These Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes are creamy and fluffy, perfect for any meal. Just peel, chop, and let your gadget do all the heavy lifting in no time at all!
Honestly, they’re so easy to make, you’ll wonder why you ever mashed potatoes any other way! I love serving them with gravy or butter for that extra yum factor! 🥔❤️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Potatoes: I prefer using russet potatoes for their light and fluffy texture. Yukon golds are another option, offering a creamier finish. If you’re looking for lower-carb choices, try cauliflower, but the flavor and texture will differ.
Butter: Unsalted butter allows you to control the salt content. For a vegan option, consider using olive oil or dairy-free butter. I personally love adding a bit of garlic-infused oil for some extra flavor!
Milk or Cream: Whole milk works wonderfully, but heavy cream gives a richer taste. For a lighter version, you can use unsweetened almond milk or oat milk. If you want to skip dairy altogether, try using broth for a different twist!
What’s the Best Way to Release Pressure on the Instant Pot?
After cooking your potatoes, releasing the pressure correctly is key to safety and perfect texture! Here’s how:
- Carefully turn the valve to “venting” to release the steam quickly. Use a kitchen towel or long utensil to keep your hands safe from the hot steam.
- Once all the steam escapes and the valve drops, removing the lid is safe.
- If you’re not in a hurry, let the pressure release naturally for about 10 minutes, then switch to venting. This can help your potatoes steam a bit longer and make them even fluffier!
How to Make Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Mashed Potatoes:
- 2 pounds russet or Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 1 cup water
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup whole milk or heavy cream, warmed
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or chives, chopped (for garnish)
Time Needed:
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare and 8 minutes to cook, plus a little time for pressure release. In total, you should budget around 20-25 minutes to have delicious mashed potatoes ready to serve.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Potatoes:
Start by peeling and cutting your potatoes into chunks. This helps them cook evenly in the Instant Pot. Place the potato chunks into the Instant Pot and add 1 cup of water.
2. Cook in the Instant Pot:
Secure the lid on your Instant Pot and make sure the valve is set to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 8 minutes. This is when the magic happens!
3. Release Pressure:
Once the cooking time is up, carefully perform a quick release by turning the valve to venting. Be cautious as hot steam will escape. After the pressure has released and the valve drops, you can open the lid.
4. Drain and Mash:
Drain any remaining water from the pot. Add the butter to the hot potatoes and start mashing. The butter will melt beautifully into the warm potatoes!
5. Create Creaminess:
Gradually pour in the warmed milk or cream while mashing. Continue until your potatoes are smooth and creamy, adjusting the amount of milk/cream based on your desired consistency.
6. Season to Taste:
Now it’s time to season! Add salt and pepper to taste. Mix well to blend in those delicious flavors.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Transfer the fluffy mashed potatoes to a serving bowl. Pat a little extra butter on top to melt into the mash for added richness. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color and flavor.
Serve immediately and enjoy your creamy, fluffy Instant Pot mashed potatoes with your favorite main dishes!
Can I Use Different Types of Potatoes?
Absolutely! While russet potatoes give a fluffy texture, Yukon golds add a creamy finish. You can also experiment with red potatoes, but they may result in a denser mash.
How Can I Make These Mashed Potatoes Vegan?
To make this recipe vegan, simply substitute the butter with dairy-free butter or olive oil, and use a plant-based milk like almond, oat, or coconut, ensuring it’s unsweetened.
What Should I Do If My Mashed Potatoes Are Too Lumpy?
If you find your mash is lumpy, you can try using a potato ricer or food mill to achieve a smoother texture. If you don’t have those tools, just keep mashing a bit longer until they reach your desired consistency!
How Can I Store Leftover Mashed Potatoes?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess if needed!
