Thanksgiving 2020 was a year I’ll never forget. It was the first time I had ever cooked the entire holiday meal all by myself, including the star of the show – the Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes. I was a little nervous, to be honest, since mashed potatoes are so important and I’d never made them in the Instant Pot before. But I just knew this new method would be a game-changer.
As I peeled and chopped the potatoes, the aroma of buttery, garlicky goodness filled my kitchen. When I placed them in the Instant Pot and heard that familiar hiss as the lid sealed, I couldn’t wait to see the results. After just 10 minutes of hands-off cooking, I released the pressure and the potatoes practically fell apart at the touch of a fork. I added a splash of milk, a pat of butter, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper, then gave them a good mashing. The texture was unbelievably creamy and smooth – no lumps in sight!
My family raved about the Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes, saying they were the best they’d ever tasted. And the best part? I didn’t have to slave over a hot stove for an hour to get them that way. The Instant Pot made everything so easy and effortless. From that moment on, I knew this Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes recipe would become my go-to for all holiday meals and beyond.
Why This Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
The secret to these Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes is in the cooking method itself. By pressure cooking the potatoes, you’re able to get them perfectly tender in just 10 minutes – no boiling, no straining, no hassle. Plus, the Instant Pot seals in all the natural potato flavor and starch, resulting in the creamiest, fluffiest mashed potatoes you’ve ever tasted. And with just a few simple additions like milk, butter, and seasonings, you’ve got a side dish that will blow everyone away.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- Russet potatoes
- Milk
- Butter
- Salt and pepper
Step-by-Step Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes Instructions
Preparing Your Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
This Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes recipe is so easy, you’ll wonder why you didn’t start making them this way sooner. With just a few simple steps and 10 minutes of hands-off cooking time, you can have the perfect, creamy mashed potatoes ready to serve. Let’s get started!
1- Peel and chop the russet potatoes into 1-inch cubes. This bite-sized shape will ensure even and quick cooking in the Instant Pot.
2- Place the cubed potatoes in the Instant Pot and add just enough water to cover them. Secure the lid and set the pot to high pressure for 10 minutes.
3- When the timer goes off, quickly release the pressure using the valve. Carefully remove the lid, being cautious of the hot steam.
4- The potatoes should be very tender and easily mashable. Drain any excess water from the pot.
5- Add in the milk and butter, then use a potato masher or hand mixer to mash the potatoes until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6- Serve the fluffy Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes immediately, garnished with extra butter, chives, or anything else you like.
Pro Tips for Success
The key to perfect Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes is to not overcook them. Ten minutes of high pressure cooking is just the right amount of time to get them tender without making them watery or gummy.
Another pro tip is to use a combination of russet and Yukon Gold potatoes. The russets will give you that fluffy, light texture, while the Yukon Golds add a creamy richness. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time if using a mix of potato varieties.
And remember, when it comes to mashing, less is more. Overmixing can lead to a gluey, gloppy texture. Gently mash the potatoes until they reach your desired consistency.
Serving and Storing Your Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
Perfect Pairings for Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
These Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes are the perfect side dish for so many meals. They pair beautifully with roasted turkey, baked ham, or juicy pork chops. They also make a great accompaniment to grilled steak or roasted chicken.
For a truly indulgent Thanksgiving or Christmas spread, serve the Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes alongside savory stuffing, homemade gravy, and freshly baked dinner rolls. It’s a classic holiday combination that will have everyone going back for seconds (and thirds!).
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Luckily, Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes reheat and store really well. You can make them up to 3 days in advance and keep them in an airtight container in the fridge. When ready to serve, just reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of milk to reconstitute.
You can also freeze leftover Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating. This makes them a great make-ahead option for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner parties.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
Creative Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes Variations
While the classic Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes are hard to beat, there are plenty of delicious variations you can try. For a cheesy twist, stir in some shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese. Caramelized onions, crumbled bacon, or fresh herbs like chives or rosemary also make tasty additions.
You can even take these Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes in a sweet direction by adding maple syrup, cinnamon, or a touch of brown sugar. Serve them alongside roasted pork tenderloin or baked ham for a unique holiday meal.
Making Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes Diet-Friendly
For a dairy-free version of Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes, simply substitute the milk and butter for unsweetened almond milk and olive oil or vegan butter. This makes them perfect for guests with lactose intolerance or those following a vegan diet.
If you’re watching your carb intake, you can make low-carb Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes by blending in some cauliflower florets along with the potatoes. The cauliflower adds creaminess without spiking the carb count. Top them with crispy bacon bits and shredded cheese for a keto-friendly side dish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use Yukon Gold potatoes instead of russets?
A: Absolutely! Yukon Golds will work just as well in this Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes recipe. The cooking time may need to be adjusted slightly, as Yukon Golds are a bit more waxy than russets. I’d recommend checking them at 8 minutes of pressure cooking and adding 2-3 more minutes if needed.
Q: How do I know when the Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes are done?
A: The potatoes are ready when they can be easily pierced with a fork. They should be very tender and falling apart. When you drain the excess water, the potatoes should have a soft, fluffy texture that’s perfect for mashing.
Q: Can I make Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes ahead of time?
A: Yes, these Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes reheat beautifully. You can make them up to 3 days in advance and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. When ready to serve, just reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to reconstitute them.
Q: How many people does this Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes recipe serve?
A: This recipe makes enough Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes to serve 4-6 people as a side dish. If you’re feeding a larger crowd, you can easily double or triple the ingredients and cook the potatoes in batches in the Instant Pot.
Q: Why are my Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes gummy?
A: Overworking the mashed potatoes is the most common culprit for a gummy, gloppy texture. Be sure to use a light hand when mashing and avoid using a food processor, which can over-blend the starches. Stick to a potato masher or hand mixer for the best results.
Conclusion
I hope this Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes recipe becomes your new go-to, just like it did for me. The Instant Pot makes the whole process so easy and hands-off, yet the results are restaurant-quality every time. Whether you’re cooking for the holidays or just a weeknight dinner, these creamy, fluffy mashed potatoes are sure to be a hit.
So what are you waiting for? Give this Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes recipe a try and let me know how it turns out! I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.
