BEST INSTANT POT MASHED POTATOES (NO-DRAIN)
The best Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes are light, fluffy, and require no draining for the best flavor making them simple and fuss-free! Recipe is vegan, can easily be halved or doubled, and is easily customizable.
Mashed potatoes made in the Instant Pot is about as easy as it gets and simply the best! Itās my all-time favorite way to make mashed potatoes.
Wether you already make them in a pressure cooker or are new to Instant Pot, I know youāre going to love this recipe as much as we do
Hereās a few reasons why I love this Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes recipe:
- No draining necessary!Ā Means one less step and more potato flavor.
- Quick and easy. Potatoes are ready in about 20 minutes.
- Super flavorful. Retaining all the potato flavor thatās typically lost from draining results in naturally more flavor.
- Frees up space on the stove. This is especially great around the holidays when your to-do list is long and stovetop full.
- Once finished, keep warm right in the Instant Pot using the āwarmā setting until ready to serve.
So letās get to it! It all starts with the potatoesā¦
Best Potatoes For Mashing
You can make mashed potatoes with any type of potato, but they do vary slightly in results. In the end, it will come down to personal preference.
- Russet potatoes ā The gold standard, their high starchiness makes for one of the creamiest mashed potatoes. They are the easiest to peel since theyāre generally the largest and easy to hold. The skin is thicker than other potatoes, making these best peeled, but unpeeled is ok too for a more rustic mashed potatoes.
- Yukon gold potatoes ā My all time favorite because of their creamy texture and buttery flavor, not to mention their light golden hue. And Yukon potatoes are excellent with the skin or without!
- Red and white potatoes ā A waxy potato with the least starch. They may not blend up as creamy but are still delicious, especially with the skins on.
How Many Potatoes Should I Use?
When making mashed potatoes, a good rule of thumb is to use 1/2 pound of potatoes per person. Thatās about 1 ā 2 potatoes per serving , depending on the size (russet will be 1, while yukon or red may be 2). A 5 lb. bag will serve a small crowd of 8 ā 10 people. If making mashed potatoes for 4, cut this recipe in half.
Mashed Potatoes With The Skin Or Without
Both peeled and unpeeled mashed potatoes are great! They both have their place, but if youāre unsure and serving for a crowd, itās probably best to serve unpeeled, especially if kids will be joining you.
Hereās a few pros and cons:
- Peeling:Ā Adds prep time, but results in ultra creamy mashed potatoes.
- No Peel:Ā Speeds up prep time (just be sure to scrub them well) and results in rustic, hearty mashed potatoes.Ā Plus, there is fiber in the skins making them a healthy addition!
How To Make Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
Here is a quick look at the process of making mashed potatoes in the Instant Pot for reference. You can find the full printable recipe is at the bottom of this post.
- Cut potatoes into quarters. If using larger potatoes, like russet, cut into 1 1/2 inch cubes.
- Place potatoes in the insert of a 6 Qt. Instant Pot (affiliate link, this is the one I use). Add the water and generous pinch of salt.
- Attach the lid, close the seal, and manually cook for 10 minutes on high pressure (Instant Pot will come to pressure before actually cooking which may take 10 minutes). Let vent naturally, will take about 15 minutes. Alternatively, carefully open the valve to manually release the pressure if youāre in a hurry.
- Let the potatoes rest in the instant pot until ready to mash. If adding vegan butter, add that right away so it has time to melt. When ready to mash, add plant milk or Vegan Cream and mix. Season to taste and add more butter or milk as desired.
And thatās it ā simple, no fuss, and most of all delicious!
Flavor Variations
- Garlic mashed potatoes. For garlic mashed potatoes, add in 1 ā 2 minced garlic cloves or 1 ā 2 teaspoons of garlic powder with the potatoes before cooking.
- Add vegan parmesan cheese. Add grated block parmesan, my favorite is this vegan Violife Parmesan that grates and melts just like regular parm. A reader even used this TSV Vegan Queso!
- Sour cream + chives. In place of butter or oil, add in up to 1/2 cup of store bought or homemade cashew sour cream. and chopped chives for a heavenly fluffy and rich sour cream mashed potatoes.
How To Store
- Refrigerator: Leftover mashed potatoes can be kept in the refrigerator for 4 ā 5 days, in a covered container.
- Freezer: To store longer, your mashed potatoes are freezer friendly and will last 2 ā 3 months in freezer safe containers (affiliate link) or baggies. When storing in containers, be sure to leave about 1/2 inch at the top for expansion. For baggies, remove as much air as possible before zip locking. Let thaw before reheating.
How To Reheat Mashed Potatoes
- Stovetop: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, giving them a good mix to break them up and adding a splash or two of milk as needed to bring back fluffiness. Warm to desired temperature, stirring occasionally.
- Slow Cooker: Place mashed potatoes in a slow cooker on warm for 2 ā 4 hours, stir potatoes well, adding milk as needed to re-fluff the potatoes, stirring occasionally.
- Microwave: You can warm them in the microwave by adding a small amount of non-dairy milk, cover and heat on half-power for 4 ā 5 minutes at a time, stirring occasionally until warmed.
- From frozen: If using frozen mashed potatoes, let thaw in the refrigerator before heating.
Serving Suggestions
Mashed potatoes are super versatile and can be served alongside lentil loaves or used as a bed for gravy and stew. Here are a few of my favorite mains and sides:
- Lentil loaves: Serve with this The Ultimate Vegetable Loaf orĀ Lentil Walnut Loaf.
- Stroganoff + Gratin: Use mashed potatoes as a bed for this savory Vegan Mushroom StroganoffĀ or Kale + Mushroom Gratin.
- Stews + Ragu: Serve as a bed for this delicious Mushroom BourguignonĀ or Hearty Lentil & Mushroom Ragu.
- Gravy: Itās great topped with thisĀ Vegan Mushroom Gravy or Country Gravy.
- Veggies: Serve with a side of Savory Sauteed Kale, Roasted Brussels Sprouts, Green Beans AlmondineĀ or Roasted Butternut Squash + Brussels Sprouts.
More Delicious Potato Recipes
- Crispy Smashed Potatoes
- Easy Oven-Roasted Red Potatoes
- Fresh Herb Potato Salad
- 5-Ingredient Kielbasa with Peppers & Potatoes
- Creamy Potato & Chickpea Salad
- See all vegan Potato recipes on TSV!
If you try this Instant Pot recipe or have a question, please let me know!Ā Leave a comment and rate it below. I love to hear what you think, or any changes you make.
PrintINSTANT POT MASHED POTATOES (EASY, NO DRAIN RECIPE)
Creamy, light and fluffy Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes made simple with minimal ingredients and easily customizable is an easy vegan side dish for just about any occasion!
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 10 min
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8 - 10 1x
- Category: Side
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 5 lbs. (2.3 kg) potatoes (Yukon gold, russet, red or white)
- vegetable broth or water (see methods)
- 3/4 ā 1 1/4 cups (237 ā 355 ml) unsweetened, plain non-dairy milk or Vegan Cream, at room temp
- 1/3 cup (113 g) dairy-free butter (Miyokoās pref.), margarine or extra virgin olive oil, at room temp
- mineral salt & fresh cracked pepper, to taste
Instructions
Instant Pot:
- Peel, or leave skins on, and quarter the potatoes (if using larger potatoes like russet, cut into 1 1/2 inch cubes). If cooking with the skins, scrub potatoes well before cutting.
- Place potatoes at the bottom of the Instant Pot, add 1 1/2 cups (355 ml) water and a generous pinch of salt (if halving or doubling recipe see notes).
- Attach lid, set vent to the SEALED position. Push the PRESSURE COOKER button, and manually set the time for 10 minutesĀ (Instant Pot will come to pressure before actually cooking which may take 10 minutes).
- When done, let the steam vent on its own, or carefully move the valve to open if youāre in a hurry.
- Add oil/butter, and give the mashed potatoes a mash with a potato masher. Add the in milk, salt and pepper, and mash & stir well until fluffy and creamy, a few lumps is ok. Taste for flavor, adding more salt & pepper to taste.
- Keep warm in the instant pot with this Instant Pot glass lid. Add a tad more milk and stir well to bring back creaminess before serving if needed.
Stovetop (or see this Stovetop Vegan Mashed Potatoes):
- In a large pot, add potatoes and fill pot with enough water to cover potatoes, there should be about 1 inch of water overtop.
- Bring to a boil, cover askew, reduce heat to low, and cook over a gentle boil forĀ 15 ā 20 minutes. Potatoes are done when fork tender.
- Remove from heat, carefully drain water.
- Mash with potato masher, add oil/butter and 1 cup milk, salt & pepper, stir to combine. Add more milk, a little at a time, as needed to achieve desired consistency (you may find you use up to 2 cups). Taste for flavor, adding more salt & pepper to taste.
Serves 8 ā 10
Pair your mashed potatoes as a side with this flavorfulĀ The Ultimate Vegetable LoafĀ orĀ Apple, Fennel & Sage Lentil Loaf. Also, use them as a bed for this delicious Mushroom Stroganoff, Mushroom BourguignonĀ orĀ Hearty Lentil & Mushroom Ragu.
Notes
Oil-free: Omit the butter and oil, using just plant milk. You may like to use vegetable broth instead of water for maximum flavor.
Garlic mashed potatoes: Add 1 or 2 teaspoons minced garlic with the potatoes for garlic mashed potatoes. Or add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder when adding the butter.
Add vegan parmesan cheese. Add grated block parmesan, my favorite is this vegan Violife Parmesan that grates and melts just like regular parm. A reader even used this Vegan Queso!
Sour cream + chives. In place of butter or oil, add in up to 1/2 cup of store bought or homemade cashew sour cream. and chopped chives for a heavenly fluffy and rich sour cream mashed potatoes.
Make your potatoes ahead of time (up to 1 day) and store in the refrigerator.
Feel free to cut the recipe in half if serving 4 ā 5 people.
Halving : If halving the recipe for the instant pot, cut the water added to the pot in half using 3/4 cup (177ml).
To reheat:
- Stovetop: Heat on the stovetop over low, give a good mix to break them up, adding a splash or two of milk as needed to bring back fluffiness and warm to desired temperature, stirring occasionally.
- Slow Cooker: Place potatoes in a slow cooker on warm for 2 ā 4 hours, stir potatoes well, adding milk as needed to re-fluff the potatoes, stirring occasionally.
- Microwave: You can warm them in the microwave by adding a small amount of broth or non-dairy milk, cover and heat on half-power for 4 ā 5 minutes at a time, stirring in occasionally until warmed.
- From frozen: If using frozen mashed potatoes, let thaw in the refrigerator before heating.
Updated: Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes was originally published in October 2018. It has been retested and updated with new photos and helpful tips in December 2020.
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Great recipe. So fast, and easy. I used red potatoes, unpeeled. I also added minced garlic. It turned out delicious!
Hello, do you set to high pressure or low?
Set it to HIGH pressure. Enjoy the potatoes!
Should we drain the water from the instant pot before mashing?
No, you don’t need to drain the water if cooking in an Instant Pot. The potato water is what will really give the potatoes a nice flavor. Just add the smaller amount of non-dairy milk suggested and work your way up as needed. Do let us know how it turns out for you, it’s super helpful to others too!
I made them last night and didn’t drain the water – actually instead of water I used vegetable broth! I had some cashew queso on hand from the night before (essentially soaked cashews, nutritional yeast, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder) and mixed in 1/2 cup instead of the cashew cream and they were SO GOOD and cheesy! This was an awesome recipe – will definitely be making it again!
I have an 8 qt instant pot; how does that change the amounts listed?
Yes, this will work in an 8 qt! No need to make adjustments.
These mashed potatoes came out perfect in the instant pot! Thank you for the tips on halving the recipe, that worked great!
So glad it worked for you! I love these mashed potatoes and just made them the other day too. Thanks for the feedback! Cheers :)
I just made these potatoes in my Instant Pot. I wanted to do a test run before I make them for Thanksgiving dinner. I also made the mushroom gravy. Oh my goodness.. the potatoes and the gravy were amazing! Thanks for the recipes!
I added a few garlic cloves, turned out perfect!
What! I never even though to make mashed potatoes in my pressure cooker. I use the thing for everything though. What a grand idea. I love it! :)
Yes, who knew! lol They are so flavorful too, a must try for sure! Cheers :)
Thanks for posting instant pot recipes! I’ve been looking for a good vegan instant pot recipe source. I love all of your recipes so this is perfect.
Great, so glad these instant pot recipes will be useful for you!
Your comment makes my day! Would love to know how any of them turn out. Cheers :)
Why does the ingredient list say 1 cup water but the instant pot directions say 2/3 cup water? Thanks for answering!! Canāt wait to try this recipe!
Hi Janice, thank you for pointing that out, that was a testing amount I forgot to change to 1 cup. Let me know how these turn out for you! Enjoy :)