The First 7 Things You Should Cook in Your Instant Pot
Updated: Dec. 15, 2021Your Instant Pot can do so much more than a regular pressure cooker, which might be a little overwhelming at first. No fear, here are seven dishes you can easily whip up in it.
Your Instant Pot is packed with possibilities, so it can be overwhelming to choose what to whip up first! This multi-cooker combines the functions of a slow cooker, pressure cooker, rice maker and more so you can make comforting dishes without the hassle. Don’t know where to start with buying an Instant Pot? Check out our guide and then get cooking these dishes below!
Soup
No matter the season, there’s something very satisfying about coming home to a warm bowl of soup. This hearty potato soup is perfect for a cold night in, and this Italian sausage and kale soup will definitely impress your guests. You can’t go wrong with soup no matter how you cook it, but something about doing these in the Instant Pot makes them just right.
Roast chicken
You can throw a whole chicken into your Instant Pot to keep you and your loved ones fed and full all week long. Or, try chicken thighs (we love this apple-balsamic dish) and other cuts that typically take a long time to roast. This dish will definitely impress guests, especially when you tell them you made this hands-off version in your Instant Pot—no oven roasting required. And did you know, you can even cook frozen chicken in your Instant Pot when you’re really crunched for time!
Oatmeal
Oatmeal is so easy to dress up with healthy add-ons like chia seeds and fruit, and couldn’t be easier to pop into your Instant Pot. (We especially love these carrot cake and pumpkin spice varieties!) You can finish up getting ready in the mornings without fear of anything boiling over on your stove top while your pressure cooker works its morning magic. Want to go all in with your Instant Pot? See what it’s like to cook with only a pressure cooker for a week.
Desserts
Cheesecake, cobbler and pudding are just a few dishes sure to satisfy your sweet tooth after time in an Instant Pot. Especially for large gatherings and parties, you’ll want to free up space in the oven for other dishes, so throwing your dessert in this appliance will have your whole kitchen smelling delicious. Here are some more dessert recipes we bet you didn’t know you could make in an Instant Pot.
Egg dishes
Who doesn’t love waking up to the smell of fresh breakfast in the morning? Prepare a delicious breakfast casserole or breakfast hash for your family and friends in your Instant Pot—it couldn’t be easier. Use the recipe as a base, and throw in whatever veggies, meats and cheese you’d like!
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Condiments
Yes, your Instant Pot can do that too! This pressure cooker can make a fruit compote if you’re feeling something sweet, and salsa if you’re feeling a little spicy. Not only will homemade condiments taste better, but they’ll also be far more fresh than anything you can get in the store. Plus, they make great gifts for family and friends!
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Rice dishes
This one might seem obvious, but there are so many versatile possibilities you can do with rice. Make cajun pork and rice or a chicken bog for an easy dinner, that can last through the week! Instant Pots double as pressure cookers and rice makers, so these rice-based dishes really make use of this multi-function cooker.
Up Next: Don’t miss our best instant pot recipes of 2021.
