Mashed potatoes are a classic side dish, and I’ll bet every family has their own way of making them. I’ve always loved creamy, buttery mashed potatoes, with a bit of garlic in there too. The only thing I dislike about mashed potatoes is the time it can take to make them and the mess they make on the stove. While I LOVE Garlic Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes and these Classic Buttery Mashed Potatoes, sometimes can’t swing the 30-40 minutes of cooking time it takes to make them. This Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes recipe is a lifesaver for last-minute side dishes, it takes a fraction of the time compared to other methods. You can even make these mashed potatoes ahead of time and freeze them for super easy meal prep. It’s perfect for busy weeknight meals, potlucks, or even special occasions and holiday meals. When you have lots of dishes to make these Instant Mashed Potatoes don’t take up any space on the stovetop or in the oven! For more potato side dish inspiration, try my Creamy Potluck Potatoes, this Easy Scalloped Potatoes Au Gratin, and the Ultimate Twice Baked Potatoes for something a bit different!
Why We Love This Recipe
Customize these potatoes easily with your favorite seasonings or toppings to suit your personal preference. Made with simple ingredients you’ll already have in your pantry. Quick and easy, you’ll get perfectly creamy mashed potatoes in just 15 minutes!
What You’ll Need
Scroll down to the recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions.
Potatoes – For best results, use Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes. Salt – Kosher salt will season the potatoes as they cook and enhance the buttery flavor once mashed. Milk – Use whole milk for the creamiest potatoes. Lower-fat milk or non-dairy milk will work too in a pinch. Sour Cream – Gives the potatoes a deliciously creamy texture, and balances well with the buttery flavor. Butter – Use salted butter for the best flavor. If you use unsalted butter, add a pinch more salt to the potatoes at the end. Garlic – Use garlic powder to lightly season your potatoes taking them from basic to delicious!
How to Make Mashed Potatoes in the Instant Pot
Tips for Success
To retain the fluffiness of your potatoes, don’t over-mash them. Use a ricer for best results, or a potato masher. Use this recipe to make the potatoes for Classic Shepherd’s Pie. You can keep your Instant Pot on the warm setting after mashing the potatoes to help them retain their heat before serving.
Substitutions and Variations
Use freshly minced garlic instead of garlic powder if you prefer. Add finely chopped green onion or chives as a garnish for serving. Alternatively, garnish with fresh herbs like parsley, rosemary, or something that will compliment the rest of your meal. Season with ground black pepper as well as salt, to taste. Make a Garlic Brown Butter topping for a fancy meal! You can use cream cheese instead of sour cream at a 1:1 ratio if you have it to hand. Use a combination of Russet potatoes and Yukon potatoes for a silky smooth and light and fluffy potato dish.
More Potato Side Dish Recipes
Crispy Baked Potato Wedges Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows and Pecans Homemade French Fries Irish Colcannon (Mashed Potatoes & Cabbage) Twice Baked Potatoes
Creamy Potluck Potatoes
Salt Crusted Baked Potatoes with Roasted Garlic & Rosemary Butter
Scalloped Potatoes (Au Gratin Potatoes)
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