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Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes Recipe

4.6 from 82 reviews

These creamy Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes are a quick and easy side dish made using russet or Yukon Gold potatoes cooked to perfection with chicken stock and water. Enhanced with butter, half and half, and sour cream, this recipe yields fluffy, flavorful mashed potatoes in a fraction of the traditional cooking time.

Ingredients

Scale

Potatoes and Cooking Liquid

  • 4 pounds russet potatoes or Yukon Gold, peeled and sliced
  • 3 cups low sodium chicken stock (or broth or water)
  • 3 cups water
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt (divided)

Finishing Ingredients

  • ½ cup unsalted butter
  • ¼ cup half and half or whole milk
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Prepare Potatoes: Place the peeled and sliced potatoes into the Instant Pot. Add chicken stock, water, and 1 teaspoon of kosher salt. Ensure the liquid covers the potatoes completely by adding more water if needed. Stir briefly to distribute the salt evenly.
  2. Pressure Cook: Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the pressure valve to sealing. Select the ‘MANUAL HIGH’ setting and set the timer for 12 minutes. Once finished, use the ‘QUICK RELEASE’ method to release the remaining pressure immediately.
  3. Drain and Mash: Carefully drain any remaining liquid from the Instant Pot. Using a potato masher, mash the potatoes to a smooth consistency.
  4. Heat Butter and Half and Half: In a small saucepan, warm the unsalted butter and half and half (or whole milk) over low heat until the butter is fully melted and combined.
  5. Combine with Potatoes: Pour the warm butter and half and half mixture over the mashed potatoes and stir well to incorporate.
  6. Add Sour Cream and Season: Mix in the sour cream, remaining 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and ground black pepper. Stir thoroughly. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired with additional salt or pepper.
  7. Serve: Transfer the mashed potatoes to a serving bowl, garnish with extra butter and ground black pepper if desired.
  8. Enjoy: Serve hot as a comforting side dish and enjoy!

Notes

  • Use russet potatoes for a fluffier texture or Yukon Gold for a creamier mash.
  • Adjust liquid quantities as needed to ensure potatoes are fully submerged for even cooking.
  • For a richer flavor, substitute half and half with whole milk or heavy cream.
  • To save time, you can peel the potatoes while the Instant Pot is heating up.
  • Mashed potatoes are best served immediately but can be kept warm in the Instant Pot’s ‘Keep Warm’ setting for up to 30 minutes.
  • Can be made dairy-free by substituting butter and sour cream with plant-based alternatives.

Keywords: Instant Pot mashed potatoes, creamy mashed potatoes, quick mashed potatoes, comfort food side dish, easy potato recipe