Unlock the secret to perfectly fluffy, unbelievably flavorful garlic mashed potatoes right in your Instant Pot – no draining required! This recipe transforms humble potatoes into a creamy, aromatic side dish that’s so easy, it feels like magic. Forget the hassle of stovetop boiling and messy draining; our nearly effortless, foolproof pressure cooker method delivers exceptional results every time. We blend tender potatoes with rich butter, tangy sour cream, and fragrant minced garlic to create a comforting classic that will impress even the most discerning palates.
This delicious Instant Pot side dish is designed to complement any main course, turning an ordinary meal into an extraordinary culinary experience. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special holiday feast, these garlic mashed potatoes are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser, leaving everyone at the table satisfied and craving more.
Are you new to the wonderful world of pressure cooking?
Be sure to check out our comprehensive guide for How to Use the Instant Pot to get started with confidence!
Why You’ll Adore This Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Our Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes recipe isn’t just another side dish; it’s a culinary revelation that simplifies meal prep without compromising on flavor or texture. Here’s why this pressure cooker method will become your new favorite way to make mashed potatoes:
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Effortless Preparation: No Peeling, No Draining Necessary.
Imagine making mashed potatoes without the tedious task of peeling each potato or the dangerous chore of draining a giant pot of boiling water. With this Instant Pot method, you can simply scrub your potatoes clean and leave the skins on! Not only does this save valuable time and effort, but it also adds extra fiber and nutrients to your dish. The magic of the Instant Pot ensures the potatoes cook perfectly in their own flavorful broth, which is then absorbed during mashing, eliminating any need for draining. It’s truly a game-changer! -
A Perfect Make-Ahead Side Dish.
Life gets busy, especially around holidays or when entertaining. This recipe is your secret weapon for stress-free meal planning, as these fluffy taters can be prepared in just about 20 minutes of active cooking time, and they hold beautifully. You can make them up to 3 days ahead and store them in the refrigerator, or even freeze them for up to 3 months. This incredible flexibility means you can tackle your side dish well in advance, freeing up your last-minute precious time for other preparations. They’re a fantastic addition to any delicious dinner recipes lineup. -
A Healthier Twist on a Classic.
Unlike traditional stovetop methods that often require large amounts of butter or cream to achieve a creamy consistency, our Instant Pot recipe uses less butter while still delivering an incredibly rich and satisfying flavor. The pressure cooking process helps the potatoes absorb moisture and flavors more efficiently, allowing you to achieve a luxurious texture with fewer added fats. This makes it a slightly lighter, yet equally indulgent, option for those looking to enjoy a healthier potato side dish. -
Unbeatable Flavor and Creamy Texture.
The Instant Pot creates an intensely flavorful environment, allowing the garlic and broth to deeply infuse into the potatoes as they cook. The result is a profoundly garlicky, buttery, and tangy mashed potato with an unbelievably smooth and fluffy texture that’s impossible to resist. This method consistently produces mashed potatoes that are rich, comforting, and perfectly seasoned.
The simplicity of this recipe is truly remarkable. You simply add your chopped potatoes, along with a flavorful broth, directly into the pressure cooker. Let the Instant Pot work its magic, transforming hard potatoes into tender perfection in minutes. Once the cooking cycle is complete and the pressure is released, you can mash the potatoes right in the pot, incorporating minced fresh garlic, a generous dollop of butter, and wonderfully tangy sour cream. The residual liquid at the bottom of the pot is fully absorbed, contributing to an even richer, creamier consistency.
Love delicious and easy Instant Pot potato recipes?
You will also love our incredibly popular Instant Pot Red Mashed Potatoes, another fantastic no-drain potato dish!
Deep Dive: Ingredient Notes and Smart Substitutions
Crafting the perfect Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes starts with quality ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and how you can tailor this recipe to your taste and dietary preferences:
- Potatoes – The foundation of any great mashed potato dish! We highly recommend using starchy potatoes like Yukon Gold potatoes or Russet potatoes for their creamy texture when mashed. Yukon Golds offer a naturally buttery flavor and a smooth finish, while Russets provide a light, fluffy mash. You can also use red potatoes for a slightly firmer, earthier mash. The beauty of this Instant Pot recipe is that you can confidently leave the skins on for added nutrients, fiber, and rustic appeal – or peel them if you prefer a classic, skin-free mash. The choice is entirely yours, and either way, the results will be delicious!
- Broth – This is the liquid that flavors and tenderizes your potatoes. We typically use chicken broth for a savory depth of flavor that complements the garlic beautifully. However, you can easily substitute it with vegetable broth for a vegetarian-friendly version or beef broth for a richer, more robust profile, especially if pairing with red meats. Ensure you use low-sodium broth to control the overall saltiness of your dish.
- Garlic – The star of the show! Fresh garlic, finely chopped or minced, provides the most vibrant and aromatic flavor. If you don’t have fresh garlic on hand, garlic powder can be used as a convenient substitute (typically 1 teaspoon of garlic powder per 3 cloves of fresh garlic). For an extra rich, mellow, and slightly sweeter garlic flavor, consider using roasted garlic. Simply roast whole garlic cloves until soft and golden, then mash and stir them into your potatoes.
- Sour Cream – This ingredient adds a wonderful tang and a luxurious creaminess that elevates the mashed potatoes. The acidity brightens the flavors and contributes to a silky smooth texture. If sour cream isn’t available or preferred, you can substitute it with heavy cream, half-and-half, or even buttermilk for a similar tangy effect. For a lighter dish, consider using low-fat Greek yogurt, which offers a comparable tang and creamy consistency with fewer calories and more protein.
- Butter – Essential for richness and that irresistible melt-in-your-mouth flavor. We recommend using unsalted butter so you can control the seasoning yourself. If you’re looking for alternatives, ghee (clarified butter) provides a nutty flavor, margarine can be used for a dairy-free option, or a good quality olive oil can add a fruity note and healthier fats. Adjust the amount to your preference, but remember the Instant Pot method often requires less butter than traditional recipes.
- (Optional) Fresh Chives – A simple yet elegant garnish that adds a touch of fresh oniony flavor and a pop of color. Finely chop them and sprinkle just before serving.
- (Optional) Salt and Black Pepper – Crucial for seasoning to taste. Always taste your mashed potatoes before serving and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. A pinch of white pepper can also be used for a subtle spice without visible specks.
Exciting Recipe Variations to Try
While our classic Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes are incredible on their own, don’t hesitate to experiment with these delicious variations to customize them to your liking:
- Make Cheesy Garlic Mashed Potatoes Instant Pot style by mixing in about 1/4 to 1/2 cup of your favorite shredded cheese with the garlic, butter, and sour cream. Popular choices include sharp shredded cheddar for a classic flavor, grated Parmesan for a nutty and salty kick, or creamy Colby Jack for a smooth melt. For an extra rich and tangy twist, consider adding a tablespoon of cream cheese!
- Add Some Crispy Bacon or Pancetta for a delightful salty, smoky crunch. Cook 3-4 strips of bacon or 1/4 cup of diced pancetta until crispy, then crumble or chop and stir into the mashed potatoes just before serving, or use as a garnish.
- Herb-Infused Mashed Potatoes: Elevate the fresh flavor by stirring in a tablespoon or two of finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley, rosemary, thyme, or a blend of your favorites along with the butter and sour cream.
- Spicy Garlic Mashed Potatoes: For those who love a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper when mashing the potatoes. A small amount of finely minced jalapeño could also provide a fresh, spicy kick.
- Caramelized Onion Mashed Potatoes: Sauté thinly sliced onions until deeply caramelized and sweet. Fold these savory onions into your mashed potatoes for a complex, sweet, and umami-rich flavor profile.
Looking for an Instant Pot potato recipe to feed lots of hungry people?
Our easy Instant Pot Loaded Potato Casserole uses a generous 5 lbs of potatoes and is packed with cheesy, bacony goodness!
Expert Tips for the Best Garlic Mashed Potatoes in Instant Pot
Achieving perfect mashed potatoes in the Instant Pot is incredibly straightforward, making it one of the easiest and most reliable methods. You’ll never have to worry about pots boiling over, potatoes turning to mush from over-boiling, or the messy and potentially dangerous task of draining a large pot of hot water. Follow these expert tips for consistently fluffy, creamy, and flavorful results every single time:
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Aim for Similar-Sized Potato Pieces.
To ensure your potatoes cook evenly and uniformly, it’s crucial to cut them into pieces of roughly the same size. For medium potatoes, quarters are usually ideal; for larger potatoes, cut them into eighths. If some pieces are too large and others too small, you’ll end up with a mix of undercooked and overcooked potatoes, which can lead to a lumpy or pasty texture that is unpleasant to eat. Uniformity is key for perfectly tender results. -
Do NOT Use a Trivet or Steamer Basket.
Unlike many Instant Pot recipes, you do not need a trivet or steamer basket for these mashed potatoes. The potatoes cook directly in the broth at the bottom of the pot. This is essential for the “no drain” method, as the liquid will be fully absorbed by the potatoes during and after cooking, contributing to their flavor and creaminess.
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Utilize a 10-Minute Natural Release of Pressure.
Once the initial high-pressure cooking time is complete, resist the urge to immediately quick release. Instead, allow the pressure cooker to naturally release pressure for at least 10 minutes before initiating a quick release. This natural release period allows the starches in the potatoes to settle and absorb more of the flavorful cooking liquid, resulting in a creamier, fluffier texture and preventing the potatoes from becoming watery or starchy. You might notice some broth still visible at the bottom of the pot after the release, but don’t worry – it will completely disappear as you mash them, adding to the richness. -
Choose Your Mashing Tool Wisely.
The tool you use to mash your potatoes can significantly impact the final texture.- Potato Masher: For a more rustic texture with some small potato lumps, a traditional potato masher used directly in the Instant Pot is perfect.
- Hand Mixer: If you prefer ultra-creamy, whipped mashed potatoes, transfer the cooked potatoes to a separate large bowl and use a hand mixer. Be careful not to overmix, as this can activate too much starch and lead to a gummy consistency.
- Potato Ricer: For the absolute smoothest, lightest, and fluffiest mashed potatoes, a potato ricer is your best friend. Press the cooked potatoes through the ricer directly into the Instant Pot or a serving bowl before adding other ingredients.
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Season Liberally and Taste as You Go.
Mashed potatoes need generous seasoning to truly shine. Add salt and freshly ground black pepper incrementally, tasting after each addition, until the flavors are perfectly balanced. The type of broth you use can affect saltiness, so always start with less and add more as needed.
🎯 Pro Tip: Make-Ahead & Storage
This dish is fantastic for meal prep! After cooking and mashing the potatoes (before adding sour cream and butter for optimal texture upon reheating), allow them to cool completely. Transfer them into a gallon-sized freezer bag or an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. To serve later, thaw frozen potatoes in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Once warmed through, mash again if needed, then stir in the fresh sour cream and butter before serving for the best possible flavor and texture.
Creative Serving Suggestions
These versatile and incredibly delicious Instant Pot garlic mashed potatoes are the perfect complement to a wide array of main dishes. Their creamy texture and savory garlic flavor make them a natural fit for almost any meal.
Pair them with:
- Classic Roasts: They are exceptional alongside roasted turkey (especially our Stuffed Turkey Breast recipe), juicy roast chicken, tender pot roast, or succulent pork chops.
- Steak & Seafood: A dollop next to a perfectly seared steak or baked salmon adds a touch of elegance.
- Comfort Food Favorites: Serve them with meatloaf, crispy chicken tenders, or hearty stews for the ultimate comforting meal.
- Vegetarian Mains: They can also elevate vegetarian entrees like mushroom Wellington, roasted vegetable platters, or hearty lentil loaves.
Top them with:
- Classic Gravy: A spoonful of rich beef or turkey gravy is always a winner.
- Fresh Herbs: Beyond chives, consider fresh parsley, dill, or a mix of herbs.
- Cheese: A sprinkle of shredded cheddar, Parmesan, or a crumble of goat cheese adds extra flavor.
- Crispy Bits: Crispy fried onions, bacon bits, or toasted breadcrumbs provide a delightful textural contrast.
- Cream Cheese or Crème Fraîche: For an extra layer of creaminess and richness.
We especially love serving these Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes as a staple on our southern Thanksgiving menu, where they consistently steal the show!
Frequently Asked Questions About Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
Got questions about making the best Instant Pot garlic mashed potatoes? We’ve got answers!
No, absolutely not! For this no-drain recipe, you simply add the potatoes and broth directly to the bottom of the Instant Pot. There’s no need for any extra accessories like a trivet or steamer basket. Most of the cooking liquid will be absorbed by the potatoes during the pressure cooking process, and any remaining liquid after pressure release will be deliciously mixed in with the other ingredients as you mash, contributing to the rich flavor and creamy texture.
Potato sizes can vary significantly, but generally, we estimate that 6 medium potatoes weigh approximately 1 1/2 to 2 pounds (about 680 to 900 grams). For serving calculations, we typically recommend planning on 1/2 to 1 whole medium potato per person or serving, depending on appetite and what other side dishes are being offered. This recipe uses 6 medium potatoes and yields 6 generous servings.
Yes, you absolutely can! To make these mashed potatoes dairy-free, simply substitute the butter with a plant-based margarine or olive oil, and replace the sour cream with a dairy-free sour cream alternative or an unsweetened plain dairy-free yogurt. Ensure your chicken broth is dairy-free, or use vegetable broth instead. The result will still be wonderfully creamy and flavorful!
If your mashed potatoes seem a bit too watery after mashing, don’t panic! This can happen if the potatoes weren’t starchy enough or if they released more moisture. To fix this, you can gently heat the potatoes on the “SautĂ©” setting (LOW) of your Instant Pot for a few minutes, stirring constantly, to allow some of the excess moisture to evaporate. Alternatively, you can mix in a tablespoon or two of instant potato flakes (unflavored) to help absorb the liquid without altering the taste significantly.
To Store: Place any leftover mashed potatoes in a gallon-sized airtight container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. They will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for 1-3 days or can be frozen for up to 3 months for longer storage.
To Reheat: If frozen, thaw the potatoes in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed (or if refrigerating leftovers), reheat them gently in the microwave (stirring every minute) or on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of milk or broth, stirring frequently until warmed through and creamy again. Mash and mix with a fresh dollop of sour cream and a pat of butter, and enjoy!
Love Easy Vegetable Sides? Here’s More to Explore…
- Easy Roasted Green Beans and Potatoes
- Refreshing Carrot Salad with Raisins
- Perfectly Roasted Carrots and Asparagus
- Delightful Roasted Sweet Potato Slices
If you tried this incredible Instant Pot garlic mashed potato recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below. Your feedback means the world! Thanks for visiting!
Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes
By Renae Gerhardstein
Pin Recipe
Equipment
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Instant Pot – or other brand electric pressure cooker
Ingredients
- 6 medium russet potatoes or Yukon gold or red – scrubbed and cut in quarters (for large potatoes, cut into eighths)
- 1 ÂĽ cup chicken broth
- 3 cloves garlic peeled and finely chopped or minced, or 1 teaspoon dried garlic powder
- ÂĽ cup sour cream or heavy cream or half-and-half
- 2 tablespoons butter
Optional
- chopped chives
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Add the cut potatoes, chicken broth, and minced garlic to the bottom of the Instant Pot inner pot (do not use the trivet). Secure the lid, close the sealing lever, and cook at high pressure for 7 minutes.
- Once the pressure cooking cycle is complete, allow the pressure to naturally release for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, carefully initiate a quick release by turning the sealing lever to the venting position.
- Open the lid. You may notice some broth visible at the bottom of the pot, but do not drain it. This liquid will be fully absorbed once you mash the potatoes, adding to their rich flavor and creamy texture.
- Using a potato masher, mash the potatoes directly in the Instant Pot until they reach your desired consistency. For even creamier, whipped potatoes, you can transfer them to a separate serving bowl and use a hand mixer. Stir in the sour cream and butter until fully incorporated and smooth. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with fresh chopped chives, if desired, before serving warm.
Video
Notes
- Make-Ahead Instructions: This dish can be made ahead. After step one (cooking and initial mashing), allow the potatoes to cool completely. Place them into a gallon-sized freezer bag or an airtight container and refrigerate for 1-3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheating Make-Ahead Potatoes: To serve, thaw frozen potatoes in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Then, mash again if needed, and stir in the fresh sour cream and butter just before serving.
Recipe Variations:
- Make cheesy garlic mashed potatoes Instant Pot style by mixing in 1/4 to 1/2 cup of shredded cheese (like cheddar, parmesan, or Colby Jack) with the garlic, butter, and sour cream.
- Add some crispy bacon or pancetta for a bit of salty, smoky flavor and delightful crunch.
Storing Leftovers:
- To store cooked mashed potatoes, place them in a gallon-sized airtight container or freezer bag and refrigerate for 1-3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- To reheat leftovers, thaw in the fridge if frozen. Then reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of milk or broth. Mash and mix with a fresh addition of sour cream and butter for optimal texture and flavor, then enjoy!
Nutrition
Serving: 1serving
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Calories: 221kcal
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Carbohydrates: 38g
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Protein: 5g
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Fat: 6g
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Saturated Fat: 4g
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Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g
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Monounsaturated Fat: 1g
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Trans Fat: 1g
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Cholesterol: 15mg
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Sodium: 233mg
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Potassium: 957mg
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Fiber: 5g
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Sugar: 2g
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Vitamin A: 182IU
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Vitamin C: 46mg
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Calcium: 43mg
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Iron: 2mg