If you are craving the creamiest, most luscious mashed potatoes without spending hours at the stove, this Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. It brings together tender, perfectly cooked russet potatoes infused with garlic, cream cheese, and butter, making each bite silky smooth and packed with rich flavor. Whether you’re preparing a cozy family dinner or a festive holiday meal, this recipe will quickly become your go-to comfort food staple because it’s simple, speedy, and utterly satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes Recipe relies on just a handful of straightforward ingredients that work in harmony to deliver creamy texture, deep flavor, and a beautiful balance. Each component plays a vital role, from the russet potatoes providing fluffiness to the cream cheese adding velvety richness.
- 4 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and quartered: Starchy potatoes perfect for fluffy and smooth mash.
- ½ cup chicken broth: Adds subtle savory moisture while cooking the potatoes in the Instant Pot.
- 2 garlic cloves, smashed: Imp infuses a gentle garlicky aroma during pressure cooking.
- 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped: Delivers fresh garlic flavor layered in when mashing.
- ½ cup butter: Creates richness and luscious mouthfeel.
- 1 (8-oz) package cream cheese: Elevates creaminess, making the potatoes irresistibly smooth.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasoning to brighten and balance flavors.
How to Make Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Layer the Potatoes
Start by placing the metal trivet or grate at the bottom of your Instant Pot. Pour in the chicken broth and tuck in the two smashed garlic cloves; this liquid will create steam and infuse your potatoes with subtle garlicky depth. Next, layer the peeled and quartered russet potatoes evenly on top of the grate to make sure they cook evenly and avoid getting soggy.
Step 2: Pressure Cook to Perfection
Seal the Instant Pot securely and set it to cook at HIGH pressure for 15 minutes. This step cooks the potatoes until they’re tender enough to mash with ease yet hold their shape a bit, resulting in that perfect fluffy texture. When the cooking cycle ends, perform a quick release of the pressure and carefully remove the grate with the potatoes.
Step 3: Add Flavor and Mash
Now the magic happens! Dump in the butter, cream cheese, and the finely chopped garlic cloves for that fresh garlicky punch. Season generously with salt and pepper to ensure every bite sings with flavor. Use a potato masher or an electric mixer right in the Instant Pot to mash everything until creamy and smooth, with no lumps in sight. This step transforms simple ingredients into a decadent side dish that will rival any restaurant mashed potatoes.
How to Serve Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes Recipe by finishing with lush garnishes like freshly chopped chives, parsley, or a sprinkle of smoked paprika. A drizzle of browned butter or a small pat of melting butter on top right before serving adds an irresistible sheen and extra richness that turns simple mashed potatoes into a showstopper.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with so many classics—from juicy roasted chicken, savory pot roasts, and glazed ham to grilled steaks or herb-crusted pork tenderloin. The creamy texture and mellow garlic flavor of the mashed potatoes effortlessly complement hearty proteins and vibrant vegetables alike.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, scoop the Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes Recipe into a piping bag fitted with a large star tip and pipe elegant rosettes onto your serving platter. Top each swirl with crispy fried onions or crumbled bacon for added texture and flavor. You can also use the mash as a fluffy topping for shepherd’s pie or loaded mashed potato bowls with cheese, bacon, and green onions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare because these mashed potatoes tend to disappear fast), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep beautifully for up to 3 days. To help maintain their creamy texture, give them a good stir before reheating and consider adding a splash of milk or cream.
Freezing
The Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes Recipe also freezes well. Portion the mash into freezer-friendly containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some room for expansion. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. To thaw, transfer to the refrigerator overnight before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat your mashed potatoes slowly over low heat on the stove or in the microwave. Stir frequently and add a little butter, cream, or broth to refresh their creamy consistency. Avoid overheating to prevent dryness or graininess.
FAQs
Can I use different types of potatoes for this Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes Recipe?
While russet potatoes are ideal for their high starch and fluffy texture, you can use Yukon Gold for a creamier, butterier mash. Just keep in mind the texture may be slightly denser and less fluffy compared to russets.
Is it necessary to use chicken broth in this recipe?
Chicken broth adds extra flavor and a bit of moisture while cooking, but you can substitute with vegetable broth or water if you prefer a vegetarian option. The flavor might be slightly less rich but still delicious.
Can I make these mashed potatoes dairy-free?
Yes! Swap butter and cream cheese for dairy-free alternatives or use olive oil and dairy-free cream cheese. The Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes Recipe will still taste fantastic with a few tweaks.
Why do you add garlic twice in this recipe?
The smashed garlic cloves added during cooking infuse the potatoes with mild garlic aroma, while the finely chopped garlic added before mashing delivers a fresher, sharper garlic flavor that really brightens the dish.
How can I make my mashed potatoes extra fluffy?
Make sure not to overcook the potatoes too long as that can cause them to become gluey. Using russet potatoes and straining off excess liquid before mashing also helps achieve a perfectly fluffy texture when you follow this Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes Recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes Recipe is genuinely one of those comforting dishes that brings warmth to any meal with minimal effort. It’s creamy, flavorful, and effortlessly quick compared to traditional stove-top methods. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a staple in your home, turning even the simplest dinners into memorable feasts.
Print
Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
Description
Creamy and flavorful Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes made effortlessly with russet potatoes, garlic, butter, and cream cheese, perfect as a comforting side dish.
Ingredients
Potatoes and Broth
- 4 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and quartered
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 2 garlic cloves, smashed
Seasoning and Dairy
- 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- ½ cup butter
- 1 (8-oz) package cream cheese
- salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Instant Pot: Place the metal grate or trivet in the bottom of your Instant Pot insert to keep potatoes above the liquid.
- Add Ingredients for Cooking: Pour in the chicken broth and add the 2 smashed garlic cloves into the insert. Arrange the quartered potatoes evenly on top of the grate.
- Pressure Cook: Seal the Instant Pot lid and set to cook on HIGH pressure for 15 minutes. Once cooking is complete, perform a quick-release of the pressure to safely open the lid.
- Remove Potatoes from Insert: Take out the metal grate with the potatoes, and drain any excess liquid if necessary, leaving potatoes in the insert for mashing.
- Mash and Season: Add the butter, cream cheese, finely chopped garlic, salt, and pepper to the potatoes. Use a potato masher to mash everything together inside the Instant Pot insert until smooth and creamy.
- Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve warm as a delicious side dish.
Notes
- Ensure to use russet potatoes for the best creamy mash texture.
- Chicken broth adds flavor but water can be substituted for a simpler base.
- Quick releasing pressure helps avoid overcooking the potatoes.
- Add more cream cheese or butter for a richer consistency based on preference.
- Use fresh garlic finely chopped for a subtle garlic flavor in the mash.
- Leftover mashed potatoes can be refrigerated up to 3 days.
