Quick and Easy Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes (No Drain!)

If you’re looking for a delicious and stress-free side dish, this Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes recipe is your answer! Perfect for busy weeknights or holiday feasts, these mashed potatoes are not only easy to make but also incredibly flavorful—best of all, there’s no draining involved!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes save precious space on your stovetop during meal prep and come together in just a few simple steps. They can also stay warm until you’re ready to serve, making them a perfect addition to any meal!

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 3 pounds Russet potatoes (peeled and cut into 2-inch chunks)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup water
• 1 teaspoon fine sea salt (plus more to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• ½ to ¾ cup milk (or more as needed)

Potatoes: Which To Choose?

Russet potatoes are ideal for a fluffy texture, but if you prefer something creamier, opt for Yukon gold potatoes. Just remember, Yukon golds usually require less liquid when mashed, so adjust accordingly!

How to Make Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes

Step 1: Sauté the Garlic

1. Press the Sauté button on your Instant Pot and let it heat for 2 minutes.
2. Add the olive oil and minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, and then hit the Cancel/Off button to stop cooking.

Step 2: Add Potatoes and Water

1. Pour in the cup of water and use a spatula to scrape the bottom of the pot to prevent any burnt bits.
2. Add the chopped potatoes, salt, and pepper. There’s no need to stir!
3. Secure the lid and set the steam release valve to Sealing.

Step 3: Pressure Cooking

1. Press either the Manual or Pressure Cook button. Set the timer for 8 minutes. Keep in mind, it will take about 8-10 minutes for the pot to pressurize.

Step 4: Quick Release and Mash

1. Once the cooking time is up, immediately move the steam release valve to Venting to release the pressure (be careful of the hot steam!).
2. When it’s safe, open the lid. Use a fork to check that the potatoes are tender, then mash them directly in the pot using a potato masher or mixer.

Step 5: Add Milk and Season

1. Start with ¼ cup of milk, adding more as necessary until you reach your desired creaminess.
2. Taste and adjust salt if needed. You can also incorporate butter or other flavor enhancers at this stage.

Serving and Storing

These mashed potatoes are ready to serve warm right away! If you need to prepare them in advance, the Instant Pot will keep them warm for up to 3 hours—just remember to stir and add a splash more milk if they firm up.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! Peel and cut the potatoes, store them submerged in water inside an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours, then cook as directed.

2. How do I reheat leftovers?
Use the Sauté function in the Instant Pot with a splash of water to heat and stir until warmed through. You can even pressure cook them for zero minutes for an effortless reheat.

3. Can I use chicken or vegetable broth instead of water?
Yes! Just be mindful that you may need to reduce the added salt since broth can be salty.

These Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes are sure to become your go-to recipe for quick, tasty meals. Perfectly fluffy and full of flavor, they’ll complement any main dish beautifully. Enjoy!

If you give this recipe a try, please leave a comment and rating to let us know how it turned out!