Super Creamy Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes

This Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes recipe is so creamy, and packed with flavors! It is super easy and quick to make and only requires a few ingredients. The best is that you can make it in under 30 minutes in the Instant Pot.

Preparing the ingredients just takes a few minutes; the rest is handled by your Instant Pot. You can make the mashed potatoes with garlic either rough and textured or creamy and smooth. You'll appreciate how easy it is to create these mashed potatoes, no matter how you like to eat them.

The most incredibly soft and creamy mashed potatoes of your life will be ready in just 20 minutes. This is the kind of recipe that motivates me to love my job as a food blogger. Because it allows me to produce the best instant pot garlic mashed potatoes in my home, taste-test them, and then share them with you guys.

Looking for more quick and easy recipes for your instant pot? Check my Instant Pot Chicken Fajitas, Instant Pot Chicken Drumsticks, or Instant Pot Chicken Tenders.

Jump to:

• 🌟Why You'll Love This Mashed Potatoes
• 🧾 Ingredients for Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes
• 📖 Variations
• ‍👩🏻‍🍳 How to Make Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes
• 🥣 How to Serve
• 💭 Recipe Pro Tips
• ❄️ Storing and Reheating Mashed Potatoes
• 📋 Recipe FAQ
• 🥟 More Quick and Easy-to-Make Recipes:
• 📖 Recipe
• Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes
• 💬 Comments

🧾 Ingredients for Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes

This is an overview of the ingredients needed to make this instant pot garlic mashed potatoes. The full list and detailed instructions are down below in the recipe card!

• Potatoes - Yukon Gold is very popular. Russet potatoes, however, also work nicely in my opinion. Use old potatoes instead of new ones since they cook unevenly, release more water, and are more difficult to mash. When cooking mashed potatoes, older potatoes are your best buddy.
• Butter - Unsalted Butter
• Garlic powder
• Black pepper and salt - Salt and Pepper to taste.
• Parsley
• Milk - Although you can alternatively use heavy cream or half and half, I used standard whole-fat milk.

I'm not too particular when I'm making mashed potatoes for my two-person family or just myself. The nutrient content of the potato peel is substantial.

You only need to cube the potatoes with the skin on when cooking these Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes with the No Drain method.

📖 Variations

Here are some creative variations to the Instant Pot garlic mashed potatoes recipe to add even more flair to this classic side dish:

• Loaded Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Top your garlic mashed potatoes with classic loaded baked potato toppings. Add shredded cheddar cheese, crispy bacon bits, and a dollop of sour cream for a hearty and indulgent twist.
• Roasted Garlic Infusion: For a milder and slightly sweet garlic flavor, roast the garlic cloves before adding them to the Instant Pot. Drizzle the garlic with olive oil, wrap it in foil, and roast in the oven until soft. Then, mix the roasted garlic into the mashed potatoes for a more nuanced taste.
• Herb-Infused Mashed Potatoes: Elevate the flavor profile by adding a medley of fresh herbs. Chopped rosemary, thyme, and parsley can be mixed into the mashed potatoes or used as a garnish for a burst of herbal freshness.
• Cheesy Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Stir in your favorite cheese for an extra layer of richness. Sharp cheddar, Parmesan, or even creamy blue cheese can add a delightful cheesy dimension to the mashed potatoes.
• Caramelized Onion and Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Sauté thinly sliced onions until caramelized and mix them into the mashed potatoes along with the garlic. The sweet and savory combination of caramelized onions adds a depth of flavor that complements the garlic perfectly.
• Spicy Garlic Mashed Potatoes: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the mashed potatoes. You can also incorporate a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick.
• Truffle Oil Elegance: Elevate your mashed potatoes to a gourmet level by drizzling a small amount of truffle oil over the finished dish. The earthy aroma of truffle oil pairs exceptionally well with the garlic, creating a sophisticated flavor profile.
• Mashed Sweet Potatoes and Garlic Blend: Combine traditional potatoes with sweet potatoes for a unique twist. The natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes complements the savory garlic, resulting in a delightful and colorful mash.
• Mashed Potato Casserole: Transfer the mashed potatoes to a baking dish, sprinkle with breadcrumbs and cheese, and bake until golden brown. This creates a delicious mashed potato casserole with a crispy, cheesy crust.

‍👩🏻‍🍳 How to Make Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes

1. Prepare the Potatoes: Start by peeling and dicing the potatoes into evenly sized chunks. This ensures that they cook uniformly in the Instant Pot.
2. Set Up the Instant Pot: Place the diced potatoes into the Instant Pot and add the chicken or vegetable broth. The broth not only infuses additional flavor but also prevents the potatoes from sticking to the bottom.
3. Add Garlic: Sprinkle the minced garlic over the potatoes. Garlic lovers can add more cloves for an extra punch of flavor.
4. Set Cooking Time: Secure the Instant Pot lid, set the valve to the sealing position, and select the "Manual" or "Pressure Cook" setting. Adjust the cooking time to 8 minutes on high pressure.
5. Natural Release: Once the cooking cycle completes, allow for a natural pressure release for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully release any remaining pressure by turning the valve to the venting position.
6. Mash and Season: Open the Instant Pot and drain any excess liquid from the potatoes. Add butter, milk, or heavy cream to the potatoes and start mashing with a potato masher. Continue mashing until the desired consistency is achieved.
7. Adjust Seasoning: Season the mashed potatoes with salt and pepper to taste. Keep in mind that the broth and butter already add some saltiness, so adjust accordingly.
8. Garnish and Serve: Transfer the mashed potatoes to a serving dish, and if desired, garnish with chopped fresh chives or parsley for a pop of color and added freshness.

🥣 How to Serve

Serve the garlic mashed potatoes as a classic side dish alongside your favorite main courses. It pairs exceptionally well with roasted chicken, grilled steak, turkey, or meatloaf. The creamy texture and rich flavor make it a comforting addition to any meal.

• Holiday Feast: Elevate your holiday table by featuring garlic mashed potatoes as a festive side. Pair it with roast turkey, ham, or prime rib. The savory garlic notes add a festive touch to the meal, making it a perfect addition to Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner.
• Mashed Potato Bar: Create a mashed potato bar for a fun and interactive dining experience. Set out various toppings and let guests customize their servings. Offer options like shredded cheese, chives, crispy bacon bits, sour cream, gravy, and even sautéed mushrooms.
• Shepherd's Pie Topping: Use the garlic mashed potatoes as a delicious topping for shepherd's pie. Layer the mashed potatoes over a slice of savory meat and vegetable filling, then bake until golden brown for a comforting and hearty meal.
• Appetizer or Canapé Base: Serve smaller portions of garlic mashed potatoes as a base for appetizers or canapés. Top them with smoked salmon, caramelized onions, or a dollop of caviar for an elegant and tasty starter.
• Stuffed Vegetables: Use the garlic mashed potatoes as a filling for vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or baked potatoes. This creates a flavorful and satisfying vegetarian dish.
• Lunchbox Treat: Pack leftover garlic mashed potatoes in lunch boxes for a tasty and comforting lunch. Reheat them in the microwave and enjoy a delicious and satisfying midday meal.
• Family-style Gathering: Place the Instant Pot on the table, allowing everyone to serve themselves family-style. This casual and communal approach encourages sharing and ensures that everyone gets their desired portion.
• Soup Topping: Float a dollop of garlic mashed potatoes on top of a bowl of soup, such as creamy potato soup or roasted garlic soup. The potatoes add a creamy and hearty element to the soup, creating a comforting combination.
• Brunch Delight: Incorporate garlic mashed potatoes into a brunch menu. Serve alongside eggs, bacon, and toast for a hearty and satisfying brunch dish.

❄️ Storing and Reheating Mashed Potatoes

• Refrigeration: Allow the mashed potatoes to cool to room temperature before refrigerating. Transfer the leftovers to an airtight container, ensuring there is minimal air exposure. Refrigerate within two hours of cooking.
• Labeling: If you're storing mashed potatoes for an extended period, it's a good practice to label the container with the date to keep track of freshness.
• Storage Duration: Garlic mashed potatoes can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days.

For up to 3–4 months, mashed potatoes freeze well! I prefer to freeze them in cubes so that I may remove servings that are the right size whenever I want.

When ready to serve, microwave the potatoes with a little milk or water or let them defrost overnight.

📋 Recipe FAQ

🥟 More Quick and Easy-to-Make Recipes:

• Instant Pot Chicken Fajitas
• Air Fryer Frozen Broccoli
• Air Fryer Breakfast Potatoes
• Homemade Mayonnaise Without Mustard
• Grilled Buffalo Chicken
• Easy 3-ingredient Potato Soup
• Leek And Mushroom Quiche (Gruyère Cheese)
• Classic Meatloaf Glaze With Brown Sugar

Looking for easy dinner recipes? be sure to check my Quick & Easy Gouda Mac and Cheese, Carrot and Lentil Soup, or this super easy Lemon Garlic Pasta.

📖 Recipe