Rich and creamy, these Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes are incredibly simple to prepare! These 20-minute Instant Pot mashed potatoes are the quickest and tastiest mashed potatoes ever made! Perfectly garlicky, buttery, and fluffy, Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes are the simplest evening side dish. The effort-to-reward ratio is unmatched!
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🌟Why You'll Love This Mashed Potatoes
- No fancy ingredients: just basic cupboard essentials
- You can use yukon potatoes or russet potatoes (some commenters have also used red potatoes).
- Garlic, butter, and creamy flavor: These Instant Pot garlic mashed potatoes elevate your normal taters to the next level of deliciousness. This traditional recipe is greatly enhanced by the addition of garlic and plenty of butter.
- It preserves all the delectable flavors of butter and garlic while also saving time and effort.
- Kid-Friendly: Even the pickiest eaters will love Instant Pot mashed potatoes, a family favorite. They are the ideal side dish for any meal since they are delicious, creamy, and cozy.
- They are gluten-free and full of taste, texture, and nutrition: In addition to a portion of carbs, potatoes are rich in potassium, fiber, and vitamins B6 and C.
- One-pot dish: Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes are a game-changer because they are made completely in one pot.
Ingredients
- Yukon gold potatoes: Yukon Gold potatoes are the best for mashing; they tend to absorb more moisture, leading to a fluffy texture.
- Water: To add to the instant pot or pressure cooker to build the steam needed for pressure cooking.
- Salt: One common mistake that leads to bland-tasting mashed potatoes is lack of salt; the amount in the recipe card is just a baseline.
- Unsalted butter: The rule of thumb is to always add more butter than you think you need; it adds richness and that silky-smooth mashed potato texture.
- Whole fat milk or heavy cream: The secret to creamy mashed potatoes, you can use milk for a lighter taste or heavy cream for a thicker, rich mouthfeel.
- Garlic powder: The garlic powder is optional, but we really love that extra bit of flavor in our mashed potatoes.
- Ground black pepper: Salt and pepper add lots of flavor and round out the seasoning of the dish.
- Parsley or leeks: You won't believe the magic a handful of fresh herbs will do; a hint of fresh flavor is just what you need to round out these garlic mashed potatoes.
Instructions
- Prep the potatoes. Potatoes should be peeled and diced into 1-inch chunks.
- Add to the Instant Pot. Add the potatoes, water, and salt to the Instant Pot.
- Pressure cook. Seal the valve and cook at HIGH pressure for 6 minutes.
- Quick release. Turn the steam-release valve to the venting position to quick-release pressure; use oven mitts and stand away from the valve.
- Drain. Carefully drain the cooking water from the potatoes and return them to the pot.
- Mash with butter. Add the butter, garlic powder, and black pepper, then mash the potatoes with a potato masher.
- Add the milk or cream. Add the milk or cream 1 tablespoon at a time while whisking; this gives the mashed potatoes a smoother, creamier texture.
- Adjust consistency. If the mashed potatoes are too thick, add a bit more milk or cream; if too thin, stir them on the sauté function for a few minutes to thicken.
- Serve. Scoop into a bowl, add melted butter, and top with parsley (or thinly sliced leeks) for decoration.
Variations and Storage
- Garlic parmesan mashed potatoes: Stir some freshly grated parmesan cheese into the mashed potatoes for a creamy, cheesy flavor.
- Make it vegan: Use vegan butter or margarine instead of butter and replace the cream with soy milk.
- Brown butter variation: Swap out half of the butter for browned butter; the nutty, caramelized flavor works beautifully with mashed potatoes.
- Herb add-ins: Herbs like rosemary and thyme or even sage add more earthiness and bold flavors.
- Prep potatoes in advance: To prep potatoes in advance, peel and cut them and keep them submerged in water in the refrigerator for a couple of hours; this prevents oxidation and keeps them from turning brown.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days, reheat with a bit of butter or milk to restore creaminess.
💭 Recipe Pro Tips
- Choose the Right Potatoes: Opt for starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for the creamiest mashed potatoes. Starchy potatoes have a fluffy texture when mashed, creating a smoother consistency.
- Even Potato Size: Cut the potatoes into uniform-sized pieces to ensure they cook evenly in the Instant Pot. This prevents some pieces from being undercooked while others are overcooked.
- Garlic Preparation: Adjust the amount of garlic powder to your taste. For an even bigger garlic flavor, mash in a few cloves of roasted garlic, which is milder and slightly sweet.
- Use Chicken or Vegetable Broth: Swap some of the cooking water for chicken or vegetable broth to infuse extra flavor into the potatoes.
- Drain Well: Once the Instant Pot is opened, drain the cooking water from the potatoes before mashing. This prevents the mashed potatoes from becoming too watery.
- Add Warm Liquid: Use warm milk or cream when mashing the potatoes. Adding warm liquid helps maintain the temperature of the mashed potatoes and ensures a consistent texture.
- Adjust Seasoning Gradually: Season the mashed potatoes gradually and taste as you go. Remember that the salted cooking water (and broth, if you use it) already seasons the potatoes, so it's essential to adjust the seasoning carefully.
- Don't Over-Mash: Use a handheld masher instead of a mixer, and stop as soon as the potatoes are smooth; over-mashing leads to a gummy texture.
FAQs
Can I make these mashed potatoes ahead of time?
Yes! They can be prepared a day ahead of time. Before serving, simply reheat with a little milk or butter to restore the texture.
Can I double the recipe?
You can, but be careful not to go over the maximum fill line. Cook time doesn't change, although it can take longer to reach pressure.
If I double the amount of potatoes in this recipe, do I double the amount of liquid as well when cooking?
Don't double the liquid, please. Use the liquid 1.5 times over.
How do I store and reheat leftover mashed potatoes?
The best way to reheat single portions is in the microwave. For bigger quantities, place the mashed potatoes in a covered pan and bake at 350°F, stirring from time to time, until warmed through.
🥟 More Quick and Easy-to-Make Recipes:
- Instant Pot Chicken Fajitas
- Air Fryer Frozen Broccoli
- Air Fryer Breakfast Potatoes
- Homemade Mayonnaise Without Mustard
- Grilled Buffalo Chicken
- Easy 3-ingredient Potato Soup
- Leek And Mushroom Quiche (Gruyère Cheese)
- Classic Meatloaf Glaze With Brown Sugar
Looking for easy dinner recipes? Be sure to check my Quick & Easy Gouda Mac and Cheese, Carrot and Lentil Soup, or this super easy Lemon Garlic Pasta.
If you tried this Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes or any other recipe on my website, please feel free to leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it goes in the 📝 comments below. I love to hear your feedback!
📖 Recipe
Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes are rich and creamy and so easy to make! Making mashed potatoes has never been easier or simpler than this!
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Servings: 4 people
Calories: 225kcal
Equipment
- Instant Pot
INGREDIENTS
- 3 pounds yukon gold potatoes
- 4 cups water
- 2 tsps salt
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter
- ⅓ cup whole fat milk or heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- parsley or leeks for decoration
INSTRUCTIONS
- Peel the potatoes and dice them into 1-inch chunks.
- Add the potatoes, water, and salt to the Instant Pot.
- Seal the pressure valve and cook at HIGH pressure for 6 minutes.
- Quick release the pressure, then turn off the pressure cooker.
- Carefully drain the cooking water from the potatoes and return them to the pot.
- Add the butter, garlic powder, and black pepper, and mash the potatoes with a potato masher.
- Add the milk or cream 1 tablespoon at a time while whisking the potatoes, until they are smooth and reach the consistency you like.
- Scoop into a bowl, top with a little melted butter, and garnish with parsley or thinly sliced leeks.
NUTRITION
Calories: 225kcal | Carbohydrates: 29g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 26mg | Sodium: 877mg | Potassium: 963mg | Fiber: 5g | Vitamin A: 310IU | Vitamin C: 25mg | Calcium: 92mg | Iron: 7mg
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Sandra says
Looks delicious and love using the instant pot so easy!
Imsen says
that little piece of electronic is making wonders! can't imagine my life without it!
MJ says
We love cooking mashed potatoes in the instant pot! Gonna try some of your topping/mix-in suggestions next time, too. Yum!
Imsen says
glad you liked the recipe!
Mehwish says
Looks Absolutely delicious and easy to follow
Vicky says
I love cooking with my Instant pot since it is so easy to make a delicious meal in a hands off way. This recipe is perfect when you are cooking for a crowd.
TAYLER ROSS says
I'm always looking for new recipes to make in my instant pot, and these potatoes look like a real time saver! Thanks for sharing!
Cara Campbell says
So creamy and delicious - loved the addition of the garlic powder!
Beth says
Mashed potatoes are just about my favorite side dish, and I love getting creative with them. I can't wait to try these.
Imsen says
so happy u liked the recipe!
Ned says
Oh so easy and delicious! I loved making these mashed potatoes in the instant pot!
Imsen says
yeah it is so easy to make! glad you liked the recipe! 😀
Liz says
These were sooo creamy and good! I loved them! I'm adding this to the rotation
Imsen says
so glad you liked the recipe!
Biana says
These mashed potatoes look great! Will be perfect served with chicken and a salad.
Imsen says
yeah for sure it will be perfect with a piece of beef steak too! Glad you liked the recipe!
jill says
You sold me at the sea of beautiful butter on top! fantastic recipe! Thank you.
Imsen says
glad you liked the recipe 😀
Julia says
Easy, quick and delicious love all the flavors!
Imsen says
so happy u liked the recipe
Maayke says
I'm always looking for more instant pot recipes, and this one looks fantastic! I will definitely make these mashed potatoes soon.
Imsen says
instant pot is my fav gadget! it makes my life soooo much easy! glad u liked the recipe!