Russet potatoes are best for instant pot mashed potatoes
This recipe starts with russet potatoes, which are a starchy potato and really produce that classic mashed potato taste and texture you know and love so much. We usually buy the 5lb bags of potatoes every week to use for various recipes. This recipe calls for 2.5lbs of russet potatoes so just dump out half the bag and you’re ready to go.
No need to drain. Just Peel, cook, and mash.
One of the things that makes this recipe so easy is that we don’t need to use a steamer or colander or any other thing that would need to be washed later. Everything takes place right in the Instant Pot. This sure help when we have a pile of dishes to clean after dinner! And again, it makes it a bit more of a kid friendly recipe. You’ll probably want an adult to start out because the potatoes do need to be peeled and cut into chunks that are roughly 1 inch in size. There’s no reason to worry about exact size with this step, you basically just want those potatoes cut into chunks. Next we peel 4-6 cloves of garlic (depending on how garlic-y you like it). You don’t have to chop or mince the garlic, just peel the cloves. They’ll mash right up with the potatoes. Once the potatoes and garlic are ready, you add 1.5 cups of water to the Instant Pot and stir in the salt. Then add the potatoes, garlic and butter. Secure the lid and pressure cook for 10 minutes.
Let the mashed potato fun begin
After you do a quick release of the pressure and carefully remove the lid, add in ¼ cup of sour cream, ¼ cup cream cheese (1oz) and 2 tablespoons of ranch seasoning mix. Now use a potato masher and start mashing! And keep mashing (this is why it’s perfect for the kids to do). It takes about 2-3 minutes or so, but eventually everything combines and mixes and mashes and you’ve got a big pot full of awesome mashed potatoes.
