Making Mashed Potatoes in an Instant Pot

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Delicious meatballs on mashed potatoes with cream sauce and herbs.
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Making mashed potatoes in an Instant Pot is a game-changer for busy home cooks. This method reduces cooking time to just 5-7 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight meals.

The key to achieving fluffy and creamy mashed potatoes is to use the right ratio of potatoes to liquid. A 1:1 ratio of potatoes to water is a good starting point, as it allows for easy mashing and prevents the potatoes from becoming too dry.

With the Instant Pot, you can cook multiple potatoes at once, making it a great option for large families or gatherings. Simply add 2-3 large potatoes, 1 cup of water, and a pinch of salt to the Instant Pot, and you're ready to cook.

Ingredients

To make delicious mashed potatoes in an instant pot, you'll need the right ingredients. Here are the essentials:

You'll need potatoes, and Yukon Gold potatoes are a great choice. They're available in various quantities, with 3 pounds being a good starting point.

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For a basic recipe, you'll need about 4-5 cups of water. This will help cook the potatoes to perfection.

Salt is a must-have for any recipe, and you'll need about 4 teaspoons of sea salt. You can also use kosher salt, but keep in mind that it's a bit more dense, so you may need to use less.

Garlic adds a rich flavor to mashed potatoes, and you'll need about 3 cloves for this recipe. Grate them finely before adding them to the pot.

Olive oil is a great addition to mashed potatoes, and you'll need about ⅓ cup for this recipe. You can use more or less depending on your personal preference.

Unsalted butter is a must-have for mashed potatoes, and you'll need about ¼ cup for this recipe. You can use more or less depending on how rich you like your mashed potatoes.

Here's a summary of the ingredients you'll need:

With these ingredients, you'll be well on your way to making delicious mashed potatoes in your instant pot.

Instructions

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To make mashed potatoes in an Instant Pot, start by letting 1 stick of unsalted butter sit at room temperature until softened. This will make it easier to mash the potatoes later.

Cook the potatoes by placing them in the Instant Pot, adding enough water to just cover them, and closing the lid. The pressure cooking time varies, but it can be as short as 10 minutes or as long as 20 minutes, depending on the recipe.

To release the pressure, you can either let it naturally release or do a quick pressure release, depending on the recipe. Once the pressure is released, transfer the potatoes to a colander and drain them well.

Mash the

Mash the potatoes after they're finished cooking in the Instant Pot. You'll want to do a Quick Pressure Release (QPR) to let the pressure out, then open the lid and begin smashing.

To smash the potatoes, use a potato masher. This tool will help break down the potatoes into a smooth consistency. If you don't have a masher, you can also use a fork to mash the potatoes.

Add the garlic, olive oil, butter, and sea salt to the potatoes after you've mashed them. These ingredients will give your mashed potatoes a rich and savory flavor.

Add

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To add the finishing touches to your dish, you'll want to add milk and butter. I like to use a cup of whole milk for a firmer potato texture.

You can also add a bit more milk if you prefer creamier potatoes. It's all about personal preference.

For the butter, you'll need 8 tablespoons or one stick of unsalted butter. This will give your potatoes a rich and creamy flavor.

If you're looking for a more detailed breakdown, here's a list of the additional ingredients you'll need:

  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter

Remember, you can always adjust the amount of milk and butter to suit your taste.

10-Minute Cook

Cooking mashed potatoes in the Instant Pot is a breeze, and it's all about timing. You can achieve perfectly cooked mashed potatoes in just 10 minutes.

To get started, you'll need to add the potatoes, water, and salt to the Instant Pot. The amount of water needed is just enough to cover the potatoes, as mentioned in Example 2. This is a great way to ensure your potatoes are cooked evenly.

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You can use any type of potato you like, but medium russet potatoes work well. According to Example 5, you'll need 4 pounds of these potatoes for the recipe.

Once you've added the potatoes, water, and salt, close the lid and make sure the steam release valve is set to the sealing position. This is a crucial step to ensure your potatoes cook properly.

The cooking time is where things get exciting. You can cook the potatoes on high pressure for 10 minutes, as mentioned in Example 4. This is a great way to save time and effort.

Here's a quick rundown of the cooking times for mashed potatoes in the Instant Pot:

Whether you're using a Quick Pressure Release (QPR) or not, the result is the same: perfectly cooked mashed potatoes.

Equipment

To make mashed potatoes in an Instant Pot, you'll need the right equipment. A 6-quart or larger Instant Pot is recommended, as it provides enough space to hold the potatoes and other ingredients.

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You'll also need a steamer basket or a metal trivet to elevate the potatoes above the water. This helps ensure even cooking and prevents the potatoes from becoming mushy.

A potato masher or a fork is necessary for mashing the cooked potatoes. You can also use a ricer or a food mill for a smoother consistency.

A measuring cup is handy for accurately measuring the amount of liquid and seasonings. You'll need about 1 cup of chicken or vegetable broth for this recipe.

A wooden spoon or silicone spatula is useful for scraping the sides of the Instant Pot and folding the potatoes.

Recipe

To make delicious mashed potatoes in your Instant Pot, you'll need a few key ingredients. Specifically, you'll want to use Yukon Gold potatoes, which give the mash a pretty golden color and a rich buttery flavor.

For the cooking liquid, you'll need water. This will help to create the light, smooth texture of the mashed potatoes. You can also use some of this starchy, salty cooking water to add flavor to your mash.

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To add some depth to your potatoes, you'll want to include garlic in the recipe. This will give your mash a subtle savory bite. Don't forget to add some extra-virgin olive oil and butter to make the potatoes flavorful and rich.

You can also customize your recipe to suit your dietary needs by finding a vegan option for the olive oil and butter. And don't forget to garnish your mash with some fresh chives for a fresh, oniony flavor.

Here are the key ingredients you'll need:

  • Potatoes (Yukon Gold or similar variety)
  • Water
  • Garlic
  • Extra-virgin olive oil (or vegan option)
  • Butter (or vegan option)
  • Chives
  • Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

Enjoy Your Meal

You can enjoy your delicious mashed potatoes as a side to your favorite dish, whether it's Beef Stew, Pot Roast, Turkey, Chicken, or anything else you like.

These Instant Pot mashed potatoes are quick to make, cooking in just 20 minutes under HIGH pressure. They come out smooth and flavorful each time, making them a great addition to any meal.

Try making these mashed potatoes in the Instant Pot and you'll probably never go back to making them on the stove!

Serving Suggestions

Steaming yellow potatoes being mashed with a metal potato ricer in a professional kitchen setting.
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These Instant Pot mashed potatoes would be a great side dish for any fall or winter meal, but I think they’re especially perfect for Thanksgiving.

They're especially perfect for Thanksgiving because they clear up space on the stove for other side dishes like sautéed Brussels sprouts or cranberry sauce.

You can also use the Instant Pot's Keep Warm setting to let the potatoes hang out until you're ready to serve them.

Top them off with fresh chives, black pepper, and a big pat of butter (or vegan butter) for a delicious finish.

They'd also be fantastic with a ladle of mushroom gravy, which pairs well with the rich flavors of the potatoes.

Keep Food Warm in a Pot

Keeping food warm in a pot is a game-changer for mealtime. You can easily keep mashed potatoes warm in an Instant Pot by following a few simple steps.

First, make sure to wash and dry the Instant Pot insert after mashing the potatoes to remove excess starch. This will prevent the potatoes from sticking to the pot.

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Generously butter the bottom and sides of the pot, and add a splash of milk or half-and-half to the bottom of the pot. This will help keep the potatoes moist and prevent them from drying out.

To keep the potatoes warm, turn on the "keep warm" setting on your Instant Pot. If you have a glass lid, now's a good time to use it – just make sure the valve on the lid remains in the venting position.

Stir the potatoes occasionally to prevent them from sticking to the bottom of the pot. This will help keep them warm and fluffy.

Here are some general tips for keeping food warm in a pot:

  • Use a gentle heat setting to prevent overcooking.
  • Stir food regularly to prevent sticking.
  • Keep the pot covered to retain heat.

Enjoy Your Meal

You can enjoy Instant Pot mashed potatoes as a side to your favorite dish, whether it's Beef Stew, Pot Roast, Turkey, or Chicken. They're incredibly versatile and can be flavored with a variety of ingredients like ranch, bacon, chives, garlic, and more.

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The Instant Pot is a game-changer when it comes to making mashed potatoes. It only takes 20 minutes under HIGH pressure to cook them, and the result is smooth and flavorful every time.

One of the best things about Instant Pot mashed potatoes is that they're ridiculously easy to make. No more waiting for water to boil or draining excess water - just add your ingredients and let the Instant Pot do the work.

If you're looking for a way to elevate your mealtime, Instant Pot mashed potatoes are a great place to start. They're the real deal, with a creamy texture and amazing flavor that's sure to impress.

Here are some popular ways to enjoy Instant Pot mashed potatoes:

  • Beef Stew
  • Pot Roast
  • Turkey
  • Chicken

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for potatoes to soften in an Instant Pot?

Potatoes soften in an Instant Pot in about 10-13 minutes, including pressure build-up and steaming time

Roger Molenaar

Senior Writer

Roger Molenaar is a writer who loves to explore the world and write about his experiences. He has been traveling for years, having visited over 50 countries around the globe. His passion for learning about different cultures and meeting new people is evident in his writing, which often features insights into local customs and traditions.

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