Instant Pot Creamy Parsnip Mash is the perfect side dish if you’re looking for a tasty mix-up from your typical carb-heavy mashed potatoes. With its rich, garlicky, cheesy flavor it is a great accompaniment to any meal! (This parsnip mash is easily customizable and can be made vegan!)
Try this Creamy Parsnip Mash with my Wine-Braised Short Ribs, Garlic Herb Lamb Chops, or Buttermilk Roasted Chicken!
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Can I start by saying, “Thank goodness for the Instant Pot!!”. Seriously, it makes cooking such a breeze. I was able to make this creamy parsnip mash completely in the Instant Pot in less than 30 minutes, all while devoting most of my attention to making the Lamb Shoulder Chops I served it with—what a meal!
Here Instant Pot I Use: Amazon | Instant Pot Dup 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker
Creamy Parsnip Mash aka Parsnip Puree
Parsnips themselves, like most root vegetables, have a very distinguishable taste. They are slightly sweet, starchy, nutty, and a bit tangy. Mixed with herbs, garlic, parmesan cheese, and butter, they are delightfully creamy and rich. In fact, most people may mistake this parsnip mashed for regular mashed potatoes if you do not tell them! Test it out and tell me what you think!
Here Is What You Will Need To Make This Instant Pot Creamy Parsnip Mash
- Parsnips: Make sure to peel the parsnip first. (Just as you would carrots)
- Water: The parsnip will be cooked in the Instant Pot with a bit of water. Vegetable Stock is also a great option and will add even more flavor to your parsnip mash.
- Parmesan Cheese: The fresh parmesan cheese complements the nutty complex flavor of the parsnip perfectly! You can also use nutritional yeast to get a delicious cheesy flavor that is completely vegan and dairy-free.
- Heavy Whipping Cream: Just a bit of heavy whipping cream is needed to give this parsnip puree and even creamier texture. You can also skip the heavy whipping cream and use Extra Virgin Olive Oil instead for a dairy-free/vegan option.
- Fresh Herbs: Thyme and Parsley add a delicious, earthy flavor to the parsnip mash! It is a definite must!
- Garlic: What’s a proper mash without garlic! A few cloves is all you need, or you can add more for an even deeper garlicky flavor!
- Butter: You can use regular butter or vegan butter.
- Salt & Pepper: Season with Salt and Pepper to taste.
Want To Make Vegan Parsnip Mash?
Making creamy vegan parsnip mash is super easy and only involves a few swaps. Skip the heavy whipping cream and instead add 2-3 tbsp of Extra Virgin Olive Oil. If you want your parsnip mash to have a cheesy flavor, add nutritional yeast. Lastly, use vegan butter instead of regular butter.
How To Make Parsnip Mash In The Instant Pot
- Wash, peel, and slice the parsnips into 1-2″ chunks. Add the parsnips to the instant pot with the water, salt, and garlic cloves.
- Place the lid on the Instant Pot and set the valve to seal. Using the manual setting, cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
- When the timer goes off, carefully perform a quick pressure release. Drain the water from the parsnips.
- Add the parmesan cheese, heavy whipping cream, fresh herbs, butter, salt, pepper, and mash until smooth using a potato masher or hand mixer. (For vegan option: use nutritional yeast and olive oil instead of cheese and whipping cream.)
- Top with fresh parsley or chives and butter (optional). Enjoy!
Tools You’ll Need
Instant Pot: This recipe can be doubled in a 6 or 8-quart instant pot.
Immersion Blender: An immersion blender is my favorite way to achieve a smooth, creamy mash! A hand mixer also works well; it just takes a bit more work. Here is the Immersion Blender I use: Amazon| Mueller Hand Blender
Serving Dish: Of course you can serve this parsnip mash in whatever you like! I love serving it in a large white porcelain bowl. It helps create a beautiful spread, especially when served with the main course of your choice.
What Eat With Parsnip Mash
Lemon Garlic-Herb Chicken Wings (Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free)
Air Fryer Cheese Stuffed Meatballs (Gluten-Free)
Hearty Eggplant Meatballs (Gluten-Free & Vegan)
Or Serve Them With Garlic Herb Lamb Chops and Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts Like I Did!
I hope you enjoy this Instant Pot Creamy Parsnip Mash Recipe!
If you try the recipe, don’t forget to rate the recipe and let me know what you think in the comments below! Take pictures, tag #goodfoodbaddie, and share them with me on Instagram! I love hearing from you!
Did you make this? Be sure to leave a review below and tag me on Instagram, or Pinterest!
If you’re a fan of parsnips, you’ll definitely want to check out my Potato, Parsnip, and Leek Soup next!
Instant Pot Creamy Parsnip Mash (Vegan Option)
Ingredients
- 1.5 lb Parsnips, peeled and cut into 1-2” chunks,
- 1 tsp Sea Salt
- 1.5 cup Water (or Vegetable Broth)
- 3 Garlic Cloves
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese
- 3 tbsp Butter (regular or vegan butter)
- 1/3 cup Heavy Whipping Cream
- 5 Sprigs Fresh Thyme
- 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley, chopped
Vegan Parsnip Mash Option | Same as above except omit parm cheese and milk. Instead use:
- 2-3 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1/4 cup Nutritional Yeast
Garnish (optional)
- Butter (regular or vegan butter)
- Chopped Chives or Parsley
- Salt and Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Wash, peel, and slice the parsnips into 1-2" chunks. Add the parsnips to the instant pot with the water, salt, and garlic cloves.
- Place the lid on the Instant Pot and set the valve to seal. Using the manual setting, cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
- When the timer goes off, carefully perform a quick pressure release. Drain the water/vegetable broth from the parsnips.
- Add the parmesan cheese, heavy whipping cream, fresh herbs, butter, salt, pepper, and mash until smooth using a potato masher or hand mixer. (For vegan option: use nutritional yeast and olive oil instead of cheese and whipping cream.)
- Top with fresh parsley or chives and butter (optional). Enjoy!
Great side dish recipe and instructions are easy to follow.
This looks like a fantastic alternative to potatoes!
Definitely! I love potatoes, but I also love a good change-up from typical mashed potatoes! 🙂
This mash is so delicious!
Thanks Alexandra! I am glad you like the recipe!
Loved the garlic in this. Super tasty!
I am glad to hear it! I love a good garlicky, creamy mash 🙂
Love this so much! It’s so good and easy on the instant pot too!
I am glad you found the recipe easy to make! Thanks for leaving a review Andrea! 🙂
Hi!
Thanks you so much for sharing the delicious recipe. I will definitely try this recipe as I am a pure vegitarian. Please share some more vegeterian recipes which is simple and easy. Keep sharing good things, Thanks again!
Hi Amelia! You’re welcome :). There are a ton of vegan and vegetarian recipes throughout my site! I hope you browse around and find something you like!
This was a perfect recipe for parsnips! I usually only use them in soups or stews, but they take center stage and taste delicious with this recipe! I can’t wait to make it again!
Hi Jeri! I am happy you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for leaving a review!
Ooh, how interested! I’ve seen parsnip chips but never a parsnip mash, but this makes so much sense since they’re so similar, but definitely feel a bit healthier 😉
Definitely! And super tasty!
Wow this was so delicious! It was nice to try an alternative to mashed potatoes. I have never thought of using parsnips before and I am glad that I tried this! Thanks for sharing!
You’re welcome! I’m glad you enjoyed the recipe!
Yay thanks for this great alternative to mash potato and I like that this can be made vegan. Thanks for the recipe.
You’re welcome! Thank you for leaving a review, Jeannie!