• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Hummusapien logo
  • RECIPES
    • RECIPE INDEX
    • DIET >
      • Vegan
      • Gluten Free
      • Vegetarian
      • Dairy Free
      • Nut Free
      • Grain Free
    • METHOD >
      • 30 Minute
      • One Pot
      • No Bake
      • Baking
      • Instant Pot
    • BREAKFAST
    • SNACKS
    • MAINS
    • SOUPS
    • SALADS
    • DESSERT
    • SIDE DISHES
    • DRINKS
    • BABY AND TODDLER
    • SEASON >
      • Winter
      • Spring
      • Summer
      • Fall
    • HOLIDAY >
      • Thanksgiving
      • Christmas
      • Mother's Day Brunch
      • Fourth of July
    • ROUND UPS
  • DINNER
  • DESSERT
  • LIFESTYLE
    • MOTHERHOOD
    • SHOP
    • HOME DECOR
    • MUST READS
    • TRAVEL
  • SUBSCRIBE
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • HOME
  • RECIPE INDEX
  • DIET TYPE
  • DINNER
  • DESSERT
  • SUBSCRIBE
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • ×

    Hummusapien » Recipes » Side Dishes » Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes with Garlic and Cream Cheese

    ★★★★★ from 5 reviews

    Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes with Garlic and Cream Cheese

    Published Nov 25, 2019 · Modified Nov 16, 2022 · by Alexis Joseph · 10 Comments

    Jump to Recipe

    Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes with garlic and cream cheese are super creamy and rich yet so easy to make! Done in 20 minutes, they make the perfect holiday side dish.

    close-up bowl of mashed potatoes with spoon

    It's a bird! It's a plane! It's Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes!!

    You guys. I wasn't even going to post any more Thanksgiving recipes! Like, aren't I a little late? Aren't all your menus plans and grocery lists shopped?! I've never hosted and have absolutely zero idea how this typically goes.

    I did, however, host Friendsgiving on Friday and it was magiccccc. I made my famous Vegan Green Bean Casserole, Spinach and Mushroom Stuffing, Sweet Potato Casserole, Orange Bourbon Cranberry Sauce, and Pumpkin Pie Bars. We'll be eating leftovers for the next year, it's fine.

    If you're anything like me, AKA scrambling [gracefully] at the last minute to get everything done, fear not. Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes are here to save your sanity, your belly, and your heart.

    All three. Yepppp.

    Also can I just say how jubilant I am over your love for my recent Instant Pot Vegan Cream of Mushroom and Wild Rice Soup? So many stovetop successes, too! Love love love.

    Mashed potatoes like Grandma used to make!

    close-up of mashed potatoes in instant pot

    THEY'RE SO GOOD. I can't even explain it. There's actually no butter in this recipe, although I think a pat of butter on top would be just dandy for presentation.

    To infuse all the fabulous garlic flavor into the potatoes, we warm in a pot the half and half, cream cheese, and garlic. I love cream cheese here for epic tang and good old-fashioned half and half for creaminess.

    Mashed potatoes are the last thing I'd want to "healthify." 'Tis the season for eating the real thing and ENJOYING IT! Don't swap out the half and half for almond milk, as that's pretty much water. A better sub if you must would be whole milk.

    These are definitely garlicky. Not scare-a-vampire-away garlicky, but if you don't love garlic, you could cut it down to just one clove.

    What potatoes should I use?

    I'm team russet, all the way. You could also use Yukon Gold. Just don't use red potatoes as they're a tad waxy for this purpose. No need to chop them into small pieces, either. Big chunks or rounds are fine.

    mashed potatoes in grey bowl with spoon

    Can I double this recipe?

    Yes! I used half a five-pound bag of russet potatoes and this recipe serves four to six pieces. You could easily use the entire bag and double the recipe to feed a larger crowd, say ten people. Mashed taters for everyone and their brother's face!!

    Can I make these on the stove?

    Yes, child! Simply cut the potatoes into one-inch cubes then place in large pot with 1 tsp salt and cover with cold water. Bring the potatoes to a gentle boil and then cook for 15-20 minutes, or until fork-tender.

    Drain potatoes and return to pot, then proceed with step 2 and 3.

    Do let me know if you try these and love them as much as the third season of Stranger Things. Bless!

    Print
    clockclock iconcutlerycutlery iconflagflag iconfolderfolder iconinstagraminstagram iconpinterestpinterest iconfacebookfacebook iconprintprint iconsquaressquares iconheartheart iconheart solidheart solid icon
    Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes with garlic and cream cheese are super creamy and rich yet so easy to make! Done in 20 minutes, they make the perfect holiday side dish.

    Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes with Garlic and Cream Cheese

    ★★★★★ 5 from 5 reviews
    • Author: Alexis Joseph
    • Prep Time: 10
    • Cook Time: 10
    • Total Time: 20 minutes
    • Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
    • Category: Side Dish
    • Method: Instant Pot
    • Cuisine: American
    • Diet: Gluten Free
    Print Recipe
    Pin Recipe

    Description

    Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes with garlic and cream cheese are super creamy and rich yet so easy to make! Done in 20 minutes, they make the perfect holiday side dish. (Check the recipe notes for stovetop version. Recipe can be doubled using the same 12 minute cook time.)


    Ingredients

    Units Scale
    • 2 ½ lbs russet potatoes (about 5 medium/large), peeled and chopped into large chunks or rounds
    • 1 ¾ tsp course kosher salt, divided
    • ¾ cup half and half
    • 4oz cream cheese
    • 3 garlic cloves, minced
    • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
    • Chopped chives, for serving

    Instructions

    1. Add potatoes and 1 tsp salt to Instant Pot and cover with cold water. Cook on high pressure (press "pressure cook") for 10 minutes. The Instant Pot will warm up for about 10 minutes before it starts cooking. After the 10 minutes is up, quick-release any remaining pressure by flipping the release valve to “venting."
    2. Meanwhile, place half and half, cream cheese, and garlic in a small saucepan over medium heat. Use a wooden spoon to break apart the cream cheese and stir mixture constantly until it starts to simmer. Remove from heat and set aside. It will thicken and look clumpy as it cools, that's normal.
    3. Drain potatoes and return to Instant Pot. Give them a quick mash and then add cream mixture, remaining ¾ tsp kosher salt (more to taste), and a few grinds of pepper. Mash until smooth. Top with chives and serve!

    Notes

    • Use 1 cup half and half if you like thinner potatoes.
    • Recipe can be doubled using the same 12 minute cook time.

    Stovetop Variation: Cut potatoes into 1 inch cubes. Place in large pot with 1 tsp salt and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until fork-tender. Drain and return to pot, then proceed with step 2 and 3.

    Did you make this recipe?

    Tag @hummusapien on Instagram. I love sharing what you make!

    About Alexis Joseph

    Oh HEY there! I'm Alexis Joseph, food writer, blogger, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN), new mama, and co-founder of local restaurant group, Alchemy. I use my passion for cooking and wellness as fuel to help others ignite a more freeing and happy relationship with food. Learn more about Alexis!

    5 Secrets to Delish, Healthy Lunches

    Reader Interactions

      Leave a comment & rating! Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe rating ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆

    1. Lisa says

      November 09, 2020 at 11:46 pm

      Can I substitute whole lactaid milk for half and half

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Alexis Joseph says

        November 10, 2020 at 12:53 pm

        Sure! I'd say they'll be a bit less "decadent" due to lower fat but that's ok.

        Reply
    2. Dylan says

      February 26, 2020 at 6:51 pm

      How decadent! Sign me up!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Alexis Joseph says

        February 27, 2020 at 1:44 pm

        So creamy, right?!

        Reply
    3. Donna says

      February 26, 2020 at 3:49 pm

      I find a lot of Instant Pot recipes have something missing. Not this one! I made it for Thanksgiving and they were the hit of dinner! I’m definitely going to bring these to my next pot luck!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    4. Erin says

      February 26, 2020 at 1:19 pm

      These are the BOMB. I'll never make potatoes another way after trying these.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    5. Megan says

      February 04, 2020 at 4:33 pm

      This is good good!! I hoped they were going to be creamy and they were! This is definitely going into my dinner rotation as a healthy option!!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Alexis Joseph says

        February 04, 2020 at 9:55 pm

        Yayyy, thank you Megan. So creamy!

        Reply
    6. Emily C says

      November 27, 2019 at 8:53 pm

      One of my favorite recipes! So easy and so tasty! I don’t have an instant pot and the stovetop version was just as easy. Will definitely be making again! 🙂

      Reply
      • Alexis Joseph says

        November 30, 2019 at 8:03 pm

        YESSS! Aren't they so easy to make? Thanks for letting me know, Emily 🙂

        Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    Well HELLO there, pal! I'm Alexis. Welcome to Hummusapien, a fantastical food blog brimming with nourishing (always delish!) recipes from a Registered Dietitian plus life tidbits to inspire you to live your most joyful, balanced life. Grab a super hot cup o' joe and let's get cookin'.

    Tell me more... →

    Most Loved Recipes

    • Banana Zucchini Baked Oatmeal Cups
    • Easy Vegetable Teriyaki Stir Fry
    • Homemade Vegan Lasagna with Tofu Ricotta
    • Incredible Vegan Banana Bread
    • The Best Vegan Broccoli Salad Ever
    • Healthy Cream Cheese Frosting

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    • BLOG
    • ABOUT
    • CONTACT

    Join the recipe club!




    • FAQ
    • POLICIES
    • RECIPES

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © Hummusapien LLC 2011-2023 Hummusapien is a registered trademark of Hummusapien LLC.