When you need a delectable side dish that saves both time and stove space, turn to Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes. Whether it’s a special holiday dinner or a busy workweek night, this recipe is a game-changer. By harnessing the Instant Pot’s pressure-cooking magic, you can have perfectly creamy mashed potatoes in just about 30 minutes, which is nearly half the time it takes when boiling them conventionally.
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The Speedy Secret: Pressure Cooking
The secret to the efficiency of Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes lies in the Instant Pot’s pressure-cooking function. It dramatically reduces the time it takes to cook potatoes to perfection. Here’s how to do it:
- Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 lb. russet potatoes (about 8), peeled and cut into 2" pieces
- 4 garlic cloves, lightly smashed
- 4½ tsp. Diamond Crystal or 2¼ tsp. Morton kosher salt (divided)
- 1 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cut into ½" pieces (plus more for serving, if desired)
- 1 tsp. freshly ground pepper (plus more)
- Thinly sliced chives (for serving; optional)
- Pressure Cooking Process:
- Place the peeled and cut potatoes, smashed garlic cloves, 2 tsp. of salt, and 4 cups of water in your Instant Pot.
- Lock the lid and set the Instant Pot to cook at high pressure for 12 minutes. (It will take about 15–20 minutes to come to pressure.)
- Manually release the pressure when done, then remove the lid and drain the potatoes.
Creamy and Flavorful Finish
Now that your potatoes are perfectly cooked, it’s time to finish them up for that creamy, flavorful goodness.
- The Mashing and Mixing:
- Transfer the cooked potatoes back to the warm Instant Pot insert.
- Use a potato masher to smash the hot potatoes until they’re mostly smooth.
- Add the 1 cup of butter pieces, ½ cup of whole milk, ¼ cup of sour cream, 1 tsp. of freshly ground pepper, and the remaining 2½ tsp. of salt.
- Stir until the butter is melted, and the sour cream is thoroughly mixed with the potatoes.
- If you prefer your mashed potatoes smoother, continue mashing until they reach your desired consistency.
- Taste and season with more salt and pepper if needed.
Ready to Serve
Your Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes are now ready to be served. Here’s a pro tip:
- Keeping Them Warm:
- Utilize the Instant Pot’s "keep warm" function to serve your mashed potatoes directly from the pot. This ensures they stay warm throughout your meal, even if you make them ahead of time.
- Impressive Presentation:
- For an elegant presentation, use the back of a spoon to create beautiful swirls on the surface of your mashed potatoes.
- Top them off with a few more pats of butter and a garnish of thinly sliced chives.
- Voilà! You have a showstopping side dish that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat.
So there you have it, the art of making Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes. With this recipe, you’ll save time, space, and effort in the kitchen while delivering a dish that’s sure to please. Say goodbye to long hours of boiling potatoes, and say hello to creamy perfection with the Instant Pot!
Enhance Your Mashed Potatoes Experience
How to make mashed potatoes in Instant Pot?
Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes: The Quickest and Smoothest Recipe
Looking for the quickest and smoothest way to make mashed potatoes in your Instant Pot? Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 5 lbs russet potatoes (about 7 medium/large potatoes), peeled and quartered
- 1 cup water or chicken broth
- 1 tsp salt
- Instant Pot Setup:
- Insert the trivet into the Instant Pot bowl.
- Cooking Process:
- Add 1 cup of water or chicken broth to the Instant Pot.
- Place the peeled and quartered russet potatoes onto the trivet.
- Sprinkle 1 tsp of salt over the potatoes.
- Pressure Cook:
- Lock the Instant Pot lid and set it to cook at high pressure for the recommended time (usually around 8-10 minutes).
- Release Pressure:
- Carefully perform a quick pressure release when the cooking cycle is complete.
- Mash and Serve:
- Once safe to do so, remove the lid and mash the cooked potatoes to your desired consistency.
- Serve your silky-smooth Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes and enjoy!
With this easy Instant Pot recipe, you’ll have perfect mashed potatoes in no time, making it a hassle-free addition to any meal.
How long do you cook potatoes in an Instant Pot?
Wondering how long to cook potatoes in your Instant Pot for that perfect mash? Here’s a quick and easy guide:
- Pressure Cooking Time:
- Set your Instant Pot to manual pressure and cook for 8 minutes.
- Release Pressure:
- When the timer goes off, turn off the Instant Pot and perform a quick pressure release.
- Prep the Potatoes:
- Drain the cooked potatoes and return them to the Instant Pot.
- Final Touches:
- Add the remaining ingredients:
- Salt
- Pepper
- Garlic powder
- Butter
- Milk
- Sour cream
- Mash to Perfection:
- Mash the ingredients until the potatoes are smooth and creamy.
- Serve with Style:
- If you like, top your delicious Instant Pot mashed potatoes with a sprinkle of parsley for that finishing touch.
With these simple steps, you’ll have your perfectly cooked and flavorful mashed potatoes ready to enjoy in no time.
How do you make vegan mashed potatoes?
Want to create delectable vegan mashed potatoes? Follow these simple steps:
- Cook and Mash:
- Prepare your mashed potatoes using your preferred method. The Instant Pot method is speedy and efficient.
- Add Vegan Butter (Optional):
- While the potatoes are still warm, mix in vegan butter to taste if desired. This step adds a creamy texture and rich flavor to your vegan mash.
- Garnish with Herbs:
- Enhance the presentation and flavor by topping your vegan mashed potatoes with a sprinkle of fresh chives or parsley before serving.
By following these steps, you can delight your guests, including those with dairy-free preferences, with a delicious batch of vegan mashed potatoes. Enjoy this cruelty-free twist on a classic dish!
How much butter should I use for mashed potatoes?
When it comes to making extraordinary mashed potatoes, the amount of butter you use can make a significant difference. Here’s a guideline:
- For Special Occasions or Crowds:
- For those special gatherings or when serving a larger group, we recommend using between ¾ lb (341g) to 1 lb (454g) of unsalted butter. This generous amount of butter is the key to elevating your mashed potatoes to the next level of creamy indulgence.
By following this butter guideline, you’ll ensure that your mashed potatoes are rich, velvety, and absolutely delightful. So go ahead, treat your taste buds and make those mashed potatoes unforgettable!
