Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes are the easiest, creamiest mashed potatoes you’ll ever make. With zero draining and minimal prep, this recipe turns simple potatoes into fluffy, buttery perfection in a fraction of the time.
Whether you’re serving a holiday dinner or a quick weeknight meal, these mashed potatoes are a guaranteed win every single time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You will love these Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes because they are truly effortless. There’s no boiling water, no watching a pot, and no draining a heavy pot of potatoes. Everything cooks in one spot, and the steam inside the Instant Pot creates incredibly fluffy potatoes every single time.
They’re fast, foolproof, and perfect for holidays, weekday dinners, and meal prep. Once you try mashed potatoes this way, you’ll never go back!
Jennie’s Thoughts
These Instant Pot mashed potatoes are one of my favorite “set it and forget it” recipes. I love that I can peel and chop the potatoes, pop them in the pot, and move on to the rest of dinner while they cook on their own.
And the texture? Absolutely dreamy—smooth, buttery, and perfectly seasoned every time. When I’m cooking for my mom and grandma or hosting a family dinner, this is the recipe I rely on.
These Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes are also incredibly easy to customize. If you love extra-rich potatoes, add more butter and a splash of heavy cream. If you prefer something lighter, stick with milk or even use chicken broth for added flavor without extra richness.
You can also stir in shredded cheddar, roasted garlic, sour cream, fresh herbs, or even cream cheese to create your own signature version. The Instant Pot gives you the perfect base to build any flavor combination you love.
Another thing I adore about this recipe is how well the mashed potatoes hold up after cooking. They stay creamy, smooth, and soft even as they cool—never gluey or stiff like stovetop potatoes sometimes get. They’re perfect for holidays when you need dishes that stay delicious while everything else finishes cooking. Whether you’re serving a big family gathering or a simple dinner for two, these mashed potatoes always deliver comfort, warmth, and that homemade goodness everyone craves.
Ingredients
- 3 pounds russet or Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 tablespoons butter
- ½ cup milk or heavy cream (more as needed)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Prep the Potatoes
Peel the potatoes and cut them into evenly sized chunks. This ensures they cook evenly and quickly.
2. Add to the Instant Pot
Place potatoes, 1 cup of water, and 1 teaspoon of salt into the Instant Pot. Attach the lid and set the valve to Sealing.
3. Pressure Cook
Select Manual / Pressure Cook and set for 10 minutes. Once the cook time is done, allow a 5-minute natural release, then carefully quick release the rest of the pressure.
4. Mash
Add butter and milk (or cream) directly into the pot. Use a potato masher or hand mixer to mash until smooth and creamy. Add more milk as needed to reach your desired consistency.
5. Season & Serve
Taste and adjust with salt and pepper. Serve warm with extra butter on top.
Serving Ideas
Serve these mashed potatoes with roasted chicken, pork chops, beef tips, or a cozy holiday turkey. They also reheat beautifully, making them a great side dish for meal prepping or leftovers.
If you want mashed potatoes that come out perfect every time with hardly any effort, the Instant Pot is the way to go. This recipe gives you creamy, smooth, buttery potatoes in just minutes—no draining, no fuss, and no mess.
Whether it’s a holiday, a special occasion, or just a cozy night at home, these Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes are guaranteed to become a staple on your table.
