This Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes recipe is so creamy, and packed with flavors! It is super easy and quick to make and only requires a few ingredients. The best is that you can make it in under 30 minutes in the Instant Pot.
Preparing the ingredients just takes a few minutes; the rest is handled by your Instant Pot. You can make the mashed potatoes with garlic either rough and textured or creamy and smooth. You'll appreciate how easy it is to create these mashed potatoes, no matter how you like to eat them.
The most incredibly soft and creamy mashed potatoes of your life will be ready in just 20 minutes. This is the kind of recipe that motivates me to love my job as a food blogger. Because it allows me to produce the best instant pot garlic mashed potatoes in my home, taste-test them, and then share them with you guys.
Looking for more quick and easy recipes for your instant pot? Check my Instant Pot Chicken Fajitas, Instant Pot Chicken Drumsticks, or Instant Pot Chicken Tenders.
Jump to:
- 🌟Why You'll Love This Mashed Potatoes
- 🧾 Ingredients for Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes
- 📖 Variations
- 👩🏻🍳 How to Make Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes
- 🥣 How to Serve
- 💭 Recipe Pro Tips
- ❄️ Storing and Reheating Mashed Potatoes
- 📋 Recipe FAQ
- 🥟 More Quick and Easy-to-Make Recipes:
- 📖 Recipe
- Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes
- 💬 Comments
🌟Why You'll Love This Mashed Potatoes
- Effortless Preparation: The Instant Pot streamlines the cooking process, significantly reducing the time and effort required to make perfect garlic mashed potatoes. With the pressure-cooking function, the potatoes cook quickly and evenly, resulting in a creamy texture without the need for constant monitoring. This recipe allows you to achieve a homemade, flavorful side dish with minimal hands-on time.
- Rich Garlic Flavor: The infusion of minced garlic during the pressure-cooking stage imparts a deep and rich flavor to the potatoes. As the garlic cloves cook under pressure, their essence is absorbed by the potatoes, creating a robust and savory taste throughout the dish. The result is a garlic-infused mashed potato that elevates the classic side to a whole new level of deliciousness.
- Creamy and Luxurious Texture: The combination of butter, milk, or heavy cream, along with the cooking broth, contributes to the velvety and luxurious texture of these mashed potatoes. The Instant Pot not only ensures the potatoes are perfectly cooked but also facilitates easy mashing and blending of the ingredients. The result is a creamy and indulgent side dish that will satisfy even the most discerning palates.
- Versatile and Customizable: This recipe serves as a fantastic base, but it's also highly adaptable to personal preferences. Whether you prefer the earthy flavor of Yukon Gold potatoes or the starchy richness of Russets, you can choose the variety that suits your taste. Additionally, the seasoning can be adjusted to your liking—add more garlic for an extra kick, or customize the level of creaminess by adjusting the amount of butter and milk. This versatility ensures that the recipe can be tailored to meet the unique tastes of your family or guests.
🧾 Ingredients for Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes
This is an overview of the ingredients needed to make this instant pot garlic mashed potatoes. The full list and detailed instructions are down below in the recipe card!
- Potatoes - Yukon Gold is very popular. Russet potatoes, however, also work nicely in my opinion. Use old potatoes instead of new ones since they cook unevenly, release more water, and are more difficult to mash. When cooking mashed potatoes, older potatoes are your best buddy.
- Butter - Unsalted Butter
- Garlic powder
- Black pepper and salt - Salt and Pepper to taste.
- Parsley
- Milk - Although you can alternatively use heavy cream or half and half, I used standard whole-fat milk.
I'm not too particular when I'm making mashed potatoes for my two-person family or just myself. The nutrient content of the potato peel is substantial.
You only need to cube the potatoes with the skin on when cooking these Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes with the No Drain method.
📖 Variations
Here are some creative variations to the Instant Pot garlic mashed potatoes recipe to add even more flair to this classic side dish:
- Loaded Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Top your garlic mashed potatoes with classic loaded baked potato toppings. Add shredded cheddar cheese, crispy bacon bits, and a dollop of sour cream for a hearty and indulgent twist.
- Roasted Garlic Infusion: For a milder and slightly sweet garlic flavor, roast the garlic cloves before adding them to the Instant Pot. Drizzle the garlic with olive oil, wrap it in foil, and roast in the oven until soft. Then, mix the roasted garlic into the mashed potatoes for a more nuanced taste.
- Herb-Infused Mashed Potatoes: Elevate the flavor profile by adding a medley of fresh herbs. Chopped rosemary, thyme, and parsley can be mixed into the mashed potatoes or used as a garnish for a burst of herbal freshness.
- Cheesy Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Stir in your favorite cheese for an extra layer of richness. Sharp cheddar, Parmesan, or even creamy blue cheese can add a delightful cheesy dimension to the mashed potatoes.
- Caramelized Onion and Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Sauté thinly sliced onions until caramelized and mix them into the mashed potatoes along with the garlic. The sweet and savory combination of caramelized onions adds a depth of flavor that complements the garlic perfectly.
- Spicy Garlic Mashed Potatoes: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the mashed potatoes. You can also incorporate a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick.
- Truffle Oil Elegance: Elevate your mashed potatoes to a gourmet level by drizzling a small amount of truffle oil over the finished dish. The earthy aroma of truffle oil pairs exceptionally well with the garlic, creating a sophisticated flavor profile.
- Mashed Sweet Potatoes and Garlic Blend: Combine traditional potatoes with sweet potatoes for a unique twist. The natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes complements the savory garlic, resulting in a delightful and colorful mash.
- Mashed Potato Casserole: Transfer the mashed potatoes to a baking dish, sprinkle with breadcrumbs and cheese, and bake until golden brown. This creates a delicious mashed potato casserole with a crispy, cheesy crust.
👩🏻🍳 How to Make Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes
- Prepare the Potatoes: Start by peeling and dicing the potatoes into evenly sized chunks. This ensures that they cook uniformly in the Instant Pot.
- Set Up the Instant Pot: Place the diced potatoes into the Instant Pot and add the chicken or vegetable broth. The broth not only infuses additional flavor but also prevents the potatoes from sticking to the bottom.
- Add Garlic: Sprinkle the minced garlic over the potatoes. Garlic lovers can add more cloves for an extra punch of flavor.
- Set Cooking Time: Secure the Instant Pot lid, set the valve to the sealing position, and select the "Manual" or "Pressure Cook" setting. Adjust the cooking time to 8 minutes on high pressure.
- Natural Release: Once the cooking cycle completes, allow for a natural pressure release for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully release any remaining pressure by turning the valve to the venting position.
- Mash and Season: Open the Instant Pot and drain any excess liquid from the potatoes. Add butter, milk, or heavy cream to the potatoes and start mashing with a potato masher. Continue mashing until the desired consistency is achieved.
- Adjust Seasoning: Season the mashed potatoes with salt and pepper to taste. Keep in mind that the broth and butter already add some saltiness, so adjust accordingly.
- Garnish and Serve: Transfer the mashed potatoes to a serving dish, and if desired, garnish with chopped fresh chives or parsley for a pop of color and added freshness.
🥣 How to Serve
Serve the garlic mashed potatoes as a classic side dish alongside your favorite main courses. It pairs exceptionally well with roasted chicken, grilled steak, turkey, or meatloaf. The creamy texture and rich flavor make it a comforting addition to any meal.
- Holiday Feast: Elevate your holiday table by featuring garlic mashed potatoes as a festive side. Pair it with roast turkey, ham, or prime rib. The savory garlic notes add a festive touch to the meal, making it a perfect addition to Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner.
- Mashed Potato Bar: Create a mashed potato bar for a fun and interactive dining experience. Set out various toppings and let guests customize their servings. Offer options like shredded cheese, chives, crispy bacon bits, sour cream, gravy, and even sautéed mushrooms.
- Shepherd's Pie Topping: Use the garlic mashed potatoes as a delicious topping for shepherd's pie. Layer the mashed potatoes over a slice of savory meat and vegetable filling, then bake until golden brown for a comforting and hearty meal.
- Appetizer or Canapé Base: Serve smaller portions of garlic mashed potatoes as a base for appetizers or canapés. Top them with smoked salmon, caramelized onions, or a dollop of caviar for an elegant and tasty starter.
- Stuffed Vegetables: Use the garlic mashed potatoes as a filling for vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or baked potatoes. This creates a flavorful and satisfying vegetarian dish.
- Lunchbox Treat: Pack leftover garlic mashed potatoes in lunch boxes for a tasty and comforting lunch. Reheat them in the microwave and enjoy a delicious and satisfying midday meal.
- Family-style Gathering: Place the Instant Pot on the table, allowing everyone to serve themselves family-style. This casual and communal approach encourages sharing and ensures that everyone gets their desired portion.
- Soup Topping: Float a dollop of garlic mashed potatoes on top of a bowl of soup, such as creamy potato soup or roasted garlic soup. The potatoes add a creamy and hearty element to the soup, creating a comforting combination.
- Brunch Delight: Incorporate garlic mashed potatoes into a brunch menu. Serve alongside eggs, bacon, and toast for a hearty and satisfying brunch dish.
💭 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 according to your preference. If you love a strong garlic flavor, consider adding more cloves. You can also roast the garlic beforehand for a milder and slightly sweet flavor.
- Use Chicken or Vegetable Broth: Adding broth to the Instant Pot not only prevents sticking but also infuses additional flavor into the potatoes. Choose chicken or vegetable broth based on your preference.
- Natural Release for Creaminess: Allow for a natural pressure release for about 10 minutes after the cooking cycle. This helps retain the moisture in the potatoes, resulting in a creamier texture.
- Drain Excess Liquid: Once the Instant Pot is opened, drain any excess cooking liquid from the potatoes. 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 cooking broth and butter may already add some saltiness, so it's essential to adjust the seasoning carefully.
❄️ Storing and Reheating Mashed Potatoes
- Refrigeration: Allow the mashed potatoes to cool to room temperature before refrigerating. Transfer the leftovers to an airtight container, ensuring there is minimal air exposure. Refrigerate within two hours of cooking.
- Labeling: If you're storing mashed potatoes for an extended period, it's a good practice to label the container with the date to keep track of freshness.
- Storage Duration: Garlic mashed potatoes can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days.
For up to 3–4 months, mashed potatoes freeze well! I prefer to freeze them in cubes so that I may remove servings that are the right size whenever I want.
When ready to serve, microwave the potatoes with a little milk or water or let them defrost overnight.
📋 Recipe FAQ
Secure the Instant Pot lid, set the valve to the sealing position, and select the "Manual" or "Pressure Cook" setting. Adjust the cooking time to 8 minutes on high pressure.
Yes, you can freeze mashed potatoes, but it's essential to follow the proper steps to ensure they maintain their texture and flavor when thawed and reheated.
The simplest way to thicken mashed potatoes is to add more cooked and mashed potatoes to the mixture. Boil, mash, and incorporate additional potatoes until the desired thickness is achieved.
🥟 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)
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
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
- Potatoes should be peeled and diced into 1-inch chunks.
- To the instant pot, add the potatoes, water, garlic, and salt.
- Choose PRESSURE. Cook at HIGH pressure for 6 minutes with the pressure valve sealed.
- Quick Release and switch on the pressure cooker.
- Start mashing the potatoes with a potato masher after adding the butter.
- Optional Step: Add the heavy cream, 1 tablespoon at a time, while whisking the potatoes.
- Thus, the mashed potatoes will be much more smooth.
- To achieve the correct consistency, add more cream.
- Scoop into a bowl, add melted butter, and top with chives or parsley for decoration.
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!