Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes

Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes

Ingredients

  • 5 lb. Yukon Gold potatoes

    peeled and quartered

  • 2 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
    plus more to taste
  • 2 sticks salted butter

    plus more for serving

  • 12 oz. cream cheese
  • 1/2 c. half-and-half
  • 1/2 c. heavy cream
  • 1/2 tsp. seasoned salt

    such as Lawry's

  • 1 tsp. black pepper

    plus more for serving

Directions

  1. 1

    Add the potatoes to a 6- or 8-quart Instant Pot. Add 1 1/2 cups water and 1 teaspoon kosher salt. Secure the lid and set the pressure valve to sealing. Using the pressure-cooking mode, set to 10 minutes. (Note that it will take some time for the pressure to build up; from there, the automatic 10-minute clock begins!)

  2. 2

    When the cook time is up, with a wooden spoon, carefully turn the valve to venting to let the pressure release quickly. After the pressure has been fully released (you’ll see the button pop down), remove the lid. There may be some water on the bottom of the pot; if there is any, remove the insert and drain the water off.

  3. 3

    Mash the potatoes, letting as much steam escape as possible. Add the butter, cream cheese, half-and-half, heavy cream, seasoned salt, remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt and the pepper to the potatoes. Stir until everything is melted and combined. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed.

  4. 4

    Transfer the potatoes to a serving dish, sprinkle with extra pepper and top with a pat of butter.

Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes

Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes

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About this Recipe

Tired of lumpy, gluey mashed potatoes that take forever to make? This Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes recipe delivers incredibly creamy, restaurant-quality results with minimal fuss. You'll achieve that coveted fluffy texture without constant stovetop stirring, making it perfect for busy weeknights or holiday feasts.

Why This Recipe Works

The magic lies in combining the efficiency of the Instant Pot with a roster of rich, full-fat dairy ingredients. Using Yukon Gold potatoes is key; their naturally creamy, less starchy flesh breaks down beautifully without becoming gummy. The generous addition of salted butter, cream cheese, half-and-half, and heavy cream ensures a decadent, velvety texture that’s bursting with flavor.

Expect a supremely smooth, luxurious side dish that’s rich and comforting. These aren't your average mashed potatoes; they are a step above, providing a depth of flavor and a silky mouthfeel that will have everyone asking for seconds. Despite the indulgent ingredient list, the Instant Pot handles the cooking with impressive ease, making this a surprisingly hands-off way to achieve gourmet results.

Customization & Variations

While this recipe is designed for ultimate richness, you can adjust some components. For a slightly lighter version, you could swap some of the heavy cream or half-and-half for whole milk, though the texture will be less intensely creamy. If you prefer less tang, you could reduce the amount of cream cheese. For an herby twist, fold in fresh chopped chives or roasted garlic at the end.

Serve these rich mashed potatoes as a show-stopping side dish for roasted meats, stews, or any meal where a comforting, flavorful accompaniment is desired. A pat of extra butter and a sprinkle of black pepper on top make for an elegant presentation.

Frequently Asked Questions