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.

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.

How to Make the Best Mashed Potatoes

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!

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 the

Creamy Sausage and Peppers over Mashed Potatoes

Typically, you see creamy sausage and peppers over pasta, but we are going to blow your mind with it served over creamy mashed potatoes!

This recipe is inspired by our whole wheat penne sausage and peppers. I had a little cream left in the fridge that I tossed into the sauce, and I loved the extra richness that the cream added! 

We were in the middle of moving at the time and my kitchen was half packed. When I went to grab the penne, all my pasta was already packed, but my potatoes were still sitting in the pantry. I figured, why not?! And we absolutely LOVED the change in carb! I mean, you can’t go wrong with mashed potatoes!

What Do I Need For Creamy Sausage and Peppers?

I love a quick dinner recipe with simple ingredients! Here is your grocery shopping list with a quick explanation of each ingredient. I find it so helpful to get a little snapshot of what I’m going to need for a recipe before getting into all the details!

• Italian Sausage Links – you can get mild, sweet or spicy depending on what flavor you prefer
• Green Peppers –  remove the stem and seeds and slice into thin slices
• Red Pepper – remove the stem and seeds and slice into thin slices, red peppers are a little sweeter than green peppers so they add another dimension of flavor
• Yellow Onion – we prefer a yellow onion, sliced thin
• White Wine (cooking white wine) – we don’t drink alcohol so we cook with cooking wine, but feel free to use whichever you prefer, you can also use chicken broth if you don’t want to use wine at all
• Fire Roasted Tomatoes – adds a tiny bit of heat and so much flavor to the sauce
• Tomato Paste – a 6oz can, any brand works, just choose your favorite
• Tomato Sauce – an 8oz can, any brand works, just choose your favorite
• Water – thins the sauce out a little and helps blend on the ingredients together
• Italian Seasoning – a dried seasoning blend that you can buy at the grocery store that usually includes dried basil, dried oregano, dried rosemary, dried thyme and dried marjoram
• Sugar – enhances the flavors
• Salt – adds flavor
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