Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes

Ingredients you will need

Here is a quick snapshot of the ingredients you'll need. Scroll down to the recipe card where you'll find exact measurements.

Ingredient notes

• Potatoes- I generally will use Yukon Gold potatoes as they are a good waxy potato that is very reliable for mashed potatoes.
• Water - use either water or some chicken bone broth for extra flavor.

Russet potatoes can be used as they are low in moisture, high in starch, and very absorbent (soaking in all that buttery goodness!). Waxy potatoes like Red or White are low in starch, high in sugar and moisture, and hold their shape after cooking (perfect for potato salad or gratin's).

How to make it

Step 1: Cook the potatoes

Peel and cube 3 pounds of potatoes then place into the Instant Pot. Add enough water to cover the potatoes. This should be around 3 cups of water.

Seal the lid, and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes then follow with a quick release.

Step 2: Finishing the mashed potatoes

Drain the potatoes. Add half the butter to the pot, and turn on to saute to melt. You can either mash the potatoes with a potato masher or rice them with a potato ricer.

If using a masher, then return all potatoes to the pot at once then mash. Add seasoning, and milk then stir to finish.

If using a potato ricer, then add potatoes to the ricer and rice. Repeat this process until done. Add seasonings, and milk then stir to combine.

Expert tips

You can make a whole five pounds then use the leftovers to make salmon patties. Try to keep the cubes all about the same size of volume as this always helps to cook evenly. This is a good rule of thumb when you are cutting up stew vegetables as well for other recipes.

Careful adding in the milk, and only add enough until the potatoes are a creamy consistency. Remember you can always add more, but you can't take it back once you add it.

FAQs

Serving suggestions

Serve this with your favorite pot roast, brats, or Salisbury steak recipe. Leftovers can be made into mashed potato cakes with just a few ingredients.

Variations

• Cream cheese - add 3 ounces of cream cheese.
• Butter and herb - add a ¼ cup of freshly chopped herbs, and 4 tablespoons of butter.
• Bacon cheddar - add ½ cup cooked bacon and ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese.
• Smoky cheddar - add 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ¼ bacon or cooked ham, and ½ cup cheddar cheese.
• Sour cream and chives - add ¼ cup of sour cream and ½ teaspoon of chives.

Storage & Reheating

Store in an airtight container or storage bag for up to one week. Mashed potatoes will decrease in quality and will not taste as fresh the older they get. Add more seasoning or butter when reheating if necessary. Reheat in a microwave for a few minutes prior to serving.

Mashed potatoes can be frozen for up to one month. Completely cool the potatoes prior to storage in a freezer container or freezer bag. Thaw in the refrigerator, microwave, or stove over low heat.