There’s something about mashed potatoes that feels like a warm hug on a cold day—comfort food at its finest, right? And when life gets busy, as it always seems to (especially with all those unpredictable TikTok trends these days), this Easy Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes recipe saves the day. With minimal effort and maximum creamy goodness, it’s perfect for those evenings when you crave something homemade but just can’t even with the stove.
Steps
- Start by peeling three pounds of potatoes, which is approximately six medium-sized potatoes. Cut each peeled potato into large round slices, around 4-5 rounds per potato.
- Place the potato slices into the instant pot and cover them completely with water, requiring about 4-5 cups depending on the pot size. Add 1/2 teaspoon of salt for seasoning.
- Secure the lid on the instant pot, set the valve to sealed, and select manual cooking for 8 minutes. Allow 8-10 minutes for the pot to reach pressure before cooking begins.
- Once cooking is complete, perform a quick release of the pressure. Drain the cooked potatoes and return them to the instant pot with the power off.
- Incorporate the remaining salt, pepper, garlic powder, butter, milk, and sour cream into the drained potatoes. Mash the potatoes manually or use a hand-held mixer for a smoother consistency.
- Taste the mashed potatoes and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Serve immediately, optionally garnishing with parsley for added flavor and presentation.
Ingredients
- 3 pounds of potatoes (approximately 6 medium potatoes), peeled and sliced into large rounds
- 4-5 cups of water (enough to cover the potatoes in the pot)
- 1 teaspoon salt (1/2 teaspoon for cooking, additional for seasoning)
- Pepper, to taste
- Garlic powder, optional, to taste
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup sour cream
FAQ
- Can I leave the skin on the potatoes when making Instant Pot mashed potatoes?
- While the recipe suggests peeling the potatoes, you can leave the skin on if you prefer. However, the author has not tested this method since they prefer smooth mashed potatoes without the skin.
- How should I cut the potatoes for this recipe?
- Slice each potato into large rounds, approximately 4-5 slices per potato. There is no need to cut them into small cubes, which helps save time during preparation.
- What is the cooking time for mashed potatoes in the Instant Pot?
- Set the Instant Pot to manual pressure for 8 minutes. Remember that it will take an additional 8-10 minutes for the pot to reach full pressure before the cooking time begins.
- Can I double this mashed potato recipe in a 6 or 8-quart Instant Pot?
- Yes, you can double the recipe using either a 6 or 8-quart Instant Pot without any issues.
- What kind of seasoning is added to the mashed potatoes?
- After cooking, add salt, pepper, garlic powder, butter, milk, and sour cream to the potatoes. Garlic powder is optional, but it adds an extra layer of flavor that many enjoy. Always adjust the seasoning to suit your personal taste preferences.
Tips
- When preparing the potatoes, there’s no need to cube them; simply slice each one into large rounds. This saves time and ensures even cooking in the Instant Pot.
- To enhance the flavor of your mashed potatoes, consider adding garlic powder along with the butter, milk, and sour cream. Adjust the seasoning to your taste preference for the best results.
- Use a hand-held mixer to whip the potatoes after mashing them. This technique helps achieve a smoother, creamier texture.
- Remember to taste your mashed potatoes before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed. Personalizing the salt and pepper levels can make a significant difference in flavor.
Equipment
- Instant Pot (Pressure Cooker)
- Hand-held Mixer
