Instant Pot Loaded Mashed Potatoes are full of cheese, bacon, and green onions! Ultra creamy and delicious, these are the best loaded mashed potatoes!
Instant Pot Loaded Mashed Potatoes have quickly become a staple around my house, and the reason is obvious - they are AMAZING! Cooking in the Instant Pot is totally life changing because it cuts the cooking times drastically, while still producing amazingly delicious food. Don't have an instant pot, don't worry...I will share how to make these on the stovetop or in the slow cooker as well!
These mashed potatoes are whipped with butter, cream cheese, and sour cream, then topped with bacon, cheddar cheese, green onions, for the most decadent loaded mashed potatoes!
Make these for holiday gatherings or just because it's time for some comfort food! Serve them alongside this delicious Air Fryer Turkey Breast, Air Fryer Brats or Air Fryer Steak Bites for the perfect meal! I also love pairing with this delicious Herb Crusted Rack of Lamb or this amazing Deep Fried Turkey, and don't forget about the Old Fashioned Dinner Rolls!
After making Instant Pot Baked Potatoes and Instant Pot Sweet Potatoes, I knew I wanted to try some Instant Pot Loaded Mashed Potatoes. Whipping up the potatoes in LESS THAN 20 MINUTES and then loading them up with the ultimate toppings makes for the perfect side dish. These taste just like the Loaded Mashed Potatoes you can find at Chili's or Applebee's, but you know exactly what's in them, and cost a fraction the price.
Serve these potatoes alongside delicious Air Fryer Chicken legs, Chicken Parmesan, Turkey Cranberry Sliders or Instant Pot Meatloaf for the perfect meal!
How to make Instant Pot Loaded Mashed Potatoes:
**scroll down for a full ingredient list and printable directions**
- When making mashed potatoes, I like using a mix of red potatoes and golden/Yukon potatoes. Russet potatoes are great, but I like to leave those for baked potatoes. Make sure the potatoes are clean, then cut them into quarters.
- Using a 6 quart, or 8 quart Instant pot, add 1 cup of water to the bottom, then insert a steamer rack into the pot, and add the potatoes on top. Close the lid, make sure the pressure vent is in the sealed position, then set the timer for 10 minutes.
- The pot will take about 5-10 minutes to ‘come to pressure’ at which point the time will start counting down.
- Once the time is up, release the pressure (flip the pressure valve). Remove the top carefully, then carefully pull out the potatoes on the steamer rack.
- Add the potatoes to a large bowl, then add butter, cream cheese, sour cream, salt, and pepper. Using a potato masher or hand mixer, mash the potatoes. Add cheddar cheese and fold into the potatoes. Place the potatoes in a serving dish, then add bacon crumbles, cheese, and green onions on the top. Serve the instant pot loaded mashed potatoes immediately!
- If you like gravy with your loaded mashed potatoes, definitely check out how to make brown gravy!
No Instant Pot, no problem! While I think you definitely need to add this amazing appliance to your kitchen, loaded mashed potatoes can be made without an instant pot.
How to make Loaded Mashed Potatoes in a Slow Cooker or on the Stove Top:
- Slow Cooker Loaded Mashed Potatoes: Add quartered potatoes to the slow cooker/crock pot, then add about ¾ cup liquid (water or chicken/vegetable broth is best). Close the lid and cook on high for 3 hours or low for 6 hours. Remove potatoes and follow the remaining directions.
- Stove Top Loaded Mashed Potatoes: Using a larger stock pot/pasta pot, fill with water and bring to a boil. Add potatoes, cut into small cubes (about 1 inch), and boil for about 15 minutes. Strain and then add to large mixing bowl and continue with remaining directions.
Can Instant Pot Loaded Mashed Potatoes be frozen?
YES!
- Add completely cooled mashed potatoes (without toppings) to a large freezer bag, remove all the air, and freeze.
- To defrost: Place in refrigerator 1-2 days before reheating.
- To reheat:
- Oven: Add potatoes to an oven safe baking dish, cover with foil, and cook on 350 degrees for about 30 minutes. Remove and stir.
- Slow Cooker: Add potatoes to slow cooker and cook on low for 2-3 hours or until cooked through. Stir well.
- Microwave: Add potatoes to a large bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and cook for 2 minutes then stir. Cook 2 more minutes, then stir. Cook 2 more minutes, then stir. Should be about 6 minutes total, but might vary based on the quantity of potatoes.
- **If potatoes seem watery, add a bit of cream cheese or sour cream the thicken them. If the potatoes seem a little dry, add more butter or a bit of cream to moisten.
- To serve: Add desired toppings; bacon, cheese, and green onions, and serve warm!
More of my FAVORITE Instant Pot Recipes:
- Best vegetarian instant pot recipes; From side dishes to main dishes, and a variety of cuisines, there is definitely something for everyone!
- The Best Instant Pot Hard Boiled Eggs are so easy to make! Done in a few minutes and super easy to peel, you'll never make them any other way again!
- Instant Pot Chicken is the easiest, quickest, and smartest way to prepare shredded chicken. Use the chicken for weekly meal prep or freeze for future use!
- Instant Pot Meatloaf and Baked Potatoes is a set it and forget it family meal! Makes life way easier, and the meatloaf is the moistest you will ever try!
- Instant Pot Roasted Garlic Hummus has only a handful of ingredients and is so delicious! Save money and know exactly what’s in your food with this recipe!
- Instant Pot Bang Bang Chicken comes together in minutes and is so delicious! The classic spicy sauce is perfect on shredded chicken which can be used in rice bowls, salads, wraps, or however you want!
- Instant Pot Peanut Butter Cheesecake is a stunning dessert that comes together in no time! Not only is it amazingly easy, but it’s the best cheesecake EVER!
- Instant Pot Mac and Cheese takes hardly any time to cook, is majorly creamy and delicious, and will become your go-to mac and cheese recipe!
If you like the INSTANT POT as much as I do, then checkout ALL of my Instant Pot Recipes HERE!
Instant Pot Loaded Mashed Potatoes are full of cheese, bacon, and green onions! Ultra creamy and delicious, these are the best loaded mashed potatoes!
- 1.5 pounds red potatoes, cleaned and quartered
- 1.5 pounds Yukon gold potatoes, cleaned and quartered
- 1 cup water
- 3 TBS butter
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, maybe more to taste
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ cup medium or sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- ¼ cup cheddar cheese, grated
- ¼ cup bacon crumbles
- 3 stalks green onions, chopped
- salt and pepper to taste
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Using a 6 quart, or 8 quart Instant pot, add 1 cup of water to the bottom, then insert a steamer rack into the pot, and add the potatoes on top. Close the lid, make sure the pressure vent is in the sealed position, then set on manual/high for 10 minutes.
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Once the time is up, release the pressure (flip the pressure valve). Remove the top carefully, then carefully pull out the potatoes on the steamer rack. Discard liquid.
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Add the potatoes to a large bowl, then add butter, cream cheese, sour cream, salt, and pepper. Using a potato masher or hand mixer, mash the potatoes. Add cheddar cheese and fold into the potatoes.
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Place the potatoes in a serving dish, then add bacon crumbles, cheese, and green onions on the top. Serve immediately with salt and pepper to taste.
Recipe Video
- Slow Cooker Loaded Mashed Potatoes: Add quartered potatoes to the slow cooker/crock pot, then add about ¾ cup liquid (water or chicken/vegetable broth is best). Close the lid and cook on high for 3 hours or low for 6 hours. Remove potatoes and follow the remaining directions.
- Stove Top Loaded Mashed Potatoes: Using a larger stock pot/pasta pot, fill with water and bring to a boil. Add potatoes, cut into small cubes (about 1 inch), and boil for about 15 minutes. Strain and then add to large mixing bowl and continue with remaining directions.
First published 10/2018. Updated 11/21 and 11/22
Jamielyn says
These look AMAZING!! And so easy too! Must try soon!
Anna says
IP mashed potatoes are a favorite here! Loving this loaded version!
Lori says
So happy top be able to make these in my Instant Pot- what an easy, delicious recipe!
Allyson says
It makes life easier and quicker! They come out so creamy and delicious!
Jacque Hastert says
Using the instant pot for side dishes on Thanksgiving is the best idea ever!
Allyson says
It really makes life so much easier!
Aimee Shugarman says
OMG so easy, and they turned out perfect!
Des says
This would be a great way to save room on the stove while making Thanksgiving dinner.
Allyson says
Yes! Set it and forget it, then keep it in the corner! Perfect to pull out right before dinner is served!
Jocelyn says
What a great way to save time and room when making a big Thanksgiving dinner!! I love all the extra toppings in them!
Allyson says
Exactly!
Dee says
I've seen so many mashed potatoes recipes but these look incredible! So fluffy and delicious
Allyson says
Yes! They couldn't be easier or more delicious!
Melanie Bauer says
These are gorgeous! I will definitely have them specially during holidays, yummy!
Allyson says
Yes! Everyone will love them and using the Instant Pot makes it so much easier!
Kimberly says
That is total mashed potato perfection, yum!
Erin | Dinners,Dishes and Dessert says
This looks incredibly delicious! I love this! looks so good!
Anthony Allen says
Thanks for the detailed recipe especially for us that are new to it. Will be trying it soon.
Allyson says
Let me know how you like it! Good luck!
Kristin says
Is the steamer basket necessary in the IP? If so, where do you get one?
Allyson says
It isn't 100% needed, but I suggest if you put the potatoes directly in the pot, you strain them from the liquid after cooking. If you want to order a steamer basket you can find them on amazon or Target, Walmart, etc. Enjoy!
Meghan says
If I need to make 5lbs of potatoes should I add more water or time?
Eva says
Can this recipe be doubled or is it better to make 2 batches
Allyson says
If you are using a 6qt instant pot you won't be able to fit many more potatoes. In an 8qt you could probably double it.
Eva Christian says
Do you peel the potatoes first?
Allyson says
I never peel potatoes, but you can if you want 😉
Stephanie D Scheid says
Loved these, but had to add lots of milk because they were so stiff.
Beth says
Those look amazing! This is just the thing for Thanksgiving this year. I actually want to drown these in gravy!
Kimberly says
Absolutely delicious! No better way to enjoy mashed potatoes!
Amanda says
One of my favorite side dishes just got better. I love that I can make these in the instant pot thank you so much!
Erin | Dinners,Dishes and Dessert says
These would disappear fast in our house!
Catalina says
Instant Pot makes cooking much easier! It's a must try recipe for sure!
Amanda Livesay says
I can't believe how easy instant pot mashed potatoes are! And these are extra delicious.
Sandra says
This is really good! Such an easy way to make mashed potato!
Jessica Burgess says
I tested this out for dinner tonight, so I could know whether or not I wanted to make it for Thanksgiving and I WILL be making this again! It was perfect. Thank you!
Katie says
These are so seamless and easy to throw together! Great flavor and so smooth.
Amanda says
This is my favorite way of making loaded mashed potatoes. Cannot wait to do it this way again!
Jennifer says
These are the yummiest mashed potatoes ever!! This recipe couldn’t have been better!
Erin | Dinners,Dishes and Dessert says
These Loaded Mashed Potatoes are on my must-make list!
katerina @ diethood.com says
Oh my goodness, these look SO good!! Full of amazing flavors!
Beti | easyweeknightrecipes says
mmm..this looks incredible!! My family would love it for the holidays!
Erin says
I love everything about these! I can't wait to give these potatoes a try.
Patricia Jones says
Hi Allyson, so yummy This is filled with so many flavours. i'll difinetly try your way of making so glad that you shared this with us. so exciting to make this one.
Allyson says
You will love it!!!
Liz says
I made these with two cloves of garlic and chicken stock instead of water one they have to be the best mashed potatoes I’ve ever had, no exaggeration.
Allyson says
Yay!!! Mashed potatoes are LIFE!!
Dorothy Reinhold says
Recipes like this make me love the Instant Pot! This sounds so good!
Melissa says
Delicious - my family is already asking me to make your recipe again!
Sara Welch says
Enjoyed this with dinner last night and it was a hit all around the table! Easy, hearty and delicious; my kind of comfort food, indeed!
Anna says
This recipe takes mashed potatoes to a whole new level! Easy, delicious and there are never any leftovers!
Beth says
I have to make this for Thanksgiving! I just got an extra large Instant Pot, and it's going to be perfect for making a big batch of these potatoes.
Erik says
Gotta love a good IP potatoes recipe. Perfect for everyone!
Sandra says
This mashed potatoes looks so appetizing! Definitely a must try!
Catalina says
Mashed potatoes is always a hit in our house! They are the best!
Erin | Dinners, Dishes and Dessert says
Looks absolutely delicious! It's a hit for sure on our table!