The addition of sour cream and chives adds a tart touch to this classic side dish.
Mashed potatoes are fairly simple and straight-forward, but there are ways to make this old-fashioned side even easier.
One such way: an Instant Pot.
Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox
Making mashed potatoes in the Instant Pot makes them nearly entirely hands-off until it’s time to mash.
You’re not stirring a stockpot full of potatoes, piercing pieces with a fork to check doneness.
What’s So Great About Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes?
Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox
Step 1.
It will be about 1 1/2 inches deep.
Then add potatoes and salt and pepper.
Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox
Step 2.
Cook
Seal the Instant Pot, lock the lid in place, and start the cooking process.
You’ll want to cook these potatoes on high for 12 minutes.
Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox
It’ll take about 10 minutes for the Instant Pot to come up to pressure.
Once the 12 minutes is up, let the pressure release naturally.
you could do a quick release if you want.
Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox
Once the float valve drops, remove the lid.
Step 3.
Mash and serve
Grab a potato masher or spatula.
Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox
Drop the butter in the steaming potatoes, and begin mashing.
We’ve got some extra tips to make it even easier.
Do you have to leave the skin on the potatoes?
Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox
you’re able to leave skins on or peel them off, that’s up to you!
If you like super creamy, almost silky potatoes, take the peels off.
What should I use to mash the potatoes?
Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox
The obvious choice is a potato masher, but if you don’t have one, don’t fret.
you’re able to use a wooden spoon, spatula, or large ladle to mash the potatoes.
It may take longer with these tools, but they’ll get the smashing done eventually.
Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox
If you like really silky potatoes, reach for an electric hand mixer.
Don’t overmix the potatoes with the mixer, though.
They’ll turn gluey and thick.
Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox
Can I make these potatoes ahead of time?
Mashed potatoes are a great make-ahead side dish.
Just be sure to keep them well covered in the fridge.
Reheat in the microwave or in a low-temperature oven before serving.
How can I keep these potatoes warm before serving?
Most Instant Pot machines have a “Keep Warm” function on them.
That’s a handy tool if you plan to serve the potatoes within two hours.
Read to keep potatoes warm in a slow cooker.
(Times, instructions, and configs may vary according to cooker brand or model.)
Add broth, potatoes, salt, and pepper to cooker.
Cover cooker with lid, and lock in place.
Turn steam release handle to SEALING position.
Select MANUAL/PRESSURE COOK setting.
Select HIGH pressure for 12 minutes.
(It will take 9 to 10 minutes for cooker to come up to pressure before cooking begins.)
Let the pressure release naturally for 15 minutes.
(This will take about 5 minutes.)
Remove lid from cooker.
Dont drain excess broth.
Add butter to cooker, mashing with a potato masher; the potatoes should mash easily.
Add half-and-half, sour cream, and chives.
Continue mashing until you reach desired consistency.
Garnish with additional chives if desired and pepper; serve hot with additional butter.
