Experience the ultimate in convenience and flavor with these Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes! This recipe delivers incredibly creamy, garlicky mashed potatoes that are astonishingly easy to prepare, requiring no tedious peeling or dicing. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cherished holiday meal, these potatoes are destined to become a staple in your culinary repertoire.
Quick and Effortless Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Embarking on the journey with an Instant Pot electric pressure cooker can feel like navigating a new frontier in the kitchen. For a long time, I resisted adopting this seemingly trendy appliance, skeptical of its long-term utility. However, after countless enthusiastic recommendations from readers and friends, I committed to mastering its capabilities. And what a discovery it has been! My latest success story? These divinely creamy and deeply flavorful Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes – a testament to the pressure cooker’s efficiency and ability to elevate simple dishes.
The Instant Pot has revolutionized how I approach side dishes, particularly those that typically demand a lot of hands-on time. Mashed potatoes, a beloved comfort food, often involve considerable prep work, from peeling and chopping to boiling and mashing. With the Instant Pot, this classic dish transforms into a swift, nearly hands-free affair. The magic lies in its pressure cooking technology, which not only dramatically cuts down cooking time but also infuses the potatoes with rich flavors like never before. Say goodbye to soggy, bland mashed potatoes and hello to a culinary revelation that will impress everyone at your table.
Mastering Your Instant Pot: Understanding the ‘Burn’ Notice
One of the initial hurdles for many new Instant Pot users is encountering the dreaded “Burn” notice. This safety feature, present in many electric pressure cookers, is designed to protect your appliance and prevent food from scorching. It typically appears when there isn’t enough liquid in the inner pot for the pressure cooker to build pressure safely, or when food is stuck to the bottom, causing localized overheating. When the pot senses an issue, it halts the cooking process and displays this warning.
Understanding how to troubleshoot the “Burn” notice is key to a stress-free Instant Pot experience. Here’s a common procedure: first, immediately switch the steam release valve to the “Venting” position to perform a “Quick Release” of any built-up pressure. Be cautious of the hot steam. Once the float valve drops, indicating all pressure has been released, carefully unlock and remove the lid. Inspect the bottom of the pot. If food is adhering or appears burnt, use a wooden or silicone spatula to gently scrape the bottom clean. Then, assess the liquid level and add more if necessary to ensure sufficient moisture for pressure buildup. Once you’ve made adjustments, you can try cooking again. My personal experience with this notice, particularly while adapting my Cubed Steak and Gravy recipe, taught me the importance of adequate liquid, a lesson that now prevents any kitchen mishaps.
The Magic of the ‘Steam’ Setting for Potatoes
For this mashed potato recipe, the Instant Pot’s “Steam” setting is your best friend. This function is typically used for steaming vegetables, seafood, or delicate items, employing high pressure to cook quickly while retaining nutrients and flavor. What I adore about cooking “Little Potatoes” (baby potatoes) on the steam setting is their incredible ability to absorb the flavors of the cooking liquid. Instead of plain water, I opt for chicken broth, which imparts a savory depth to the potatoes that plain water simply cannot achieve.
The thin skins of these small potatoes are a game-changer. They allow the rich chicken broth to penetrate deeply, infusing every bite with savory goodness. This results in mashed potatoes that are far from bland; they are bursting with flavor, taking an ordinary side dish to an extraordinary level. The added bonus of using “Little Potatoes” is their inherent convenience: they often come pre-washed, eliminating the need for peeling or dicing. You can literally just open the bag and pop them straight into the Instant Pot, saving precious time and effort in the kitchen.
Essential Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Crafting the perfect Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes requires a thoughtful selection of ingredients, each playing a crucial role in achieving that sought-after creamy texture and rich flavor profile:
- Chicken Broth: This is the secret weapon for flavor. Using broth instead of water infuses the potatoes with a savory base right from the start.
- Little Potatoes (Baby Potatoes): These convenient, thin-skinned potatoes eliminate the need for peeling, saving you significant prep time. Their small size also allows for quicker, more even cooking.
- Salted Butter: A generous amount of butter is essential for a rich, luxurious taste and smooth consistency.
- Cream Cheese: The unexpected star! Cream cheese adds an incredible tang and an extra layer of velvety creaminess that makes these mashed potatoes truly irresistible.
- Milk: Used to adjust the consistency to your preference, ensuring the potatoes are perfectly smooth and never too thick.
- Minced Garlic: Fresh or jarred, garlic provides that pungent, aromatic punch that defines “garlic mashed potatoes.” Don’t be shy!
- Salt and Pepper: Crucial for seasoning to taste, enhancing all the other flavors.
- Dried Chives (Optional): A fantastic garnish for a subtle oniony flavor and a pop of color, making the dish visually appealing.
How to Make Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Step-by-Step
Preparing these incredibly flavorful mashed potatoes in your Instant Pot is surprisingly straightforward. Follow these simple steps for a perfect side dish every time:
Step 1: Prepare the Pot
Begin by pouring the entire carton of chicken broth into the bottom of your 6-quart Instant Pot (electric pressure cooker). This liquid is vital for pressure building and, more importantly, for infusing the potatoes with a delicious savory flavor.
Step 2: Add Potatoes and Season
Carefully add the little potatoes directly into the Instant Pot, ensuring they are submerged in the chicken broth as much as possible. These pre-washed baby potatoes save you time, eliminating the need for peeling or dicing. Season them with a generous pinch of salt and pepper to start building layers of flavor.
Step 3: Pressure Cook and Release Steam
Secure the lid on your Instant Pot and ensure the sealing ring is properly in place. Set the steam release valve to the “Sealing” position. Select the “Steam” setting and set the cooking time for 12 minutes. Once the cooking cycle is complete, the Instant Pot will beep. Carefully turn the valve to “Venting” for a quick release of the steam. Once all pressure has been released and the float valve drops, you can safely open the lid. Using oven mitts, carefully remove the inner pot insert and drain any remaining broth from the cooked potatoes.
Step 4: Mash and Combine
Return the drained, cooked potatoes to the clean Instant Pot. Now it’s time to add the creamy goodness! Introduce the salted butter, cream cheese, milk, and minced garlic. Season generously once more with salt and pepper to ensure the flavors are perfectly balanced. Using a sturdy potato masher, begin mashing the potatoes. Incorporate all the added ingredients until the potatoes reach your desired consistency – smooth and creamy, or slightly chunky if you prefer.
Step 5: Adjust Consistency and Serve
If your mashed potatoes appear too thick, or if you prefer a looser consistency, gradually add a little more milk, one tablespoon at a time, while stirring until they reach your ideal texture. Give them a final taste test and adjust seasonings as needed. Once perfect, transfer to a serving bowl, garnish with optional dried chives, and prepare to enjoy!
Then dig in and savor every spoonful!
Tips for the Best Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes
- Potato Variety Matters: While baby potatoes are convenient, you can also use Yukon Gold or red potatoes. If using larger potatoes, dice them into roughly 1-inch pieces for even cooking and a consistent texture. Avoid starchy Russet potatoes for mashing in the Instant Pot, as they can sometimes become gummy.
- Flavor Boosters: For an even deeper garlic flavor, consider roasting whole garlic cloves before adding them to the potatoes. You can also experiment with different herbs like fresh rosemary or thyme, added with the butter and cream cheese. A dash of onion powder or white pepper can also enhance the taste.
- Achieving Perfect Consistency: The amount of milk needed can vary based on the potatoes and your desired texture. Always add milk gradually, stirring well after each addition, until the potatoes are as thick or thin as you like. For extra richness, you can substitute heavy cream for some or all of the milk.
- Troubleshooting:
- Too thick? Stir in a tablespoon or two of warm milk or broth until desired consistency is reached.
- Too thin? This is less common. If it happens, you can gently heat the potatoes on the “Sauté” setting (low) for a few minutes, stirring constantly, to allow some moisture to evaporate.
- Serving Suggestions: These garlic mashed potatoes are incredibly versatile. They make a perfect companion to roasted chicken, steak, pork chops, meatloaf, or even a simple weeknight dinner. They’re also an ideal side dish for holiday feasts like Thanksgiving or Christmas.
Variations to Explore
Get creative and customize your Instant Pot mashed potatoes:
- Cheesy Mashed Potatoes: Stir in shredded cheddar, Parmesan, or a blend of your favorite cheeses with the butter and cream cheese.
- Herb-Infused: Add fresh finely chopped parsley, dill, or a mix of Italian herbs along with the chives for a fresh burst of flavor.
- Spicy Kick: A pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce can add a subtle heat.
- Loaded Mashed Potatoes: Fold in cooked bacon bits, shredded cheese, and more fresh chives just before serving.
- Vegan Option: Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth, butter with a plant-based butter alternative, cream cheese with a vegan cream cheese, and milk with unsweetened plant-based milk (like almond or oat milk).
Storage and Reheating
Leftover Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm them on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or in the microwave. Add a splash of milk or broth if they seem too thick or dry during reheating to restore their creamy texture.
Craving More Recipes?
- Crock Pot Million Dollar Mashed Potatoes
- Stove Top Mashed Potatoes
- Instant Pot Meatloaf and Potatoes
- Instant Pot Olive Garden Chicken Scampi
- Mashed Potato Soup
- Southern Fried Chicken
- Chicken Fried Chicken
- KFC Gravy
Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes
These Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes are so incredibly flavorful and easy to make! You don’t even need to peel the potatoes first!
Ingredients
- 32 ounce carton chicken broth
- 3 pounds little potatoes (baby potatoes)
- ½ cup (1 stick) salted butter
- ½ block (4 ounces) cream cheese
- ½ cup milk
- 3 teaspoons minced garlic
- salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 Tablespoons dried chives, optional
Instructions
Pour all of the chicken broth into the bottom of a 6-quart Instant Pot (electric pressure cooker).
Add in potatoes. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Cook on the steam setting for 12 minutes. Carefully turn the valve to “Venting” and quickly release the steam. Using oven mitts, remove the insert and drain the broth.
Place potatoes back into the pot. Add in the butter, cream cheese, milk and garlic. Season generously with salt and pepper. Using a potato masher, mash the potatoes and combine all the ingredients.
If you need to thin out the potatoes a bit more to your liking, just add in a little milk at a time and stir.
Then dig in!
Nutrition
Nutritional Disclaimer
“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.