Instant Pot Potatoes: Quick, Easy & Delicious Recipes

Instant Pot Potatoes: Prepare to unlock the easiest and most flavorful way to cook potatoes! Forget boiling, baking, or frying – the Instant Pot is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine perfectly cooked, fluffy potatoes in a fraction of the time, ready to be transformed into creamy mashed potatoes, hearty potato salad, or simply enjoyed with a dollop of butter and your favorite seasonings.

Potatoes have been a staple food for centuries, with a rich history spanning continents. From their humble beginnings in the Andes Mountains to becoming a beloved ingredient in countless cuisines worldwide, potatoes have nourished generations. In many cultures, they symbolize sustenance and comfort, playing a central role in traditional dishes and family meals.

What makes Instant Pot Potatoes so irresistible? It’s the combination of convenience and exceptional results. The Instant Pot’s pressure cooking magic ensures that the potatoes cook evenly and quickly, retaining their moisture and flavor. People adore this method because it eliminates the guesswork and delivers consistently perfect potatoes every single time. Plus, cleanup is a breeze! Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner cook, this recipe is guaranteed to become a go-to in your kitchen. Get ready to experience potato perfection!

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, washed and cut into 1-inch chunks
• 1 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
• Optional toppings: sour cream, shredded cheese, bacon bits

Preparing the Potatoes:

1. First things first, give those potatoes a good scrub under cold running water. You want to remove any dirt or debris clinging to them. I prefer to leave the skins on for added nutrients and texture, but feel free to peel them if you prefer a smoother potato.
2. Now, grab your cutting board and a sharp knife. We’re going to cut the potatoes into 1-inch chunks. Aim for roughly the same size so they cook evenly. If some pieces are significantly larger than others, they might not be fully cooked when the smaller ones are done.
3. Once all the potatoes are chopped, set them aside for a moment. We’re ready to move on to the next step!

Cooking in the Instant Pot:

1. Plug in your Instant Pot and press the “Sauté” button. This will heat up the pot and allow us to sauté the garlic briefly.
2. Add the butter to the Instant Pot. Let it melt completely, swirling it around to coat the bottom of the pot.
3. Add the minced garlic to the melted butter. Sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter. Keep it moving with a spoon or spatula.
4. Press the “Cancel” button to turn off the “Sauté” function. This is important to prevent the potatoes from sticking and burning during the pressure cooking process.
5. Now, add the chicken broth (or vegetable broth) to the Instant Pot. Make sure to scrape the bottom of the pot with a spoon or spatula to loosen any browned bits that may have stuck during the sautéing process. This is called deglazing, and it adds a lot of flavor to the dish!
6. Add the chopped potatoes to the Instant Pot. Spread them out evenly in the broth.
7. Sprinkle the dried rosemary, dried thyme, salt, and pepper over the potatoes.
8. Close the Instant Pot lid and make sure the pressure release valve is set to the “Sealing” position.
9. Press the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” button (depending on your Instant Pot model). Set the cooking time to 8 minutes.
10. The Instant Pot will now start building pressure. This may take a few minutes. Once it reaches pressure, the timer will begin counting down.
11. Once the cooking time is up, the Instant Pot will beep to signal that it’s done.

Releasing the Pressure:

1. There are two ways to release the pressure from the Instant Pot: natural pressure release (NPR) and quick pressure release (QPR). For this recipe, I recommend using a natural pressure release for about 10 minutes, followed by a quick pressure release.
2. To do a natural pressure release, simply let the Instant Pot sit undisturbed for 10 minutes after the cooking time is up. The pressure will gradually release on its own.
3. After 10 minutes of natural pressure release, carefully turn the pressure release valve to the “Venting” position to release any remaining pressure. Be careful, as steam will shoot out of the valve. Use a kitchen towel or oven mitt to protect your hand.
4. Once all the pressure has been released, the float valve (the small metal pin next to the pressure release valve) will drop down. This indicates that it is safe to open the lid.
5. Carefully open the Instant Pot lid, tilting it away from you to avoid any remaining steam.

Finishing Touches:

1. Check the potatoes for doneness. They should be easily pierced with a fork. If they are not quite tender enough, you can close the lid and cook them for another 1-2 minutes on “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” with a quick pressure release.
2. If there is excess liquid in the Instant Pot, you can drain some of it off. However, I usually leave a little bit of the broth in the pot, as it adds flavor and moisture to the potatoes.
3. Gently mash the potatoes with a potato masher or a fork. You can mash them to your desired consistency – smooth and creamy, or slightly chunky.
4. Stir in the chopped fresh parsley.
5. Taste the potatoes and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add a little more salt, pepper, or other herbs to your liking.

Serving Suggestions:

1. Serve the Instant Pot potatoes hot as a side dish. They pair well with a variety of main courses, such as roasted chicken, grilled steak, or baked salmon.
2. Garnish with your favorite toppings. Some popular options include sour cream, shredded cheese, bacon bits, chopped chives, or a dollop of butter.
3. These potatoes are also delicious as a base for loaded baked potatoes. Simply top them with your favorite toppings and enjoy!
4. Leftover potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.

Tips and Tricks:

• For extra flavor, try adding a bay leaf to the Instant Pot while cooking the potatoes. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
• You can also add other vegetables to the Instant Pot along with the potatoes, such as carrots, celery, or onions.
• If you don’t have chicken broth or vegetable broth, you can use water instead. However, the broth adds more flavor to the potatoes.
• For a creamier texture, try adding a splash of milk or cream to the potatoes after they are cooked.
• If you want to make this recipe ahead of time, you can cook the potatoes in the Instant Pot and then store them in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve them. Reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.

Variations:

• Garlic Parmesan Potatoes: Add 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese to the potatoes after they are cooked.
• Cheesy Potatoes: Add 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese to the potatoes after they are cooked.
• Bacon Ranch Potatoes: Add 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon and 1/4 cup ranch dressing to the potatoes after they are cooked.
• Spicy Potatoes: Add 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper to the potatoes while they are cooking.
• Lemon Herb Potatoes: Add 1 tablespoon lemon juice and 1 tablespoon chopped fresh herbs (such as dill, parsley, or chives) to the potatoes after they are cooked.

Conclusion:

And there you have it! These Instant Pot Potatoes are truly a game-changer for busy weeknights or any time you crave perfectly cooked, fluffy potatoes without the fuss. I know, I know, it sounds too good to be true, but trust me, once you try this method, you’ll never go back to boiling potatoes on the stovetop again. The Instant Pot locks in all the moisture and flavor, resulting in potatoes that are incredibly tender and delicious. But why is this recipe a must-try? Well, beyond the sheer convenience and speed, it’s the versatility that really shines. These potatoes are a blank canvas for your culinary creativity. Think about it: creamy mashed potatoes, loaded baked potatoes, crispy potato salad, or even a hearty potato soup – the possibilities are endless! And because they’re cooked so perfectly, they’ll elevate any dish you add them to. Looking for some serving suggestions? For a simple yet satisfying side dish, toss the cooked potatoes with melted butter, fresh herbs like parsley or dill, and a sprinkle of sea salt. Or, for a more indulgent treat, load them up with your favorite toppings: sour cream, cheddar cheese, bacon bits, chives, and a dollop of guacamole. You could even cube them and roast them in the oven for extra crispiness after they’ve been cooked in the Instant Pot. If you’re feeling adventurous, try some variations! Add a clove or two of garlic to the Instant Pot for infused garlic potatoes. Or, swap out the water for chicken or vegetable broth for a richer flavor. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. And don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of potatoes! Yukon Golds, red potatoes, and even sweet potatoes work beautifully in the Instant Pot. I’m absolutely confident that you’ll love this recipe as much as I do. It’s quick, easy, and yields consistently perfect results every single time. Plus, it’s a great way to free up your stovetop for other dishes, especially when you’re cooking a big meal. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your Instant Pot, gather your ingredients, and get ready to experience the magic of perfectly cooked potatoes. I promise you won’t be disappointed. And now, for the most important part: I want to hear from you! Once you’ve tried this recipe, please come back and share your experience in the comments below. Did you make any variations? What were your favorite toppings? What did you serve them with? I’m always looking for new ideas and inspiration, and I love hearing from my readers. Your feedback is invaluable and helps me create even better recipes in the future. Don’t be shy – let me know what you think of these incredible Instant Pot Potatoes! Happy cooking!

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