The Best Potatoes for Mashed Potatoes
For creamy mashed potatoes, it is important to start with the right type of potato. For this recipe, I used Russet, but you could also use Yukon Gold potatoes or a combination of the two. Because of their high starch content, they mash well and result in creamy delicious mashed potatoes. My mom is the person who really made me fall in love with cooking. I spent so much time watching her sweat over homemade meals for us. She cared so much about what she fed us. Pretty much everything was from scratch. Enter my amazing boyfriend (now husband). He was at our house celebrating his first Thanksgiving with my family and I gave my mom the heads up that he did not like real mashed potatoes. He would only eat the flakes from the box. You guys, Thanksgiving came, and my mom made the instant mashed potatoes. I almost fell out of my chair. But it was more important to her that he felt welcome than where the potatoes on his plate came from. Now I aspire to make people feel welcome by the food I make, and my husband is a full convert to creamy homemade mashed potatoes. He loved these Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes.
Quarter the potatoes after you peel them. Cut them into even-sized pieces. This is key so that they cook evenly and completely when the Instant Pot is done with them. I like doing a little hand-mashing before I start adding things. Add your butter first so that the hot potatoes can really melt in before you add in the cold milk. A hand blender makes quick work of these homemade mashed potatoes.
Making Gravy For Mashed Potatoes
If you are looking for a great gravy recipe for your mashed potatoes, this Turkey Gravy is the one! If you’ve never made gravy from scratch before, it is probably much easier than you think and has such great flavor. That said, everyone’s tastes vary. I suggest adding half the amount I have listed, then tasting the potatoes, and adding more as you see fit. It’s important to me that you love the recipes you get here, so make them your own! If you use chicken stock, be sure to go very slowly when adding salt at the end as you will need less.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Store any leftover mashed potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat the portion you plan to eat in the microwave, stirring halfway through and adding a splash of milk if needed.
Let me tell you a little secret: This Christmas Punch is great for Thanksgiving and New Year’s, too! This Roasted Turkey Breast is perfect if you are having a smaller holiday meal. I’m in love with this Cranberry Sauce Recipe. If my Homemade Stuffing was the only thing made at Thanksgiving I’d still be a happy girl.
If you make this Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes recipe or any of my other recipes, I’d love to hear what you think in the comments below!
