Hand down, the best way potatoes to make mashed potatoes, is in the Instant Pot. I NEVER boil potatoes anymore. Never ever. Instant Pot potatoes are so much better.
The family has gotten to like loaded mash potatoes so one day when they were all home, I took some pictures while I made them. This is a big batch and would likely feed a dozen people. Half the recipe is you want or adjust as you wish.
I peel a 5 pound bag of red potatoes. You can see I don’t completely peel them. For the most part, I do a “cut the eyes out and peel a bit” amount.  I have an 8 quart Instant Pot and you can see it is about 1/2 full.
There is about an inch of water in there under all of those potatoes. I put the lid on, closed it, and then used manual pressure for 7 minutes…if I am making mashed potatoes. If I’m making regular potatoes, I only set the times for five minutes.
I release the pressure once the timer goes off. Drain the potatoes and then prep some ingredients. I soften 4 ounces of cream cheese and 4 Tablespoons of butter. For this batch, I also fried up a pound of bacon…what can I say, we’re bacon lovers.
Some shredded cheese goes in too.
I typically don’t add milk…it all depends on the potatoes. I know for many people, milk is standard in mashed potatoes. Then I mix it all up with the mixer.
I typically stop and add some spices. This day I included salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Typically onion powder is in the mix too, but this day I was out.
I add these to taste.
The potatoes are wonderful.
All potatoes are a little different in their moisture content. Everyone prefers their mashed potatoes at a different consistency too. So, my recommendation is that if your potatoes seem a little dry to you, add sour cream rather than milk. The sour cream adds creaminess where the milk just adds liquid.
These are to die for in Karl’s opinion. These are something that for some reason, Kelli has been able to keep down during this pregnancy. I’ll likely keep making them just like this as to date, every time I make them the kids say, “Mom, these are the best batch EVER!”
Oh, yummy!!! They look so good and can see why your kids would rave about them. I need to try an Instant Pot. I used to use a pressure cooker and wonder how they really differ.
They are so easy to use and very safe. They have a Saute function so you can brown meat before you pressure cook it.
I was reading how much Karl likes these potatoes, went on to read about how he can keep them down during this pregnancy… Wait … What?!!! Went back to read that it’s Kelli who can keep them down! Laughing so hard at myself! They look so yummy!
They look amazing, Jo!! Sour cream would be a great addition for me, but my family won’t eat sour cream in anything. :o((
Thanks for the recipe, Jo. Would be great for a holiday meal. I made roast beef in my Instant Pot this week. So tender and delicious!
Did you fry the bacon in the Instant Pot?
No, I didn’t fry the bacon in the Instant Pot. I fried it on the stove while the potatoes were cooking.
Thank you, Jo.
Per a blog post earlier this week, I am deconstructing shirts with you. I have done 9 since your video. By weight, 10.89 yards of fabric! I grab one each time I walk into my studio to sew to keep it going.
I will say I’m not bothering with cuffs, collar or yokes. I did a few and since I don’t do string quilting, I decided these aren’t worth my time.
Cheers to your mashed potatoes! :-)
I had just eaten supper when I read about your loaded mashed potatoes. Made me hungry all over. I’ll have to share that with my daughter as she likes potatoes abou any way you can fix them.
My daughter and I made a recipe very similar in her IP on Christmas. We included dry ranch dressing in ours. They tasted like my twice baked potato recipe but were faster to put together. The best part was the leftovers were creamy and not dry.
What a great idea when making potatoes, use my instant pot. This recipe will be tried this week and only 7 minutes! I always have bacon cooked and in the freezer to it will be simple and we will have taters for a few meals. Thanks for sharing.
I am new to the instant pot so I really like your recipes and your use of it. Thanks so much. Potatoes tonight for sure.
This was fantastic