5 Unique and Delicious Instant Pot Recipes to Try

The Instant Pot has revolutionized home cooking by combining multiple kitchen appliances into one. It’s known for making soups, stews, and meats in a fraction of the time, but did you know it can do much more? In this guide, we’ll explore five unique and delicious ways to use your Instant Pot that you might not have considered. From breakfast to dessert, these recipes are sure to expand your culinary horizons and help you make the most of this versatile kitchen gadget.

These recipes are perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or even special occasions when you want to impress with minimal effort. With the Instant Pot, you can create restaurant-quality dishes with ease and consistency. Let’s dive into these creative recipes and discover new ways to enjoy your Instant Pot.

Ingredients for 5 Unique and Delicious Instant Pot Recipes

1. Instant Pot Yogurt

• 1/2 gallon whole milk
• 2 tablespoons plain yogurt with live cultures
• Optional: sweeteners, vanilla extract, fruit, or jam for flavoring

2. Instant Pot Egg Bites

• 6 large eggs
• 1/2 cup cottage cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your choice)
• 1/4 cup cooked bacon, ham, or vegetables (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

3. Instant Pot Pulled Pork

• 2-3 pounds pork shoulder or butt
• 1 cup barbecue sauce
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

4. Instant Pot Risotto

• 1 1/2 cups Arborio rice
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup white wine
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: mushrooms, asparagus, or other vegetables

5. Instant Pot Cheesecake

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

How to Make 5 Unique and Delicious Instant Pot Recipes

1. Instant Pot Yogurt

1. Sterilize the Instant Pot by adding water and running the steam function for 5 minutes. Remove the water and dry the pot.
2. Pour the milk into the Instant Pot and heat it to 180°F using the sauté function. Stir occasionally to prevent scorching.
3. Cool the milk to 110°F. Mix a small amount of the cooled milk with the yogurt starter, then stir it into the pot.
4. Incubate the yogurt by setting the Instant Pot to the yogurt function and adjusting the time to 8-12 hours, depending on your desired thickness.
5. Chill the yogurt in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours before serving. Add sweeteners or flavorings as desired.

2. Instant Pot Egg Bites

1. Blend the eggs, cottage cheese, and shredded cheese until smooth. Add salt, pepper, and optional fillings.
2. Grease silicone molds or small jars and pour the mixture into the molds.
3. Add water to the Instant Pot and place a trivet inside. Arrange the molds on the trivet.
4. Cook on high pressure for 8 minutes, then let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes.
5. Remove the egg bites from the molds and serve warm.

3. Instant Pot Pulled Pork

1. Season the pork with smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.
2. Sauté the onion and garlic in the Instant Pot until soft, then add the pork and sear on all sides.
3. Add the barbecue sauce and chicken broth, then set the Instant Pot to high pressure for 60 minutes.
4. Allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.
5. Shred the pork with two forks and mix it with the sauce. Serve on buns or with your favorite sides.

4. Instant Pot Risotto

1. Sauté the onion and garlic in butter using the sauté function until translucent.
2. Add the Arborio rice and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
3. Pour in the wine and cook until it evaporates. Add the broth and stir well.
4. Cook on high pressure for 6 minutes, then quick release the pressure.
5. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, and season with salt and pepper. Add optional vegetables and serve immediately.

5. Instant Pot Cheesecake

1. Mix the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter and press into the bottom of a greased springform pan.
2. Beat the cream cheese with sugar until smooth. Add the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract and sour cream. Mix in the cornstarch.
3. Pour the filling over the crust. Cover the pan with aluminum foil.
4. Add water to the Instant Pot and place a trivet inside. Place the cheesecake pan on the trivet.
5. Cook on high pressure for 30 minutes, then let the pressure release naturally.
6. Chill the cheesecake in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours before serving.

About the Main Ingredients

Milk and Yogurt Starter

For the yogurt, using whole milk ensures a rich and creamy texture. The yogurt starter, containing live cultures, is essential for fermenting the milk and creating homemade yogurt. Choose a plain yogurt starter without added flavors or sugars.

Eggs and Cottage Cheese

Eggs provide structure and richness to the egg bites, while cottage cheese adds creaminess. These ingredients make the bites fluffy and satisfying, perfect for breakfast or a snack.

Pork Shoulder

Pork shoulder is ideal for pulled pork due to its marbling and ability to become tender during long cooking times. Seasoning it with smoked paprika and cumin adds a depth of flavor, and barbecue sauce provides a tangy, sweet finish.

Arborio Rice

Arborio rice is a short-grain rice known for its high starch content, which gives risotto its creamy consistency. It absorbs flavors well and releases starch during cooking, creating a rich and creamy dish without the need for heavy cream.

Cream Cheese and Graham Crackers

Cream cheese is the base for the cheesecake filling, offering a smooth and tangy flavor. The graham cracker crust provides a crunchy, sweet contrast. Using high-quality cream cheese ensures a silky texture and rich taste.

These recipes demonstrate the versatility of the Instant Pot, making it a valuable tool for any kitchen. Whether you’re preparing a quick breakfast, a hearty main course, or a decadent dessert, the Instant Pot can handle it all with ease. Enjoy experimenting with these unique recipes and discover new ways to use your Instant Pot!