Skip the boiling. Skip hauling a heavy pot to the sink. Skip draining altogether!
These Instant Pot mashed potatoes cook right in the broth and mash in the same pot. No drain. No extra dishes. No stovetop juggling during the holidays.
They turn out fluffy, creamy, and downright delightful every time — whether you’re serving them with Mississippi pork roast on a Tuesday night or clearing stovetop space for Thanksgiving dinner.

If I can make mashed potatoes easier, I’m in! And this method? It's a game changer.
Why You’ll Love These Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
- No draining required (hello, fewer dishes 👏)
- Cook right in chicken broth for extra flavor
- Cream cheese makes them ultra creamy
- Perfect for holidays or weeknights
- Keeps your stovetop free for other side dishes
Ingredients

- Yukon gold potatoes - My favorite. No peeling required and the skins soften beautifully for a rustic texture. They add a rustic vibe in the best possible way! Good stuff, friends.
- Chicken Broth - Adds flavor and eliminates the need to drain the potatoes. You can use chicken stock or my instant pot vegetable broth vegetable broth. Both work great and of course, my favorite is homemade. But do whatever you have and it's gonna turn out just great.
- Cream Cheese - The secret to extra creamy mashed potatoes.
- Salt and pepper - Simple but essential! Potatoes, no matter how they're cooked, need a little salt and pepper. How much is totally up to you depending on your preferences and dietary needs, but promise me you'll sprinkle in just a little S&P love, no matter what.
How to Make Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes (No Drain Method)

Step 1: Wash and scrub potatoes. Cut into halves or quarters.

Step 2: Place potatoes and chicken broth in the Instant Pot. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
Seal lid and cook on High Pressure for 8 minutes.

Step 3: Allow natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then quick release remaining pressure.

Step 4: Add cream cheese in chunks and mash directly in the pot. Leave slightly chunky or mash smooth. It's your call!
Taste and adjust seasoning.
That’s it! No draining. No transferring. One pot.

Why Cook Mashed Potatoes in Chicken Broth?
Cooking the potatoes in broth instead of water adds flavor from the inside out.
Since the liquid mostly absorbs during pressure cooking, there’s no need to drain anything. The starch stays in the pot, helping create a naturally creamy texture.
If needed, vegetable broth works too.
Can You Add Cream Cheese to Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes?
Absolutely, and if you haven't tried it yet, you should!
Cream cheese melts right into the hot potatoes and creates a richer, creamier texture without needing heavy cream.
You can substitute:
- Sour cream
- Light cream cheese
- A little butter + splash of milk
But cream cheese gives them that “are these holiday mashed potatoes?” vibe, no matter what night of the week it is.
Do You Have to Drain Potatoes in the Instant Pot?
Nope.
Save This Recipe For Later!
Because the potatoes cook in a measured amount of broth under pressure, most of the liquid absorbs. What remains helps create a smooth mash.
That’s what makes this a true no drain Instant Pot mashed potatoes recipe.
Less mess. Less effort. Same comfort food goodness. It's a beautiful thing.
Variations
Want to change things up?
- Keep it rustic with skins on (my favorite)
- Add shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese
- Stir in Boursin cheese
- Top with crispy bacon and green onions
- Add horseradish for a little kick
Tips for Perfect Mashed Potatoes
- Taste and salt at the end. Potatoes love salt. Give it to them!
- Don’t over-mash. That’s how you get gluey potatoes.
- Cut potatoes evenly so they cook uniformly.
What to Serve with Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
These mashed potatoes are perfect for:
- Holiday dinners (freeing up your stovetop space 🙌)
- Mississippi pork roast
- Crockpot shepherd’s pie
- Roast chicken
- Meatloaf or meatloaf muffins
For Thanksgiving, pair with:
Storage & Freezing
Mashed potatoes freeze surprisingly well.
Store in freezer bags:
- Quart size for weeknight dinners
- Gallon size for larger portions
Remove excess air and freeze flat for easy storage and thawing. Remember to label your bags with that they contain and the amount.
Recipe FAQS
You don't need to peel your potatoes, espeically if you're using a thin-skinned potato like yellow or red potatoes.
Leaving the skins on can not only save time, but it also preserves some nutrients found in the skin.
To make mashed potatoes with unpeeled potatoes, make sure to scrub them thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris before cutting and cooking.
I don't and won't freeze raw potatoes, but cooked, mashed potatoes freeze just fine.
I like to make a batch of mashed potatoes and freeze them in quart sized freezer bags for weeknight dinners, or gallon sized freezer bags for larger portions.
Be sure to remove any excess air to prevent freezer burn. Also, it helps if you lay them flat to freeze, both for storage and for thawing.
Since we're making this recipe in the Instant Pot, you can use the slow cooker function. Set it to warm until you're ready to serve.
Stir occasionally to prevent drying out or sticking to the sides.
Love mashed potatoes? Try this next!
If you love mashed potatoes but want something a little more indulgent, try my Twice Baked Potato Casserole. It’s loaded with bacon, cheese, sour cream, and green onions and baked until hot and bubbly.
If you tried these creamy t mashed potatoes or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the comments.
Hungry for more? Be sure to stay in touch on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram for all of the latest updates.
Other potato recipes you'll love
Use Yukon Gold potatoes with skins on for a rustic texture and less prep work!
Recipe

Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes (No Drain + Extra Creamy)
Send me this recipe!
Ingredients
- 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes washed and cut into halves or quarters
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 4 ounces cream cheese cut into chunks
- salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prep potatoes. Wash 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes and cut into halves or quarters.
- Add to Instant Pot. Place potatoes and 1 cup chicken broth in the Instant Pot. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Pressure cook. Seal the lid and cook on High Pressure for 8 minutes.
- Release pressure. Allow a 10 minute natural pressure release, then quick release remaining pressure.
- Mash potatoes. Add 4 ounces cream cheese and mash directly in the pot until smooth or slightly chunky.
- Season and serve. Taste and adjust salt and black pepper as needed. Serve warm.
Video
Notes
- sour cream
- butter + milk
- light cream cheese
Nutrition
This Farm Girl Cooks is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. Calories and other nutritional values vary depending on which brands were used.










Carol says
Can this be doubled ? And what size instapot and slow cooker? Thank you!!!
Deanne Frieders says
Hi Carol, it could be doubled in a slow cooker if you have a large one. You may need to add cooking time. You'll need a 6 or 8 qt Instant Pot. You'd have to check if it would fit. Make sure you don't go beyond the fill line. Let me know how it works out!
Michelle says
This mashed potato looks perfect! I love the idea of adding cream cheese, I've never tried that in my mash, I bet it makes it lovely and cheesy. Can't wait to try that.
Deanne Frieders says
Yes, it's so good!!
Farah says
This is game changing! I never knew you could freeze mashed potatoes. Thanks all the awesome info!
Deanne Frieders says
I love making them ahead of the busy holidays!
Jere Cassidy says
I am such a mashed potato fan and love the flavors you used. It's a perfect bowl of comfort food.
Deanne Frieders says
I agree, there's nothing quite like warm comfort food!
Deanne Frieders says
Thank you Jere!
Natalie says
I love mashed potatoes! Looks so creamy and delicious!
Deanne Frieders says
Thanks, Natalie!
Deanne Frieders says
Agreed!
Catherine says
These look absolutely perfect and so creamy! I love your tips on getting the perfect mashed potatoes from scratch. The broth and cream cheese really make the difference!
Deanne Frieders says
Yes, such good flavor from both!
Michelle says
This mashed potato looks perfect! I love the idea of adding cream cheese, I've never tried that in my mash, I bet it makes it lovely and cheesy. Can't wait to try that.
Jere Cassidy says
I am such a mashed potato fan and love the flavors you used. It's a perfect bowl of comfort food.
Natalie says
I love mashed potatoes! Looks so creamy and delicious!
Catherine says
These look absolutely perfect and so creamy! I love your tips on getting the perfect mashed potatoes from scratch. The broth and cream cheese really make the difference!