Hey guys! Are you looking for a super simple and delicious side dish? Look no further! Today, we're diving into how to make perfectly roasted baby potatoes in your Instant Pot. Yes, you heard that right – roasted in the Instant Pot! It's quicker than the oven and delivers incredibly flavorful results. These instant pot roasted baby potatoes are tender on the inside, slightly crispy on the outside, and seasoned to perfection. Trust me, once you try this method, you'll be hooked!

Why Use an Instant Pot for Roasted Baby Potatoes?

So, why should you bother making roasted baby potatoes in your Instant Pot instead of just roasting them in the oven? Well, let me tell you, there are several amazing reasons:

• Speed: The Instant Pot is significantly faster than the oven. You can have perfectly cooked potatoes in about half the time. This is a lifesaver on busy weeknights when you need a quick and easy side dish.
• Ease of Use: The Instant Pot is incredibly simple to use. Just toss in your ingredients, set the timer, and let it do its magic. No need to constantly monitor the potatoes or worry about them burning.
• Consistent Results: The Instant Pot cooks food evenly, so you'll get perfectly tender potatoes every single time. No more undercooked or overcooked spots!
• Flavor: Believe it or not, the Instant Pot can actually enhance the flavor of your potatoes. The pressure cooking process helps to concentrate the flavors, making them even more delicious.
• Less Mess: Roasting potatoes in the oven can sometimes create a bit of a mess with splattering oil and seasonings. The Instant Pot keeps everything contained, making cleanup a breeze.

Using an instant pot for roasted baby potatoes is a game changer. You get the convenience and speed without compromising on the flavor and texture. Plus, it frees up your oven for other dishes, which is always a bonus during holiday meals or dinner parties. Think about it, you can focus on your main course while your side dish practically cooks itself. This method is especially great during the warmer months when you don't want to heat up your entire kitchen by using the oven. The Instant Pot keeps the heat contained, making it a cooler and more efficient way to cook.

Ingredients You'll Need

Okay, let's talk ingredients. The best part about this recipe is that you probably already have most of these things in your pantry.

• Baby Potatoes: About 2 pounds. I prefer using a mix of red, yellow, and purple potatoes for a more colorful and appealing dish. But honestly, any type of baby potato will work great.
• Olive Oil: A couple of tablespoons. This helps to crisp up the potatoes and adds a nice richness.
• Garlic: Minced. Fresh garlic is always best, but you can use garlic powder in a pinch.
• Herbs: I love using a combination of rosemary, thyme, and oregano. But feel free to experiment with your favorite herbs. Dried or fresh will work.
• Spices: Salt, pepper, and paprika are essential for flavor. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little kick.
• Broth or Water: Just a cup. This creates the steam that's needed for pressure cooking.
• Optional Toppings: Fresh parsley, grated Parmesan cheese, or a squeeze of lemon juice.

When selecting your baby potatoes, try to choose ones that are similar in size. This will ensure that they cook evenly. Also, give them a good wash to remove any dirt or debris. If you're using larger baby potatoes, you may want to cut them in half or quarters to help them cook faster and more evenly. Don't be afraid to get creative with your herbs and spices. If you're a fan of garlic, add an extra clove or two. If you like a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes will do the trick. And if you're looking for a more smoky flavor, try using smoked paprika instead of regular paprika. Remember, cooking is all about experimenting and finding what you like best. So, have fun with it and don't be afraid to try new things!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, let's get cooking! Here’s how to make these incredibly easy instant pot roasted baby potatoes:

1. Prep the Potatoes: Wash and dry your baby potatoes. If they're on the larger side, cut them in half.
2. Season: In a large bowl, toss the potatoes with olive oil, minced garlic, herbs, salt, pepper, and paprika. Make sure the potatoes are evenly coated with the seasonings.
3. Add to Instant Pot: Pour the broth or water into the Instant Pot. Place a trivet at the bottom of the pot. This will prevent the potatoes from sitting directly in the liquid and becoming soggy.
4. Arrange Potatoes: Place the seasoned potatoes on top of the trivet in a single layer. Try not to overcrowd the pot.
5. Pressure Cook: Secure the lid of the Instant Pot and set the valve to the sealing position. Cook on high pressure for 8 minutes.
6. Release Pressure: Allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then do a quick release of any remaining pressure.
7. Roast (Optional): For extra crispy potatoes, transfer them to a baking sheet and broil them in the oven for a few minutes until they're golden brown and slightly crispy.
8. Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley, grated Parmesan cheese, or a squeeze of lemon juice, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

When arranging the roasted baby potatoes in the Instant Pot, make sure they are in a single layer to ensure even cooking. Overcrowding the pot can lead to unevenly cooked potatoes, with some being mushy and others being undercooked. If you have a lot of potatoes, you may need to cook them in batches. Also, keep a close eye on the potatoes while they are under the broiler. They can go from perfectly golden brown to burnt in a matter of seconds. I like to set a timer for 2-minute intervals and check them frequently. If you don't have a broiler, you can also achieve a similar result by sautéing the potatoes in a skillet with a little bit of olive oil after they've been pressure cooked. This will help to crisp them up and give them a nice golden color.

Tips for the Best Instant Pot Roasted Baby Potatoes

To ensure your instant pot roasted baby potatoes turn out perfectly every time, here are a few tips and tricks:

• Don't Overcrowd: Make sure the potatoes are in a single layer in the Instant Pot for even cooking.
• Use a Trivet: This prevents the potatoes from sitting in the liquid and becoming soggy.
• Natural Pressure Release: Allowing the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes helps the potatoes cook more evenly.
• Broil for Extra Crispiness: If you want extra crispy potatoes, broil them in the oven for a few minutes after pressure cooking.
• Adjust Seasonings: Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your liking. Add more garlic, herbs, or spices as desired.
• Experiment with Toppings: Get creative with your toppings. Try adding crumbled bacon, sour cream, or a drizzle of hot sauce.

Another great tip is to preheat your broiler while the potatoes are pressure cooking. This will save you time when you're ready to broil them. Also, be sure to use a good quality olive oil for the best flavor. Extra virgin olive oil is always a good choice. If you don't have olive oil, you can also use avocado oil or coconut oil. When it comes to herbs, fresh herbs will always provide the most flavor, but dried herbs work just as well in a pinch. If you're using dried herbs, you may want to use a little less, as they tend to be more potent than fresh herbs. And don't be afraid to add a little bit of acid to brighten up the flavor of the potatoes. A squeeze of lemon juice or a splash of vinegar can make a big difference. Finally, remember that cooking times may vary depending on your Instant Pot model, so it's always a good idea to check the potatoes for doneness before serving.

Variations to Try

Want to mix things up? Here are a few fun variations you can try with your instant pot roasted baby potatoes:

• Cheesy Potatoes: Add shredded cheddar cheese or Parmesan cheese to the potatoes after pressure cooking and broil until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Spicy Potatoes: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the potatoes for a little heat.
• Garlic Parmesan Potatoes: Toss the potatoes with minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, and melted butter after pressure cooking.
• Bacon Ranch Potatoes: Crumble cooked bacon over the potatoes and drizzle with ranch dressing.
• Lemon Herb Potatoes: Add a squeeze of lemon juice and a mix of fresh herbs like parsley, dill, and chives to the potatoes after pressure cooking.

Consider adding some roasted vegetables to the mix for a more complete and nutritious side dish. Broccoli, carrots, and Brussels sprouts all pair well with potatoes. Simply toss the vegetables with the potatoes before pressure cooking. If you're looking for a vegetarian option, try adding some chickpeas or black beans to the potatoes. This will add some extra protein and fiber to the dish. You can also add a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream for a creamy and tangy topping. If you're feeling adventurous, try adding some truffle oil to the potatoes after they've been pressure cooked. This will give them a rich and earthy flavor that's sure to impress your guests. And don't forget about leftovers! These instant pot roasted baby potatoes make a great addition to frittatas, omelets, and breakfast burritos.

Serving Suggestions

These instant pot roasted baby potatoes are the perfect side dish for just about any meal. Here are a few serving suggestions:

• Main Courses: Serve them alongside grilled chicken, steak, fish, or pork chops.
• Breakfast: Add them to a breakfast skillet or serve them with eggs and bacon.
• Salads: Toss them into a salad for a hearty and flavorful addition.
• Snacks: Enjoy them as a snack with your favorite dipping sauce.
• Tacos: Add them to tacos as a delicious and unexpected filling.

If you're serving these potatoes as part of a larger meal, consider pairing them with other complementary side dishes, such as a green salad, roasted vegetables, or a creamy coleslaw. For a more casual meal, you can serve them with burgers, sandwiches, or hot dogs. And if you're looking for a fun and festive appetizer, try serving them on skewers with cherry tomatoes and mozzarella balls. No matter how you choose to serve them, these instant pot roasted baby potatoes are sure to be a hit! They're easy to make, incredibly versatile, and always a crowd-pleaser.

Conclusion

So there you have it! Instant Pot roasted baby potatoes are a quick, easy, and delicious side dish that's perfect for any occasion. Give this recipe a try and let me know what you think. Happy cooking, guys!