Instant Pot Mashed Red Potatoes

Using the Instant Pot has been a game changer for my large family. These mashed potatoes are full of garlic and buttery flavor with a creamy texture. The potatoes softened within about 10 minutes makes this side dish perfect for any meal.

Red potatoes make delicious mashed potatoes. But you can also make Easy Oven Roasted Red Potatoes, Foil Pack Grilled Red Potatoes and Easy Instant Pot Red Potatoes Recipe for other easy side dish recipes.

Why This Recipe Works 

Using the instant pot to make these mashed potatoes is a time saver. There is no need to peel the potatoes. All you have to do is wash and dice and place in the instant pot.

After seasoning and adding the butter, you can mash the potatoes directly in the instant pot. This helps to not have to use a bunch of dishes. Save time this holiday and make every ones favorite mashed potatoes in the instant pot.

Ingredients

• Red Potatoes – Scrubbed but not peeled
• Water – For more flavor use vegetable broth or chicken broth
• Minced Cloves Garlic – Learn How to Mince Garlic Cloves
• Whole Milk – You can use half and half instead of the whole milk for this recipe if you prefer.  
• Butter – We used unsalted butter 

Scroll to the bottom for the full recipe and ingredients in the recipe card.

Additions Ideas

These red skin mashed potatoes can be made with a variety of additions. Here are some delicious ideas.

• Softened Cream Cheese Cubes
• Sour Cream
• Parmesan Cheese
• Chives

How to Make Mashed Red Potatoes in the Instant Pot

• Step 1 – Place 1 cup of water to the bottom of an instant pot.

Step 2 – Quarter the potatoes and add them to the Instant Pot. Seal and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. 

Step 3 – Do a quick release to release the pressure from the Instant pot after the cook time.  Drain the excess liquid out of the instant pot insert. 

Step 4 – Add in the garlic, milk, butter, salt and pepper.

Step 5 – Mash the potatoes with a potato masher or a hand held mixer on medium speed until all the ingredients are combined and are the desired consistency (be careful not to over mix). I like to leave a few chunks in mine. 

• Step 6 – Taste test the mashed red potatoes and add in more salt and pepper if needed.
• Step 7 – Serve immediately while warm and enjoy!

Expert Tips

• Portion Size – This recipe is large and easily feeds 8-10 people.  You can half the recipe if you don’t need as large of an amount, but still use the 1 cup of water to make sure the instant pot comes to pressure and then drain off the excess water before mashing the potatoes. 
• Cutting Red Potatoes – Cut the red potatoes into wedges about the same size so it cooks evenly and about the same time. We like to cut in about 1-inch size for best results.
• Mashing the Potatoes – You can mash the potatoes with a potato masher but you can also use a hand mixer. Either option will provide a creamy texture.

Serving Suggestions

Mashed Red Potatoes is a delicious side dish recipe that we serve for Thanksgiving or to complete a weeknight meal. Serve with these family favorite recipes.

• Fried Chicken Breasts
• Christmas Turkey
• Crockpot Spiral Ham
• Grilled Teriyaki Steak
• Shake and Bake Pork Chops