Creamy & Fluffy Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Your Ultimate Guide for Easy, Flavorful Sides
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with these Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes. Perfectly creamy, unbelievably fluffy, and bursting with rich garlic flavor, this recipe is a game-changer for any meal. Using just seven simple ingredients, you can whip up this classic side dish in record time with the convenience of your Instant Pot. Ideal for busy weeknights, holiday feasts, or any special occasion, we’ve also included traditional stovetop instructions, along with fantastic Whole30 and dairy-free options, ensuring everyone at your table can savor this delightful dish.
Mashed potatoes, or puré de papa as they’re affectionately known in Spanish-speaking cultures, were a cherished staple at our family dinner table throughout my childhood. Their smooth, comforting texture always made them the perfect companion for a variety of saucy dishes, such as our beloved Chile Verde con Queso, savory Pork in Salsa Verde, or the rich Chile Colorado. My mom’s mashed potatoes were delightfully simple yet incredibly comforting – the ultimate vessel to soak up every last drop of those vibrant, flavorful sauces.
As an adult, my love for mashed potatoes has only grown, but I’ve added my own modern twist. Today’s recipe elevates this classic side with a generous infusion of garlic, adding a delicious depth of flavor that is simply irresistible. What truly sets this recipe apart is the use of the Instant Pot, which transforms the preparation of this timeless dish into an effortless and incredibly quick process. This means less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying delicious food with loved ones.
The Instant Pot truly shines during the busy holiday season, like Thanksgiving or Christmas, when your stovetop burners are typically occupied with other festive culinary creations. Its pressure cooking magic frees up valuable space and time, allowing you to prepare these creamy garlic mashed potatoes without any fuss. And for those who haven’t yet joined the Instant Pot craze, don’t fret! I’ve meticulously included detailed stovetop instructions, along with a plethora of tips and tricks, to ensure your mashed potatoes turn out perfectly creamy and fluffy every single time, regardless of your cooking method. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this foolproof recipe!
Why You’ll Adore This Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potato Recipe
This Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potato recipe isn’t just another side dish; it’s a culinary revelation designed to simplify your cooking and delight your taste buds. Here’s why you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again:
- Effortlessly Fast & Incredibly Easy: While making delicious mashed potatoes is inherently simple, the Instant Pot truly elevates the experience. It drastically cuts down cooking time, allowing you to achieve perfectly tender potatoes in mere minutes, often in half the time of traditional boiling. This means less active cooking and more time enjoying your meal. Even if you don’t own an Instant Pot, our comprehensive stovetop directions ensure a smooth and easy process.
- Made with Minimal, Wholesome Ingredients: You don’t need a long grocery list for extraordinary flavor. This recipe calls for just seven common, everyday ingredients, three of which are simply water, salt, and pepper. This simplicity not only makes shopping a breeze but also ensures that the natural goodness of the potatoes and garlic truly shines through.
- Unforgettably Fluffy, Creamy, and Flavorful: Prepare for a mashed potato experience like no other. These potatoes strike the perfect balance between a delicate garlic aroma and an unbelievably creamy, cloud-like texture. The whole garlic cloves infuse the milk and butter with a subtle, aromatic essence that permeates every spoonful, creating a side dish that’s rich in flavor without being overpowering.
- Versatile with Whole30 & Dairy-Free Options: We believe delicious food should be accessible to everyone. This recipe is incredibly adaptable, offering straightforward ingredient swaps to cater to various dietary needs. Whether you’re following a Whole30 or paleo lifestyle or need a dairy-free alternative, you can easily customize these mashed potatoes to fit your preferences without compromising on taste or texture.
Craving another effortlessly delicious Instant Pot dish? You’ll love this simple yet flavorful Instant Pot Buttery Basmati Rice.
Essential Ingredients & Smart Substitutions
Crafting the perfect batch of Instant Pot garlic mashed potatoes begins with selecting the right ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and how you can adapt the recipe to suit your preferences or dietary requirements:
- Russet Potatoes: These are the stars of the show for a reason! Russets are renowned for their high starch content, which is crucial for achieving that signature light, airy, and incredibly fluffy mashed potato texture. When cooked and mashed, their cells break down easily, creating a smooth, non-gummy consistency.
- Substitution Option: While Russets are highly recommended for ultimate fluffiness, you can substitute with Yukon Gold potatoes for a creamier, slightly denser mash. Yukon Golds have a lower starch content and a naturally buttery flavor, which also works beautifully for mashed potatoes if you prefer a richer, less airy result. Red potatoes can also be used, offering a slightly waxier texture.
- Water: Essential for cooking the potatoes, whether you’re using an Instant Pot or the stovetop. The goal is to fully submerge the potato pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Milk: I personally prefer using whole milk to achieve the richest, most luxuriously creamy mashed potatoes. The higher fat content contributes significantly to both texture and flavor. However, 2% milk will also yield delicious results, albeit slightly less rich.
- For Extra Richness: For an even more indulgent and decadent side, consider using heavy cream or half-and-half in place of some or all of the milk.
- Dairy-Free Alternative: For a dairy-free version, plain, unsweetened almond milk works wonderfully. Ensure it’s unsweetened to avoid altering the savory profile of the dish.
- Butter: Butter is key to the irresistible flavor and velvety texture of mashed potatoes. I often opt for grass-fed butter for its deeper flavor profile, but any high-quality butter you enjoy will work perfectly.
- Dairy-Free/Whole30/Paleo Option: For those avoiding dairy, vegan butter is an excellent substitute. For Whole30 or paleo guidelines, use ghee, which is clarified butter with dairy solids removed, offering a rich, buttery taste without the lactose.
- Garlic: To truly infuse these mashed potatoes with an authentic, robust garlic taste, using whole garlic cloves is non-negotiable. Mashing them lightly allows their aromatic oils to slowly release into the warm milk and butter mixture, creating a delicate yet distinct garlic essence without the sharpness that minced garlic might impart.
- Salt and Pepper: These fundamental seasonings are crucial for balancing and enhancing all the flavors. Always taste and adjust as needed before serving. I recommend using fine sea salt for even distribution and freshly cracked black pepper for the best flavor.
Mastering the Art of Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Step-by-Step
Achieving perfectly creamy, garlicky mashed potatoes is simpler than you think, especially with the help of an Instant Pot. Follow these detailed steps for a flawless batch every time.
Instant Pot Method: The Quick & Easy Way
1. Prepare the Potatoes with Precision: Start by thoroughly washing 2.5 pounds of russet potatoes under cold running water to remove any dirt. Then, carefully peel each potato using a vegetable peeler. Once peeled, cut each potato into approximately 6 equal, uniformly sized pieces. Consistency in size is key for even cooking, ensuring all potato pieces become tender at the same rate.
2. Pressure Cook to Perfection: Transfer the peeled and uniformly cut potato pieces into the inner pot of your Instant Pot. Add enough cold water to just cover the potatoes, which will be approximately 6 cups. Secure the lid, ensure the steam release valve is set to the “Sealing” position, and pressure cook on High for 10 minutes. Once the cooking cycle is complete, carefully perform a quick release of the pressure. This stops the cooking process promptly. Immediately drain the potatoes thoroughly using a colander, then return them to the Instant Pot and set the “Keep Warm” function to maintain their heat.
3. Infuse the Milk Mixture with Garlic: While your potatoes are cooking, prepare your flavorful milk mixture. In a small saucepan, combine the milk, butter, and the smashed garlic cloves. Place the saucepan over medium-low heat and gently warm the mixture for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. The goal is to melt the butter and allow the garlic to slowly infuse its aroma and flavor into the milk without boiling. Once fragrant and the butter is fully melted, remove the saucepan from the heat and set it aside.
4. Season and Mash for Creamy Perfection: With the cooked potatoes back in the Instant Pot and kept warm, it’s time to mash. Season the potatoes generously with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the infused garlic cloves from the milk mixture (you can discard them or save them for another use). Gradually pour the warm milk and butter mixture into the potatoes. Using either a hand mixer for an extra fluffy, whipped texture or a potato masher for a classic, slightly chunkier consistency, mash the potatoes until they are smooth and fluffy. Be cautious not to overmix, as this can lead to a gummy texture. Taste the mashed potatoes and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper as needed to achieve your desired flavor.
Stovetop Method: Traditional & Reliable
If you prefer a classic approach or don’t have an Instant Pot, these garlic mashed potatoes can be made beautifully on the stovetop:
1. Prepare the Potatoes: Just like with the Instant Pot method, thoroughly wash and peel 2.5 pounds of russet potatoes. Cut each potato into 6 equal, consistently sized pieces to ensure they cook evenly.
2. Cook the Potatoes to Tenderness: Place the prepared potato pieces into a large pot. Cover them completely with cold water, ensuring there’s at least an inch of water above the potatoes. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer, cover the pot, and cook for approximately 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender (a fork should easily pierce them). Immediately drain the potatoes completely in a colander, then return them to the empty pot.
3. Finish Your Mashed Potatoes: Once the potatoes are drained and back in the pot, simply follow the remaining steps outlined in the Instant Pot method above. This includes creating the flavorful milk mixture with butter and garlic, then mashing and seasoning the potatoes to your desired perfection.
Expert Tips for the Best Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Achieving restaurant-quality mashed potatoes at home is all about a few key techniques. Here are my top tips to ensure your garlic mashed potatoes are always a resounding success:
- Mash Immediately While Hot: Timing is everything! As soon as your potatoes are cooked and thoroughly drained, begin mashing them. Mashing hot potatoes allows them to absorb the butter and milk more readily, resulting in a smooth, creamy texture. If you let them cool too much, they can become gluey or gummy.
- Ensure Evenly Sized Pieces: Whether using an Instant Pot or stovetop, cutting your potatoes into uniform pieces is crucial. This ensures that all the potatoes cook at the same rate, preventing some from being undercooked and hard while others are overcooked and watery. Aim for pieces roughly 1-1.5 inches in size.
- Always Start with Cold Water: For both Instant Pot and stovetop methods, always place your cut potatoes in cold water before heating. This allows the potatoes to cook evenly from the outside in as the water gradually heats up. If you start with hot water, the outside of the potatoes can cook faster than the inside, leading to an unevenly cooked result.
- Drain Thoroughly for Fluffiness: After cooking, it’s paramount to drain your potatoes completely. Excess water will dilute the flavor and prevent them from achieving that desired fluffy texture, making them watery and less appealing. Let them sit in the colander for a minute or two to allow all steam and moisture to escape.
- For a Classic, Slightly Chunky Texture, Use a Potato Masher: If you appreciate a traditional mashed potato with a bit of rustic charm and a few delightful lumps, a potato masher is your best tool. This method offers excellent control over the consistency, allowing you to achieve your perfect balance of smooth and chunky.
- For an Extra Fluffy, Whipped Texture, Use a Hand Mixer: My mother-in-law’s secret to airy, cloud-like mashed potatoes involved a hand mixer. This technique introduces more air into the potatoes, creating an incredibly light and whipped consistency. However, exercise caution: overmixing can break down too much starch, leading to a sticky, gummy result. Mix just until smooth and fluffy, then stop.
- Warm the Milk and Butter: Always warm your milk and melt your butter with the garlic before adding it to the potatoes. Cold dairy will cool down your potatoes, making them harder to mash smoothly and affecting their creamy texture. Warming the liquids also helps the garlic infuse its flavor more effectively.
Recommended Kitchen Essentials for This Recipe
To make these Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes a breeze, having the right tools can make all the difference. Here’s what I recommend:
Instant Pot (6-Quart)
My 6-quart Instant Pot is an absolute workhorse in my kitchen. It’s perfectly sized for preparing family meals, effortlessly handling everything from comforting soups and perfectly cooked rice to tender roasts and, of course, these amazing mashed potatoes for my family of five. Its versatility and speed make it an invaluable appliance.
How to Serve Your Delicious Garlic Mashed Potatoes
These creamy, flavorful garlic mashed potatoes are incredibly versatile and can elevate almost any meal. They are truly the perfect side dish for countless occasions.
They are, of course, an absolute must-have for Thanksgiving and other holiday dinners, providing a comforting and rich accompaniment to your festive spread. But don’t limit them to holidays! They pair beautifully with your favorite everyday proteins, such as succulent roast chicken, juicy pork chops, or perfectly seared steak.
Beyond traditional American fare, their rich flavor profile also makes them an excellent match for many Mexican-inspired dishes. Consider serving them alongside:
- Asado de Puerco (Red Chile Pork Stew): The creamy potatoes are ideal for soaking up the rich, spicy sauce of this traditional stew.
- Mixed Vegetables and Ground Beef Skillet: A hearty and comforting pairing that makes for a complete meal.
- Pan Seared Cilantro Lime Chicken: The brightness of the chicken is beautifully balanced by the richness of the mashed potatoes.
- As a savory topping for Roasted Green Chile Pastel de Papa (Shepherd’s Pie): A delicious and comforting twist on a classic, where the garlic mashed potatoes form a delectable crust.
Storing and Reheating for Convenience
One of the many great things about mashed potatoes is how well they store and reheat, making them perfect for meal prep or enjoying leftovers. Properly stored, they can be just as delicious the next day.
To store, transfer any leftover mashed potatoes into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days. This makes them a fantastic make-ahead option for busy weeks or holiday gatherings, allowing you to get a head start on your cooking.
When it comes to reheating, you have a couple of easy options:
- Microwave Method: For a quick reheat, place the mashed potatoes in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring well after each, until they are steaming hot and heated through.
- Oven Method: For a larger batch or a slightly crispier top, transfer the mashed potatoes to an oven-safe dish, cover it loosely with foil, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until thoroughly heated.
During reheating, especially if they’ve thickened in the fridge, you might find that the mashed potatoes benefit from a splash of milk, water, or even chicken or vegetable broth. Stir in a small amount (a tablespoon or two at a time) until they regain their original creamy and smooth consistency. Don’t be afraid to add a little extra butter or seasoning if needed to refresh their flavor!
Delicious Variations to Customize Your Mashed Potatoes
While these Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes are perfect as is, they also serve as a fantastic base for various delicious customizations. Here are a few ideas to inspire you:
- Whole30 and Paleo Version: Easily adapt this recipe to fit your dietary needs. Simply replace the regular butter with ghee (clarified butter, which is dairy-free and Whole30 compliant) and swap out the whole milk for unsweetened, plain almond milk. The garlic infusion will still shine through beautifully.
- Dairy-Free Option: For a strictly dairy-free experience, use unsweetened, plain almond milk and your favorite brand of vegan butter. The texture and flavor will remain wonderfully rich and creamy.
- Pro Tip: Did you know making your own almond milk is incredibly easy, healthy, and often more cost-effective? Check out my recipe for Healthy Homemade Almond Milk to try it yourself!
- Herbed Mashed Potatoes: For an extra layer of freshness and aroma, finely chop fresh herbs like chives, parsley, rosemary, or thyme. Fold them into the mashed potatoes just before serving. A mix of herbs can add wonderful complexity.
- Cheesy Mashed Potatoes: Who doesn’t love cheese? Stir in about ½ to 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar, Parmesan, or a blend of your favorite cheeses while the potatoes are still hot, allowing the cheese to melt into creamy goodness.
- Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes: For an even deeper, sweeter garlic flavor, consider roasting the garlic cloves before infusing them into the milk. Simply slice the top off a head of garlic, drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast at 400°F (200°C) for 30-40 minutes until soft. Squeeze the roasted cloves out and mash them directly into the potatoes with the butter and milk.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mashed Potatoes
Absolutely! No problem at all. While the Instant Pot offers a speedy method, I’ve included detailed stovetop instructions right within the recipe section. You can still achieve perfectly creamy and fluffy garlic mashed potatoes using a traditional pot and a bit more cooking time. The key steps for mashing and seasoning remain the same, ensuring delicious results.
While Russet potatoes are highly recommended for their high starch content, which yields the fluffiest and lightest mashed potatoes, you certainly can use other varieties. Yukon Gold potatoes are an excellent second choice; they create a wonderfully creamy and slightly buttery mash, though it tends to be a bit denser than with Russets. Red potatoes can also be used, but they have a lower starch content and a waxier texture, resulting in a slightly less fluffy mash. Experiment to find your preferred texture!
Gummy mashed potatoes are usually a result of overmixing. When potatoes are over-processed, especially with an electric mixer at high speeds or for too long, their starch molecules break down and become sticky. To avoid this, mash the potatoes just until they are smooth and fluffy, and stop as soon as you reach your desired consistency. Using a potato masher can give you more control, reducing the risk of overmixing.
Yes, absolutely! Adding cream cheese or sour cream is a fantastic way to introduce an extra layer of tanginess and richness to your mashed potatoes. For every 2.5 pounds of potatoes, start with 2-4 ounces (about ¼ to ½ cup) of softened cream cheese or sour cream. Fold it in along with the butter and milk mixture until fully incorporated. This can make them even creamier and add a delightful depth of flavor.
Beyond the garlic infusion, there are several ways to boost the flavor. Consider substituting some of the milk with chicken or vegetable broth for a savory base. You can also add a pinch of onion powder or a dash of your favorite dried herbs (like chives or parsley) into the milk mixture while warming it. A small amount of finely grated Parmesan cheese stirred in at the end can also add a wonderful umami depth.
I truly hope you enjoy making and savoring these incredibly creamy and flavorful Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes! If you try this recipe, please leave me a commentwith a star rating below – your feedback means the world to me. Also, be sure to follow me on Instagram, Facebook or Pinterest to stay in touch with my latest recipes and culinary adventures. And don’t forget to subscribe to my newsletter for exclusive content and updates straight to your inbox.
Recipe Card
Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes
by Gemma Aguayo-Murphy
Pin Recipe
Equipment
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Instant Pot (6-quart recommended)
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Hand Mixer or Potato Masher
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Colander
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Small Saucepan
Ingredients
- 2.5 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 6 equal pieces
- 6 cups cold water (or more as needed to cover potatoes)
- ¾ cup whole milk (can use 2%, heavy cream, or unsweetened almond milk for dairy-free)
- ¼ cup butter (or vegan butter for dairy-free, ghee for Whole30/Paleo)
- 4 garlic cloves, smashed
- ¾ teaspoon salt (plus more if needed)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper (plus more if needed)
Instructions
Instant Pot Method
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Wash and peel the potatoes. Cut each of the potatoes into 6 equal pieces to ensure even cooking.
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Place the prepared potatoes in the Instant Pot and add enough cold water to just cover them (about 6 cups). Secure the lid, set the valve to “Sealing”, and pressure cook on High for 10 minutes. When the cooking time is up, carefully perform a quick release of the pressure.
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Using a colander, thoroughly drain the potatoes. Return the hot, drained potatoes to the Instant Pot and set the “Keep Warm” function.
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In a small saucepan, combine the milk, butter, and smashed garlic cloves. Warm this mixture over medium-low heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the butter melts and the garlic is fragrant. Do not boil. Set aside.
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Add salt and black pepper to the warm potatoes. Remove the garlic cloves from the milk mixture (discard or save). Gradually pour the warm milk and butter mixture into the potatoes. Using a hand mixer (for extra fluffy) or a potato masher (for classic texture), mash until smooth and fluffy, being careful not to over-mix.
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Taste for seasoning and adjust with more salt and pepper as needed.
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Serve immediately and enjoy your creamy garlic mashed potatoes!
Notes
- Peel and cut the potatoes into equal pieces as indicated above.
- Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover completely with cold water. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for about 20 minutes or until a fork easily pierces a potato.
- Use a colanderto fully drain the potatoes. Return the potatoes to the empty pot.
- Follow the same remaining steps listed in the Instant Pot Method (Steps 3-6) for creating the milk mixture, mashing the potatoes, and seasoning.
Special Tips for Perfect Mashed Potatoes:
- Mash Immediately: Always mash the potatoes right away while they’re still hot. This prevents a gummy consistency and ensures they absorb the added liquids better.
- Potato Masher for Classic Texture: For a classic, slightly chunky mashed potato, use a potato masher. This traditional method offers the most control over the final consistency, allowing for a delightful mix of smooth and tender pieces.
- Hand Mixer for Extra Fluffiness: To achieve incredibly whipped and extra fluffy mashed potatoes, employ a hand mixer. Be careful not to over-mix, as this can break down too much starch and make your potatoes sticky or gluey. Mix just until light and airy.
- Dairy-Free/Whole30/Paleo Options: For a Whole30 and Paleo compliant version, use unsweetened, plain almond milk and substitute regular butter with ghee. For a simple dairy-free option, use unsweetened plain almond milk and vegan butter.
- Warm Liquids: Always warm your milk and melt your butter with the garlic before adding it to the potatoes. Cold liquids can cool the potatoes too quickly, making them harder to mash smoothly and affecting the overall creamy texture.
Nutrition
Originally published November 2022. Updated and expanded post November 2024.