If you dream about silky-smooth, buttery mashed potatoes but dread the hassle of draining hot pots and dirtying extra dishes, No Drain Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes are about to become your new kitchen hero. This recipe is creamy comfort food magic—deliciously fuss-free and perfect for everything from weeknight dinners to holiday feasts!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No-drain means less mess: Skip the colander—these potatoes soak up flavorful broth, so there’s no pouring or fuss after cooking.
- Hands-off ease: The Instant Pot works its magic, allowing you to focus on the rest of your meal or just relax.
- Ultra-creamy texture, every time: Steaming in broth (not water!) infuses flavor and guarantees soft, luscious potatoes that mash like a dream.
- Endlessly customizable: From classic butter to tangy sour cream and chive or aromatic garlic rosemary, these mashed potatoes flex effortlessly for every craving.
Ingredients You’ll Need
I promise, the ingredient list for No Drain Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes couldn’t be simpler, but each component has a part to play in creating your perfect bowl of creamy comfort. Here’s what makes these spuds shine (plus some flavor-boosting add-ins if you’re feeling fancy!).
- Russet potatoes (3 lbs): Their starchy texture is key for ultra-fluffy, cloud-like mash; peel and dice for even cooking.
- Chicken or vegetable broth (1 ¼ cups): The secret for no draining! This adds rich flavor and moisture directly into the potatoes.
- Butter (2 tablespoons): For that essential creamy, buttery goodness—melted right into the potatoes as they cook.
- Sea salt (½ teaspoon + more to taste): Don’t skimp; potatoes need seasoning to sing!
- Whole milk or cream (¼ cup, warmed): Finishes the mash with extra silkiness; use cream for extra indulgence or milk for a lighter touch.
- Chives (½ cup, for variation): Freshly chopped chives add a green, oniony pop to the sour cream variation.
- Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt (½ cup, for variation): Delivers tang and an ultra-rich finish to take things over the top.
- Garlic cloves (8, for variation): Whole cloves softened while cooking for amazing roasted garlic flavor with zero extra effort.
- Fresh rosemary (½ teaspoon, for variation): Infuses the mash with woodsy, fragrant notes—just the thing for a cozy meal.
Variations
No Drain Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes are endlessly adaptable—mix and match ingredients to suit your mood, special diets, or the contents of your fridge. It’s easy to put your own spin on these spuds and keep everyone coming back for seconds!
- Sour Cream & Chive: Stir in sour cream or Greek yogurt and a handful of chopped chives after cooking for that classic steakhouse flavor.
- Garlic Rosemary: Add whole garlic cloves and a hit of fresh rosemary before pressure cooking for an aromatic, deeply savory mash.
- Dairy-Free: Use vegan butter and unsweetened plant-based milk (like oat or almond), and stick to vegetable broth to make this totally vegan and allergy-friendly.
- Extra Rich: Fold in more butter and swap cream for the milk, or even sneak in a spoonful of cream cheese for lusciousness.
- Lighter Option: Use low-sodium broth and milk, and skip the butter or use a smaller amount for a lighter take that still delivers serious comfort.
How to Make No Drain Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
Step 1: Prep and Potatoes In
Start by peeling your russet potatoes and cutting them into big, even 2-inch chunks. This helps everything cook at the same time, so you won’t end up with lumpy bits. Once they’re ready, toss the potatoes, broth, butter, and sea salt directly into your Instant Pot insert. If you’re making the garlic rosemary twist, add in those whole, peeled garlic cloves right now too.
Step 2: Pressure Cook
Secure the lid, set your Instant Pot valve to sealing, and choose Manual High Pressure (or “Pressure Cook”) for 10 minutes. It’ll take about 10 extra minutes for the pot to come to pressure—enough time to prep your favorite main dish or just kick back. No babysitting required!
Step 3: Quick Release & Mash
Let the Instant Pot naturally release pressure for just 5 minutes—this keeps your potatoes perfect and not overcooked. Then carefully quick-release any remaining pressure. Now, add your warmed milk or cream, plus any add-ins for your chosen variation, and grab your masher. Stir and mash until the potatoes are as smooth or chunky as you love, seasoning to taste as you go. That’s it—your No Drain Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes are ready to serve hot and steamy!
Pro Tips for Making No Drain Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
- Use Starchy Potatoes: Russets are the gold standard here—they soak up the broth and turn luxuriously creamy, but Yukon Golds are a close second for extra butteriness.
- Warm the Dairy First: Cold milk or cream can cool your mash and make the texture a bit gluey; always heat it gently before adding.
- Mashing Method Matters: For classic, fluffy potatoes use a masher; if you want ultra-smooth, opt for a ricer or food mill, but steer clear of blenders to avoid gummy spuds.
- Salt Generously at the End: Taste after mashing and adjust salt (and even a tiny splash more melted butter) so your No Drain Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes are perfectly seasoned for every bite.
How to Serve No Drain Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
Garnishes
Top your No Drain Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes with flecks of fresh chives, a dusting of black pepper, or an irresistible swirl of melted butter. For the roasted garlic version, a sprinkle of minced rosemary or flaky sea salt looks as dreamy as it tastes.
Side Dishes
These mashed potatoes are a soulmate for weeknight rotisserie chicken, holiday turkey, or classic roast beef. Add roasted veggies, green beans, or your favorite gravy, and you’ve got a dinner that feels like a big, cozy hug.
Creative Ways to Present
Spoon your mash into a rustic bowl and let people dive right in family-style, or pipe it into elegant mounds for fancier events. Try scooping them into individual ramekins and broiling with a little cheese for a bubbly, crispy top—suddenly, mashed potatoes become the star of the show!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer any leftover No Drain Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. They’ll thicken slightly as they chill, but will reheat beautifully—perfect for next-day meals!
Freezing
For long-term storage, portion your cooled mashed potatoes into freezer-safe bags or containers (press out excess air), and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Warm leftovers gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth, milk, or cream to restore their creamy texture. Stir frequently and heat just until piping hot—it’s almost as good as fresh from the Instant Pot!
FAQs
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Can I double this recipe in my Instant Pot?
Absolutely! You can double all ingredients except the broth (keep it to about 1 ½ times). The cook time stays the same—just don’t fill over the “Max Fill” line in your pot. Great for feeding a crowd or meal prep!
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Which potatoes work best for No Drain Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes?
Russet potatoes are the classic choice—they’re high in starch, which gives you fluffy, tender results. Yukon Golds are also great if you prefer a slightly richer, buttery potato with a deeper yellow color.
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How can I make these mashed potatoes dairy-free or vegan?
Swap the butter for a plant-based alternative and use any unsweetened, neutral-flavored plant milk (like oat, almond, or soy). Be sure to use vegetable broth as your base, and try stirring in vegan yogurt or an extra drizzle of olive oil for silky texture.
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Can I prepare No Drain Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes ahead of time?
Yes! Make the potatoes up to 2 days in advance. Gently reheat with a splash of broth or milk, and stir until perfectly creamy before serving. They’re a lifesaver for holiday or make-ahead dinners.
Final Thoughts
There is nothing quite like a big, creamy spoonful of No Drain Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes to bring joy to your table—without the usual effort or mess. I hope you give these a try, experiment with your favorite variations, and savor just how easy homemade comfort food can be. Enjoy every fluffy bite!
Print
No Drain Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Instant Pot
- Method: Pressure Cooking
Description
Creamy and flavorful mashed potatoes made in the Instant Pot without the need to drain. Choose between a classic buttery version, or elevate it with sour cream and chives or garlic and rosemary.
Ingredients
For Basic Butter:
- 3 lbs peeled russet potatoes, 2-inch dice
- 1 1/4 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth for vegetarian
- 2 tablespoons butter (28 grams)
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, plus more to taste after cooking
- 1/4 cup whole milk or cream, warmed or enough to reach desired consistency
Add-ins for Sour Cream and Chive:
- 1/2 cup finely chopped chives, lightly packed
- 1/2 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
Add-ins for Garlic Rosemary:
- 8 cloves garlic, whole & peeled, pressure cook with the potatoes!
- 1/2 teaspoon finely minced fresh rosemary
Instructions
- Add the potatoes, broth, butter, and ½ teaspoon of sea salt to the Instant Pot. If you’re making the Garlic Rosemary flavour, add the garlic cloves. Close the lid, set the vent to sealing and cook on Manual High pressure for 10 minutes (your Instant Pot model may have a ‘Pressure Cook’ button rather than a ‘Manual’ button). It will take about 10 minutes to come to pressure.
- Add the end of cooking time, let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes. Quick release the remaining pressure, add in the warmed milk or cream along with the remaining ingredients for your chosen flavour and mash until smooth. Adjust the seasoning to taste and serve immediately.
Notes
- To double: double all ingredients except the broth. Cook time stays the same.
- Nutrition estimate reflects the Basic Butter variation made with whole milk.
- Inactive time indicates the time it takes to come to pressure + the time to release pressure after cooking.
- This recipe was tested in both 6-quart and 8-quart Instant Pot models.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 174 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 644mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 11mg
