Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes: The Ultimate Creamy Buttermilk Ranch Recipe

If you’re looking for the ultimate mashed potatoes recipe, look no further! These Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes are unbelievably creamy, fluffy, and full of flavor. With the addition of buttermilk and Ranch seasoning, this mash will quickly become your new favorite way to make potatoes. What makes this recipe even better? It takes only 10 minutes from start to finish, thanks to the magic of the Instant Pot.

Let’s face it—mashed potatoes are a staple at nearly every holiday gathering, especially at Thanksgiving. Whether you’re hosting a big family dinner or bringing a side dish to a potluck, mashed potatoes are always a crowd-pleaser. But let’s be honest: sometimes, preparing mashed potatoes the traditional way can be a bit of a hassle. Boiling the potatoes, mashing them by hand, and waiting for the water to come to a boil can feel like a long and tedious process.

That’s where the Instant Pot comes in! Using the Instant Pot significantly reduces cooking time and effort, leaving you with perfectly mashed potatoes in minutes. The pressure cooking method allows the potatoes to soften quickly, so you don’t have to wait for a long time for the water to boil or for the potatoes to soften on the stove. It’s as easy as adding ingredients to the pot and pressing a button. No fuss, no mess.

So, what makes this recipe even more special than your average mashed potatoes? The addition of buttermilk, Ranch seasoning, and plenty of butter takes it to the next level, turning a classic side dish into something extraordinary. The tangy buttermilk gives the mash a rich creaminess, while the Ranch seasoning adds a zesty and savory punch. With the right amount of butter, these mashed potatoes will be so smooth, fluffy, and indulgent that they’ll easily steal the spotlight at any meal.

Why Make Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes?

There are several reasons to make mashed potatoes in the Instant Pot instead of using traditional stovetop methods. Here are just a few:

• Speed: Using the Instant Pot, you can cook potatoes in 10 minutes. Traditional mashed potatoes can take upwards of 30 minutes to cook, and that doesn’t even include prep time.
• Minimal Prep: There’s no need to peel and chop potatoes into small pieces for boiling. You simply quarter the potatoes and toss them into the pot. The Instant Pot does the hard work for you, creating the ideal texture.
• One-Pot Wonder: You only need one pot to cook the potatoes, so there’s less cleanup afterward. No boiling, no draining, and no extra pans to wash.
• Creaminess: The Instant Pot creates an environment where the potatoes cook evenly, resulting in a silky-smooth mash. Plus, with the addition of creamy ingredients like buttermilk and sour cream, the texture is rich and decadent.
• Less Guesswork: The Instant Pot takes the guesswork out of cooking. You don’t have to worry about overcooking or undercooking your potatoes. With pressure cooking, everything is timed perfectly for you.

The Secret Ingredients

The key to making these mashed potatoes extra special lies in the ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need to make these creamy buttermilk Ranch mashed potatoes:

• Water: This is the base liquid used to create steam in the Instant Pot for pressure cooking the potatoes. You don’t need a lot—just enough to get the potatoes cooking quickly and evenly.
• Kosher Salt: Salt is essential for enhancing the natural flavor of the potatoes. Adding salt to the cooking water ensures the potatoes are well-seasoned from the inside out. You can adjust the amount of salt to your taste preferences.
• Russet Potatoes: Russets are the best type of potato for making mashed potatoes because of their high starch content. They create the perfect texture—fluffy and light, without being too watery or dense. Make sure to peel and quarter the potatoes to ensure they cook evenly and quickly.
• Buttermilk: Buttermilk adds a tangy richness to mashed potatoes, helping to make them creamy without being overly heavy. It also contributes to the overall flavor profile, balancing the savory elements of the Ranch seasoning.
• Whole Milk: The addition of whole milk helps to achieve a smooth and creamy consistency. It’s important to use whole milk for the richest flavor and texture, but you can substitute a lower-fat option if preferred.
• Sour Cream: Sour cream brings a tangy creaminess to the dish. It not only enhances the flavor but also adds to the overall texture, making the mash extra velvety.
• Ranch Seasoning: Ranch seasoning is a game-changer in this recipe. The blend of herbs and spices in Ranch seasoning (think garlic, onion, and dill) adds incredible depth and flavor to the mashed potatoes. It’s what takes this dish from basic to extraordinary. You can find the Ranch seasoning in the spice aisle, or use a packet of Ranch Salad Dressing Mix for convenience.
• Butter: Let’s be real—no mashed potato recipe is complete without butter. It’s the key to making the mash incredibly smooth and indulgent. The butter helps to bind everything together and adds richness to every bite.
• Chives: Freshly chopped chives add a burst of color and freshness to the mashed potatoes. They’re not just a garnish—they also provide a light onion flavor that complements the creamy and tangy elements of the dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s break down the steps to make these Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes. This recipe is so easy to follow, and you’ll have fluffy, creamy mashed potatoes in no time!

1. Prepare the Potatoes

Start by peeling and quartering the russet potatoes. There’s no need to cut them into tiny pieces—quartering them is perfect for quick cooking in the Instant Pot. Place the quartered potatoes into the Instant Pot.

2. Add Water and Salt

Pour ¾ cup of water into the Instant Pot, and add 1 teaspoon of salt. The water will create the steam needed for pressure cooking, and the salt will help season the potatoes while they cook.

3. Pressure Cook the Potatoes

Place the metal trivet (the raised rack) into the Instant Pot. This will prevent the potatoes from sitting directly in the water, allowing them to steam instead of boiling. Gently place the potatoes on top of the trivet.

Next, set the Instant Pot to the manual setting with high pressure and set the timer for 10 minutes. After the cooking time is up, perform a quick release to release the pressure, following the manufacturer’s instructions. This will ensure the potatoes are fully cooked and soft without overcooking.

4. Drain Excess Liquid

Remove the potatoes and trivet from the Instant Pot, and discard any excess liquid. Return the potatoes to the pot.

5. Add the Creamy Ingredients

Now for the fun part—adding all the delicious ingredients to make these potatoes super creamy and flavorful! Stir in the buttermilk, whole milk, sour cream, Ranch seasoning, and butter. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to mix everything together, making sure the butter melts and the ingredients are evenly incorporated.

6. Mash the Potatoes

Using a potato masher, mash the potatoes until they reach your desired texture. If the potatoes are too thick, you can add more milk, a little at a time, until they’re just right. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

7. Add Fresh Chives

For the final touch, stir in the freshly chopped chives. These add a beautiful burst of color and a light onion flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy mashed potatoes.

8. Serve and Enjoy

Serve the mashed potatoes immediately, and if you want to take them over the top, add a dollop of melted butter on top before serving. These mashed potatoes are perfect as a side dish for any meal, but they shine especially during Thanksgiving and other special occasions.

Tips and Variations

• Add Garlic: For extra flavor, you can add some roasted garlic to the potatoes before mashing. Just roast a few cloves of garlic in the oven and mash them in with the potatoes.
• Cheese: If you’re a cheese lover, consider adding some shredded cheddar cheese or parmesan to the mashed potatoes. Stir it in while the potatoes are still warm so it melts into the mash.
• Vegan Version: To make this recipe vegan-friendly, use plant-based milk, vegan butter, and substitute the sour cream with a non-dairy version. You can also use a dairy-free Ranch seasoning if you want to keep the Ranch flavor.
• Leftovers: If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop. If the mash is too thick after storing, add a little more milk to bring it back to the desired consistency.

These Instant Pot Buttermilk Ranch Mashed Potatoes are a game-changer. They’re fast, easy, and loaded with flavor. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just a weeknight dinner, they’ll be a hit with everyone. With creamy buttermilk, zesty Ranch seasoning, and plenty of butter, these mashed potatoes will have you wondering why you ever bothered with traditional methods. Give them a try, and get ready to enjoy the creamiest mashed potatoes of your life!