These paleo and Whole30 Instant Pot mashed potatoes (with stovetop option) are always a crowd favorite at every gathering, and you’ll be sad that there are no leftovers!
I know what you are thinking… “Really? The BEST?” It might sound a liiittle bit overconfident, but it’s not just me who claimed that these were the best Instant Pot mashed potatoes. I’ve actually heard it from several people who have tried this recipe before. It’s incredibly flattering, but I gotta say, these mashed potatoes are pretty darn fantastic.
The BEST Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Not only are these super tasty, they are incredibly easy because they are made in the Instant Pot. Instead of having to keep an eye out for when the water is boiling and simmering, you just throw everything in the Instant Pot and ignore it until it’s finished.
Another great thing about making mashed potatoes in the Instant Pot is that if you end up making them early before the rest of the dishes are done, you can keep them on the Warm setting until everything else is finished. This trick is especially useful for Thanksgiving or the holidays when you are stressed out and making 8 things at once, because, or course, nothing is ready for the table at the same time.
How to Make the BEST Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
Okay… so wanna know the trick to making the BEST Instant Pot mashed potatoes? These tips are quite simple and easy but makes such a huge difference in the flavor and texture:
- Always use russet potatoes. I’ve tried making mashed potatoes with all different kinds of potatoes in the potatoes and the ones that yield the best texture every time is russet. Other softer potatoes can get gummy or “sticky” if you accidentally over-mash them, but the chances of that are very low with russet potatoes.
- You’ll notice that I added apple cider vinegar to the potatoes, and that makes such a huge difference to the taste in the best way. It gives the potatoes a slight tang and zest that makes them so addicting. Try it if you don’t believe me! You’ll never make mashed potatoes any other way.
- Also, using ghee instead of the traditional butter (or any other fat) makes it even more amazing because of that deep caramel flavor that is way stronger in ghee. The combination of the apple cider vinegar and ghee is what makes this recipe so special!
Don’t Have an Instant Pot?
I know not everyone has an Instant Pot (although you should because it’s the best investment and such a time saver), so I included stove top directions as well. This doesn’t change the taste at all so you’ll still have delicious mashed potatoes to serve with your main dish however you decide to make it!
Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes (Paleo, Whole30) + Stove Top Option
Ingredients
- 2 lbs russet potatoes
- Water
- 1/4 cup full-fat coconut milk
- 1/4 cup ghee
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1 tsp freeze dried chives plus more for garnish
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
Instructions
- If you like your potatoes peeled, peel them now. If not, scrub the potatoes.
Instant Pot Method
- Cut the potatoes in half and place them in the Instant Pot.
- Pour water over the potatoes until they are just covered.
- Close the lid and make the sure the pressure valve is set to Sealing
- Cook on high on Manual for 12 minutes.
- Once the Instant Pot beeps to a finish, quick release pressure.
- Pierce the potatoes to make sure they are fork tender, then drain.
- Add the rest of the ingredients, and use a potato masher to mash the potatoes until desired texture and smoothness.
- Taste to adjust seasoning, and serve topped with more freeze dried chives, if desired.
- If you are not eating right away or waiting for other dishes to cook, you can keep the mashed potatoes in the Instant Pot and set it to Warm until ready to serve.
Stove Top Method
- Cut the potatoes into 2 inch chunks and place them in a pot.
- Cover the potatoes with water.
- Turn the heat to high until the water is boiling.
- Cover, and reduce the heat to medium, then let it simmer for 10-12 minutes until the potatoes are fork tender.
- Drain, then add the rest of the ingredients and use a potato masher to mash the potatoes until desired texture and smoothness.
- Taste to adjust seasoning, and serve topped with more freeze dried chives, if desired.
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I have been putting my potatoes in a steamer basket for the IP method – I didn’t know I could just do it right in the water! Cool!
Thank goodness for the IP, it sure does help make the best mashed potatoes! I love your additions of the ACV and chives, so yummy.
Jean,
I’ve bought your books and love your site, including all the research you do. Thank you!
Question: Have you ever looked into the concern of having nickel leach into food from cooking in stainless steel? I’d love to use an IP but have been afraid because of this since I already have heavy metal issues. Any thoughts?
I’ve never made mashed potatoes with the special ingredients you mention, the ghee and apple cider vinegar. Sounds super intriguing and yummy, plus the spices. Can’t wait to give it a try. I love the IP for Thanksgiving so much!! I need 2 LOL. 😉
My kids love mashed potatoes! And anything Instant Pot is always a win…
What a great idea! Perfect for Thanksgiving so you don’t have to stand at the stove.
I need to make 6-8 pounds of potatoes and have an 8qt IP. Do you think that will work – or should I do stove top? I realize it will take longer to come to pressure, which is fine – just don’t know if they will all fit! Thanks!
I think it should. Mine is 5 qt and it fit 2 lbs of potatoes with some room. You can even cut them into to smaller pieces to go cut down on cook time and have them fit!
Any idea if peeling the potatoes first will affect cooking time? While I LOVE homestyle mashed w/ peels and all, there are many in my Thanksgiving crowd who are not fond of those particular lumps.
You can peel them without affecting the cook time. Everything else stays the same!
LOVE mashed potatoes! So excited to try this recipe.
Those lil freeze-dried chives? I bet they add just the right hit of onion-y yum!
Is it a special sort potatoe you use. After my knowledge you don’t eat potatoes on a paleo/low carb diet? Only sweet potatoes. I love potatoes and hope the kind you use is low in carb 😊
Potatoes are now accepted in the paleo diet. It’s actually quite nutritious!
These are the only mashed potatoes I make now! They come out perfectly every time. The ACV gives them such a great flavor!
Thank you so much!! Agree – the acv is so necessary. Appreciate you leaving review!
Mixed this up tonight in preparation for tomorrow. OMG this is SO tasty! I too was skeptical. I’m new to the whole paleo diet (but love it so far). I can’t believe how good this is without cheese (and I haven’t even baked it yet). I gave my husband a taste (as a sample) and had to keep him away from it as he LOVED it. ;). Thank you! This is a keeper for sure!
Sorry – wrong recipe! Lol I meant your to comment on your Buffalo dip recipe. 🥴
This one looks delicious too though 😉 definitely going to try it.
Haha no worries. Thank you so much!! It’s definitely a favorite at my house too.
This is similar to how I make my mashed potatoes. Deliscous. I have never used apple cider vinegar though. I only used 1 tbs instead of 2 because I did not know if it would be to tangy for us. Very good.