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4.7 from 924 votes

Life-Changing Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes

A versatile and tasty recipe that’s quick to prepare and easy to enjoy.

Prep Time
32 mins
Cook Time
32 mins
Total Time
40 mins
Servings: 6 Servings
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 4 pounds potatoes peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes (see note about type of potatoes)
  • 2 teaspoons coarse kosher salt
  • 1 cup milk preferably not skim
  • 4 tablespoons butter cut into tablespoon-size pieces
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ cup sour cream

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Add the potatoes and salt to the Instant Pot insert (6-quart). Add at least 1 1/2 cups water or enough to cover the potatoes (either way is fine). Don't exceed the max fill line.
  2. Secure the lid on the Instant Pot, making sure the valve is set to "seal" and not "vent."
  3. Select Manual and then dial up or down to 8 minutes. The IP will start on its own.
  4. While the potatoes cook, warm the milk, butter and garlic powder in a saucepan or microwave-safe container until the butter is melted and the mixture is warm.
  5. When the potatoes are done cooking, quick release the pressure. If liquid bubbles and spurts from the valve, cover loosely with a damp dishcloth while the pressure releases.
  6. Drain the potatoes in a colander over the sink, discarding the cooking liquid.
  7. Return the potatoes to the insert of the Instant Pot and coarsely mash.
  8. Add the 2/3 of the butter/milk mixture along with the sour cream, and mash until the potatoes are the desired texture, as smooth or as chunky as you like, adding more of the remaining milk/butter mixture if you want creamier, less stiff mashed potatoes (I usually add it all).
  9. Add salt and pepper to taste.
  10. Serve immediately OR return the insert to the Instant Pot, secure the lid, and select Keep Warm. The potatoes can stay on this setting for up to three hours.
  11. When ready to serve, give the potatoes a good stir and a drizzle of warm milk, if needed.

Notes

  • Potatoes: my favorite type(s) of potatoes to use for mashing are a combination of red potatoes and Yukon gold potatoes. But you can definitely vary the type of potato used in this recipe without altering cooking time. 
  • Instant Pot: I buy potatoes in bulk (I do live in Idaho after all), so I always weigh out the 4 pounds (or 8 pounds if using my 8-quart Instant Pot) for this recipe, but you should be able to fit in a commonly sold 5-pound bag of potatoes into the 6-quart Instant Pot, as long as the max fill line isn't exceeded after water is added. Just increase the milk/butter/sour cream/garlic powder a smudge to account for the extra pound.

Nutrition Information

Serving 1 Serving Calories 344kcal (17%) Carbohydrates 56g (19%) Protein 8g (16%) Fat 10g (15%) Saturated Fat 6g (30%) Cholesterol 29mg (10%) Sodium 891mg (37%) Fiber 7g (28%) Sugar 4g (8%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6Servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories

% Daily Value*

Serving 1 Serving
Calories 344kcal 17%
Carbohydrates 56g 19%
Protein 8g 16%
Fat 10g 15%
Saturated Fat 6g 30%
Cholesterol 29mg 10%
Sodium 891mg 37%
Fiber 7g 28%
Sugar 4g 8%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.