Name: Instant Pot Loaded Mashed Potatoes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 2 pounds russet potatoes (peeled and diced into 1-inch chunks); 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth; 4 slices bacon (cooked and crumbled); 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese (divided); 1 green onions (sliced); 3 tablespoons unsalted butter; Salt and pepper (to taste)

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Loaded Mashed Potatoes are buttery, creamy, and topped with bits of crunchy bacon, cheddar cheese, and scallions. They’re a cinch to make and are on the table in no time.

I can’t think of a better comfort food than a big bowl of homemade mashed potatoes. Mac and cheese comes close, but buttery, starchy mashed potatoes are a favorite.

Personally, I’m a huge fan of a giant baked potato topped with plenty of butter and green onions, but John and Kale are fans of other potato dishes. That’s why these loaded mashed potatoes are such a big hit.

You can’t go wrong with perfectly cooked potatoes blended with butter and cheddar cheese. That’s not even the best part!

The potatoes are topped with plenty of crispy bacon, more cheese, and fresh scallions. It’s almost like eating a creamy, baked potato.

Not to mention, they’re made in the Instant Pot, so the potatoes are perfectly cooked, and it’s faster than stove top.

Arial view of loaded mashed potatoes in an instant pot next to shredded cheese, scallions, and a blue linen.

Some of our other easy mashed potato recipes:

Perfect Garlicky Mashed Potatoes: These potatoes are rich and creamy with hints of garlic. This side dish makes a wonderful addition to any meal.

Parmesan Mashed Potatoes: Warm and cheesy Parmesan mashed potatoes made with fresh garlic and nutty Parmesan cheese. It’s the perfect side to compliment any main dish.

Twice Baked Potato Casserole: Very similar to this recipe with basically the same ingredients only it’s made in a 9×13-inch casserole dish instead of the Instant Pot.

Now, back to this loaded potato recipe. We recently moved into a new residence, and in doing so, got a little behind on our blog work.

We wanted something quick, easy, and tasty. This dish seemed perfect!

Potatoes, cheese, bacon, butter, and chicken broth used for loaded mashed potatoes.

How to Make Loaded Mashed Potatoes:

You won’t believe how easy this recipe is put together. Start by cooking the bacon and breaking it into small pieces.

While the bacon cooks, wash the potatoes to scrub away any dirt, then peel away the skin. Cut the potatoes in chunks roughly an inch in size.

It’s important to cut all the pieces the same size, so they’ll cook evenly. We like to use russets for this recipe, but red, yellow, or gold potatoes would work, too.

After the potatoes are cut, toss them into the Instant Pot. Don’t worry about a trivet or steamer basket. Just toss them in.

Pour in the chicken broth, close the lid, and set the valve to sealing. Press the pressure cook/manual button and cook for 10 minutes on high pressure.

After the timer goes off, let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes before opening it for quick release.

Remove the lid, add the butter and half the cheese. Use a hand mixer to blend the potatoes until they’re smooth and creamy.

Arial view of mashed potatoes in an instant pot.

Top the potatoes with the bacon and remaining cheese. Close the lid on the Instant Pot to allow the residual heat to melt the cheese.

It only takes 3-4 minutes. Remove the lid and top the potatoes with fresh cut scallions. Add additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot!

Arial view of loaded mashed potatoes in the instant pot.

Tips for Great Loaded Mashed Potatoes:

Serve loaded mashed potatoes with a nice steak, grilled chicken, or pork chop for a complete meal.
Sour cream, jalapenos, extra butter, or even ranch dressing all make great options for additions to these potatoes.
Use your favorite cheese to customize the dish. Cheddar was our pick, but pepper jack, gouda, or white cheddar would be great choices.
For a thicker mashed potato, reduce the chicken broth to 3/4 cup and the butter to 2 tablespoons.