The Allure of Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes: A Holiday and Everyday Favorite

As the vibrant hues of summer give way to the crisp air of autumn, our thoughts inevitably turn to cozy comfort foods and the joyous gathering of the holiday season. While summer BBQs and poolside relaxation are cherished, there’s an undeniable excitement in preparing for festive meals that bring loved ones together. And what’s a holiday table without a generous serving of perfectly mashed potatoes? This year, simplify your meal prep and elevate your side dish game with these incredibly delicious Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes.

Forget the days of waiting for a large pot of water to boil, or the constant worry of overcooking your potatoes. The Instant Pot transforms this classic side dish into a hands-off, quick, and remarkably consistent experience. These garlic-infused mashed potatoes, enriched with cream cheese and sour cream, are not just for Thanksgiving or Christmas; they are a delightful addition to any weeknight dinner or special occasion throughout the year. Their rich, savory flavor and velvety texture make them an instant hit, promising to be a highlight on any plate.

Imagine a side dish so creamy and flavorful, it stands proudly on its own, needing no embellishment. While a rich, savory gravy is always a welcome accompaniment (and perhaps an Instant Pot gravy recipe is on the horizon!), truly good mashed potatoes don’t always require it. This recipe ensures your potatoes are packed with so much deliciousness, they become a star in their own right.

Why the Instant Pot is Your Best Friend for Mashed Potatoes

If you haven’t yet embraced the magic of pressure cooking for mashed potatoes, you’re in for a treat. The Instant Pot isn’t just a gadget; it’s a game-changer that offers several distinct advantages over traditional stove-top methods:

• Unmatched Speed and Efficiency: Cut down cooking time significantly. Potatoes that might take 20-30 minutes to boil on the stove are perfectly tender in just 10-12 minutes under pressure. Plus, the pot comes to pressure relatively quickly, making the entire process faster.
• Consistently Perfect Texture: The sealed environment of the Instant Pot ensures even cooking. This means every potato chunk, from center to edge, cooks uniformly, leading to a consistently smooth and lump-free mash.
• Hands-Off Cooking: Once you set the timer, you’re free to focus on other parts of your meal. No more monitoring boiling water, adjusting heat, or worrying about boil-overs. The Instant Pot handles it all.
• Less Mess, Easier Cleanup: Everything happens in one pot, reducing the number of dishes to wash. The stainless steel insert is also a breeze to clean.
• Nutrient Retention: Pressure cooking can help retain more water-soluble vitamins and minerals compared to boiling, as less liquid is used and the cooking time is shorter.

Mastering Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Essential Tips and Tricks

Creating the perfect batch of garlic mashed potatoes in your Instant Pot is incredibly straightforward, but a few key tips can elevate your results from good to absolutely phenomenal. Here’s everything you need to know for a delicious and successful dish:

Choosing the Best Potatoes for Mashing

The type of potato you select plays a significant role in the final texture of your mashed potatoes:

• Russet Potatoes: These are the champions for light, fluffy, and absorbent mashed potatoes. Their high starch content means they break down beautifully when cooked, creating that classic airy texture. They’re also excellent at soaking up all the rich flavors you add. If you’re aiming for a truly fluffy mash, russets are your go-to.
• Yukon Gold Potatoes: Known for their naturally buttery flavor and creamy texture, Yukon Golds offer a slightly denser, yet still wonderfully smooth mash. They require less butter or cream to taste rich, making them a fantastic choice if you want a naturally decadent feel.
• Red Potatoes: These have a waxier texture and lower starch content. When mashed, they tend to result in a denser, slightly more rustic potato with a subtle skin-on appeal. While delicious, some might find their consistency less traditionally “fluffy.” For a crowd, russets or Yukon Golds are generally preferred for their broader appeal. Experiment to find your personal favorite!

To Peel or Not to Peel? The Great Potato Dilemma

This is largely a matter of personal preference and desired aesthetic:

• For Traditional, Smooth Mashed Potatoes: If you’re envisioning that classic, velvety smooth mash, then yes, peel your potatoes. Remove all the skin before cooking to achieve a uniform texture without any fibrous bits.
• For Rustic, Skin-On Mashed Potatoes: “Skin-on” mashed potatoes are a fantastic, rustic option! They add a delightful texture and a bit more earthy flavor. If you choose this route, ensure your potatoes are thoroughly scrubbed clean before slicing. Both methods yield delicious results, so do what works best for you and your diners.

Perfect Potato Prep: Slicing and Water Levels

• Uniform Slicing: After peeling (or washing), slice each potato into roughly 4 large, uniform chunks. This consistency is crucial for even pressure cooking. If some pieces are too small and others too large, you might end up with some overcooked and some undercooked potatoes.
• Optimal Water Amount: The goal is to add just enough water to completely cover the potatoes. This is vital for the Instant Pot to come to pressure efficiently and cook the potatoes thoroughly. For approximately 2 pounds of potatoes, you’ll typically need about 2 cups of water. Avoid overfilling, as too much water can dilute flavor or make draining more cumbersome.

Optimal Pressure Cooking Times for Fluffy or Creamy Mashed Potatoes

The beauty of the Instant Pot lies in its precise cooking. Here are the recommended times:

• For 2 Pounds of Potatoes: Set your Instant Pot to Manual (or Pressure Cook) on High Pressure for 10 minutes. This will yield perfectly tender potatoes ready for mashing.
• For 5 Pounds of Potatoes (A Crowd-Pleaser): When cooking a larger batch, like for a holiday gathering, increase the cooking time slightly to 12 minutes on High Pressure. The Instant Pot can handle this volume efficiently.
• Pressure Release: Once the cooking time is complete, a quick release of pressure is recommended for mashed potatoes. This stops the cooking process swiftly, preventing the potatoes from becoming waterlogged.

The Crucial Step: Draining for Desired Texture

This is arguably the most critical step for achieving the perfect mashed potato consistency:

• For Fluffy Mashed Potatoes: I highly recommend draining ALL the water from the Instant Pot after pressure cooking. This is key to preventing your mashed potatoes from becoming soupy, especially with the addition of rich ingredients like cream cheese, heavy cream, and sour cream. Removing the excess liquid allows these dairy components to create a rich, fluffy texture without added moisture.
• For Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Even if you prefer a creamier, denser mash, still drain the water first. Then, add your specified dairy ingredients (cream cheese, sour cream, heavy cream, butter). Assess the consistency and, if you desire more liquid, slowly add back a tablespoon at a time of the potato cooking water, milk, or broth until you reach your ideal creaminess. It’s much easier to add liquid than to remove it once mixed in.

No Steam Basket or Trivet Required for Mashed Potatoes

Unlike some other Instant Pot potato recipes, you won’t need a steam basket or trivet for this one. For recipes like Instant Pot Baked Potatoes, a trivet is essential to prevent the potato skins from burning and to lift them above the water. For Instant Pot Potato Salad, a steam basket is useful, especially if you’re also boiling eggs alongside the potatoes. However, for mashed potatoes, the goal is to cook them directly in the water until tender, so simply place them straight into the Instant Pot liner.

The Creamy Dream Team: Cream Cheese, Sour Cream, and Heavy Cream

This trio of dairy ingredients is what truly sets these mashed potatoes apart, imparting an unparalleled richness and depth of flavor:

• Cream Cheese: Adds a subtle tang and an incredible creaminess that makes the potatoes unbelievably smooth and rich. It also helps bind the potatoes without making them gummy.
• Sour Cream: Contributes a delightful tanginess that balances the richness of the cream cheese and butter, preventing the dish from being overly heavy. It also enhances the overall creamy texture.
• Heavy Cream: Essential for adding that luxurious, velvety consistency. It enriches the potatoes and makes them truly decadent. You can use milk for a slightly lighter version, but heavy cream delivers the best results.

Seasoning Your Mashed Potatoes to Perfection

Russet potatoes, while texturally excellent, are naturally quite bland on their own. Proper seasoning is paramount to unlocking their full potential:

• Build Flavor Layers: Beyond the garlic cooked with the potatoes, the recipe includes onion powder and rosemary, which add aromatic depth.
• Salt and Pepper are Essential: These are not just afterthoughts. Season your potatoes generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Start with a conservative amount, then taste and adjust repeatedly as you mash and add other ingredients. Mashed potatoes can absorb a surprising amount of seasoning, so don’t be afraid to season to your liking.
• Taste as You Go: This is the golden rule for all cooking, especially with mashed potatoes. The flavor profile will evolve as you incorporate the dairy and seasonings. Continually taste small spoonfuls and adjust salt, pepper, or other spices until you achieve your desired taste.

Quick and Easy Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe

This recipe offers a simple, foolproof method for creating incredibly flavorful and perfectly textured mashed potatoes using your Instant Pot. Ideal for both small family dinners and large holiday gatherings, it promises a delicious and stress-free experience.

Recipe Snapshot

• Author: Brandi Crawford
• Summary: Quick and Easy Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes with cream cheese and sour cream. Learn how long to pressure cook for perfect mashed potatoes, whether for a crowd or a small dinner.
• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 10 mins
• Instant Pot to Pressure: 10 mins
• Total Time: 30 mins
• Course: Side Dish, Dinner, Lunch
• Cuisine: American
• Servings: 6
• Calories: 250 kcal (per serving)

Equipment

• Instant Pot
• Potato Masher

Ingredients

For the Mashed Potatoes:

• 2 pounds russet potatoes (peeled and sliced into large chunks)
• 2-3 garlic cloves minced (or 1 tablespoon of minced garlic in a jar for convenience)
• Water (enough to completely cover the potatoes, approximately 2 cups for 2 lbs)
• 2 oz cream cheese (softened, reduced-fat works well too)
• ¼ cup sour cream (full-fat or reduced-fat)
• ¼ cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon butter (unsalted, use more if you prefer extra richness)
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon rosemary (freshly chopped or dried)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Topping Ideas

• Fresh parsley (finely chopped)
• Paprika (for color and subtle flavor)
• Green onions (thinly sliced)
• Chives (freshly chopped)

Instructions

1. Prepare Potatoes: Begin by thoroughly peeling your russet potatoes. Once peeled, cut each potato into four large, uniform chunks. This consistency is important for even pressure cooking.
2. Load Instant Pot: Carefully place the prepared potato chunks and the minced garlic cloves directly into the Instant Pot’s inner pot. Add enough water to completely cover the potatoes. For 2 pounds of potatoes, about 2 cups of water should be sufficient.
3. Pressure Cook: Secure the lid onto your Instant Pot, ensuring that the sealing ring is properly in place and the steam release valve is set to the “Sealing” position. Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” function, then set the cooking time to 10 minutes on High Pressure.
4. Quick Release Pressure: Once the cooking cycle is complete and the Instant Pot beeps, carefully perform a quick release of the steam. Move the steam release valve from “Sealing” to “Venting,” being cautious of the hot steam.
5. Drain Water: When all the pressure has been released and the float valve has dropped, open the lid. It is highly recommended to completely drain all the excess water from the pot. This crucial step helps create fluffy mashed potatoes and prevents them from becoming soupy. (Refer to the “Draining for Desired Texture” tip above for detailed reasons.)
6. Mash and Combine: Using a sturdy potato masher, begin mashing the cooked potatoes directly in the Instant Pot. Add the softened cream cheese, sour cream, heavy cream, butter, onion powder, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Continue to mash and stir until all the ingredients are well combined and the potatoes reach your desired fluffy consistency. If the mashed potatoes appear too thick, you can add a small amount of milk or water, one tablespoon at a time, until the texture is perfect.
7. Serve: Taste the mashed potatoes and adjust any seasonings as needed. Allow them to cool slightly before serving for optimal flavor and enjoyment.

Recipe Notes

• Pressure Cooking Time: For 2 pounds of potatoes, cook on High Pressure for 10 minutes. If you are preparing a larger batch of 5 pounds, increase the cooking time to 12 minutes to ensure thorough tenderness.
• Potato Selection: Russet potatoes are excellent for achieving a light and fluffy mashed potato. Yukon Gold potatoes offer a naturally buttery flavor and creamy texture, while red potatoes tend to result in a denser mash. Choose the type that best suits your preferred texture.
• Water Quantity: Ensure that your potatoes are fully submerged in water before pressure cooking. Approximately 2 cups of water is usually enough for 2 pounds of potatoes and helps the Instant Pot come to pressure efficiently.
• To Peel or Not to Peel: For a traditional, smooth mashed potato, peel the potatoes completely. If you prefer a rustic, skin-on texture, simply wash the potatoes thoroughly and leave the skins on. Both methods yield delicious results.
• Draining is Crucial: Draining all the water after pressure cooking is paramount for achieving fluffy mashed potatoes and preventing a soupy texture, especially when incorporating rich dairy ingredients like cream cheese, sour cream, and heavy cream. If you like creamier potatoes, still drain first, add your dairy, then slowly add back liquid as needed.
• Season Generously: Russet potatoes are naturally quite bland, so don’t hesitate to season them well. Add salt and pepper, in addition to the specified spices. Taste frequently as you mash and adjust seasonings to reach your perfect flavor balance.

Serving Suggestions & Perfect Pairings

These Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes are incredibly versatile and make a fantastic accompaniment to a wide range of main courses. Their creamy texture and savory garlic flavor complement almost anything:

• Classic Comfort: Pair them with hearty meatloaf, succulent roast chicken, or a perfectly seared steak for a comforting and satisfying meal.
• Holiday Feast Essential: No Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner is complete without a generous serving of mashed potatoes. They are the ideal partner for your holiday turkey, festive ham, or a classic roast beef.
• Everyday Deliciousness: Elevate your weeknight dinners by serving them alongside baked salmon, pork chops, or even a simple grilled chicken breast.
• Specialty Pairings: For an unforgettable combination, try these mashed potatoes with our Instant Pot Garlic Tuscan Chicken Thighs!

Storage and Reheating Tips for Leftovers

Mashed potatoes are often even better the next day! Here’s how to store and reheat them to perfection:

• Storage: Allow any leftover mashed potatoes to cool completely to room temperature. Transfer them to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: For longer storage, mashed potatoes can be frozen. Place cooled mashed potatoes in a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating on the Stovetop: Transfer the mashed potatoes to a saucepan over low-medium heat. Add a splash of milk or cream (1-2 tablespoons per cup of potatoes) to restore moisture. Stir frequently until heated through and creamy again.
• Reheating in the Microwave: Place mashed potatoes in a microwave-safe dish. Add a tablespoon of milk or cream and stir. Cover and microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stir, and continue heating in 30-second intervals until warmed through, adding more liquid if needed.
• Reheating in the Oven: For a larger batch, place mashed potatoes in an oven-safe dish. Add a bit of milk or cream, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-30 minutes, or until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make these mashed potatoes ahead of time?

Absolutely! Mashed potatoes are an excellent make-ahead dish, especially for holidays. Prepare them as directed, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat following the tips above, adding extra milk or cream to regain their smooth consistency.

What if my mashed potatoes are too thick or too thin?

If your mashed potatoes are too thick, slowly add a tablespoon of warm milk, cream, or even some of the reserved potato cooking water (if you saved it) until you reach your desired consistency. If they are too thin, this usually happens if too much liquid was left in the pot. You can try gently heating them on the stovetop over low heat to evaporate some moisture, or add a small amount of instant potato flakes (a trick chefs use!) to thicken them.

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

Yes, you can substitute milk (whole milk for best results) for heavy cream if you prefer a lighter version. However, using heavy cream will give your mashed potatoes a richer, more luxurious, and creamier texture that is hard to beat.

Is a potato ricer necessary for the best mashed potatoes?

While a potato ricer can produce exceptionally smooth, lump-free mashed potatoes, it’s not strictly necessary for this Instant Pot recipe. The pressure cooking process makes the potatoes so tender that a good old-fashioned potato masher works perfectly to achieve a fluffy and creamy texture.

More Delicious Instant Pot Recipes You’ll Love

Expand your Instant Pot repertoire with these other fantastic and easy recipes:

• Instant Pot Pumpkin Spice Sweet Potato Soup
• Instant Pot Homemade Cranberry Sauce
• Instant Pot Low-Carb Pumpkin Spice Bread
• Instant Pot Lasagna
• Instant Pot Shrimp Risotto with Vegetables and Parmesan
• Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches
• How to Make Hard Boiled Eggs Using the Instant Pot
• Instant Pot Chicken and Spanish Rice (Arroz Con Pollo)
• Instant Pot Cheesecake
• Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo Spaghetti Squash
• Instant Pot Mongolian Beef
• Instant Pot Steak Tacos
• Instant Pot Chicken Taco Bowl with Quinoa
• Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta

Nutrition Information Disclaimer

Macros are provided as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. This information is calculated using tools like MyFitnessPal.com and is an estimate. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information for a given recipe, you should calculate it with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.