If you’re feeding a big group and want a creamy, flavorful side without the fuss, this Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes for a Crowd Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine tender russet potatoes perfectly cooked in the pressure cooker, then blended with garlic, herbs, and a touch of creamy sour cream and butter for a dish that’s comforting, smooth, and packed with heartwarming flavor. This recipe takes classic mashed potatoes up a notch, making it easy to prepare a generous batch that everyone will rave about.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the quality of ingredients that come together perfectly. Each element plays an essential role, whether it’s the fluffy texture from the russet potatoes, the rich creaminess from butter and sour cream, or the aromatic herbs that bring it all to life.
- 5 pounds Russet Potatoes: These starchy potatoes are perfect for mashing because they yield a fluffy, creamy texture.
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic: Adds a subtle, savory depth that makes every bite irresistible.
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley: Brings a fresh, mild herbaceous flavor and a little green color.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: Offers a sweet, slightly peppery hint that complements the garlic beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Adds an earthy, slightly floral note for complexity.
- 2 teaspoons salt: Essential for enhancing all the flavors perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon pepper: Provides a gentle kick to balance the richness.
- 4 tablespoons butter: Makes the potatoes silky and rich, adding that comforting creaminess everyone loves.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Adds tanginess and extra smooth texture, making the dish feel luxurious.
- 1/2 cup milk: Helps loosen the potatoes for the perfect mash consistency.
How to Make Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes for a Crowd Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Potatoes
Begin by peeling all your russet potatoes and cutting them into quarters. This size ensures they cook evenly and quickly in the Instant Pot, so no half-crunchy chunks to worry about.
Step 2: Load and Add Water
Place your quartered potatoes right into the Instant Pot. Add enough water to cover the potatoes, but be careful not to go over the maximum fill line. It’s okay if the potatoes are just barely covered, as long as there’s enough for them to absorb and steam properly.
Step 3: Pressure Cook the Potatoes
Seal the lid tightly and make sure the steam vent is set to sealing. Select the manual or pressure cook function and set the timer for 15 minutes on high pressure. Keep in mind, with this volume of water, the Instant Pot will take 20 to 30 minutes to build pressure before the cooking countdown begins—patience here pays off!
Step 4: Prepare the Flavor Base
While the potatoes cook, grab a large mixing bowl. Add the minced garlic, dried parsley, dried basil, dried thyme, salt, pepper, butter, sour cream, and milk into the bowl. These aromatics and dairy will infuse your mashed potatoes with fantastic flavor as they rest.
Step 5: Release and Drain
Once the cooking cycle ends, carefully perform a quick release on the pressure valve. When the float valve drops, open the lid and use a slotted spoon to transfer the hot potatoes to the bowl, letting them drain well over the flavor mixture. This resting step lets heat help melt the butter and soften the dairy for perfect creaminess.
Step 6: Mash to Your Heart’s Content
After resting for 3 to 4 minutes, start mashing the potatoes in the bowl until you reach your favorite consistency—whether that’s creamy and smooth or a little chunky. Add a splash more milk if you like a looser texture. The flavors will meld beautifully during this step.
Step 7: Serve or Keep Warm
Instantly serve these mashed potatoes to warm smiles, or if you’re not quite ready, drain the water from the Instant Pot and return the mashed potatoes back for a gentle warming until mealtime.
How to Serve Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes for a Crowd Recipe
Garnishes
Don’t be shy with garnishing! A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or chives adds a burst of color and freshness, while a pat of butter on top melts invitingly for beautiful presentation and extra richness. Crispy fried onions or crumbled bacon bits also add wonderful texture and flavor contrasts.
Side Dishes
Mashed potatoes are the ultimate Thanksgiving or holiday side, pairing perfectly with roasted turkey, juicy steak, or glazed ham. For a complete meal, serve alongside green beans almondine, roasted Brussels sprouts, or a sharp cranberry sauce to balance the creamy heaviness on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Think outside the bowl and try serving your mashed potatoes in a hollowed-out bread loaf for a fun, rustic touch. You can also pipe the mash onto a baking sheet and bake briefly for crispy edges that add texture. Another idea is layering mashed potatoes over shepherd’s pie or casseroles for an effortless upgrade.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes for a Crowd Recipe keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Before sealing, allow the potatoes to cool slightly to preserve texture and freshness.
Freezing
Mashed potatoes freeze nicely in portion-sized containers or freezer bags. Just be sure to squeeze out as much air as possible. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results, then reheat gently.
Reheating
Warm leftover mashed potatoes using a microwave or stovetop, stirring frequently to maintain creaminess. Adding a splash of milk or a bit more butter during reheating helps revive that just-made texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use other types of potatoes for Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes for a Crowd Recipe?
Absolutely! While russet potatoes are preferred for their fluffy texture, Yukon Golds can add a buttery flavor and creamier consistency. Just note that cooking times may vary slightly.
How do I avoid watery mashed potatoes?
Draining the potatoes well after cooking and before mashing is key. Also, avoid adding too much liquid at once—start small and adjust to get your perfect mash.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Simply substitute the butter with a plant-based spread, and use coconut milk or another dairy-free milk alternative along with a nondairy sour cream to maintain richness.
Can I add cheese to this Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes for a Crowd Recipe?
Definitely! Stirring in shredded cheddar, Parmesan, or cream cheese just before serving transforms this recipe into a luscious, cheesy delight everyone will love.
What’s the best way to keep mashed potatoes warm for a long time?
Keeping mashed potatoes warm in the Instant Pot with the lid off on the ‘keep warm’ setting works well. You can also transfer to a slow cooker on low with a lid for several hours without drying out.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing side that’s fast, flavorful, and fuss-free, give this Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes for a Crowd Recipe a try. It’s a wonderful shortcut to comfort food magic that brings people together with every creamy spoonful. Trust me, this recipe will become a go-to for your gatherings and weeknight dinners alike!
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Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes for a Crowd Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes (plus 20-30 minutes for pressure build-up)
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes recipe is perfect for serving a large crowd with minimal effort. Using the pressure cooker, you can prepare creamy, flavorful mashed potatoes infused with garlic and herbs in just 30 minutes, making it an ideal side dish for family gatherings or holiday meals.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 5 pounds Russet Potatoes
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
Instructions
- Prepare Potatoes: Peel and quarter all the russet potatoes evenly to ensure they cook uniformly in the Instant Pot.
- Add Potatoes to Instant Pot: Place the prepared potatoes into the pressure cooker pot and cover them with water. Be careful to not exceed the maximum fill line and leave the potatoes slightly uncovered if needed.
- Pressure Cook: Seal the lid and turn the steam vent to sealing. Select the manual or pressure cook setting, and set to high pressure for 15 minutes. Note that the pressure cooker will take about 20-30 minutes to come to pressure before the cooking time starts.
- Mix Ingredients in Bowl: While the potatoes cook, combine garlic, parsley, basil, thyme, salt, pepper, butter, sour cream, and milk in a large mixing bowl that will later hold the potatoes.
- Release Pressure and Transfer: Once the cooking time is complete, carefully perform a quick release of the steam vent. When the float valve drops, open the lid carefully. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the potatoes to the bowl with the other ingredients, draining off as much water as possible.
- Rest and Mash: Allow the potatoes to rest on top of the mixture for 3-4 minutes to warm the dairy and seasonings. Then, mash the potatoes with a potato masher to your preferred consistency, adding additional milk or butter if necessary to achieve creaminess.
- Serve or Keep Warm: Serve the mashed potatoes immediately, or keep them warm by draining the Instant Pot and returning the mashed potatoes to the pot, using the warm function if desired.
Notes
- Use Russet potatoes for the best creamy texture when mashed.
- Do not exceed the Instant Pot maximum fill line when adding water and potatoes to avoid safety issues.
- Be careful with the quick steam release to prevent burns from hot steam.
- Adjust seasoning to taste after mashing if needed.
- The resting time allows the flavors to meld and the dairy to warm up for smoother mashing.
- You can add extra butter or milk to reach your preferred creaminess.
- If you don’t have dried herbs, fresh herbs can be substituted with slight adjustments in quantity.
