These creamy Instant Pot mashed potatoes are a total game changer! You can whip up fluffy, buttery goodness in no time without the fuss of boiling.
Plus, they’re super easy to make. Just toss in the potatoes, add some water, and let the Instant Pot do the magic! Seriously, who doesn’t love a side dish that practically cooks itself? 🥔✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Potatoes: Yukon Gold potatoes are my favorite for a creamy texture and buttery flavor. If you want a fluffier mash, Russet potatoes are great too. Don’t worry if you have another type; just adjust the cooking time slightly.
Milk: Whole milk keeps the potatoes rich and creamy, but feel free to use low-fat milk or even a dairy-free alternative like almond or oat milk if you’re watching dairy intake. Your mashed potatoes will be slightly different, but still delicious!
Butter: Unsalted butter gives you control over seasoning. If you’re cutting calories, replace it with a little olive oil or a dairy-free butter substitute to keep the flavor without the extra fat.
Fresh Herbs: I love adding fresh rosemary or chives on top for a pop of flavor and color. If you don’t have fresh herbs, dried herbs work, or even a sprinkle of garlic powder can add great taste.
How Do You Make Fluffy Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes?
Making perfectly fluffy mashed potatoes in the Instant Pot is all about timing and technique. Follow these steps for best results:
- Cut the potatoes evenly to ensure they cook uniformly. Even chunks mean no mushy bits!
- Don’t skip the quick release! This prevents overcooking, which can lead to gluey potatoes.
- Drain them well! Leaving some water can make your mash too watery. After draining, let them sit for a minute to steam off excess moisture.
- Mash the potatoes while they’re hot. This helps absorb the milk and butter well and makes them extra creamy!
Enjoy your mashed potatoes! They’re a fantastic side for any meal, from comfort food classics to holiday feasts.
Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 pounds Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup whole milk, warmed
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus extra for serving
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh rosemary or chives, for garnish (optional)
Time Needed:
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 10 minutes of cooking. Overall, you’re looking at around 25 minutes until you have delicious, fluffy mashed potatoes ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Potatoes:
Start by peeling and cutting your potatoes into even chunks. This ensures they cook uniformly. Place the chopped potatoes into the Instant Pot and add 1 cup of water to the pot. The water helps create steam to cook the potatoes effectively.
2. Cook the Potatoes:
Secure the lid on your Instant Pot and make sure the valve is set to sealing. Set the pot to cook on Manual or Pressure Cook High for 8 minutes. This will give you perfectly tender potatoes!
3. Release Pressure:
When the cooking time is up, carefully do a quick release of the pressure by moving the valve to venting. Be cautious as hot steam will escape!
4. Drain and Return Potatoes:
Once the pressure has released, open the lid and drain the water from the potatoes. Return the potatoes back to the pot to keep them warm while you mix in the other ingredients.
5. Add Milk and Butter:
Pour the warmed milk and 4 tablespoons of butter into the pot with the potatoes. This is where the magic happens! The warm milk and butter will make the potatoes extra creamy.
6. Mash to Perfection:
Now, use a potato masher or an electric mixer to mash the potatoes until they are smooth and creamy. You can make them as chunky or as smooth as you prefer!
7. Season to Taste:
Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Give them a good mix to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed throughout.
8. Serve and Garnish:
Transfer the mashed potatoes to a serving bowl and top with an extra pat of butter. If you like, sprinkle some fresh rosemary or chives on top for added flavor and a touch of color.
9. Enjoy!
Serve the mashed potatoes hot and dig into that creamy, buttery bliss! They are the perfect side dish for any meal.
Can I Use Other Types of Potatoes?
Absolutely! While Yukon Gold and Russet potatoes are the best for creamy mashed potatoes, you can also use red potatoes or even a mix. Just be aware that the texture may vary slightly.
Can I Make Mashed Potatoes Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the mashed potatoes ahead. Simply make them according to the recipe, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to serve, reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk if needed to restore creaminess.
How Do I Fix Watery Mashed Potatoes?
If your mashed potatoes turn out watery, try adding a little more warmed milk or butter and mash again. Alternatively, you can return them to low heat on the stove for a few minutes to allow some moisture to evaporate, stirring continuously.
What Can I Serve with Mashed Potatoes?
Mashed potatoes pair wonderfully with any main dish! Great options include roasted meats, grilled chicken, or even vegetarian options like mushroom gravy. They also make a perfect side for holiday meals!
