Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes (Creamy & Flavor-Packed!)
If there’s one side dish that never fails to steal the show at my dinner table, it’s mashed potatoes.
No matter what’s on the menu, everyone seems to pile their plates high with a generous heap of creamy, buttery potatoes.
And when garlic is involved? Game over.
This is why my Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes is one of my favorite dishes to make, especially when I want to cheer my kids up after a hard day or create a delicious side dish for a huge crowd.
Making them in the Instant Pot cooks the potatoes quickly and evenly while locking in their natural creaminess. No waiting for the water to boil, no worrying about overcooking.
With butter, a touch of cream, and the perfect balance of roasted garlic, these mashed potatoes are silky smooth and bursting with flavor!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hassle-free: The Instant Pot reduces your cooking time and takes care of everything so you don’t have to babysit your potatoes.
- Full of flavor: Simmering the garlic with the potatoes infuses every bite with robust warmth.
- Ultimate creaminess: Butter, milk, and perfectly cooked potatoes create a rich, velvety texture.
- Versatile: This side pairs beautifully with roasts, grilled meats, or vegetarian dishes.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs. Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and quartered (I prefer these because they’re creamier, but russet potatoes also work well)
- 5 cloves garlic
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup whole milk, warm
- 1/4 cup sour cream (can be swapped out for heavy cream)
- 4 cups of chicken broth (substitute with vegetable broth or water)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley (optional for garnish)
- Optional add-ins: Parmesan cheese for extra richness
Prep & Cook Time
| Step | Time |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 10 minutes |
| Pressure Release | 10 minutes |
| Total Time | 30 minutes |
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Peel and chop the potatoes into uniform chunks for even cooking.
- Place the potatoes and whole garlic cloves in the pot. Pour in enough broth to cover the potatoes and add a generous pinch of salt.
- Secure the lid, set the valve to “Sealing,” and pressure cook on high for 15 minutes. Once the cooking time is up, do a quick release.
- Note that the remaining broth should be just enough to keep things creamy, but you can drain half of it if you want to make yours fluffier. Mash the potatoes with a potato masher, then add the butter. After this, add the milk, sour cream, salt, and pepper.
- Garnish with chopped parsley, top with an extra pat of butter, and serve warm.
Tips for Creamy, Flavorful Mashed Potatoes
- Don’t overwork the potatoes as doing so can make them gluey. Mash gently for the best texture.
- If your mashed potatoes are too thick, you can thin them out with a little more milk or broth. If too thin, you can leave them in the Instant Pot and select the “Sauté” function to let them thicken until the right consistency is achieved.
- Don’t forget to warm the milk beforehand. Adding cold milk can shock the potatoes, which leads to a grainy texture. Warm milk ensures ultimate creaminess.
- I prefer peeling my potatoes before they go in the pot, but feel free to leave them unpeeled and simply quarter them if you want a skin-on version.
- For certified garlic lovers, top your mashed potatoes with fried garlic or garlic oil.
Nutritional Facts
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 |
| Fat | 12g |
| Carbohydrates | 35g |
| Protein | 4g |
| Sodium | 350mg |
FAQs About Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Can I use red potatoes?
Yes! Red potatoes will make the mash slightly chunkier due to their lower starch content but still delicious.
How can I make them ahead?
Prepare them up to two days in advance and freeze. When ready to serve, let them thaw, then reheat in the oven covered with foil for about 30 minutes. Serve with more butter to ensure a creamy texture.
How can I elevate these mashed potatoes?
Herbs like rosemary can bring an earthy flavor to these potatoes to create a more layered taste profile.
A Cozy Side for Any Occasion!
Instant Pot garlic mashed potatoes are the ultimate comfort food for holidays, Sunday dinners, or whenever you need a warm, satisfying side dish.
Whether you’re pairing them with roast chicken, grilled vegetables, or simply enjoying a spoonful straight from the bowl, you’ll see how these bring instant coziness to any meal!
