain potatoes thoroughly, then mash with a potato masher until mostly smooth, leaving just a few small chunks for texture.
Enrich & Blend: Stir in 4 tablespoons butter, ½ cup cream, salt, and pepper to taste. Continue mixing until potatoes are silky, rich, and lump-free.
Finish & Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning. Transfer mashed potatoes to a serving bowl, sprinkle fresh chives if desired, and serve hot for the ultimate cozy side.

Optional: Sprinkle extra chives and a pat of butter before serving.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

How to Store and Freeze Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes

Room Temperature: Instant Pot mashed potatoes should not be left out at room temperature for more than 2 hours to prevent spoilage.
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to retain creaminess.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze mashed potatoes in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Portion into smaller amounts for easy reheating.
Reheating: Thaw frozen mashed potatoes in the fridge overnight. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk to restore texture.

Make Ahead Options

These Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can peel and cut the potatoes up to 24 hours in advance. Simply store the chunks submerged in cold water in the refrigerator to prevent browning. Alternatively, you can make the entire mashed potato recipe, allowing them to cool completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, just reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream and a little more butter to revive their creamy texture. Trust me, they’ll be just as delicious, and you’ll save precious time on busy weeknights!

Expert Tips for Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Choose the Right Potato: Use starchy russet potatoes for the fluffiest texture; waxy varieties can yield gummy mash.
Rinse Away Starch: Washing the cut potatoes removes excess starch, preventing gluey mashed potatoes.
Don’t Overcook: Stick to the 10-minute pressure cook time; overcooking leads to watery, mushy results.
Drain Thoroughly: Drain potatoes well after cooking to avoid watery mash and enhance creaminess.
Warm Dairy Ingredients: Heat butter and cream slightly before mixing to help them absorb smoothly into the potatoes.
Season Gradually: Add salt and pepper in steps, tasting as you go, for perfectly balanced flavor in your Instant Pot mashed potatoes recipe.

What to Serve with Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes?

Nothing completes a meal quite like the comforting warmth and creamy texture of mashed potatoes at the center of the dinner table.

Grilled Chicken: The juicy, smoky flavors of grilled chicken pair beautifully, enhancing the overall comforting experience of your dish. Perfect for a family gathering!
Beef Stroganoff: Rich and savory, this classic dish creates a wonderful contrast with the fluffy potatoes, making each bite a delight. The creamy sauce glides effortlessly over the mash.
Roasted Vegetables: A medley of seasonal vegetables brings color and earthiness, balancing the richness of the potatoes. Their caramelized edges add delightful texture to your meal.
Classic Meatloaf: The hearty flavors of meatloaf combined with creamy mashed potatoes is a nostalgic dinner trope. Drizzle some savory gravy over the mash for the ultimate comfort dish.
Garlic Butter Shrimp: The garlicky, buttery taste adds a succulent twist, balancing the creamy texture of the mashed potatoes. It’s a delightful contrast that keeps the plate exciting.
Coleslaw: A refreshing, crunchy coleslaw provides a crispy counterpart to your creamy mashed potatoes. The crispness helps brighten the meal, making it more balanced and vibrant.
Cranberry Sauce: This tangy, sweet condiment is not just for Thanksgiving! It adds a pop of acidity that cuts through the richness of the potatoes, enhancing every bite.
Warm Biscuits: Soft, buttery biscuits alongside your mashed potatoes create a cozy, comforting atmosphere. Perfect for scooping up all that creamy goodness.
A Glass of Chardonnay: An elegant glass of chilled Chardonnay harmonizes beautifully with the buttery richness of the potatoes without overwhelming the palate. Enjoy this pairing for a delightful dining experience.

Variations & Substitutions for Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes recipe

Feel free to get creative and make this classic dish your own with these delightful twists and turns!

Dairy-Free: Substitute heavy cream with unsweetened almond or coconut milk, and use dairy-free butter for a creamy alternative that’s just as delicious.
Cheesy Upgrade: Stir in shredded cheese (like cheddar or parmesan) at the end for a gooey, savory flavor that takes these mashed potatoes to the next level.
Herb Infusion: Add fresh rosemary or thyme while cooking to infuse the potatoes with aromatic herbal notes that elevate their taste.
Spicy Kick: Mix in a dash of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce after mashing for some zing that compliments the buttery richness.
Roasted Garlic: Before mashing, roast garlic cloves until soft and caramelized; mash them into the potatoes for a subtly sweet and savory flavor enhancement.
Cauliflower Mash: For a lower-carb option, swap half of the potatoes with steamed cauliflower for a lighter, yet creamy, side that doesn’t skimp on comfort.
Cream Cheese Twist: Blend in a few ounces of softened cream cheese for an indulgent, velvety finish that’ll make you rethink ordinary mashed potatoes.
Tangy Variants: Stir in a tablespoon of sour cream or Greek yogurt for a tangy depth that beautifully complements the richness of the potatoes.

Each of these variations invites you to experiment while keeping the comforting essence of your Instant Pot mashed potatoes recipe intact!

Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes recipe FAQs

What type of potatoes should I use for the best Instant Pot mashed potatoes recipe?
Russet potatoes are ideal because their high starch content makes for fluffy, creamy mashed potatoes. Waxy potatoes like red or Yukon gold can work but may yield a denser, gluey texture.

Can I prepare the potatoes in advance and store them before cooking?
Absolutely! You can peel and cut your potatoes, store them submerged in cold water in the fridge for up to 24 hours. This prevents browning and makes prep quicker when you’re ready to cook.

How long do Instant Pot mashed potatoes keep in the fridge?
Store your leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave with a splash of cream or milk to bring back that creamy texture.

Can I freeze leftover Instant Pot mashed potatoes, and how?
Yes! Freeze them in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 2 months. For easy thawing, portion the potatoes into smaller containers. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat over low heat, stirring occasionally, with added cream or butter to refresh the texture.

Why are my mashed potatoes sometimes gummy or watery after cooking in the Instant Pot?
This usually happens if the potatoes were not rinsed well or were overcooked. To avoid gumminess, rinse potato chunks until water runs clear before cooking to remove excess starch. Also, stick strictly to the 10-minute pressure cook time and drain potatoes very well after cooking to prevent watery mash.

Are Instant Pot mashed potatoes safe for pets like dogs or cats?
Plain mashed potatoes in small amounts can be a safe treat for dogs, but avoid adding butter, salt, or seasonings that can upset their stomachs. Potatoes should never be fed to cats. Always consult your vet before introducing new foods to pets.