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You are here: Home / Recipes / Side Dishes

Creamy & Flavorful Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes

By Susie Weinrich ยท Date Oct 20, 2022ยท 35 Comments ยท May contain affiliate links.

Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes in a bowl with Pinterest text
Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes in a bowl with pinterest text
Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes with text overlay for Pinterest
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This is the best recipe for Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes that you will find, promise! They are creamy and rich in flavor. The best part is they cook in a flash in your Instant Pot, just pop the lid on and they are ready in 11 minutes, no draining required!!

Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes in a white bowl

After the potatoes cook in the electric pressure cooker you add big flavor; a little sour cream, cream cheese, butter, a garlic clove and milk. Blend them up to a creamy consistency and they are ready to be the star of the dinner table.

If you do not have an Instant Pot, not to worry, hop over to this Yukon Gold Mashed Potato recipe!

You should also check out this recipe for Instant Pot Mashed Sweet Potatoes. Or if you donโ€™t have an Instant Pot this one for Savory Mashed Sweet Potatoes will be great!

If you are looking for a baked potato recipe, these Instant Pot Baked Potatoes are perfect and easy!

Table of Contents hide
1 Ingredients You Will Need
2 How Many Potatoes to Make
3 Step by Step Picture Instructions
4 Listen To The Recipe
5 Gravy
6 Doubling The Recipe
7 Freezing Mashed Potatoes
8 More Serving Ideas for Mashed Potatoes
9 Watch or Listen to the Recipe
10 More Mashed Potato Recipes!
11 Did you make this recipe?
12 The BEST Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes + Video

Ingredients You Will Need

Donโ€™t skip a single ingredient for this Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes recipe, they all blend together for a perfect mashed potato:

  • Russet Potatoes
  • kosher salt
  • cream cheese
  • butter
  • sour cream (could use a plain Greek yogurt)
  • milk or half & half
  • 1 garlic clove

How Many Potatoes to Make

When you are serving a crowd, especially during the Holidays, it is hard to know how many potatoes to cook! Use this to make sure you have the right amount of mashed potatoes every time!

  • Plan on making ยฝ lb of potatoes per person. Therefore this recipe will feed 6 people because it is 3 pounds of potatoes.

Step by Step Picture Instructions

You are going to start by peeling and washing 3 lbs. of russet potatoes. Cut the peeled potatoes into 2-3 inch chunks. This is the perfect size so they cook through without getting soggy.

Place the potato chunks in the Instant Pot. Pour ยฝ cup water over the potatoes and sprinkle with 2 teaspoon of kosher salt.

cut russet potatoes and kosher salt in the instant po

Pop the lid on and set to cook on high pressure for 11 minutes. Then do a quick release of pressure.

SUPER BONUS- NO NEED TO DRAIN ANY LIQUID FROM THE POT!!!!

Add the sour cream, cream cheese, and butter to the potatoes. Blend with a hand held mixer.

Pro Tip: save a pot and blend them up right in the Instant Pot!

cooked russet potatoes in the instant pot with cream cheese, sour cream and butter
butter, sour cream, and cream cheese added.
mashed potatoes that are whipped right in the instant pot
potatoes are whipped right in the Instant Pot!

Finally add 2 tablespoon milk and 1 minced garlic clove and mix again.

Taste for additional seasonings; salt, pepper or butter.

Time to serve!

Listen To The Recipe

Gravy

These mashed potatoes are absolutely flavorful enough to stand on their own!!!!!!!

But if you want to add a gravy you can definitely do that. If you donโ€™t have a roast or bird that will provide drippings for gravy, here are two excellent โ€œno drippingโ€ gravy recipes:

  • Gravy without Drippings
  • Instant Pot Gravy

Doubling The Recipe

You can absolutely double this recipe, just make sure not to overfill your Instant Pot. There should be a max fill line on the inside of the metal liner.

When doubling you DO NOT NEED TO DOUBLE THE TIME. Simply double the ingredients.

Recipe Card Tip For Doubling: An easy way to do this is by hovering over the โ€œservingsโ€ in the recipe card, a slider will appear and you can slide it up and down for your serving amount. The ingredient amounts will change based on how many people you are serving.

Freezing Mashed Potatoes

Have you ever purchased frozen mashed potatoes at the store? They come in these convenient little pucks that you sautรฉ in a pan with water. Guess what?! You can freeze your homemade mashed potatoes too!

Simply scoop the cooled Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes with a small ice cream scoop or large spoon onto a baking sheet. Make sure to pick a pan that will fit in the freezer.

Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes frozen into pucks

Freeze the pucks and then transfer them to a freezer safe bag or container. They will be good in the freezer for about 3 months.

Thawing Frozen Mashed Potatoes

To โ€œthawโ€ frozen mashed potatoes for serving, place the frozen pucks in a non stick skillet over low heat, add a couple tablespoons of water or milk.

Pop the lid on and sautรฉ/simmer for about 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until they are thawed and creamy.

a bowl of creamy Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes on a table

Add extra butter, milk, and/or salt for desired consistency and taste.

Another option is to thaw in the fridge overnight and then place in a baking dish, top with butter and cream, cover with foil, and pop in a 350 degree oven until they are heated through.

More Serving Ideas for Mashed Potatoes

Obviously mashed potatoes make a perfect side dish! BUT they also make a great base for some other recipes.

  • Serve Swedish Meatballs over mashed potatoes.
  • Or make these Instant Pot Swedish Meatballs!
  • Use these mashed potatoes to cover a Turkey Shepherdโ€™s Pie.
  • This Instant Pot Coq Au Vin is AMAZING spooned over mashed potatoes.

Watch or Listen to the Recipe

Besides making the recipe from the card below you can also watch these Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes being made on Pin TV, or you can listen to the full audio recipe on the Letโ€™s Make Dinner Podcast (a player is also included in the recipe card below!).

More Mashed Potato Recipes!

  • mashed sweet potatoes topped with butter and cinnamon sprinkled on top
    Instant Pot Mashed Sweet Potatoes
  • A large serving bowl of Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes topped with melting butter
    The BEST Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes
  • A bowl of sweet potato mash
    Simple Savory Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Susie leaning on the kitchen counter

๐Ÿ’›๐Ÿ’›๐Ÿ’›๐Ÿ’›๐Ÿ’›

Did you make this recipe?

I would love to hear your review, especially if you have tips and tricks to add! Pop down to the comment section and connect with me

Rate This Recipeโ†’
a large bowl of Instant Pot mashed potatoes on a table for dinner

The BEST Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes + Video

This Instant Pot Mashed Potato recipe is one of the most flavorful (and easiest) mashed potato recipes you will ever make. Just 11 minutes and NO DRAINING! This will become your new go-to!
Watch these being made with the video OR in a 30 minute episode on Pin TV.
4.97 from 29 votes
Print Pin Rate Save Saved!
Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 11 minutes minutes
Pressure and Vent Time: 10 minutes minutes
Total Time: 36 minutes minutes
Servings: 6 people
Calories: 308kcal
Author: Susie Weinrich

Equipment

  • Instant Pot or Electric Pressure Cooker

Ingredients

  • 3 lbs russet potatoes - washed peeled and cut into 2-3 inch chunks
  • ยฝ cup water
  • 2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 4 oz cream cheese - , softened
  • 4 tablespoon butter
  • ยฝ cup sour cream
  • 2 tablespoon milk or half & half
  • 1 garlic clove - , minced

Instructions
 

  • Wash and peel the russet potatoes. Cut each potato into 2-3 inch chunks.
  • Place all the potatoes in the pot and then pour ยฝ cup water over the potatoes, sprinkle 2 teaspoon kosher salt over top.
  • Pop the lid on and close the pressure valve. Set the pot to cook on high pressure, manual mode for 11 minutes .
  • Do a quick release. No need to drain any liquid!
  • Add the sour cream, cream cheese, and butter to the potatoes.
    Mix the potatoes with a hand held mixer until it is well combined and creamy. (you can do this right in the Instant Pot!)
    4 oz cream cheese, ยฝ cup sour cream, 4 tablespoon butter
  • Add in the milk and minced garlic clove. Mix again with the hand held mixer.
    2 tablespoon milk or half & half, 1 garlic clove
  • Taste for additional seasoning (salt, pepper, butter)
  • These are flavorful enough to serve by themselves as a great side dish!!! Or you can add gravy, there are two no dripping gravy recipes linked below.

Recipe Tips and Notes:

NO INSTANT POT: If you do not have an Instant Pot or electric pressure cooker hop over to this mashed potato recipe!
HOW TO FREEZE INSTANT POT MASHED POTATOES:ย 
Scoop cooled potatoes with a small ice cream scoop/melon baller or spoon onto a rimmed baking sheet (that will fit in your freezer). Pop it in the freezer until the pucks are frozen through (3+ hours). Place the mashed potato pucks in a freezer bag or container for up to 3 months.
HOW TO COOK AND SERVE FROZEN MASHED POTATOES:
To โ€œthawโ€ for serving, place the frozen mashed potatoes pucks in a large non stick skillet over low heat, add a couple tablespoons of water. Pop the lid on and sautรฉ/simmer for about 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are thawed and creamy.
Add extra butter, milk, salt and desired for consistency and taste.
Another option is to thaw in the fridge overnight and then place in a baking dish, top with butter and cream, cover with foil, and pop in a 350 degree oven until they are heated through.
NO DRIPPING GRAVY RECIPES:
GRAVY WITHOUT DRIPPINGS
INSTANT POT GRAVY RECIPE
Did you make this recipe?Connect with me and let me know by commenting below!
Jump to Comments
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 308kcal | Carbohydrates: 43g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 33mg | Sodium: 1005mg | Potassium: 1032mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 366IU | Vitamin C: 13mg | Calcium: 125mg | Iron: 2mg

About Susie Weinrich

Susie Weinrich is the recipe developer, food photographer, and content creator behind Mom's Dinner. She has over 20 years experience in the food industry. Currently, Susie shares all her recipes and food knowledge on Mom's Dinner. You will find her recipes are easy to follow and full of tips and tricks to make sure the recipe you are making turns out perfect!

Comments

    4.97 from 29 votes (11 ratings without comment)

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    Recipe Rating




  1. Terri says

    December 28, 2022 at 8:40 pm

    5 stars
    Just made them. Just shy of 3 pounds and they turned out amazing! Will never cook them on the stove again love love, love them!

    Reply
  2. Effie says

    November 24, 2022 at 11:11 am

    5 stars
    Perfect every time

    Reply
  3. Joel says

    November 23, 2022 at 9:40 pm

    Fan-freaking-tastic. So easy, so good. Will be making EVERY TIME we need mashed potatoes.

    Reply
  4. Lori says

    November 21, 2022 at 5:35 am

    5 stars
    I love how creamy these are!! Making these again for Thanksgiving and probably Christmas too!!

    Reply
  5. Steph says

    November 14, 2022 at 5:09 pm

    5 stars
    Such a quick and easy recipe and so very delicious too!

    Reply
  6. Terri D says

    November 09, 2022 at 10:07 pm

    5 stars
    Made this recipe tonight to go to top a shepherd’s pie recipe. I forgot to get the cream cheese so I didn’t have that, but I added a little more sour cream and butter. This is a fabulous recipe! Cooked 5 lb of potatoes and added a little bit more water than called for and it was perfect! Didn’t have to drain anything and the potatoes were cooked to perfection! Thank you so much for this great recipe!

    Reply
  7. Jean Rebecca says

    November 09, 2022 at 8:24 am

    5 stars
    What a great recipeโค๏ธ I chopped my garlic finely and sat them on top of potatoes.. they melted into all the other ingredients at the end.. I also added dried chives to the sour cream and let it sit for a while.. it turned out amazing.. thankyou! for a great recipe.

    Reply
    • Susie Weinrich says

      November 09, 2022 at 8:50 am

      Dried chives are a GREAT addition!!!! Love that!

      Reply
  8. Jennifer says

    October 12, 2022 at 6:54 pm

    Just made these tonight and holy moly I love them. Definitely making these again!

    Reply
  9. Lorraine says

    May 09, 2022 at 7:33 pm

    5 stars
    First time cooking potatoes in instapot. Followed recipe and mashed potatoes came out perfect. Less work and less equipment. Will use more garlic next time. If I use 5 lbs of potatoes do I increase the time?

    Reply
    • Susie Weinrich says

      May 10, 2022 at 7:06 am

      I’m so glad you loved them! Even if you use more potatoes it should still be the same cooking time, just make sure you add a little more liquid.

      Reply
  10. Lisa Weness says

    February 07, 2022 at 5:06 pm

    5 stars
    The most easy and delicious mashed potatoes ever! Every time I have serve them I have had rave reviews

    Reply
  11. Leanne says

    November 24, 2021 at 5:03 pm

    5 stars
    This is exactly what I was looking for, and the taste meets the expectations! My mom made a version of these mashed potatoes several years ago and lost the recipe—this is just as good, and using the instant pot makes transport easy!

    Reply
  12. Liz Gregg says

    November 24, 2021 at 11:31 am

    5 stars
    Made this last year and everyone loved it so I was assigned to making it again! Love how easy it is!

    Reply
  13. Therese Burch says

    November 02, 2021 at 7:19 pm

    Do you put in the little strainer and then cook them above the water??

    Reply
    • Susie Weinrich says

      November 03, 2021 at 9:53 am

      You use such a little amount of water, that doesn’t get strained off, so it isn’t really necessary to use the trivet.

      Reply
      • Colleen says

        April 06, 2022 at 3:54 pm

        Would like to cook 5# potatoes in an 8 qt IP. Is this possible? Add more water to cook?

      • Susie Weinrich says

        April 07, 2022 at 8:35 am

        That should work. I would increase the water to 1 cup, but the cook time should stay the same.
        Then I would increase the other ingredients to
        3-3.5 teaspoon kosher salt
        6 oz cream cheese, softened
        6 tablespoon butter
        3/4 cup sour cream
        3-4 tablespoon milk or half & half
        2-3 garlic clove, minced
        Taste for seasoning and add more as needed.

  14. Alice says

    October 27, 2021 at 5:25 am

    5 stars
    This is my new mashed potato recipe! Made with meatloaf and mushroom gravy. Heavenly!!! The best!!!

    Reply
    • Susie Weinrich says

      October 27, 2021 at 9:37 am

      So glad you loved it! mushroom gravy sounds awesome.

      Reply
  15. John says

    October 13, 2020 at 9:37 am

    5 stars
    Had them! Loved them!! I could even make them!!! The trifecta of recipes!!

    Reply
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