Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes to Make Ahead & Freeze
on Nov 10, 2023
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I recently learned that it’s possible to make Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes. It’s been a game changer! I used to hate making mashed potatoes, but no more! Change your mashed potato game for good with this easy instant pot recipe.
Table of Contents
- Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
- Ingredients for Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
- How to Make Mashed Potatoes in the Instant Pot
- Variations on Mashed Potatoes
- Can You Freeze Mashed Potatoes?
- How to Store and Reheat Mashed Potatoes
- What to Serve with Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
- Other Potato Recipes You’ll Love
- Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
The best part of making Instant Pot mashed potatoes is there’s no guessing. There’s no watching the pot for boiling water to see when to start the timer, there’s not undercooked potatoes that won’t mash well. Everybody has that problem, right? NO?! Just me??
I’m not afraid to admit that I love how easy my Instant Pot makes some cooking tasks. Beans without soaking, potatoes, whole chickens, stock – my instant pot has really become my kitchen hero.
Mashed potatoes are a classic and comforting side dish. They go with all my favorite homemade meals. The Instant Pot method for potatoes is great for saving time. I know all you busy parents can relate!
Ingredients for Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
- Potatoes: Peel your potatoes and wash before putting into the Instant Pot. Yukon Gold potatoes give a creamier texture. Red potatoes are denser with a brighter white color. Use whichever variety of potato you prefer.
- Water: Cover the potatoes in the Instant Pot.
- Unsalted butter: Adds a creamy richness to the end product.
- Milk: Keeps your mashed potatoes creamy and the texture light.
- Cream Cheese: Also for the creaminess . . . sense a theme here? Let it come to room temperature so it is easier to mix in.
- Salt & pepper: I love my potatoes with a little bit extra black pepper. Season to your family’s taste.
What to change up the taste? These pepper jack mashed potatoes are also delicious.
How to Make Mashed Potatoes in the Instant Pot
When you’re in a hurry but craving that comfort food, the Instant Pot is the way to go for mashed potatoes. Prep the potatoes and then set it and forget it.
- Peel potatoes, wash, then cut into 1″ pieces. Place in Instant Pot inner pot and fill with water to completely cover. Lock lid, make sure pressure release valve is pushed back in the locked position.
- Cook on manual high for 8 minutes. It will take about 15 minutes for IP to come to pressure. Manually release pressure and carefully open lid away from you so the steam does not burn your face.
- Drain the potatoes. Add add pats of butter, cream cheese, milk, salt and pepper. Mash potatoes with a hand mixer or potato masher.
- I mix right in my Instant Pot inner lid so I have fewer dishes to wash. So easy!
Variations on Mashed Potatoes
It’s easy to switch up a basic recipe for mashed potatoes. Usually variations include adding additional ingredients. Experiment with spices such as rosemary, crushed red pepper, or roasted garlic. Sprinkle with chives or fresh parsley.
Add jalapenos and cheddar cheese for a spicier kick. Add cooked spinach for an Irish twist like colcannon.
Can You Freeze Mashed Potatoes?
Make ahead mashed potatoes in a double batch. Then, save one batch for later in the freezer. It’s so simple.
Put them in a freezer safe container after they’ve cooled completely, cover well, and freeze. If you freeze them in an oven safe dish, that makes reheating them even that much more simple. If you don’t want to freeze leftover potatoes, I also highly recommend making homemade pierogi!
How to Store and Reheat Mashed Potatoes
If you’re not going to freeze your leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-5 days. Reheat them in a slow cooker, microwave or oven.
Reheat mashed potatoes in a slow cooker on a low setting for 3-4 hours. This is a great way to save space on a busy holiday or when you’re using the microwave for other things.
Reaheat in the oven by baking in a casserole dish at 350 degrees for 30-40 minutes.
The microwave is a great option when you’re reheating just a serving or two of mashed potatoes.
Reheat frozen mashed potatoes by putting them in the fridge to thaw overnight. The next day, preheat oven to 350 degrees. Fluff potatoes before baking. Spread them evenly in a baking dish and then bake for 30 minutes, until they’re piping hot. If they’re a little bit dry, add a little more milk.
Melt butter and drizzle just a little on the top for that fresh feeling.
What to Serve with Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are the ultimate comfort food. They go well with most proteins such as roast beef, or barbecue. In some parts of the United States people pour chicken noodle soup over mashed potatoes for a hearty winter day.
Other Potato Recipes You’ll Love
- Family Friendly Air Fryer Sausage and Potatoes
- Instant Pot Green Beans with Potatoes and Bacon
- Scalloped Potatoes and Bacon for Slow Cookers
Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
I recently learned that it's possible to make Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes, and let me tell you want a game changer that's been! I used to hate making mashed potatoes, but no more! If you're looking to change your mashed potato game for good, here you go!
Ingredients
- 5 pounds potatoes, peeled and cut into 1" chunks
- Water to cover
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 cup milk
- 4 ounces cream cheese, cubed
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Peel potatoes, wash, then cut into 1" pieces. Place in Instant Pot inner pot and fill with water to completely cover. Lock lid, make sure pressure release valve is pushed back in the locked position.
- Cook on manual high for 8 minutes. It will take about 15 minutes or IP to come to pressure. Manually release pressure and carefully open lid away from you so the steam does not burn your face.
- Drain water from potatoes then mash potatoes with a hand mixer or potato masher.
- Add butter, cream cheese, milk, salt and pepper and mix well.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield:
16 servingsServing Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 190Total Fat: 6gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 16mgSodium: 64mgCarbohydrates: 31gFiber: 3gSugar: 2gProtein: 5g
Nutritional information is not always correct.
