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If you’re on the hunt for a quick, flavorful side that feels like a hug on a plate, look no further than The Best Instant Pot Potatoes Recipe. These baby potatoes cook up tender, then get a glorious buttery, herb-kissed sauté finish that turns simple spuds into a sensational dish. Whether you’re rushing through a weeknight dinner or hosting friends, this recipe delivers perfectly cooked potatoes with a crispy edge, all without fuss or a ton of ingredients.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward but each one plays a starring role. From the tender baby potatoes to the buttery richness and the pop of savory ranch seasoning, every component brings a special element of taste and texture that makes this recipe shine.
- 1 cup water: The essential base for creating steam to pressure cook your potatoes to tender perfection.
- 1 1/2 pounds baby potatoes: The stars of the show—choose uniform sizes for even cooking, and halve larger ones so every bite is just right.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Adds a luscious, silky finish while helping those seasonings cling beautifully to the potatoes.
- 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning mix: Infuses the potatoes with a zesty, herby punch—feel free to swap in your favorite dried herbs and garlic powder for a personal twist.
- Salt & pepper (to taste): Simple but crucial for enhancing every flavor nuance in this dish.
How to Make The Best Instant Pot Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Pressure cook the potatoes
Start by pouring 1 cup of water into the inner pot of your Instant Pot. Place a trivet or steamer basket inside and add the baby potatoes on top—this setup keeps them out of the water and ensures evenly steamed results. Seal the lid and set the valve to sealing, then select the pressure cook (or manual) setting for 3 minutes. Remember it will take a few minutes to build pressure, but once it does, your potatoes will cook perfectly soft inside while holding their shape.
Step 2: Release pressure carefully
After the timer goes off, do a 5-minute natural pressure release by simply turning off the Instant Pot and letting it rest. This gentle release lets the potatoes settle to ideal tenderness without bursting. Then release any remaining pressure manually according to your model’s instructions—safety first!
Step 3: Drain and prep for sautéing
Open the lid carefully, and drain the cooked potatoes, removing the trivet as well. Give the inner pot a quick rinse with hot water to wash away residual starch. This simple rinse prevents sticking and scorching during the sauté step. Return the drained potatoes to the pot, ready for the finishing touch.
Step 4: Sauté with butter and seasoning
Switch your Instant Pot to sauté mode and add the butter along with the ranch seasoning mix. Toss the potatoes gently but thoroughly so every piece is delightfully coated. Keep an attentive eye as you sauté—the goal is to develop a light, golden crispness on the outside without burning. This step transforms tender steamed potatoes into an irresistible, flavor-packed masterpiece.
How to Serve The Best Instant Pot Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley, chives, or even crispy bacon bits for a burst of color and an extra layer of texture. A tiny drizzle of sour cream or a dusting of paprika can also elevate the presentation and flavor, making your table look and taste amazing.
Side Dishes
These potatoes easily complement virtually any meal. Serve alongside grilled chicken, roasted veggies, or a juicy steak for an effortless and satisfying combo. They’re also fantastic paired with a fresh green salad when you want lighter fare with a punch of comfort.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these potatoes on a platter sprinkled with crumbled feta or goat cheese and a hint of lemon zest for a fresh twist. You could even skewer them as an appetizer or mix them into a warm potato salad tossed with vinaigrette, turning The Best Instant Pot Potatoes Recipe into something uniquely yours.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. Stored properly, they stay fresh and tasty for up to 3 days—perfect for quick lunches or a speedy side later in the week.
Freezing
You can freeze these potatoes by spreading them on a baking sheet to flash freeze separately, then transferring to freezer bags. This way they won’t clump. Frozen, they maintain great flavor and texture for up to 2 months, offering a convenient and delicious ready-to-go option.
Reheating
For best results, reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat to revive their buttery crispiness. Alternatively, microwave on medium power covered with a damp paper towel to keep them moist. Avoid overcooking so they stay tender inside rather than turning mushy.
FAQs
Can I use regular potatoes instead of baby potatoes?
Absolutely! Just cut them into similar-sized pieces—about 1 to 2 inches—to ensure they cook evenly and fit comfortably in the Instant Pot on the trivet.
Is ranch seasoning necessary?
Not at all. Ranch seasoning adds a flavorful shortcut but feel free to customize with your favorite herbs, garlic powder, or even a pinch of smoked paprika for a different spin.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Swap the butter for olive oil or a plant-based butter substitute. The potatoes will still be deliciously tender and flavorful with your choice of seasoning.
What if my potatoes are sticking during the sauté step?
Try rinsing the inner pot again and ensure there’s enough butter or oil to coat the bottom. Constant gentle stirring prevents burning and helps create that perfect crisp.
How do I get the potatoes to be crispy on the outside but soft inside?
The secret is pressure cooking for just a few minutes to get them tender, then sautéing separately with butter and seasonings to crisp them up just before serving. This two-step process is key for The Best Instant Pot Potatoes Recipe.
Final Thoughts
There you have it—The Best Instant Pot Potatoes Recipe in all its glory. It’s quick, straightforward, and utterly delicious, making every meal feel a little more special without extra effort. I can’t wait for you to try it and make these golden, buttery potatoes a regular favorite at your table!
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The Best Instant Pot Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
Description
This recipe for the Best Instant Pot Potatoes offers a quick and easy way to prepare tender and flavorful baby potatoes using the Instant Pot. The pressure cooking method ensures perfectly cooked potatoes in just minutes, and finishing them off by sautéing with butter and ranch seasoning creates a deliciously crispy exterior. Perfect as a simple side dish, it combines convenience with rich taste.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 1 1/2 pounds baby potatoes (large ones cut in half)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning mix (or your favorite dried herbs and garlic powder)
- salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Pressure cook: Place 1 cup water in the inner pot of your Instant Pot. Set a trivet or steamer basket inside and arrange the potatoes on top. Close the lid, set the valve to “sealing,” and select the “pressure cook” or “manual” mode. Set the timer for 3 minutes. It will take about 5 minutes for the pot to reach pressure before the timer begins counting down.
- Release pressure: When the cooking cycle ends, perform a 5-minute natural pressure release by turning off the Instant Pot and letting it sit for 5 minutes. After this, manually release any remaining pressure as per your manufacturer’s guidelines.
- Drain: Remove the trivet and drain the potatoes. Rinse the inner pot with hot water to remove any starch residue without scrubbing. Return the potatoes to the pot and place it back into the Instant Pot base.
- Sauté: Switch the Instant Pot to “sauté” mode and add butter along with the ranch seasoning mix. Toss the potatoes to coat them evenly with butter and seasoning. Cook until the potatoes develop a light, crispy golden-brown exterior, watching carefully to avoid burning. Serve immediately.
Notes
- You can substitute the ranch seasoning mix with any dried herbs and garlic powder to customize the flavor.
- Make sure to watch the potatoes closely while sautéing to prevent burning.
- Larger baby potatoes should be cut in half for even cooking.
- The rinse of the pot helps prevent starch buildup that might burn during the sauté step.
