Creamy, fluffy, and downright irresistible, these Instant Pot mashed potatoes are set to become your new favorite side dish. Perfect for holiday feasts or cozy family dinners, this recipe combines ease with unbeatable flavor. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, you’ll have a bowl of comfort ready in no time. Say goodbye to lumpy spuds and hello to smooth, buttery perfection!
Steps
- Peel about six medium potatoes, totaling three pounds, and slice them into large rounds, approximately 4-5 slices per potato.
- Place the sliced potatoes at the bottom of the Instant Pot, cover with 4-5 cups of water, and add 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
- Secure the lid on the Instant Pot, set the valve to the sealed position, and cook on manual pressure for 8 minutes. Allow 8-10 minutes for the pot to reach pressure.
- Once the cooking time is complete, perform a quick release of the pressure, then drain the potatoes and return them to the Instant Pot with the power off.
- Add the remaining salt, pepper, garlic powder, butter, milk, and sour cream to the potatoes. Use a potato masher or hand-held mixer to mash and whip the potatoes until smooth.
- Taste the mashed potatoes and adjust the seasoning as desired. Serve immediately, garnished with parsley if you like.
Ingredients
- 3 pounds of potatoes (approximately 6 medium potatoes), peeled and sliced into large rounds
- 4-5 cups of water (enough to cover the potatoes in the Instant Pot)
- 1 teaspoon of salt (divided, for cooking and seasoning)
- Pepper (to taste)
- Garlic powder (optional, to taste)
- Butter
- Milk
- Sour cream
- Parsley (optional, for garnish)
FAQ
- Can I leave the potato skins on when making Instant Pot mashed potatoes?
- While the recipe suggests peeling the potatoes, you can leave the skins on if you prefer a more rustic texture. However, the author recommends peeling for a smoother consistency.
- How long does it take for the Instant Pot to reach pressure before cooking the potatoes?
- It generally takes about 8-10 minutes for the Instant Pot to come to pressure before the 8-minute cooking time begins.
- What is the best way to mash these potatoes once they’re cooked?
- You can use a traditional potato masher for a classic mashed potato texture. Alternatively, using a hand-held mixer can give you a creamier, whipped consistency.
- Can this recipe be doubled in size?
- Yes, you can double the recipe if you’re using a 6 or 8-quart Instant Pot, but make sure not to exceed the maximum fill line.
- What can I do to enhance the flavor of the mashed potatoes?
- Adding garlic powder is optional but recommended for extra flavor. You can also adjust the salt, pepper, butter, and sour cream to your taste preferences.
Tips
- For a quicker preparation, slice the potatoes into large rounds instead of small cubes; this helps them cook evenly and reduces prep time.
- If you prefer creamier mashed potatoes, use a hand-held mixer to whip them after mashing, rather than just using a potato masher.
- Remember to taste and adjust the seasoning according to your preference after mashing, as the initial seasoning amounts might not suit everyone’s taste.
- To enhance the flavor, consider adding garlic powder along with the other ingredients, although this is optional based on your flavor preference.
Equipment
- Instant Pot (Pressure Cooker)
- Hand-held Mixer (optional, for whipping the mashed potatoes)
