Instant Pot Red Skin Mashed Potatoes – The humble red potato is the star of this universally – loved side dish, made even simpler and more streamlined with the use of an Instant Pot.
With just a handful of staple ingredients, you can whip up this Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes recipe in no time at all, perfect for a last-minute crowd pleaser that’s both easy and versatile.
Red Potatoes
Red skin potatoes are a waxy, less starchy potato than the white or Russet varieties, resulting in a creamy mash with an extra helping of flavor.
Though you can make Instant Pot Red Skin Mashed Potatoes without the skins, leaving them on adds color to the dish and also packs an additional punch of fiber.
Using the Instant Pot to boil your red potatoes will not only help to speed up the cooking process but will also cut down on the number of bowls and utensils required, making cleanup a breeze.
Make sure to add a good pinch of salt in with the water when you put your potatoes in to cook. It will be absorbed while they cook, helping to bring out the savory flavor in your final dish.
Milk And Butter
Adding dairy to your Instant Pot Red Mashed Potatoes will help you to achieve that signature smooth, creamy texture and bring some additional saltiness that will elevate the potato.
Half and half works best, although whole milk will do, or if you are counting your calories you can always use a dairy free milk alternative in its place.
Warming the cream and butter together is key to getting the desired consistency, as the heat helps the fat to blend better with the potatoes and allows them to absorb all that delicious flavor.
If your mashed potatoes are looking a little thick after you add the dairy, you can always add in some of the reserved cooking water to thin it out.
Seasoning
Salt and pepper are all you really need to make your Instant Pot Red Skin Mashed Potatoes sing, but one of the great things about this side dish is its easy adaptability. Adding garlic and onion powder gives it a deep, savory edge, while chopped green herbs like chives or parsley will lend it an extra freshness.
Feel free to experiment with your favorite herb and spice combinations, or throw in some extras like chopped roasted garlic or a generous sprinkling of freshly grated parmesan cheese.
Whichever route you go down, you are sure to find a flavor profile that your whole family will love.
Recipe Ingredients
4-½ pounds red potatoes, washed and cut into 4 pieces
6 Tbsp. Butter, cubed
1-½ Tsp. Salt
¼ Tsp. Pepper
1 ⅓ cups heavy whipping cream, warmed
Cooking Methods
Instant Pot Cooking Method
Cut the potatoes and wash the potatoes thoroughly. Place the red potatoes in the instant pot basket. Cover the potatoes with water.
Cook in the instant pot for 8 minutes. Quick release and drain.
Transfer the potatoes in a large bowl. Add in the butter, salt, pepper, and heavy cream. Mash until creamy but somewhat lumpy, or until you’ve reached your desired consistency.
Serve warm and enjoy. Garnish with butter and fresh chives (optional).
Stovetop Cooking Method
Place potatoes in a large saucepan and cover with water. Bring the potatoes and water to a boil. Reduce heat to medium low heat; cover and cook for 10-15 minutes or until tender. Drain the potatoes.
In a large bowl, add in the butter, salt, pepper and cream. Mashed until you’ve reached the desired consistency.
Serve warm and enjoy. Garnish with butter and fresh chives (optional).
Make It For The Holiday
You can certainly make these mashed potatoes for the holiday or Thanksgiving months in advanced.
With that being said, be mindful that it is difficult to freeze potatoes. However, once they are mashed, they freeze completely well.
To freeze the mashed potatoes, be sure that it is loaded with cream and butter. The fat found in butter and cream is what help the mashed potatoes to freeze well.
Furthermore, when reheated, it is as creamy and smooth as it was the first day it was prepared.
Cook’s Tips And Tricks
Here are a few tips and tricks when it comes to freezing mashed potatoes.
Be sure that you cook the potatoes completely, as this is necessary for mashing.
When preparing your instant pot red mashed potatoes, be sure to include lots of butter and or cream as this will help the potatoes to keep its form.
Consider adding butter to the container before adding the mashed potatoes.
Again, the fat will be served as a protection; keeping your red mashed potatoes fresh and ready to be heated before serving.
Consider diving the mashed potatoes into serving size portion so that it is ready for when you prepared to serve it on Thanksgiving Day, mealtime, or any day.
How To Reheat
Reheating your instant pot red mashed potatoes very simple. First, let the potatoes thaw out in the refrigerator at least 48 hours before serving.
Once the potatoes are thawed out, the following are a few options when it comes to reheating your side dish.
Microwave Method: Transfer the mashed potatoes to a microwave safe bowl. Cover with a lid suitable to reheat food. Reheat in increments of 5 minutes; stirring after every heating session.
Stovetop Method: Once thawed, to reheat your mashed potatoes, transfer the side dish in a suitable size pot, reheat over medium heat while stirring occasionally. Add more milk, butter or cream if needed. Season to taste if necessary.
Oven Method: Thaw the mashed potatoes in the refrigerator. Transfer the potatoes in a baking dish and cover with aluminum foil. Reheat at 330°F for about 45 minutes, or until the potatoes are heated through. Add more milk, butter or cream if needed. Season to taste if necessary.
Serving Suggestions
Mashed potatoes are a versatile side dish that are most at home with hearty meat dishes like sausages, pork chops, steaks or stews, topped with a delicious gravy to bring the meal together.
For a lighter option, you can also serve your Instant Pot Red Skin Mashed Potatoes with some lightly fried fish filets and a herby lemon sauce.
However, in our opinion, Instant Pot Red Mashed Potatoes go with pretty much anything, making it a great addition to any kitchen repertoire.
More Instant Pot Recipes To Try
If you loved this recipe, here are a few more options for you to try.
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Chunky Red Mashed Potatoes
Equipment
- Instant Pot
Ingredients
- 4-½ pounds Red potatoes washed and cut into 4 pieces
- 6 Tbsp. Butter cubed
- 1-½ Tsp. Salt
- ¼ Tsp. Pepper
- 1 ⅓ cups Heavy Whipping Cream
Instructions
Instant Pot Cooking Method
- Cut the potatoes and wash the potatoes thoroughly. Place the red potatoes in the instant pot basket. Cover the potatoes with water.Cook in the instant pot for 8 minutes. Quick release and drain.
- Transfer the potatoes in a large bowl. Add in the butter, salt, pepper, and heavy cream. Mash until creamy but somewhat lumpy, or until you’ve reached your desired consistency.Serve warm and enjoy. Garnish with butter and fresh chives (optional).
Stovetop Cooking Method
- Place potatoes in a large saucepan and cover with water. Bring the potatoes and water to a boil. Reduce heat to medium low heat; cover and cook for 10-15 minutes or until tender. Drain the potatoes.
- In a large bowl, add in the butter, salt, pepper and cream. Mashed until you’ve reached the desired consistency.Serve warm and enjoy. Garnish with butter and fresh chives (optional).
Denay DeGuzman
Made these red potatoes last night. Such great flavor! What a delicious recipe for everyday meals and Thanksgiving dinner! I love finding new Instant Pot recipes like this that make meal-making easier.
Mirlene
Thank you
Emily
My whole family loves mashed potatoes, especially my boys and this instant pot version was a huge hit! We will be definitely be making it again soon!
Andrea
What an easy and perfect side dish. My family is going to love these potatoes.
Tavo
That looks really yummy! I love leaving the skins on the potatoes for extra fiber. I haven’t tried adding whipping cream though, I’ll sure give it a try soon! thanks for sharing!
Julie
We love mashed potatoes! I need to try making in instant pot.
Mirlene
Thank you