There Many of the best recipes start with fresh ingredients and flavorful spices that come together quickly, and these dishes all fit the bill. But what makes them even easier is that you cook them in an Instant Pot electric pressure cooker — literally and figuratively one of the hottest kitchen gadgets out there.
But why is this crazy little thing called an “Instant Pot” — and other similar electric pressure cookers — so popular? Because they can help you make meals in less than half the time of most traditional cooking methods, and you don’t even have to hover over the stove to stir it regularly or make sure nothing boils over.
With some basic chicken Instant Pot recipes, getting some lean protein into your diet has never been easier. Cooking for a crowd? It’s a breeze when side dishes can be prepared in under 30 minutes.
So come on — get cookin’ with this selection of delicious and easy Instant Pot recipes that will help you save time as you create everything from main meals to appetizers to desserts without even turning on your stove. (Editor’s note: The caramel cheesecake here is amazing.)
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Instant Pot Applebee’s copycat spinach and artichoke dip
One of America’s favorite artichoke and spinach dips can be easily whipped up in the Instant Pot in under 10 minutes with this Instant Pot Applebee’s Copycat artichoke and spinach dip recipe. Simply add in the ingredients — which includes artichokes hearts and spinach, plus Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses — let it cook for 4 minutes (at pressure) and serve with corn chips or bread bites. Check, please!
Instant Pot butter chicken recipe
Indian Instant Pot recipes are a popular request — and this one is sure to be a hit, because the seasonings are aromatic and divinely delicious. This Instant Pot butter chicken recipe creates Indian butter chicken, which is infused with spices like Garam masala and ginger, and cooks it up quickly.
Marinating the chicken chunks overnight in chili powder and lemon infuses them with flavor, while sauteeing the chicken in the Instant Pot with butter, garlic, ginger, chili powder and garam masala seals in those delicious Indian seasonings. (Garam masala is an Indian spice blend that gives this dish that signature flavor. It can also be substituted with a mixture of 1 part allspice and 4 parts cumin.)
This dish will cook on high for just 10 minutes, then it will be ready to be served over rice. It is delightful when served with naan, a traditional Indian leavened flatbread.
Instant Pot mac and cheese recipe
Craving comfort food? This easy Instant Pot recipe will quickly become a family favorite! Forget about buying boxed macaroni and cheese, as this Instant Pot mac and cheese recipe cooks in a flash, and contains only fresh ingredients.
The secret ingredient in this recipe is the dry ground mustard, which gives it that extra kick of flavor. Add in elbow macaroni (or switch it up with shells, penne or fusilli), along with butter, water and the ground mustard. Let it cook on high for just three or four minutes to cook the noodles.
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It wouldn’t be mac and cheese without the cheese! Stir in the cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese and parmesan cheese (and pepper jack cheese, for those feeling spicy!) along with the evaporated milk, until the cheese melts and gets creamy. Spoon into bowls, season with salt and pepper, and wait for the compliments to roll in!
Instant Pot green bean casserole with cheese
This is one of the best Instant Pot recipes because it such a delicious side dish, plus it is an easy way to get in that serving of veggies. The Instant Pot green bean casserole with cheese Recipe forgoes the canned green beans and uses fresh green beans, and upgrades the topping from just fried onions to cheese and panko breadcrumbs. Drooling yet?
The green beans and cream of mushroom soup are cooked on high pressure for just 12 minutes, before adding in cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Place the mixture in a casserole dish and mix in more mozzarella cubes (because there is never enough cheese!) and bake.
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It would be delicious just like this, however sprinkle on the topping of cheese, panko breadcrumbs and fried onions, bake until cheese melts, and dive in!
Instant Pot cheesy potatoes with crispy topping
This recipe for pressure cooker cheesy potatoes with crispy topping will look like it took all day to make, but really comes together in just 30 minutes, thanks to the pressure cooker! This dish makes a fabulous side dish, especially since the Instant Pot does all the work.
The sliced potatoes will cook in the steamer basket in the Instant Pot for just 5 minutes. Transfer those to a casserole dish and then stir in the cheesy mixture of half-and-half and shredded cheese. The last layer is that delicious crispy topping, which is simply a mixture of panko breadcrumbs, butter and minced parsley. Sprinkle on top and broil for just a few minutes until golden brown.
Instant Pot white bean chili recipe
This Instant Pot/pressure cooker white bean chili is perfect for those looking for healthy Instant Pot recipes. Unlike most traditional chili recipes that have beef and tomatoes, wake up those taste buds with this chili recipe gets a kick of flavor from fire-roasted green chili peppers, which perfectly complement the chicken and white cannellini beans.
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Instant Pot salted caramel cheesecake
Instant Pots are a fabulous way to cook some dessert favorites, including cheesecake… and in particular, this recipe for pressure cooker salted caramel cheesecake.
This decadent dessert combines the creaminess of cheesecake, with the sweet and salty combination of salted caramel — and, thanks to the Instant Pot, cooks in half the time it normally would — and does it all without heating up the entire kitchen.
Making a delicious meal has never been easier than it can be with the help of these easy Instant Pot recipes! Have fun trying new foods and customizing the recipes to fit every palate.
Whether its a main dish, side dish or dessert, the pressure cooker offers a wonderful, low-maintenance way to save time in the kitchen without sacrificing quality or flavor.