Creamy, rich, and irresistibly smooth, these Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes are a game-changer for your holiday table or weeknight dinner. No dicing, no draining—just simple, hassle-free cooking with maximum flavor. It’s the perfect solution for time-crunched home cooks.

With only a few ingredients, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality mashed potatoes that stay warm until you’re ready to serve. The combination of half-and-half, butter, and sour cream creates an ultra-luxurious texture that pairs beautifully with any main dish.

Make these mashed potatoes ahead of time and let the Instant Pot’s warm setting keep them ready for a stress-free meal. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing side dish that ensures every bite is creamy and delicious.

Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes Ingredients

At the heart of these Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes is the russet potato, renowned for its fluffy texture, making it the ideal base for creamy goodness. Half-and-half adds a luscious richness that elevates the flavor, while unsalted butter imparts a silky smoothness that melts into every bite. Finally, sour cream introduces a delightful tang, balancing the dish with a hint of zest. Together, these ingredients create a heavenly side dish that complements any meal.

Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes: Elevating Comfort Food

These Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes are not just a side dish; they’re a creamy, indulgent experience that can elevate any meal. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday gathering or a cozy family dinner, this recipe is sure to impress. Here’s how to enhance your cooking experience with some helpful tips, serving suggestions, and answers to common questions.

Recipe Tips

1. Choose the Right Potatoes: For the best results, use medium russet potatoes. They have a high starch content, which leads to fluffy and creamy mashed potatoes. Avoid waxy potatoes, as they can become gummy when mashed.
2. Warm the Dairy: Before adding half-and-half and butter to your potatoes, warm them slightly. This helps maintain the temperature of the dish and ensures a smoother blend with the potatoes, resulting in an even creamier texture.
3. Customize Your Seasoning: While the basic recipe calls for salt and pepper, don’t hesitate to add your favorite herbs or spices. Garlic powder, chives, or even a hint of nutmeg can add a unique twist to your mashed potatoes, allowing for customization to match your meal.

What to Serve with Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes

1. Roasted Chicken: The succulent flavors of roasted chicken pair perfectly with these creamy mashed potatoes. The chicken’s crispy skin and savory juices complement the smoothness of the potatoes, creating a comforting and satisfying plate.
2. Beef Stroganoff: Serve your Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes alongside a hearty beef stroganoff. The rich, creamy sauce of the stroganoff will beautifully meld with the mashed potatoes, creating a decadent combination that’s perfect for any occasion.
3. Vegetable Medley: For a lighter option, a side of sautéed or roasted vegetables adds a colorful and nutritious contrast. Seasonal veggies like green beans, carrots, and Brussels sprouts will not only enhance the meal’s aesthetic but also provide a delightful crunch alongside the creamy potatoes.

FAQ

1. Can I make these mashed potatoes ahead of time?
   Yes! You can prepare the mashed potatoes earlier in the day and keep them on the warm setting in your Instant Pot until you’re ready to serve.
2. Can I freeze leftover mashed potatoes?
   While it’s possible to freeze mashed potatoes, the texture may change once thawed. For best results, store them in the fridge for a few days or use them up within a week.
3. What can I substitute for sour cream?
   Greek yogurt or cream cheese can be excellent alternatives to sour cream. Both options will give a similar creaminess and tang, enhancing the overall flavor of the dish.
4. How can I make these mashed potatoes vegan?
   To make a vegan version, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative, use almond or oat milk instead of half-and-half, and replace sour cream with a vegan sour cream or cashew cream. Adjust seasonings as needed for the best taste.

With these tips, serving suggestions, and FAQs, your Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes are sure to shine at your next meal! Enjoy this classic comfort food with your favorite dishes, and savor the delightful flavors they bring to the table.

Creamy Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes

These delightfully creamy mashed potatoes are incredibly simple to prepare, requiring neither dicing nor draining. Ideal for any occasion, this make-ahead recipe shines particularly during the holiday season when multiple dishes demand your attention. Prepare the potatoes earlier in the day and set them to warm so that they are perfectly heated when you are ready to serve.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 50 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Ingredients

  

• Medium russet potatoes peeled (5 pounds)
• Unsalted butter at room temperature (2 sticks or 1 cup)
• Half-and-half heated (1 1/2 cups)
• Sour cream 1 cup

Instructions

 

• Special equipment:
• A 6-quart Instant Pot
• Begin by placing a rack at the bottom of the 6-quart Instant Pot® and adding 3 cups of water. Next, arrange the stacked potatoes on the rack. Ensure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions for locking the lid and preparing the device for cooking. Set the Instant Pot to pressure cook on high for 15 minutes.
• Once the pressure-cooking cycle concludes, switch off the heat and allow the steam to release naturally for 20 minutes. After this time, follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for steam release, permitting any remaining steam to escape. Carefully unlock and remove the lid, then transfer the potatoes to a large mixing bowl. Incorporate the half-and-half, butter, sour cream, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Using a potato masher, mash the mixture until you achieve your desired consistency and smoothness. Adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper as necessary.

Keyword Creamy Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes