Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes

Make perfect creamy homemade mashed potatoes every single time thanks to the help of the Instant Pot.

Thanksgiving is just a few days away! How is that even possible? If your still trying to iron out what you’ll serve and how your going to cook it I’m excited to share this extremely easy recipe for Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes.

I’m going to admit something today that I never thought I would ever write about… since having children I have failed miserably at making mashed potatoes. Woooo, now that I got that off my chest I can tell you how incredibly excited I am that I finally can make homemade mashed potatoes, from scratch. All thanks to my Instant Pot. You see, before kids I probably made mashed potatoes at least once a week and dang, I made AMAZING mashed potatoes. Then, I had children and I can’t for the life of me figure out what the heck happened… other then time. There is an art to making mashed potatoes and timing is everything. So when I started experimenting in my kitchen by making mashed potatoes in the Instant Pot I knew I was on to something.

How long do you cook mashed potatoes in Instant Pot?

After doing a lot of testing I found that 12 minutes on the “steam” setting is the magic combo. The potatoes come out fork tender and are perfect for mashing. Now, remember it will take at least 12 minutes to come to pressure before the timer begins on the Instant Pot—so it’s safe to say “20” minutes of cooking time (roughly total).

Do you need to drain the potatoes for Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes?

Yes, for this recipe you need to drain the cooked potatoes, and you need to drain them immediately. It’s very important you don’t let them sit. The more you let them sit the greater the chance you’re going to have potato “paste”.

What type of potatoes do I use for mashed potatoes?

You want to use Russet Potatoes or even Yukon Golds. They are a higher starch potato and will yield the fluffiest, smoothest, and most flavor-packed mashed potato. You will want to stay away from waxy potatoes like a red or white potato. These require more mashing to become creamy, which could lead to the dreaded “potato paste.” Which is what I would almost always get every time I was trying to make mashed potatoes. I know it’s crazy to think a food blogger having issues making mashed potatoes, but y’all… the struggle has been real!

Helpful tips when making mashed potatoes.

I have a few more helpful tips I’ve learned along the way that I feel I must tell you to make you not only confident in making mashed potatoes but well equipped and ready to tackle a simple yet daunting cooking skill.

• DO NOT use a hand-mixer or stand-mixer when making mashed potatoes. This was the number one reason why my mashed potatoes were turning to paste. I over mixed them.
• Invest in a potato masher. I know what your thinking–another kitchen gadget?!?! Yes, if you want to make successful mashed potatoes every single time you need to invest in a potato masher.
• Do not over mix. After you have drained *and rinsed your potatoes you’ll place them back in the Instant Pot. Then, using the potato masher you will begin to mash the potatoes. I spend 30-60 seconds tops doing this and leave them a little lumpy. Then I let them rest for a few minutes. I return to add in cubed salted butter and heavy cream. My potatoes are creamy and I’m not beating them to death.

Now that I’ve shared all my tips and tricks I hope that you’re feeling even more confident and ready to make homemade mashed potatoes from scratch using your Instant Pot.

Here are a few of my favorite main dishes and side dishes that compliment my Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes recipe:

• Roast Beef
• Garlic & Thyme Turkey Breast
• Green Beans with Caramelized Pearl Onions
• Stovetop Creamed Corn
• Slow Cooker Honey Glazed Carrots