The ultimate comfort food: instant pot mashed potatoes! Who doesn’t love a warm, fluffy, and creamy bowl of goodness? I mean, I’m obsessed! As a self-proclaimed foodie, I’ve experimented with countless recipes, and today I’m sharing my top 7 favorite instant pot mashed potatoes variations that will take your family dinners to the next level. Are you ready to get your mash on?
Recipe 1: Classic Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
This one’s a no-brainer, folks! It’s the perfect base recipe for all your future mash experiments.
Ingredients:
- 3-4 large potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Add chopped potatoes, butter, and enough water to cover the potatoes to the Instant Pot.
2. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
3. Mash with a potato masher or a fork.
4. Add milk, salt, and pepper, and mix until smooth.
Why You’ll Love It:
This classic recipe is a staple for a reason – it’s easy, delicious, and a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s a great starting point for all the other variations. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed!
Recipe 2: Sour Cream and Onion Mashed Potatoes
Get ready for a flavor explosion! These sour cream and onion potatoes will become your new favorite side dish.
Ingredients:
- 3-4 large potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon dried onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the potatoes in the Instant Pot with butter and water for 10 minutes.
2. Mash the potatoes with a potato masher or a fork.
3. Mix in sour cream, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Why You’ll Love It:
The sour cream adds a rich and creamy texture, while the onion powder gives it a nice depth of flavor. It’s a match made in heaven!
Recipe 3: Ranch Potatoes
Yes, you read that right – ranch potatoes! It’s a game-changer, folks.
Ingredients:
- 3-4 large potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup ranch seasoning
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the potatoes in the Instant Pot with butter and water for 10 minutes.
2. Mash the potatoes with a potato masher or a fork.
3. Mix in ranch seasoning, shredded cheese, salt, and pepper.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Why You’ll Love It:
These ranch potatoes are perfect for a quick and easy family dinner. The ranch seasoning adds a nice tanginess, while the cheddar cheese adds a creamy and rich texture.
Recipe 4: Garlic and Herb Mashed Potatoes
Time to get a little fancy! These garlic and herb mashed potatoes are perfect for a special occasion.
Ingredients:
- 3-4 large potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley or chives)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the potatoes in the Instant Pot with butter, garlic, and water for 10 minutes.
2. Mash the potatoes with a potato masher or a fork.
3. Mix in chopped herbs, salt, and pepper.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Why You’ll Love It:
The garlic adds a nice depth of flavor, while the fresh herbs add a bright and freshness. It’s a perfect side dish for your next dinner party!
Recipe 5: Beef and Chive Mashed Potatoes
Because everything is better with beef, right?
Ingredients:
- 3-4 large potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 4 slices cooked beef, crumbled
- 1 tablespoon chopped chives
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the potatoes in the Instant Pot with butter and water for 10 minutes.
2. Mash the potatoes with a potato masher or a fork.
3. Mix in crumbled beef, chopped chives, salt, and pepper.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Why You’ll Love It:
The beef adds a smoky and savory flavor, while the chives add a nice oniony flavor. It’s a match made in heaven!
Recipe 6: Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes
If you’re a garlic lover like me, you’ll adore these roasted garlic mashed potatoes.
Ingredients:
- 3-4 large potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cloves roasted garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the potatoes in the Instant Pot with butter and water for 10 minutes.
2. Mash the potatoes with a potato masher or a fork.
3. Mix in roasted garlic, salt, and pepper.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Why You’ll Love It:
The roasted garlic adds a deep and nutty flavor that’s simply divine. It’s a perfect side dish for any occasion!
Recipe 7: Loaded Mashed Potatoes
Last but not least, we have the loaded mashed potatoes – the ultimate comfort food.
Ingredients:
- 3-4 large potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup crumbled beef
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the potatoes in the Instant Pot with butter and water for 10 minutes.
2. Mash the potatoes with a potato masher or a fork.
3. Mix in shredded cheese, sour cream, crumbled beef, salt, and pepper.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Why You’ll Love It:
These loaded mashed potatoes are the perfect combination of creamy, cheesy, and smoky. It’s a loaded flavor bomb that will leave you wanting more!

In conclusion, these 7 instant pot mashed potatoes variations are a must-try for any foodie. They’re quick, easy, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re in the mood for something classic and simple or loaded and decadent, there’s a recipe on this list for you. So go ahead, get creative, and mash your way to a delicious pressure cooker side dish that’s sure to become a family favorite!
