Effortless Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes: Creamy, Cheesy, and Roasted Garlic Bliss
Transform your holiday dinners and weeknight meals with the ultimate side dish: Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes with Roasted Garlic and Parmesan. This recipe redefines convenience, eliminating the tedious waiting time for water to boil and freeing up precious stovetop space. By harnessing the power of your Instant Pot, you can achieve incredibly creamy, cheesy, and savory mashed potatoes with minimal effort. The addition of aromatic roasted garlic and a generous helping of Parmesan cheese elevates this classic comfort food to an unforgettable culinary experience. Prepare to impress your family and friends with a side dish that’s both easy to make and bursting with sophisticated flavor.
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About This Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes Recipe
For many, including myself, Thanksgiving simply isn’t complete without a generous serving of mashed potatoes. That rich, creamy, and wonderfully starchy goodness is a hallmark of festive meals, perfectly complementing gravy and turkey. It’s undeniably a must-have on the holiday table, but let’s be honest, preparing it can sometimes feel like a daunting task, especially when you’re cooking for a crowd.
Traditional mashed potato recipes involve a significant amount of waiting. You wait for a large pot of water to boil, which often feels like an eternity. Then, after adding the potatoes, you wait again for the water to return to a rolling boil before the actual cooking begins. This process can be time-consuming and often ties up a valuable burner on your stovetop, which is usually at a premium during holiday cooking.
This Instant Pot mashed potato recipe eliminates all those frustrations. It’s a game-changer that significantly cuts down on preparation time and frees up your stovetop for other essential dishes. With the Instant Pot, your potatoes will be perfectly cooked in less than 10 minutes, allowing you to focus on mashing and seasoning to perfection. This efficiency is truly invaluable, whether you’re hosting a grand feast or simply craving a quick, satisfying side on a busy weeknight.
What sets this recipe apart from your average mashed potatoes is its incredible depth of flavor. We enhance the classic comfort of mashed potatoes with the sweet, mellow notes of savory roasted garlic and the sharp, salty punch of Parmesan cheese. This combination creates an explosion of taste that pairs beautifully with virtually any main course, particularly those celebratory Thanksgiving recipes you’ve been planning. You’ll achieve that coveted creamy texture and rich flavor that defines the perfect bowl of mashed potatoes, but with a gourmet twist.
Beyond its core deliciousness, this recipe is also incredibly versatile. Feel free to personalize it with your favorite additions. Imagine stirring in crispy, cooked chopped bacon for a smoky layer, or infusing them with aromatic, freshly chopped herbs like thyme or rosemary for an earthy touch. For an extra layer of indulgence, you could even swap out or supplement the Parmesan with shredded cheddar cheese for a truly cheesy experience. The possibilities are endless for making these magnificent mashed potatoes uniquely yours.
This Recipe’s Must-Haves
To successfully master these Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes, a few key pieces of kitchen equipment will make your cooking experience seamless and enjoyable. First and foremost, an electric pressure cooker, such as my personal favorite, the Instant Pot Ultra, is absolutely essential. It’s truly remarkable how this appliance can cook potatoes to tender perfection in as little as eight minutes – a fraction of the time it takes for water to even boil on a conventional stovetop. The speed and efficiency it offers are unparalleled, making it a cornerstone for this recipe.
Next on your list should be a reliable spider strainer. This tool is invaluable for easily and safely straining the cooked potatoes from the water at the bottom of the Instant Pot. Its wide, open mesh design allows the water to drain quickly while retaining all the soft potato pieces, ensuring you don’t lose any of that starchy goodness. Following this, a sturdy potato masher is indispensable for achieving your desired potato consistency. Whether you prefer a slightly chunky texture with some bite or a silky-smooth, uniform puree, a good masher gives you complete control over the final result.
Once the potatoes are mashed, the final, crucial step involves thoroughly mixing in all the delicious seasonings and rich ingredients. This is where the magic truly happens, incorporating the savory roasted garlic, the sharp Parmesan cheese, the creamy half-and-half, and the rich butter. A robust mixing spoon or spatula will help you blend everything evenly, ensuring every spoonful is packed with flavor.
While I don’t have an exact link to the specific serving bowl pictured, any large, sturdy serving bowl will do the trick. A substantial bowl is ideal for holding a generous batch of these delicious mashed potatoes, making it perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests.
Looking for more crowd-pleasing side dish recipes? Explore these favorites: Caramelized Onion, Apple, & Sausage Stuffing / Chook Smashed Sweet Potatoes with Fresh Herbs / Green Chile Cornbread Stuffing / Cheesy Herb Individual Potato Gratin
How To Make Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
Making these gourmet Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes is surprisingly straightforward, thanks to the efficiency of pressure cooking and a few simple steps. Let’s walk through the process:
Roast Garlic
One of the distinctive elements that elevates these mashed potatoes is the use of beautifully roasted garlic. Roasting transforms raw garlic’s pungent, sharp bite into a mellow, sweet, and nutty flavor that perfectly infuses the potatoes. It’s an incredibly easy step that yields profound results: simply preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. Take a whole head of garlic, slice off the very top to expose the cloves, and drizzle with a little olive oil. Wrap the garlic head in aluminum foil, leaving the cut top exposed, and bake for about 30 to 40 minutes, or until the cloves are soft and golden. Not only does this produce incredibly flavorful garlic, but it also fills your home with the most enticing, savory aroma. Once cooled slightly, squeeze the soft cloves out of their skins – they’ll be like butter!
Pressure Cook Potatoes
Now, for the magic of the Instant Pot! Begin by preparing your potatoes: peel three pounds of russet potatoes and slice them into uniform 1/2-inch to 1-inch thick rounds. Consistency in size ensures even cooking. Place the sliced potatoes in the inner pot of your Instant Pot. Add just enough water to cover the potatoes, typically around 4 cups for this quantity, and stir in a teaspoon of kosher salt. Secure the lid, ensuring the sealing valve is set to “seal.” Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” setting on High pressure and set the timer for a mere 8 minutes. Once the cooking cycle is complete, perform a quick release of the pressure by carefully turning the valve. The potatoes will be perfectly tender and ready for mashing in record time.
Mash for Perfection
After the pressure has been released, carefully drain the cooked potatoes using a spider strainer or a colander. Return the drained potatoes to the Instant Pot insert. Now comes the satisfying part: mashing! Use a potato masher to achieve your desired consistency. Some prefer a rustic, slightly chunky mash with small pieces of potato, which adds a wonderful textural element. Others crave a completely smooth, velvety puree. Mash until you reach your ideal texture, breaking down all the tender potato pieces. The Instant Pot’s efficient cooking ensures the potatoes are soft enough to mash effortlessly.
Season and Serve
With your potatoes mashed, it’s time to infuse them with all the incredible flavors. Add the remaining salt and freshly ground black pepper, then stir in the half-and-half (or heavy cream for an even richer consistency), the softened unsalted butter, and the grated Parmesan cheese. Finally, incorporate the finely chopped roasted garlic cloves you prepared earlier. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined and beautifully creamy. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, adding more salt or pepper if desired. Serve these luscious mashed potatoes warm, perhaps garnished with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or fresh chives for a vibrant touch of color and a hint of oniony freshness. They are truly irresistible on their own, or as the perfect foundation for your favorite gravy.
If you find yourself with any delicious leftovers, don’t let them go to waste! Mashed potatoes are incredibly versatile for repurposing. Consider transforming them into these delightful loaded mashed potato egg rolls or crispy potato fritters for a whole new culinary experience!
What to Serve with Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes
These Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes with Roasted Garlic and Parmesan are so incredibly versatile that they can elevate almost any meal. Their rich, savory, and creamy profile makes them a perfect companion for a wide array of main dishes, transitioning effortlessly from a holiday centerpiece to a comforting weeknight meal. Here are some fantastic pairing suggestions:
- **Holiday Roasts:** They are, of course, a quintessential side for classic holiday roasts. Imagine them alongside a succulent roasted chicken, a juicy holiday ham, or a perfectly smoked turkey. The creamy texture and robust garlic-Parmesan flavor cut through the richness of these meats beautifully.
- **Steaks and Chops:** For a more indulgent dinner, serve these mashed potatoes with a perfectly seared grilled New York strip steak, tender pork chops, or a rich prime rib. The potatoes act as a wonderful absorbent for pan juices and gravies.
- **Fish and Seafood:** Don’t limit these to just red meat or poultry. The subtle sweetness of roasted garlic pairs surprisingly well with delicate proteins. Try them with flaky baked lemon garlic salmon, pan-seared scallops, or a perfectly cooked cod for a sophisticated meal.
- **Comfort Food Classics:** Enhance your favorite comfort dishes like meatloaf, pot roast, or shepherd’s pie. These mashed potatoes make a fantastic topping for a hearty shepherd’s pie, adding an extra layer of flavor.
- **Vegetarian Mains:** For vegetarian options, serve them alongside roasted root vegetables, a hearty mushroom Wellington, or a savory lentil loaf. They provide a satisfying base that complements earthy and umami flavors.
- **Everyday Dinners:** Even simple weeknight meals can be transformed. Pair them with grilled sausages, baked chicken breasts, or even a flavorful veggie burger for an elevated home-cooked experience.
No matter the occasion or the main course, these Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes with Roasted Garlic and Parmesan are guaranteed to be a hit, adding a touch of gourmet flavor and comforting richness to every plate.
How to Store and Reheat Mashed Potatoes
One of the best things about homemade mashed potatoes is that they make excellent leftovers! Proper storage is key to maintaining their deliciousness and ensuring they remain safe to eat. First, allow any leftover Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes to cool completely to room temperature. This is crucial for preventing condensation buildup, which can lead to sogginess and affect shelf life. Once cooled, transfer the mashed potatoes into an airtight container. This will protect them from absorbing odors from other foods in your refrigerator and help retain their moisture and flavor. They will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
When it comes to reheating, you have a few excellent options to bring your mashed potatoes back to their creamy glory. For smaller portions, the microwave works well: simply heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until warmed through. If they seem a bit dry, add a splash of milk or half-and-half while stirring to restore their creamy consistency. For larger batches, the stovetop is ideal. Transfer the mashed potatoes to a saucepan over low to medium-low heat, stirring frequently. Again, add a bit of milk or cream as needed to loosen them up and prevent sticking. You can also reheat them in the oven, covered with foil, at 300°F (150°C) until thoroughly heated, adding a touch of liquid if they appear too thick. With these tips, your leftover mashed potatoes will taste just as fresh and delicious as the day you made them!
Finally, if you make this delicious Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes recipe, please be sure to give this recipe a star rating on the recipe card below and/or leave a comment! I absolutely love hearing from you all and learning about your experiences with my recipes. I always take the time to respond to every single comment, so don’t hesitate to share your thoughts or ask any questions you might have.
Oh, and be sure to tag me on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest if you create this recipe! Seeing these wonderful dishes come to life in your homes truly means the world to me – it’s my absolute favorite thing to browse through your photos and see your culinary creations. Your shares truly inspire me!
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Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes with Roasted Garlic and Parmesan
equipment
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Wusthof Knife Set
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Wooden Spoon & Scraper
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Instant Pot Ultra 6 Qt
ingredients
- 1 head garlic
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 3 pounds russet potatoes peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch to 1-inch thick rounds
- 4 cups water
- 2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/3 cup half-and-half
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 3 Tbsp grated Parmesan
- 4 cloves roasted garlic finely chopped
- Garnish: freshly chopped parsley
instructions
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To make roasted garlic, preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Cut the top of a head of garlic off to expose the cloves. Wrap the exterior of the garlic head with aluminum foil, making sure not to cover the cut top. Drizzle the top with 1/2 tsp olive oil and place the garlic directly on the middle rack in the oven. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until cloves are very soft.
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In the bottom of an Instant Pot, add the peeled and sliced potatoes. Cover with water (approximately 4 cups) and stir in 1 teaspoon salt.
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Secure the Instant Pot lid and ensure the valve is set to “seal.”
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Cook on High manual pressure for 8 minutes. Once the cooking time is complete, carefully perform a quick release of pressure.
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Drain the cooked potatoes thoroughly and return them to the Instant Pot insert. Mash potatoes to your desired consistency – whether you prefer them slightly chunky or completely smooth.
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Stir in the remaining 1 teaspoon salt, black pepper, half-and-half (or heavy cream), butter, grated Parmesan, and the finely chopped roasted garlic. Mix until all ingredients are well combined and the potatoes are creamy.
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Serve warm, garnished with freshly chopped parsley and accompanied by your favorite gravy, if desired.