Best Mashed Potatoes Recipe (Instant Pot)

Buttery creamy mashed potatoes all done in 30 minutes in the Instant Pot! This is the best mashed potatoes recipe for Thanksgiving!

Yes, we have the perfect mashed potato recipe already posted on the blog, but I love that this recipe can all be done in the Instant Pot freeing up the stove top for other things (hello No Fuss Stuffing!). And the flavor of Yukon gold potatoes just can’t be beat!

Use your Instant Pot for these delicious mashed potatoes your entire family will enjoy. This step-by-step recipe will help you get the perfect consistency and taste.

a photo of a large serving bowl full of creamy mashed potatoes topped with a pat of melting butter and sprinkled with fresh herbs.

Ingredients for Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes

You only need 5 ingredients to make these perfect mashed potatoes. Here is what you will need:

  • Yukon Gold Potatoes: You will need about 8 potatoes (or 4-5 large).
    • PRO TIP: You can also use Russet potatoes if desired, but the taste of Yukon gold is unbeatable.
  • Salt: Adds flavor
  • Cream Cheese: Use full fat, no low fat or fat free.
  • Whole Milk: Cream can also be used.
  • Butter: Adds flavor and richness

The measurements for each ingredient are listed in the recipe card at the end of the post.

a photo of a bowl full of peeled whole potatoes submerged in water.

How to Make the Best Mashed Potatoes Video

Here are the step-by-step instructions for making mashed potatoes in the Instant Pot. It’s easy peasy!

  1. Set the cream cheese out to come to room temperature.
  2. Melt the butter on the stove top or in the microwave.
  3. Peel and quarter the potatoes.
  4. Add the potatoes to the Instant Pot and add enough water to cover them. Add the salt.
  5. Put the lid on the Instant Pot and seal it. Set to manual high heat and pressure cook for 8 minutes.
  6. Measure the milk in a glass measuring cup and warm the milk in the microwave.
  7. When the potatoes are done, quick release the IP and drain the potatoes. Leave the potatoes in the pot and let them steam dry for a few minutes.
  8. Smash the potatoes with a potato masher or ricer. Then add the butter and stir, and then add the cream cheese and warmed milk.
  9. Season to taste.

The complete instructions can be found in the recipe card at the end of this post. Keep scrolling for all the details!

a photo of several peeled and quartered yukon gold potatoes sitting on a wooden cutting board.

a photo of all the ingredients in separate bowl that get added to the potatoes for best mashed potatoes

Best Potatoes for Mashed Potatoes

The best potatoes for mashing are the starchy potatoes – Yukon gold, Russet or Idaho. They have a fluffy texture that breaks down easily while mashing.

Variations

If you want to add additional flavors to these creamy mashed potatoes, you could add cooked crumbled bacon bits after cooking and mashing the potatoes. You could also add sauteed or roasted minced garlic. Adding any type of fresh herb would also be a great option…minced rosemary, thyme, parsley, chives, etc. One more possibility would be to add cheese. A nice sharp cheddar that has been grated finely would melt beautifully and add great flavor.

a photo of a large serving bowl full of creamy mashed potatoes topped with a pat of melting butter and fresh herbs

Tools to Use for Mashed Potatoes

I had used a potato masher my whole life and then someone told me about a potato ricer, and I’ll never go back. I mean, a potato masher does the job fine, but a ricer gives the smoothest texture.

Can This Recipe Be Made on the Stove Top?

Yes, it absolutely can. I will actually point you to our other mashed potatoes post for making mashed potatoes the traditional way.

a photo of a white ceramic bowl full of golden creamy mashed potatoes topped with melting butter and sprinkled with fresh herbs

Pairs well with

Feeling a little nervous about cooking a whole turkey for Thanksgiving? Don't! We love doing an herb roasted turkey breast and forgetting the stress!

Herb Roasted Turkey Breast [+ Video]

A tray holding meatloaf that has four slices cut, sprinkled with parsley leaves, with a side dish of green beans.

Our Favorite Classic Meatloaf Recipe [+Video]

a photo of a dinner plate topped with a golden pork chop topped with a homemade apple chutney served with gravy covered mashed potatoes and fresh green beans.

Apple Chutney Pork Chops

This is our new favorite slow cooker pot roast recipe and it's only 3 ingredients! I cannot even believe how perfect and juicy it was!! ohsweetbasil.com

Slow Cooker Mississippi Pot Roast

A whole chicken that has been cooked to a golden brown color. Fresh thyme has been sprinkled on top and around the chicken.

Smoked Whole Chicken (How to Cook a Whole Chicken on a Traeger)

A photo of a plate full of mashed potatoes topped with juicy tender pot roast with a side of cooked carrots.

The Best Pot Roast and Gravy I’ve Ever Eaten

A dark grey plate with a pile of creamy mashed potatoes with fall apart braised beef short ribs and fresh parsley

Oven Braised Short Ribs [+ Video]

How to Store and Reheat Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep for 4-5 day.

To reheat mashed potatoes, place them in a pan or dutch oven on the stove top and warm them up over low heat stirring occasionally. You can also reheat them in the oven in a baking dish, covered with foil at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes.

a photo of a bowl full of buttery mashed potatoes topped with fresh herbs and melting butter

Thanksgiving is not complete without the creamiest and best mashed potatoes recipe ever! Yukon gold potatoes make the tastiest mashed potatoes and the Instant Pot makes this recipe quick and easy!

More Irresistible Potato Recipes:

  • Smoky Steak and Potato Recipe
  • Herb and Garlic Roasted Potatoes
  • Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes
  • Funeral Potatoes
  • Oven Baked Potatoes with Crispy Skins
  • Potato Salad
  • Instant Pot Green Beans and Potatoes
  • Potato Casserole
  • Scalloped Potatoes

Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes

  • SaveSaved
  • Print

5 from 1 vote

Servings: 6

Prep Time: 10 minutes mins

Cook Time: 20 minutes mins

Total Time: 30 minutes mins

Description

Buttery creamy mashed potatoes all done in 30 minutes in the Instant Pot! This is the best mashed potatoes recipe for Thanksgiving!

Ingredients 

  • 2 lbs Yukon Gold Potatoes, about 8 potatoes, or 4-5 large
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 4 oz Cream Cheese, full fat
  • 1/2 Cup Whole Milk, or cream
  • 3 Tablespoons Butter
  • Salt, to taste

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

  • Set out the cream cheese.

    4 oz Cream Cheese

  • Place the butter in a small saucepan to melt.

    3 Tablespoons Butter

  • Peel the potatoes and quarter them.

    2 lbs Yukon Gold Potatoes

  • Add the potatoes to the Instant pot and pour in water just to cover them.

  • Add the salt and stir gently.

    1 teaspoon Salt

  • Press Manual, high heat and seal the lid.

  • Pressure cook for 8 minutes.

  • Meanwhile, measure the milk in a glass measuring cup and warm the milk in the microwave.

    1/2 Cup Whole Milk

  • Once the potatoes are done, quick release the pressure and drain the potatoes, leaving them in the pot.

  • Allow the potatoes to steam dry for a couple of minutes and then smash well with a potato masher or ricer until no lumps remain.

  • Stir in the melted butter, then the cream cheese and finally the warmed milk.

  • Taste and season with salt.

    Salt

Nutrition

Calories: 116kcalCarbohydrates: 26gProtein: 3gFat: 0.1gSaturated Fat: 0.04gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.1gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.003gSodium: 9mgPotassium: 637mgFiber: 3gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 3IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 18mgIron: 1mgFull Nutrition

Author: Sweet Basil

Course: 200+ Easy Side Dish Recipes Every Mom Needs

Recommended Products

Instant Pot

 

a photo of a large serving bowl full of creamy mashed potatoes topped with a pat of melting butter and sprinkled with parsley.

Hi, I’m Mohamed. I share delicious recipes that I have cooked and loved. I’ve been food blogging for over 10 years and have a Diploma in Nutrition. You will find many healthy recipes as well as my favourite comfort food on the blog because I believe in a balanced diet.

Related Posts

Cauliflower Pizza Bites

Low carb has never tasted so good. These cauliflower pizza bites clock in at 3 carbs each but still pack a ton of pizza-flavored goodness! Why this…

BBQ Chicken Sliders

Tangy shredded chicken sandwiched between mini buns, these BBQ chicken sliders are an absolute crowd-pleaser and are simple to make in the pressure cooker! Why this recipe…

Chocolate Chip Caramel Skillet Cookie

This chocolate chip caramel skillet cookie is baked to golden brown perfection in a cast iron skillet with lightly crisped edges and a center layered with warm…

Colossal Shrimp

This easy baked colossal shrimp recipe comes together in only 25 minutes total with a homemade seasoning blend, garlic, and butter for perfectly juicy shrimp. Why this…

Heart Shaped Pop Tarts

Adorable heart shaped pop tarts are made with a pie crust mix and strawberry jam! Drizzle or dip in a frosty glaze and adorn with Valentine’s Day…

Football Cheese Ball

A savory football cheese ball is the best game day appetizer loaded with bacon, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, ranch seasoning, and crunchy pecans.  Why this recipe works…