These Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes are rich, creamy, and made without boiling a big pot of water or draining it over the sink. Just peel, cook, and mash right in the Instant Pot for the easiest mashed potatoes your family will ever eat.
The best part is I can make these Instant Pot mashed potatoes without boiling or draining a single pot of water. This easy side dish comes together fast, and it pairs with just about anything my family makes for dinner.
If you love mashed potatoes as much as we do, you’ll also want to try my Garlic Mashed Potatoes and Loaded Mashed Potatoes.
What's in this post: Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
- Why This Recipe Works
- Ingredients
- Variations Ideas
- How to Make Mashed Potatoes in an Instant Pot
- What Should I Use to Mash Potatoes?
- Why Are My Mashed Potatoes Gummy or Gluey?
- Best Potatoes for Mashed Potatoes
- How do I Keep Mashed Potatoes Warm?
- Can you Freeze Mashed Potatoes?
- How to Use Leftover Mashed Potatoes
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What to Serve with Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
- Make Ahead for a Crowd or Holiday
- Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Why This Recipe Works
Making mashed potatoes in the Instant Pot means no big pot of boiling water to babysit and no draining a heavy pot of hot potatoes over the sink. You only need 1 cup of water, so the potatoes practically steam under pressure instead of boiling — which means more of their flavor stays in the potato instead of washing down the drain.
My family loves potatoes any way I make them, and mashed potatoes land on our table almost every Sunday. This is the version I keep going back to because it’s fast, foolproof, and leaves me with one less pot to clean.
Ingredients
Here’s what you need to make creamy Instant Pot mashed potatoes — you probably already have most of it in your kitchen:
- Potatoes – Russet potatoes give you the fluffiest mash, but red potatoes or Yukon Golds work great too. See the potato notes below for how each one turns out.
- Water – Just 1 cup gets the potatoes cooking under pressure. You don’t need to submerge them like you would on the stovetop, which is why there’s no draining required.
- Butter – Adds richness. Regular salted or unsalted butter both work, just adjust the added salt to taste.
- Milk – Whole milk makes these the creamiest. You can also use 2%, half and half, or even chicken broth for a different flavor (see Variations below).
- Salt and pepper – Season to taste, adding a little at a time.
Scroll to the bottom for the full recipe with exact amounts in the recipe card.
Variations Ideas
We love recipes that you can change the ingredients a bit or add to them to change the flavor.
- We like to add sour cream and cream cheese to change up the flavor. Just mix in ½ cup of either of these and it makes the potatoes so rich and creamy.
- Add roasted garlic for delicious creamy garlic mashed potatoes that the entire family will love!
- Also, if you are following an unsaturated fats diet, you can use olive oil instead of butter in this recipe. This recipe is easy to modify to make it perfect for your family.
- You can use chicken broth or heavy cream instead of water.
- Feel free to add in seasoning such as fresh herbs, thyme and rosemary. We even like to serve topped with chives for delicious flavor.
How to Make Mashed Potatoes in an Instant Pot
- Step 1 – Add 1 cup of water to the pressure cooker. Cut the potatoes into evenly sized chunks, about 1 to 2 inches, so they cook at the same rate. This recipe was tested in a 6-quart Instant Pot.
- Step 2 – Next place the lid on top and make sure your valve is sealing position.
- Step 3 – Then click the manual button (this may be called “Pressure Cook” on newer models) and turn it to 6 minutes.
- Step 4 – Use a long spoon or a kitchen towel to turn the valve, and keep your hand and face away from the steam — it’s very hot.
Next Walk away and wait until it beeps. Do the quick release on the top to relieve the high pressure. Then add the whole milk and butter, salt and black pepper. The potatoes are done when a fork slides in easily with no resistance. If they still feel firm, seal the lid and pressure cook for 1-2 more minutes.
- Step 5 — Mix well with an electric hand mixer right in the instant pot or mash the potatoes with a hand potato masher until the potatoes are super smooth. Stop as soon as they’re smooth — overmixing is the #1 cause of gummy mashed potatoes
What Should I Use to Mash Potatoes?
We recommend using a hand mixer to mashed the potatoes. This way you can mash them directly in the instant pot and you don’t have to dirty up another bowl.
Why Are My Mashed Potatoes Gummy or Gluey?
If your mashed potatoes ever turn out gummy instead of light and fluffy, it almost always comes down to overmixing. Potatoes release starch every time you mix them, and the more you mix, the gummier they get. Here’s how to avoid it:
- Stop mixing as soon as they’re smooth. Whether you use a hand mixer or a potato masher, mix just until the lumps are gone.
- If you use a hand mixer, keep it on the lowest speed. A hand mixer works fast, so it’s easy to overdo it. If you’re worried about overmixing, start with a potato masher and only switch to the hand mixer for a few seconds at the end.
- Add the milk and butter warm, not cold. Cold dairy can make the starches seize up and turn the potatoes gluey. Thirty seconds in the microwave is enough to take the chill off.
- Add the milk gradually. Start with half of it, mix, then add more a little at a time until you reach the consistency you like — adding it all at once can leave you with potato soup.
Best Potatoes for Mashed Potatoes
We have used many different potatoes to make delicious mashed potatoes.
- Russet Potatoes – We typically use the russet potato. They seem to take a little longer to make but turn out perfectly.
- Red Potatoes – If I am using the red potatoes, I usually will leave the skin on. It doesn’t seem to bother my kids and I really like how they turn out.
- Yukon Gold Potatoes – Since these are a bit smaller, they don’t take as long to make. Still one of the favorites when making mashed potatoes.
How do I Keep Mashed Potatoes Warm?
I love that I can put the lid back on and the mashed potatoes stay nice and warm in the instant pot. You can also select the keep warm option on your instant pot.
One thing I have learn is to stir them frequently to keep them from burning or sticking to the bottom.
Can you Freeze Mashed Potatoes?
Yes you can freeze mashed potatoes by placing in a freezer safe container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the fridge when ready to reheat.
How to Use Leftover Mashed Potatoes
Did you know that you can use leftover mashed potatoes for another meal? It is easy to repurpose your leftover mashed potatoes. Here are some of my favorites:
- Shepherd’s Pie
- Mashed Potato Cakes
- Potato rolls
- Copycat KFC Bowl Recipe
Frequently Asked Questions
Having runny mashed potatoes is no fun. Mashed potatoes are actually very easy to thicken. See How to Thicken Mashed Potatoes.
It actually doesn’t take very long to cook potatoes in the pressure cooker. Now, for mashed potatoes in instant pot, I only set the timer for only 6 minutes so they are soft enough to mash.
Now if you want your potatoes a bit firmer for a chunkier mashed potatoes I would set the timer for only 4 minutes. Cook time could vary.
Either way you are going to have amazing potatoes.
It depends on the potatoes you use. If I am using russet potatoes, I remove the skin but if I use red potatoes, I leave the skin on.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Reheat the leftovers in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat.
What to Serve with Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes go with almost everything, but here are our family’s favorite pairings:
- Crockpot Spiral Ham
- Fried Chicken Breasts
- Crock Pot Pot Roast
- Crock Pot Pork Tenderloin with Peaches
- Simple Oven Baked Pork Chops
- Crockpot Beef Tips
- Crock Pot BBQ Brisket
Make Ahead for a Crowd or Holiday
One of my favorite things about making mashed potatoes in the Instant Pot is that it frees up your stovetop and oven for everything else — huge on a busy holiday or when you’re cooking for a crowd.
You can make these up to a day ahead. Cook and mash the potatoes as directed, then let them cool, cover, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve, reheat them right in the Instant Pot on the sauté setting, stirring often and adding a splash of warm milk until smooth. This is similar to reheating on the stove top.
You can also use the keep warm setting to hold them at serving temperature for an hour or two before dinner, just stir occasionally so they don’t stick.
More Instant Pot Side Dish Recipes
We love to hear from you. If you make Pressure Cook Mashed Potatoes Recipe, please leave a comment.
Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients
- 2 to 3 lbs potatoes
- 1 cup water
- ½ stick of butter
- 1 cup milk
- salt and pepper to taste
See how we calculate recipe costs.
Instructions
- Peel and cut 2–3 lbs potatoes into chunks.
- Place potatoes in an Instant Pot and add 1 cup water.
- Seal and cook on high pressure for 6 minutes, then do a quick release.
- Add ½ stick butter, 1 cup milk, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Mash until smooth and serve.
This is my favorite IP mashed potato recipe! One caution that I’ve found would be to not add the full cup of milk right off– you may end up with potato soup if you do! I’ve had great success with just adding milk until I like the consistency. Timing is perfect! Always remember to salt your potatoes ?
Thanks for the positive review Ally and for sharing your tips on the recipe. I appreciate it so much and I’m so glad you’re enjoying the site!
This is the only mashed potato recipe I use. It’s so easy, there’s no draining any of the liquid and I just use the potato masher right in the pot. It’s a one pot wonder!
Kristin – Woohoo! You just made my day! Thank you so much for sharing and for the positive review!
Hi Carrie. Could I add sour cream ,if so how much would you recommend for 9lbs? Also what do you think about me using 1/2 & 1/2 instead of milk and again how much to use for 9lbs. Excited to try this one!
Yes, half and half can be used instead of milk in this recipe. If making 9 pounds, I would start with 1 1/2 cup half and half and gradually add more as needed when mashing the potatoes. On the sour cream, I would start with 1 cup and taste test it and add in more if needed. Let me know how they turn out – I’m so glad you’re here!
Very good best recipe I found yet
Esther – Wow! That means a lot. Thank you so much.
My new method for mashed potatoes. Fantastic
I love this idea for mashed potatoes
Thank you so much! I hope you enjoy this recipe!
This recipe looks so easy! Potatoes are a staple for my large family! We cook them a lot and make them stretch for more meals! Thanks for sharing!!
Yes, we do the same for my large family Melissa. Potatoes are a great affordable way to feed a large family on a budget!
What a great recipe to try! My son loves mashed potatoes, and this looks like a simple recipe to use. Thank you for all the great and simple recipes for families on the go.
Thank you so much for sharing Deanna and thank you for the positive review!
I can’t wait to try this. I love mashed potatoes. I’m making it this weekend.
Thank you for all of your recipes. I l always love them.
I love how quick these are made!
I do too! I love this easy way to make homemade mashed potatoes!
These are so good and easy to make!
Yes! Definitely! Thank you so much for sharing and for the positive review!
These potatoes are the bomb! I have these with Pot Roast, gravy and fresh green beans. My family loves potatoes. Thank you for sharing……
Yum! That sounds like an amazing meal! Thank you so much for sharing!
This recipe looks quick and easy to travel if you need to bring a side to any event. Thank you for sharing. I will be sure to try at my next event!
This recipe is amazing truly the best mashed potatoes.
Yes, I agree! They are truly very delicious and simple to make!
I’ve made these before and they are easy quick and delicious. Thank you for this recipe. I look forward to many more
Thank you so much Lynn!
I love making mashed potatoes in the Instant pot, so easy so good!
Yes! I agree Sheila! They are perfect every time.
Looks easy!
It truly is very easy.
Love these mashed potatoes.
Thank you so much Lyn!
So simple! I am definitely trying this method.
Yes! It’s the only way I make mashed potatoes now!
Mashed potatoes was the first thing in cooked in my very first Instant Pot back in 2014. They’re always perfect, and I’ve found that your ratio of butter to milk (I always use whole milk) is ideal.
I’m so glad to hear that Duffy! Thank you so sharing and thank you for the positive review!
So easy to make!
I don’t have an instant pot but my daughter makes her mashed potatoes in her instant pot frequently. It does look like an easy way to make them.
I will certainly be trying these! I never thought about using an instant pot
It’s a game changer Valerie! I hope you try them out and let us know what you think!
Yum! These sound easy and delicious!
They definitely are!
The pressure cooker potatoes are great, I add a little sour cream.
Yum! I bet sour cream is amazing in this recipe!
My family loves mashed potatoes. Will try this
Yes, mine do too – I hope you try this recipe and that you enjoy it!
Love my instant pot!
We do too! Thank you so much for sharing.
I really wish I had an insta pot, you make it look so easy and they look like the best mash spuds
I highly recommend investing in one. It makes cooking in the kitchen so easy!
Love instant pot recipes for the ease and how quickly they come together. Looking forward to trying this
Yes, I agree! I hope you try out this easy recipe and let me know what you think!
I absolutely love how simple it is to make mashed potatoes in the insta pot. I will be making them this way from now on. I also love that I don’t need to dirty more dishes! That’s always a bonus. ?
Yes, I agree on the dishes too Stacey! This is the only way I make mashed potatoes now!
May now be looking to buy an insta pot…
Yes, it is a game changer in the kitchen for sure!
Superb recipe! It’s the only way I’ll make mashed potatoes now. Thanks for sharing
Yes, me too! So easy and delicious every time!
It was very delicious. My kids loved them.
I’m so glad to hear this Ann! Thank you for sharing and thank you for the positive review!
So fast!!!’ Thank you.
Woohoo!
Very quick and easy!
I have to making my mashed potatoes this way!!!!
Thank you.
Yes! I hope you love it Francisca!
OMG, why did I not know how to make mash potatoes in my IP. For years I have stood over my pot on the stove waiting for the potatoes to get done. Then rush to drain them so I could mash them while they were still hot. I can’t believe how fast it was to get dinner on the table. Thank you for showing me a quicker way to make mash potatoes, and not to mention, they are delicious.
Yes, it’s a game changer! I hope you enjoy it!
Nothing better than some good mashed potatoes!
Yes, I agree!
Looking forward to trying this recipe!
Looks easy and yummy!
Thank you so much Theresa! I hope you try them out!
Well thank you! I will make this recipe today with my roast chicken
This recipe is so simple, quick, easy and delicious.
I will have to try this method of making mashed potatoes. Looks yummy and easy.
It’s my favorite way to make mashed potatoes. I hope you try it out and let me know what you think!
these recipes are wonderful, minimal ingredients, and love potatoes any way we can make them. keep up the good work. joyce
We love an easy mashed potatoes recipe. You have to try this IP recipe!
So yummy
Loved to make these in an Instant Pot!
Love these Mash Potatoes!
Delicious side dish! So creamy!
So good and so easy to follow — highly recommend this recipe! This is the only way I will make mashed potatoes now!
Love using your recipe for a reminder on the cook time and amount of water! Potatoes did not cook right for me when I used a recipe with a lot of water!! Also, I like to use sour cream and a little milk as needed. For me, mashed potatoes are fluffier and reheat better with the sour cream.
Halved the recipe. These mashed potatoes are delicious! Thank you!
So delicious and so easy! I will never go back to the old fashion way of boiling potatoes for mashed potatoes. Thank you for this recipe!
Would lean more towards the 3lbs of potatoes, as I stuck to 2.5 and they are watery as heck. But tasty!
This really is the easiest way to make mashed potatoes. I will never do them on the stovetop again.
These are easy and delicious. It is so handy to leave the water in the pot. I usually use cream but I don’t need much with the water.
Great to hear – Thanks for sharing!
Did you use manual high pressure or low pressure?
I make these on high pressure. Thank you!
Could you do this in a 3qt mini pot with the same amount of potatoes?
I haven’t tried it but it should work as long as you are not above the fill line in the instant pot. Thanks.
Simple and delicious. I also added a little sour cream & Heavy Whipping Cream in place of the milk. They were amazing.
I’ve been looking for and IP Mashed Potato Recipe where you don’t have to DRAIN the water after cooking potatoes. This worked out great. I have added it to my FAVORITES. Thanks.
Could you leave peels on potatoes?
Yes, if you like peels in your mashed potatoes, you are fine to leave the peels on. Thanks!
If you double the recipe do you need to double water as well?
can you use milk instead of water?
Carrie, I have the instant pot also. Do you think that I could double the recipe? Would the time change?
Patsy, yes you could and I think you could easily double it, as long as it is under the line. I would probably add a minute or two to the sealing time.
Carrie which Instant pot/pressure cooker do you actually have?
Marsie, I have the Instant pot.