Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes

Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes made in 12 minutes of cooking time. Dress this simple side dish up with butter, heavy cream, and fresh Parmesan.

Mashed potatoes are one of my favorite side dishes; they're the ultimate comfort food. My dad is a meat and potatoes type of guy, so we had mashed potatoes often when I was growing up. Looking back, I think he might have liked gravy (and all.the.pepper) more than he did the potatoes.

Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes Ingredients

You really only need one ingredient to make mashed potatoes: potatoes. I guess if you count the water needed to soften them then you would need two. Anything after that is just the delicious ways to dress them up! To make these Instant Pot mashed potatoes, you will need:

• Potatoes (I like Yukon gold)
• Water
• Salt
• Unsalted butter
• Heavy cream
• Parmesan cheese (optional)

How to Make Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes

Using the Instant Pot is my favorite way to cook mashed potatoes (and sweet potatoes)! The potatoes will be fork tender after steaming and can easily be mashed directly in the pot (after draining) with a wooden spoon or potato masher. (I like to use this meat chopper.)

1. Add the potatoes, water, and salt to the Instant Pot. The water should completely cover the potatoes (you may need to add ½ cup more or so).
2. Cook on the steam setting for 12 minutes.
3. Perform a quick release as soon as the potatoes are done.
4. Strain the water from the pot and leave only the potatoes in the pot.
5. Cut the butter into chunks and add it to the pot.
6. Use a potato masher or the back of a wooden spoon to mash the potatoes (directly in the pot).
7. Mix in the heavy cream and Parmesan (if desired). Season with salt and pepper to taste; serve immediately.

Parmesan Mashed Potatoes

I definitely have a soft spot for my childhood mashed potatoes and gravy, but my favorite way to enjoy them now is with lots of quality butter (I prefer Kerrygold), extra heavy cream, and heaps of freshly grated Parmesan (not the stuff from a can).

If you like your mashed potatoes thinner, add ¼ cup milk or chicken broth.
You can also add ½ cup cream cheese or sour cream for a tangy flavor

Tips for Making Pressure Cooker Mashed Potatoes

Ensure that your potatoes are similar in size so they cook evenly (either cut into chunks or sliced into rounds). I like to use Yukon gold, but russet and red new potatoes will work also. I use russet potatoes when I make Pressure Cooker Potato Soup.

Potatoes don't typically freeze well, but mashed potatoes are the exception. Here are some tips for freezing and reheating mashed potatoes.

More Instant Pot Recipes

• Instant Pot Hard Boiled Eggs
• Instant Pot Oatmeal
• Instant Pot Corn on the Cob
• Instant Pot Salsa Verde Chicken
• Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup

Find More Recipes

This recipe is part of my Instant Pot Recipes for Beginners series. Check it out!