Instant Pot Garlic Roasted Melting Potatoes: A Foolproof Recipe
These Instant Pot Garlic Roasted Melting Potatoes are a revelation! Forget peeling and boiling potatoes for ages. The Instant Pot delivers perfectly cooked, creamy-on-the-inside, crispy-on-the-outside potatoes in a fraction of the time. This recipe combines the ease of pressure cooking with the irresistible flavor of garlic roasted potatoes, resulting in a side dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. Imagine tender, melt-in-your-mouth potato pieces infused with garlic and herbs, finished with a quick roast in the oven or air fryer for that coveted golden-brown, crispy exterior. This recipe is simple, satisfying, and guaranteed to impress.
Why This Recipe Works
There are plenty of potato recipes out there, but this one stands out for several reasons:
* **Speed and Convenience:** The Instant Pot significantly reduces cooking time compared to traditional methods. No more waiting for a pot of water to boil!
* **Perfectly Cooked Potatoes:** Pressure cooking ensures the potatoes are evenly cooked and incredibly tender, resulting in that coveted “melting” texture.
* **Flavor Infusion:** Cooking the potatoes with garlic, herbs, and broth allows the flavors to penetrate deeply, creating a truly delicious dish.
* **Crispy Exterior:** A quick roast in the oven or air fryer at the end provides the perfect contrast to the creamy interior, adding texture and visual appeal.
* **Minimal Effort:** This recipe requires minimal prep work and cleanup, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
* **Versatility:** You can easily customize this recipe to suit your preferences by using different herbs, spices, or even adding cheese.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make these amazing Instant Pot Garlic Roasted Melting Potatoes:
* **2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, cut into 1-inch pieces:** Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal because they have a creamy texture and hold their shape well during cooking. You can also use red potatoes, but they may be slightly less creamy.
* **4 cloves garlic, minced:** Freshly minced garlic is essential for the best flavor. You can also use jarred minced garlic, but the flavor won’t be quite as intense.
* **2 tablespoons olive oil:** Olive oil adds flavor and helps the potatoes crisp up during roasting.
* **1 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth):** Broth adds moisture and flavor to the potatoes during pressure cooking. You can use chicken or vegetable broth, depending on your preference.
* **1 tablespoon dried Italian herbs:** Italian herbs add a classic flavor to the potatoes. You can use a pre-mixed Italian herb blend or create your own using a combination of oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary.
* **1 teaspoon salt:** Salt enhances the flavor of the potatoes.
* **1/2 teaspoon black pepper:** Black pepper adds a touch of spice.
* **Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish:** Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness to the finished dish.
* **Optional: Parmesan cheese, grated, for topping:** Parmesan cheese adds a salty and savory flavor to the potatoes.
Equipment You’ll Need
* **Instant Pot:** A 6-quart or larger Instant Pot is recommended.
* **Baking sheet:** A baking sheet is needed for roasting the potatoes in the oven. You can line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
* **Air Fryer (Optional):** An air fryer can be used instead of the oven to crisp up the potatoes.
* **Large bowl:** A large bowl is needed for tossing the potatoes with the garlic, olive oil, herbs, and spices.
* **Measuring cups and spoons:** For accurately measuring the ingredients.
* **Knife and cutting board:** For cutting the potatoes and mincing the garlic.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create the perfect Instant Pot Garlic Roasted Melting Potatoes:
**Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes**
* Wash and scrub the potatoes thoroughly.
* Cut the potatoes into 1-inch pieces. Try to keep the pieces relatively uniform in size to ensure even cooking.
**Step 2: Combine Ingredients**
* In a large bowl, combine the potatoes, minced garlic, olive oil, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper.
* Toss well to ensure the potatoes are evenly coated with the mixture.
**Step 3: Pressure Cook the Potatoes**
* Pour the chicken broth (or vegetable broth) into the Instant Pot.
* Place the potato mixture into the Instant Pot.
* Close the lid and set the valve to the sealing position.
* Cook on high pressure for 8 minutes.
* Allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.
**Step 4: Roast (or Air Fry) the Potatoes**
* Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
* Carefully remove the potatoes from the Instant Pot using a slotted spoon, leaving the broth behind.
* Spread the potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet or in the air fryer basket.
* **Oven:** Roast for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden brown and crispy, flipping halfway through.
* **Air Fryer:** Air fry for 10-15 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden brown and crispy, shaking the basket halfway through.
**Step 5: Serve and Enjoy**
* Transfer the potatoes to a serving dish.
* Garnish with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese (optional).
* Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips for Success
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Instant Pot:** Overcrowding the Instant Pot can prevent the potatoes from cooking evenly. If necessary, cook the potatoes in batches.
* **Don’t Skip the Roasting Step:** While the potatoes will be cooked after pressure cooking, the roasting step is crucial for achieving that crispy exterior and enhanced flavor.
* **Adjust Roasting Time as Needed:** The roasting time may vary depending on your oven or air fryer. Keep a close eye on the potatoes and adjust the time accordingly to prevent burning.
* **Use a Slotted Spoon:** Using a slotted spoon to remove the potatoes from the Instant Pot helps to drain off any excess liquid, which will allow them to crisp up better during roasting.
* **Experiment with Flavors:** Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor of these potatoes. Some other great options include rosemary, thyme, paprika, and garlic powder.
* **Add Cheese:** For an extra cheesy treat, sprinkle grated cheddar, mozzarella, or Gruyere cheese over the potatoes during the last few minutes of roasting.
* **Make it Vegan:** Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to make this recipe vegan.
Variations and Substitutions
* **Spicy Potatoes:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the potato mixture for a spicy kick.
* **Herbed Potatoes:** Experiment with different herbs, such as rosemary, thyme, or oregano, to create a unique flavor profile.
* **Cheesy Potatoes:** Sprinkle grated cheddar, mozzarella, or Gruyere cheese over the potatoes during the last few minutes of roasting for a cheesy twist.
* **Sweet Potatoes:** Substitute sweet potatoes for Yukon Gold potatoes for a sweeter and more nutritious option. Note that sweet potatoes may cook slightly faster, so adjust the pressure cooking time accordingly.
* **Different Potatoes:** While Yukon Gold are best, you can use other potatoes, but adjust cooking time accordingly. Russet potatoes will be less creamy. Red potatoes are a good alternative.
Serving Suggestions
These Instant Pot Garlic Roasted Melting Potatoes are a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses. Here are a few serving suggestions:
* **Roasted Chicken or Turkey:** These potatoes make a delicious accompaniment to roasted chicken or turkey.
* **Steak or Pork Chops:** Serve these potatoes alongside a juicy steak or pork chops for a complete and satisfying meal.
* **Salmon or Other Fish:** These potatoes also pair well with salmon or other types of fish.
* **Vegetarian Dishes:** These potatoes can be served as a side dish with vegetarian dishes, such as lentil stew or grilled vegetables.
* **Holiday Meals:** These potatoes are a perfect addition to holiday meals, such as Thanksgiving or Christmas.
* **As a Topping**: Serve over a bed of greens or as a topping for shepherd’s pie.
Make-Ahead Instructions
You can easily prepare these Instant Pot Garlic Roasted Melting Potatoes ahead of time. Simply follow the recipe up to the pressure cooking step, then store the cooked potatoes in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, roast or air fry the potatoes as directed.
Storage Instructions
Store leftover potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven, air fryer, or microwave until heated through.
Nutritional Information (Approximate)
* Calories: 250
* Fat: 10g
* Saturated Fat: 2g
* Cholesterol: 0mg
* Sodium: 500mg
* Carbohydrates: 35g
* Fiber: 4g
* Sugar: 2g
* Protein: 4g
*Note: Nutritional information is approximate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*
Recipe Card
**Instant Pot Garlic Roasted Melting Potatoes**
**Prep time:** 15 minutes
**Cook time:** 35 minutes
**Total time:** 50 minutes
**Serves:** 6
**Ingredients:**
* 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, cut into 1-inch pieces
* 4 cloves garlic, minced
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
* 1 tablespoon dried Italian herbs
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
* Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
* Optional: Parmesan cheese, grated, for topping
**Instructions:**
1. Wash and scrub the potatoes thoroughly. Cut the potatoes into 1-inch pieces.
2. In a large bowl, combine the potatoes, minced garlic, olive oil, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Toss well to ensure the potatoes are evenly coated with the mixture.
3. Pour the chicken broth (or vegetable broth) into the Instant Pot. Place the potato mixture into the Instant Pot.
4. Close the lid and set the valve to the sealing position. Cook on high pressure for 8 minutes. Allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.
5. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
6. Carefully remove the potatoes from the Instant Pot using a slotted spoon, leaving the broth behind.
7. Spread the potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet or in the air fryer basket.
8. Oven: Roast for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden brown and crispy, flipping halfway through.
9. Air Fryer: Air fry for 10-15 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden brown and crispy, shaking the basket halfway through.
10. Transfer the potatoes to a serving dish. Garnish with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese (optional). Serve immediately and enjoy!
Enjoy these delightful Instant Pot Garlic Roasted Melting Potatoes! They’re a game-changer for weeknight dinners and special occasions alike.