Best Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe Ever

If you’re a mashed potato lover, this one’s for you. Creamy, dreamy, rich, and absolutely bursting with bold Italian flavor, these Instant Pot garlic mashed potatoes are about to become your new favorite side dish. They’re quick, foolproof, and the perfect pairing for everything from Sunday roasts to weeknight pasta.

Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just need something comforting after a long day, this Best Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe Ever “With Bold Italian Flavor” hits the mark every single time.

Let’s dive in, shall we?

Why Make Garlic Mashed Potatoes in an Instant Pot?

Before we jump into the recipe, let’s talk about the magic of using an Instant Pot. Traditional mashed potatoes take a lot of stovetop babysitting — boiling, draining, and hoping you don’t overcook them. The Instant Pot changes all that.

Here’s why it’s a game-changer:

• Hands-off cooking: Toss in your ingredients, seal the lid, and walk away.
• Perfect texture every time: No more watery or mushy spuds.
• Fast: From prep to plate in under 30 minutes.
• One pot cleanup: Fewer dishes, more flavor.

The Secret to That “Bold Italian Flavor”

What makes this recipe stand out from all the other mashed potatoes out there?

It’s all in the bold Italian flavor. We’re not just talking about a clove or two of garlic. We’re going big. Roasted garlic, fresh herbs, parmesan, a touch of extra virgin olive oil, and a hint of Italian seasoning take this dish from “good” to “where have you been all my life?”

This isn’t just a side dish — it’s an experience.

Ingredients: What You’ll Need

Here’s the full ingredient list for the Best Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe Ever “With Bold Italian Flavor”:

Main Ingredients:

• 2.5 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes (peeled and quartered)
• 1 ½ cups water
• 1 tsp salt
• 6–8 cloves garlic (peeled)
• ½ cup heavy cream (or half and half)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ¼ cup chopped fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Italian Add-Ins (for extra flair):

• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (for a little heat)
• ¼ cup mascarpone cheese (for added creaminess)
• A drizzle of truffle oil or balsamic glaze (for serving)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s walk through this easy Instant Pot recipe so you can recreate this Italian-inspired comfort dish in your own kitchen.

Step 1: Prep Your Potatoes and Garlic

Peel and cut your Yukon Gold potatoes into quarters. The smaller pieces help them cook more evenly and quickly. Throw them into your Instant Pot along with the peeled garlic cloves, water, and 1 teaspoon of salt.

Tip: For a deeper garlic flavor, roast your garlic beforehand and stir it in later during the mashing step.

Step 2: Pressure Cook

Seal your Instant Pot and set it to:

• High pressure
• Manual mode
• 10 minutes

Once done, allow a natural pressure release for about 5 minutes, then do a quick release for any remaining pressure.

Step 3: Drain Excess Water (If Any)

There may be a little water left in the pot. Either mash it right in if you want extra moisture, or drain it off for a thicker consistency.

Step 4: Mash and Infuse the Flavor

Now the fun part — mash your potatoes directly in the Instant Pot using a potato masher or handheld mixer.

Add in:

• Butter
• Heavy cream
• Olive oil
• Parmesan cheese
• Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Mix everything together until smooth and fluffy. If you’re adding mascarpone, now’s the time. For extra boldness, stir in the red pepper flakes.

Serving Suggestions: Pair It Like an Italian

These garlic mashed potatoes are so flavorful, they can totally shine on their own. But if you want to build an epic meal around them, try these Italian-inspired pairings:

Main Dishes:

• Tuscan Garlic Chicken
• Italian-Style Meatballs
• Braised Beef Short Ribs
• Garlic and Herb Pork Tenderloin
• Eggplant Parmesan (for a vegetarian feast)

Vegetable Sides:

• Roasted balsamic Brussels sprouts
• Grilled zucchini with herbs
• Caprese salad

Toppings to Try:

• More grated parmesan
• Fresh chopped basil or parsley
• A drizzle of truffle oil or olive oil
• Crispy pancetta bits

Tips for the Best Texture and Flavor

Making mashed potatoes is an art. Here are a few pro tips to elevate your results:

1. Use Yukon Gold Potatoes

They strike the perfect balance between fluffy and creamy. Russets are fluffier but less flavorful; red potatoes are creamier but more dense.

2. Don’t Skip the Garlic

The garlic infuses the potatoes during pressure cooking. You get that mellow, sweet garlic flavor without overpowering the dish.

3. Mix with Care

Use a masher or hand mixer. Over-mixing with a stand mixer can make them gluey due to overworked starch.

4. Warm the Dairy

Add warm cream and butter to the potatoes — it helps keep them light and fluffy instead of gummy.

5. Season Generously

Potatoes love salt. Taste and adjust until they’re just right.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Can You Make These Ahead of Time?

Yes! These Instant Pot garlic mashed potatoes reheat beautifully.

• Make ahead: Up to 2 days in advance.
• Store: In an airtight container in the fridge.
• Reheat: Gently on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of milk or cream to loosen them up.

Can You Freeze Them?

Absolutely. Portion them into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Why This Is the Best Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe Ever “With Bold Italian Flavor”

Let’s break it down one more time:

• Creamy and velvety: Thanks to the butter, cream, and olive oil combo.
• Bold and herby: Italian seasoning, garlic, and parmesan make every bite unforgettable.
• Quick and easy: From raw potatoes to dinner table in under 30 minutes.
• Instant Pot friendly: No babysitting, no guesswork.
• Customizable: Make it dairy-free, spicy, or extra garlicky.

This isn’t just another mashed potato recipe. It’s a flavor bomb that’ll wow your taste buds and impress your guests.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a side dish that’s both comforting and a little fancy, this is it. The Best Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes Recipe Ever “With Bold Italian Flavor” gives you restaurant-quality results with hardly any effort. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself — this one’s a winner every single time.

So grab your Instant Pot, some golden potatoes, and get ready to fall in love. Buon appetito!

FAQS