Quick & Creamy Instant Pot Parmesan Mashed Potatoes

When it comes to comfort food, these Instant Pot Parmesan Mashed Potatoes are as creamy, cheesy, and irresistible as it gets. With just a handful of simple ingredients, they’re easy enough for a weeknight side dish but delicious enough to for your Thanksgiving table.

Why We Don’t Make Mashed Potatoes During the Week (And How to Change That with Instant Pot)

Mashed potatoes are a classic comfort food, but let’s be honest—how often do you find yourself making them during the week? Between work, school, and after-school activities, most of us are looking for meals that are quick and easy, not something that takes a lot of time or effort to prepare.

But here’s the thing: mashed potatoes don’t have to be a once-in-a-while or holiday-only side dish. With a few simple tips and the magic of the Instant Pot, you can make irresistibly creamy Instant Pot Parmesan Mashed Potatoes in no time—perfect for a weeknight meal.

Tips for Perfect Mashed Potatoes Every Time

If you’re new to making mashed potatoes, or using the Instant Pot for the first time, don’t worry—I’ve got you covered. Here are some tips to make sure your mashed potatoes turn out perfectly:

1. Cut the Potatoes Evenly

One of the keys to great mashed potatoes is how you cut them. It might seem like a small detail, but if the potatoes aren’t cut into even pieces, some may cook faster than others. For the most consistent results, cut your potatoes into roughly 2″ cubes. This helps them cook evenly in the Instant Pot, ensuring no raw chunks and no overcooked mushy pieces.

2. Warm the Milk or Cream

Using cold milk straight from the fridge might be tempting, but here’s a pro tip: warm it up first! Cold milk or cream added to hot potatoes cools them down and can make them less creamy. Heat your milk or cream in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds before adding it to the potatoes. This will ensure your potatoes stay nice and hot.

3. Use Broth for Extra Flavor

For a deeper flavor, I like to cook my potatoes in chicken broth instead of water. The broth infuses the potatoes, which means your mashed potatoes will have even more flavor without any extra seasoning. It’s a simple step that makes a huge difference!

4. Perfectly Seasoned

Parmesan adds a salty, nutty flavor that’s irresistibly good. However, if you are using chicken broth, taste the potatoes before adding extra salt, as both the broth and Parmesan bring a lot of flavor on their own

Instant Pot Tips for Rookies

• Always check the sealing ring: Before you close the lid, make sure the silicone sealing ring is properly placed to ensure no steam escapes.
• Pressure cooking basics: For mashed potatoes, you’ll want to cook them on high pressure for around 8 minutes. After that, perform a quick release to let the steam out quickly.
• Don’t overfill the pot: The Instant Pot works best when it’s not overfilled. For mashed potatoes, aim for around 2 pounds of potatoes, which is perfect for a side dish that serves 4-6 people.

To wrap things up, let’s talk about making the most of these Parmesan mashed potatoes:

• If you have leftovers, try using them in a variety of ways to stretch this dish even further. They make an incredible topping for Shepherd’s Pie, which again, making the mashed potatoes is the main reason I don’t make this more often.
• One of my favorite things to make with leftover potatoes are potato cakes. Mix your mashed potatoes with a beaten egg, a bit of flour, and seasonings. Shape them into small patties and fry until golden brown for crispy potato cakes.
• You can also freeze portions of your mashed potatoes in small containers for a quick side dish down the road—just thaw, reheat, and maybe add a touch of cream to bring back that fluffy texture.

More Weeknight Side Dishes:

• Parmesan Garlic Noodles: These buttery noodles with Parmesan and garlic are quick to make and add a delicious, savory twist to any meal.
• Easy Oven Roasted Vegetables: Tossed with simple seasonings, these roasted veggies are caramelized to perfection in the oven, bringing out their natural sweetness and flavor.
• Stovetop Mac and Cheese: Creamy, cheesy, and made entirely on the stovetop, this mac and cheese comes together quickly and satisfies every comfort food craving.

INSTANT POT PARMESAN MASHED POTATOES
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