Effortless Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes: Roasted Garlic & Parmesan Perfection
Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes with Roasted Garlic and Parmesan are the ultimate easy way to make your favorite comforting side dish! Say goodbye to waiting endlessly for water to boil and constantly monitoring a pot on the stovetop. The Instant Pot handles all the heavy lifting, delivering perfectly cooked potatoes in record time. Infused with the sweet, savory depth of roasted garlic and the rich, nutty flavor of Parmesan cheese, these potatoes are wonderfully creamy, incredibly cheesy, and an absolute savory bliss – destined to become your go-to recipe for any meal or holiday gathering.
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About This Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes Recipe
For many, myself included, a holiday feast – especially Thanksgiving – simply isn’t complete without a generous bowl of creamy mashed potatoes. That luxurious, starchy goodness is pure comfort food, providing the perfect canvas for savory gravy and the ideal accompaniment to tender turkey or any main dish. It’s a quintessential part of celebratory meals, a dish that brings warmth and satisfaction to the table.
However, traditional stovetop mashed potatoes, while simple in concept, can be surprisingly labor-intensive, particularly when you’re cooking for a crowd. The process often feels like a test of patience: waiting for a large pot of water to come to a rolling boil feels like an eternity, and then the waiting game begins anew once you add the cold potatoes. This back-and-forth can take up valuable stovetop space and precious time, which is often in short supply during busy holiday preparations.
This Instant Pot mashed potato recipe eliminates those frustrations entirely. It’s a true game-changer, removing the lengthy boiling times from the equation and freeing up your stovetop for other essential dishes. With the Instant Pot, the entire potato cooking process is streamlined and efficient, ensuring perfectly tender potatoes without the constant vigilance required by traditional methods.
The magic of the Instant Pot means your potatoes will be perfectly cooked in less than 10 minutes under pressure. Once cooked, all that’s left to do is a quick mash and a good seasoning. The result is a dish that tastes like you spent hours on it, but without any of the stress.
What truly elevates this recipe beyond your average mashed potatoes is the thoughtful addition of savory roasted garlic and rich Parmesan cheese. Roasting garlic transforms its pungent sharpness into a sweet, mellow, and intensely aromatic flavor that deeply infuses the potatoes. Paired with the salty, umami notes of Parmesan, these mashed potatoes become an explosion of complex flavors. They offer the incredibly creamy texture and rich taste you crave from a perfect bowl of mashed potatoes, making them an ideal complement to any Thanksgiving recipe or family meal you’re planning.
You can also easily customize this recipe to suit your preferences. Consider stirring in crispy cooked and chopped bacon for a smoky, savory crunch, or add fresh, finely chopped herbs like thyme, rosemary, or chives for an aromatic boost. For an even cheesier twist, a handful of shredded sharp cheddar cheese would melt beautifully into the warm potatoes, adding another layer of flavor and decadence.
This Recipe’s Essential Tools
To whip up these amazing Instant Pot mashed potatoes, you’ll need a few key pieces of kitchen equipment that make the process smooth and enjoyable. Each tool plays a crucial role in achieving that perfect creamy texture and incredible flavor.
First and foremost, the star of the show is an electric pressure cooker, like my beloved Instant Pot Ultra 6 Qt. It’s truly incredible how quickly it cooks potatoes – just eight minutes under high pressure! This is significantly less time than it takes for water to even come to a boil on the stovetop, let alone cook the potatoes through. The Instant Pot’s sealed environment ensures even cooking and tender results every single time, without the need for constant monitoring.
Next, to efficiently remove the cooked potatoes from the water, a spider strainer or a slotted spoon is essential. This tool allows you to lift the tender potatoes out of the cooking liquid easily, leaving any excess water behind. This prevents your mashed potatoes from becoming watery, ensuring they remain rich and creamy.
Once drained, you’ll need a potato masher to break down the cooked potatoes. Whether you prefer a slightly chunky texture with some rustic appeal or a perfectly smooth, velvety consistency, a good potato masher gives you complete control. For an ultra-smooth result, you could also opt for a potato ricer, but a simple handheld masher works wonderfully for most.
Finally, for the crucial step of mixing in all the delicious seasonings – from the sweet roasted garlic to the sharp Parmesan cheese, butter, and half-and-half – a sturdy wooden spoon or spatula is perfect. You’ll want to combine everything until well incorporated and the potatoes are incredibly fluffy and fragrant. While I don’t have the exact link to the charming serving bowl shown in the photos, a similar large serving bowl is perfect for presenting these abundant and delightful mashed potatoes.
More classic side dish recipes: 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 (Step-by-Step)
Creating these incredibly flavorful and simple Instant Pot mashed potatoes is a breeze when you follow these clear steps. The process is broken down into manageable stages, ensuring you get perfect results every time.
Roast the Garlic for Maximum Flavor
One of the key elements that truly makes these mashed potatoes exceptional is the roasted garlic. This simple step elevates the flavor profile dramatically. Instead of using raw garlic, which can be sharp, roasting transforms it into a sweet, mellow, and wonderfully aromatic ingredient. To do this, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Take a whole head of garlic, carefully slice off about a quarter inch from the top to expose the cloves, then drizzle it with about half a teaspoon of olive oil. Wrap the entire head in aluminum foil, leaving the cut top exposed, and place it directly on the middle rack of your oven. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the cloves are soft and golden brown. Not only does this infuse the garlic with incredible flavor, but it also fills your home with the most delightful savory aroma!
Pressure Cook the Potatoes Quickly
Now, for the main event: cooking the potatoes in your Instant Pot. Start by peeling your russet potatoes and slicing them into uniform 1/2-inch to 1-inch thick rounds. Consistency in size is important here to ensure even cooking. Place the sliced potatoes evenly in the bottom of your Instant Pot insert. Next, add just enough water to barely cover the potatoes. Avoid adding too much water, as this can dilute the flavor and make your mashed potatoes watery. Stir in one teaspoon of kosher salt; seasoning the water helps flavor the potatoes from the inside out as they cook. Secure the lid on your Instant Pot, make sure the steam release valve is set to the “Sealing” position, and then set it to cook on High manual pressure for just 8 minutes. The pressure cooker works incredibly fast, softening the potatoes to fluffy perfection. Once the timer goes off, perform a quick release (QR) by carefully turning the steam release valve to “Venting” to allow the pressure to escape rapidly.
Mash to Your Desired Consistency
Once the pressure has fully released, carefully drain the water from the Instant Pot. You can use a spider strainer or simply tilt the pot, holding the potatoes back with the lid (use oven mitts!). Return the drained, hot potatoes to the Instant Pot insert. Now it’s time to mash! Using a potato masher, mash them to your preferred consistency. Some people love a rustic, slightly chunky texture, which a hand masher easily provides. Others prefer a completely smooth and velvety consistency, which can be achieved with a ricer or by mashing more thoroughly. Be careful not to over-mash, as this can release too much starch and lead to a gummy texture. The residual heat in the Instant Pot will also help keep the potatoes warm as you continue with the final steps.
Season and Serve for Perfection
With your potatoes mashed, it’s time to incorporate all the delightful flavors. Gently stir in the tender roasted garlic cloves (squeezed from their skins), the grated Parmesan cheese, the remaining salt, freshly ground black pepper, half-and-half, and unsalted butter. The half-and-half adds a lovely creaminess without making the potatoes overly heavy, while the butter provides richness and a silky texture. The Parmesan cheese brings a wonderful savory depth and a subtle saltiness that perfectly complements the sweet roasted garlic. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed – you might want a little more salt or pepper. Once everything is beautifully combined and the potatoes are fluffy and fragrant, they are ready to serve! For an extra touch of freshness and color, garnish with some freshly chopped parsley or chives. These mashed potatoes are fantastic on their own, but they truly shine when served warm alongside your favorite main dishes and a generous drizzle of gravy. If you find yourself with any delicious leftovers, be sure to transform them into these creative loaded mashed potato egg rolls or savory potato fritters!
What to Serve with Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes
These Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes with Roasted Garlic and Parmesan are incredibly versatile and pair beautifully with a wide array of main courses, making them a perfect side dish for both everyday meals and special occasions. Their creamy texture and rich, savory flavor complement almost anything you put on your plate.
For a traditional holiday spread, they are an absolute must-have alongside a succulent smoked turkey breast or a perfectly roasted chicken. The roasted garlic and Parmesan add an extra layer of gourmet flavor that elevates even the simplest poultry dishes.
Beyond holidays, these mashed potatoes make a fantastic accompaniment to hearty red meats. Imagine them next to a juicy grilled New York strip steak, absorbing all the delicious pan juices, or paired with a slow-cooked pot roast. The richness of the potatoes balances the robust flavors of beef exceptionally well.
Don’t limit them to just meat! These creamy potatoes also create a delightful contrast with lighter fare. Serve them with a flaky baked lemon garlic salmon or other pan-seared fish for a more elegant meal. The subtle sweetness of the roasted garlic enhances the delicate flavors of seafood without overpowering them.
They are also fantastic with other comforting classics like meatloaf, pork chops, or even a simple weeknight chicken dish. And, of course, no serving of mashed potatoes is complete without a generous ladle of homemade gravy. Whether it’s turkey gravy, beef gravy, or a simple mushroom gravy, these potatoes are designed to soak up every last drop of deliciousness.
How to Store and Reheat Mashed Potatoes
Proper storage is key to enjoying your delicious Instant Pot mashed potatoes for days after you first make them. After serving, allow any leftover mashed potatoes to cool completely to room temperature. This is an important step to prevent condensation and bacterial growth. Once cooled, transfer the mashed potatoes to an airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, maintaining their flavor and texture quite well.
When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheating mashed potatoes without drying them out is simple. For individual portions, the microwave works well: place the potatoes in a microwave-safe dish, add a splash of milk, half-and-half, or even a knob of butter, cover, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through and creamy. For larger quantities, gently reheat them on the stovetop over low to medium heat, again adding a bit of liquid (milk, cream, or broth) and stirring frequently to restore their creamy consistency. Avoid high heat, as this can make them gluey or scorch the bottom of the pan. With these simple tips, your leftovers will be just as delightful as the first serving!
I genuinely hope you love this delicious Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes with Roasted Garlic and Parmesan recipe as much as my family and I do. If you make it, please be sure to give this recipe a star rating on the recipe card below and/or leave a comment! Your feedback is incredibly valuable, and I truly love hearing about your cooking experiences. I make an effort to respond to every single comment.
Also, don’t hesitate to drop any questions you might have in the comments section below – I’m always happy to help!
And if you share your culinary creations on social media, be sure to tag me on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest! It truly warms my heart to see these recipes come to life in your homes, and looking through your photos is one of my favorite things. It really means the world to me!
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Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes with Roasted Garlic and Parmesan (Full Recipe)
Equipment
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Wusthof Knife Set (for peeling & slicing)
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Wooden Spoon & Scraper (for stirring & mashing)
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Instant Pot Ultra 6 Qt (essential for pressure cooking)
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Potato Masher
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Spider Strainer or Slotted Spoon
Ingredients
- 1 head garlic
- 1 tsp olive oil divided
- 3 pounds russet potatoes peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch to 1-inch thick rounds
- 4 cups water
- 2 tsp kosher salt divided
- 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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Prepare Roasted Garlic: To make the roasted garlic, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Carefully cut off the top 1/4 inch of a whole head of garlic to expose the cloves. Place the garlic head on a piece of aluminum foil, making sure not to cover the cut top. Drizzle the exposed top with 1/2 teaspoon of olive oil. Wrap the exterior of the garlic head tightly with the foil and place it directly on the middle rack in the preheated oven. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the cloves are soft and golden brown. Once cooled slightly, squeeze the soft roasted garlic cloves from their skins; you’ll need about 4 cloves for this recipe, reserve any extra for other uses.
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Pressure Cook Potatoes: In the bottom of your Instant Pot insert, add the peeled and sliced russet potatoes. Pour in 4 cups of water, or just enough to cover the potatoes. Stir in 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, ensuring it’s well distributed in the water.
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Seal and Cook: Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and ensure the steam release valve is set to the “Sealing” position. Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” setting and set the cooking time for 8 minutes on High pressure.
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Quick Release Pressure: Once the 8-minute cooking cycle is complete, the Instant Pot will beep. Carefully perform a quick release (QR) by turning the steam release valve to “Venting” to quickly release the pressure. Stand clear of the steam. Once the float valve drops, you can safely open the lid.
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Mash Potatoes: Using a spider strainer or a large slotted spoon, carefully drain the cooked potatoes, discarding the cooking water. Return the hot, drained potatoes to the Instant Pot insert. Using a potato masher, mash the potatoes to your desired consistency – whether you prefer a slightly chunky texture or a completely smooth puree. Be gentle to avoid over-mashing.
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Season and Serve: To the mashed potatoes, add the remaining 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1/3 cup half-and-half, 1/4 cup unsalted butter, 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, and the finely chopped roasted garlic cloves. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon or spatula until all ingredients are well combined and the potatoes are creamy and fluffy. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve warm, garnished with freshly chopped parsley if desired.
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These potatoes are fantastic served warm with a generous amount of gravy and any of your favorite main dishes.