Perfect Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes (+ Freezing & Reheating Tips) (2025)

Transform your potato game with this foolproof Instant Pot mashed potatoes recipe. Perfect for busy families, these creamy mashed potatoes can be made ahead and frozen for easy meal prep.

I’ve found making mashed potatoes in my Instant Pot to be the easiest way to make one of my favorite side dishes. Get my great recipe plus tips for freezing and how to reheat frozen mashed potatoes too!

Why I Love Making Mashed Potatoes in an Instant Pot

Let me tell you – I used to struggle with undercooked potatoes until I discovered the Instant Pot method. Now, whether I’m cooking fresh potatoes from my garden or store-bought ones, I get perfect results every time. No more watching pots boil or testing for doneness!

As someone who grows their own potatoes, I can tell you there’s nothing quite like turning your garden harvest into creamy mashed potatoes. After years of growing literal tons of potatoes in my homestead garden, I’ve perfected making, freezing, and reheating them in my Instant Pot.

Ingredients for My Creamy Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes

I grow both Yukon Gold and Red potatoes in my garden, and I’ve found both work beautifully for this recipe. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Peeled potatoes: (I prefer Yukon Gold for their buttery flavor, but red potatoes will yield a denser flavor and a brighter white color. Use whichever variety of potato you prefer.)
• Water
• Unsalted butter, room temperature
• Milk
• Cream Cheese, room temperature
• Salt & pepper (Redmond’s REAL Salt is our fave!)

A quick note on temperature: I always set out my butter and cream cheese about an hour before making mashed potatoes. Room temperature dairy products blend more smoothly into hot potatoes, creating that silky texture we’re after. If you’ve ever had lumpy mashed potatoes even after thorough mashing, cold dairy ingredients might be the culprit!

Sustainable Potato Peel Tips

Don’t toss those peels! On my homestead, I use them in several ways:

1. Chicken feed: My chickens love cooked potato peels
2. Compost: Raw peels break down beautifully
3. Stock: I save them with other veggie scraps for homemade stock

Note: Never feed raw potato peels to livestock – they must be cooked first as raw peels contain solanine which is toxic to livestock. That’s why I first use the peels to make homemade stock – then I can easily feed cooked potato peels to my chickens without having to think about it.

My Step-by-Step Instant Pot Method

Here’s how I turn my potatoes into creamy mashed goodness:

1. Peel and wash potatoes (saving peels for the compost or homemade stock!)
2. Cut into 1-inch chunks
3. Cover with water in the Instant Pot
4. Pressure cook for 8 minutes
5. Quick release and drain
6. Mash with my favorite add-ins

Variations on Mashed Potatoes

It’s easy to switch up a basic recipe for mashed potatoes. Usually variations include adding additional ingredients. Here are some of my favorite mashed potato variations:

• Fresh rosemary and roasted garlic
• Jalapeños and sharp cheddar
• Fresh or dried chives

These pepper jack mashed potatoes are also delicious.

Can You Freeze Mashed Potatoes?

During harvest season, I’m often dealing with lots of potatoes at once. I also like to double this recipe and freeze extra during freezer cooking sessions. Here’s my freezing method:

• Cool mashed potatoes completely
• Pack in freezer-safe containers (I love freezing mashed potatoes in perfect cubes using silicone freezer molds – Souper Cubes. They make freezer storage so easy!)
• Label with date and contents
• Freeze up to 3 months.

If you don’t want to freeze leftover potatoes, I also highly recommend making homemade pierogi! You can also make this delicious whole wheat potato bread!

How to Store and Reheat Frozen Mashed Potatoes

If you’re not going to freeze your leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-5 days.

Here are four ways to reheat frozen mashed potatoes. All of these methods work for leftover mashed potatoes too.

Oven Method (Best for Large Portions)

1. Thaw overnight in refrigerator
2. Spread evenly in baking dish
3. Cover with foil
4. Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes
5. Stir halfway through
6. Add milk if needed for moisture
7. Top with melted butter before serving

Crockpot Method (Perfect for Holidays)

1. Transfer frozen potatoes to crockpot
2. Add 1/4 cup milk or cream
3. Cook on low for 4-6 hours
4. Stir occasionally
5. Add butter and seasonings before serving

Stovetop Method (Quick Thawed Reheating)

1. Place thawed potatoes in saucepan
2. Heat on medium-low
3. Add splash of milk
4. Stir frequently to prevent sticking
5. Heat until internal temperature reaches 165°F

Microwave Method (Best for Small Portions)

• Add milk or butter as needed
• Place thawed potatoes in microwave-safe dish
• Cover with plastic wrap
• Heat in 1-minute intervals
• Stir between intervals

Common Questions About Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes

Can I leave the skins on my potatoes?

Yes! I sometimes leave the skins on, especially for red potatoes. Just scrub them well. The skins add nutrients and a rustic texture, though your potatoes won’t be as creamy.

Why are my mashed potatoes gluey?

This happens when potatoes are overworked. I avoid using a food processor or blender. Stick to a potato masher or hand mixer, and stop as soon as they’re smooth.

How long can mashed potatoes sit in the Instant Pot on ‘warm’?

I keep them on ‘warm’ for up to 2 hours. Add extra milk or butter if they start drying out.

How full can I fill my Instant Pot with potatoes?

I never fill past the max line – about 2/3 full. Potatoes need room for the water, and overfilling affects cooking time.

Do I need to use cold or hot water in the Instant Pot?

I use cold water. Hot water isn’t necessary since the Instant Pot heats quickly, and cold water gives more consistent results.

What to Serve with Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are the ultimate comfort food. They go well with most proteins such as roast beef, or barbecue. In some parts of the United States people pour chicken noodle soup over mashed potatoes for a hearty winter day.

Of course, mashed potatoes also pair so well with my foolproof turkey recipe. We love eating them for Thanksgiving.

Other Potato Recipes You’ll Love

• Family Friendly Air Fryer Sausage and Potatoes
• Instant Pot Green Beans with Potatoes and Bacon
• Scalloped Potatoes and Bacon for Slow Cookers