These Instant Pot creamy mashed potatoes are buttery, fluffy, and ready in under 30 minutes. Made in one pot with simple ingredients like potatoes, butter, milk, and sour cream, they’re the perfect side dish for holiday dinners or busy weeknights. Easy to make ahead and reheat, they deliver classic comfort with minimal effort.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
By the time I finally get through a long day of errands, shuttling the kids around, working, and just dealing with whatever else pops up, the last thing I want to do is figure out what’s for dinner—let alone actually cook it. Honestly, it’s so tempting to just let everyone fend for themselves and grab whatever they can find in the kitchen.
But let’s be real—we all know how that would turn out. One kid would be perfectly happy eating cake for dinner, another would probably go for instant noodles, and someone else would just pour a bowl of cereal and call it good. Not exactly a balanced meal. Sometimes I wonder what our families would do without us, right?
That’s why I love having a few go-to recipes that I can whip up fast with minimal ingredients, especially in my Instant Pot. One of my absolute favorites for nights like this is my Instant Pot Creamy Mashed Potatoes. They’re ready in under 30 minutes, and even my pickiest eater can’t say no to them.
They come out perfectly creamy every time, and when you top them with butter and a few favorite garnishes, they make the kind of side dish that actually satisfies everyone. It’s such an easy win after a long day—and it keeps the whole family happy and full.
Want me to polish this up into something that sounds more like a blog post intro, or keep it casual like you’re just telling a friend?
Watch how I make this recipe
To make quick and easy mashed potatoes, all you need is: an instant pot, silicone roasting rack, hand mixer, potato masher, potatoes, salt, pepper, garlic powder, milk, butter, and water. First, wash and peel the potatoes. Next, place the silicone insert in the pot. Place the potatoes in the cooker, then add the water. Seal the cooker lid and cook for 10 minutes. Let the pot sit for 5 minutes, then release the pressure. Make sure potatoes are soft, then move them to another bowl and add butter and seasonings. Mash the ingredients together. Add milk and mash some more. Then use a mixer to beat the potatoes until creamy. Top with garnishes and serve!
Easy Equipment
First, let’s go over the short equipment list needed for this quick side dish. I don’t need much here, just a few common kitchen tools to get the job done. Here are the tools I use for instant pot creamy mashed potatoes:
- Measuring Cup
- Measuring spoons
- Swivel Peeler
- Potato masher
- Glass mixing bowl
- Hand mixer
- 8 qt Pressure cooker
Creamy Potato Ingredients
Now let’s gather the creamy potato ingredients! I don’t need much here either, just a few basic ingredients, seasonings, and garnishes and I’m good to go! Here are the ingredients I use for instant creamed potatoes:
Creamy Potatoes:
- 3 lb potatoes- peeled
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon Ground Pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup Milk
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
Good Garnishes:
Latest Video
How to Make Quick Homemade Creamy Mashed Potatoes in the Instant Pot
Now let’s make some instant kitchen magic happen! This mashed potato process is super easy and won’t take more than 20 minutes. Let’s break this down so you can be on your way to feeding your family fast! Here’s how to make quick and easy creamed potatoes in the instant pot:
- First, prepare and measure out all of the ingredients with the measuring cup and spoons.
- Then, wash and peel all of the potatoes.
- Next, place the silicone pressure cooker insert into the bottom of the instant pot (pressure cooker).
- Place the potatoes in the cooker, then add the water.
- Seal the cooker lid and pressure cook the potatoes for 10 minutes.
- After cooking, let the cooker sit for 5 minutes before messing with the lid. Then, open the valve and remove the lid. Use a butter knife to check that the potatoes are soft.
- Then, transfer the potatoes into a large mixing bowl and add in the butter.
- Next, add in the salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Mash the seasonings and potatoes together using a potato masher.
- Then, pour in the milk.
- Mash again to help incorporate the milk into the potatoes.
- Then, use a hand mixer to whip the potatoes for 3 minutes.
- Keep whipping until the potatoes reach a creamy texture.
- Finally, garnish the homemade mashed potatoes with butter, bacon bits, green onions, or even shredded cheese. Serve and enjoy!
Storing Homemade Mashed Potatoes
To store homemade mashed potatoes: first, transfer them to an airtight container or Ziploc bag. Label the date on the outside of the container. Store the mashed potatoes in the refrigerator for 3-5 days, or in the freezer for up to 4 months.
Instant Pot Cooking Times for Creamy Mashed Potatoes
| Weight of Potatoes | Cups of Water | Small Potatoes | Medium Potatoes | Large Potatoes | Large Potatoes (Peeled & Cubed) |
| 1 lb | 1 | 5 minutes | 8 minutes | 10 minutes | 3 minutes |
| 2 lb | 1 | 5 minutes | 8 minutes | 10 minutes | 3 minutes |
| 3 lb | 1 | 8 minutes | 10 minutes | 12 minutes | 4 minutes |
| 4 lb | 1 | 8 minutes | 10 minutes | 12 minutes | 4 minutes |
| 5 lb | 1 | 8 minutes | 10 minutes | 12 minutes | 4 minutes |
| 6 lb | 2 | 10 minutes | 12 minutes | 14 minutes | 6 minutes |
| 7 lb | 2 | 10 minutes | 12 minutes | 14 minutes | 6 minutes |
| 8 lb | 2 | 10 minutes | 12 minutes | 14 minutes | 6 minutes |
| 9 lb | 2 | 10 minutes | 12 minutes | 14 minutes | 6 minutes |
| 10 lb | 2 | 10 minutes | 12 minutes | 14 minutes | 6 minutes |
👉 My go-to method: peel and cube the potatoes when I’m in a hurry—they cook faster and mash up smoother.
And if you’re planning mashed potatoes for a crowd, don’t forget to check out my Mashed Potato Serving Guide to figure out exactly how many pounds you’ll need.
Mashed Potato Serving Guide per Person
| Serving Type | Mashed Potatoes per Person |
| Small portion (side) | ½ cup (about 4 oz / 120 g) |
| Average portion | 1 cup (about 8 oz / 240 g) |
| Large portion | 1½ cups (about 12 oz / 360 g) |
| Big eaters / main dish | 2 cups (about 16 oz / 480 g) |
👉 A safe rule of thumb is about 1 cup per person, then add extra if you know your crowd loves them.
From My Kitchen to Yours
Side Dish Recipes
Scrumptious Dinner Ideas
Need more quick and easy dishes to keep you on the go? How about some more quick dinner meals and simple sides? I’ve got you covered on all of that along with a few more quick methods for cooking meat. Here are a few of my favorite fast recipes:
More instant recipes:
Quick proteins:
More quick and scrumptious sides:
- Classic Guacamole
- Grilled Mexican Street Corn Salad
- Easy Dinner Rolls
- Easy Coleslaw
- Summer Cucumber Salad
- Spicy Jalapeno Cornbread
- Cast Iron Cornbread
Quick meals:
- Macaroni Salad with Chicken
- Classic Meatloaf
- Quick Chicken Alfredo
- One-Pot Pasta
- Stuffed Peppers
- Stuffed Chili Peppers
- Creamy Wild Mushroom Soup
- Homemade Tomato Soup
- Chicken Noodle Soup
Instant Pot Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Video
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3 lb Potatoes peeled
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon Ground Pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup Milk
- ¼ Cup unsalted butter
Instructions
- First, prepare and measure out all of the ingredients with the measuring cup and spoons.
- Then, wash and peel all of the potatoes.
- Next, place the silicone pressure cooker insert into the bottom of the instant pot (pressure cooker).
- Place the potatoes in the cooker, then add the water.
- Seal the cooker lid and pressure cook the potatoes for 10 minutes.
- After cooking, let the cooker sit for 5 minutes before messing with the lid. Then, open the valve and remove the lid. Use a butter knife to check that the potatoes are soft.
- Then, transfer the potatoes into a large mixing bowl and add in the butter.
- Next, add in the salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Mash the seasonings and potatoes together using a potato masher.
- Then, pour in the milk.
- Mash again to help incorporate the milk into the potatoes.
- Then, use a hand mixer to whip the potatoes for 3 minutes.
- Keep whipping until the potatoes reach a creamy texture.
- Finally, garnish the homemade mashed potatoes with butter, bacon bits, green onions, or even shredded cheese. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
I’ve Got Answers
What potatoes work best and how small should I cut them?
Yukon Golds give naturally creamy results; Russets are fluffier; a 50/50 mix is fantastic. Peel if you like ultra‑smooth potatoes. Cut into 1½‑inch (4 cm) chunks for even cooking.
Do I need an insert/trivet and how much water goes in?
Use the silicone pressure‑cooker insert or trivet and add 1 cup water to the pot. Keeping potatoes above the water prevents waterlogging. No insert? Set on a metal trivet, or place directly in the pot with 1½ cups water and drain well after cooking.
How do I keep them creamy—not gluey?
Mash hot potatoes with butter first, then add warm milk. Stop once smooth; over‑mixing activates starch and turns them gummy. A hand mixer is fine for 1–3 minutes—avoid food processors.
Can I make them ahead, keep warm, or reheat?
Yes. • Keep Warm: up to 1 hour on Instant Pot Keep Warm (lid on), stirring once with a splash of milk.
• Reheat: microwave in 60‑sec bursts, or cover and bake at 325°F (165°C) for 20–30 min with a few tablespoon milk/butter; or pot‑in‑pot in the Instant Pot for 5–8 min High with ½ cup water below.
Any easy swaps or flavor boosts?
Dairy‑free: olive oil + unsweetened oat/almond milk. Richer: half‑and‑half, sour cream, or cream cheese. Extra flavor: cook with garlic powder, then finish with chives, green onions, or Parmesan. You can also use chicken/veg broth instead of water.
Altitude tip: if potatoes aren’t tender at 10 minutes, add 2–3 minutes more or cut slightly smaller.
Food Photography & Video Tips from My Studio
Here’s a peek at the tools, gear, and camera setups I use to film my recipe videos and photograph food at home. Over the years, I’ve tested dozens of different setups, and now I’m sharing what actually works for me—whether I’m filming overhead shots for YouTube or styling still photos for my blog. If you’re curious about how I create the content you see here, these posts are a great place to start.
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