Instant Pot Red Potatoes

Instant pot red potatoes are a quick and easy veggie side dish that cooks in just 4 minutes. Perfect for busy nights when you need something else to go with dinner. The best part? They are simply seasoned with butter, garlic, and parmesan cheese and are a kid-favorite!

You can’t beat a potato recipe that is prepped, cooked and served in under 10 minutes! Instant Pot Red Potatoes is the perfect recipe if you need a simple, fast and nutrient-packed side dish.

This recipe will definitely be a big hit around the table with the whole family. Baby red potatoes are ideal for the instant pot – they hold their shape well during cooking. They soak up all the flavors without turning to mush like other potato varieties. Kids especially love the sweet and creamy taste of red potatoes.

Don’t own an Instant Pot or looking for other red potato recipes, check out our recipes for Crock Pot Red Potatoes and Make Ahead Roasted Potatoes. Both have been kid-approved!

Ingredients

• 1.5 pounds red potatoes, rinsed
• 1 cup water
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1-2 cloves garlic, minced
• parmesan cheese, shredded optional

How To Cook Red Potatoes in Instant Pot

1. Slice the potatoes. Cut the potatoes into quarters or halves if small. 
2. Place trivet, potatoes, and water into the instant pot. Place the wire trivet into the instant pot. Add potatoes and water. Cover. Turn valve to seal. 
3. Cook on high pressure. Cook on high pressure for 4 minutes. It will take a little while for the instant pot to come to pressure and start counting down. Do a quick release once the cooking time is up. 
4. Melt butter. While potatoes are cooking, melt butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Add garlic. 
5. Serve. Remove potatoes and place into a serving bowl. Drizzle with butter mixture and garnish with parmesan cheese if desired.

Related: How To Use An Instant Pot: A Beginners Guide

Recipe Tips

• Preparation: Ensure that you’ve washed the potatoes thoroughly before slicing them. Leaving the skin on can add flavor and texture to your dish, but it’s a matter of personal preference.
• Sizing: Try to cut the potato pieces uniformly to ensure even cooking. This will help prevent some pieces from becoming overcooked while others are undercooked.
• Trivet Placement: When placing the trivet in the Instant Pot, make sure it’s level and stable. This will ensure that the potatoes are evenly cooked and don’t fall into the water during cooking.
• Seasoning: You can season the water with a pinch of salt to enhance the potato flavor. Additionally, consider adding some herbs or spices to the potatoes for extra flavor. Common choices include rosemary, thyme, or paprika.
• Quick Release: When doing a quick release of the pressure, be cautious as hot steam will escape. You may want to use a long utensil or oven mitt to turn the valve to release the pressure slowly, preventing any accidental burns from the steam.
• Butter Infusion: To enhance the garlic flavor in the melted butter, you can sauté the minced garlic in the butter for a minute or two before drizzling it over the potatoes. This will mellow the garlic’s sharpness and infuse it into the butter.
• Garnish: Apart from parmesan cheese, you can also garnish your red potatoes with fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives for a burst of color and freshness.
• Serve Hot: Potatoes are best enjoyed hot, so try to serve them immediately after drizzling with the garlic butter and garnishes for the best flavor and texture.

FAQ

Storage Instructions

First, allow the cooked potatoes to cool to room temperature if they are still warm. Once cooled, transfer them to an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag.

To keep the potatoes fresh, store them in the refrigerator. Label the container with the date, so you can keep track of how long they’ve been stored. Cooked red potatoes stored in the refrigerator can typically last for up to 3-5 days.

When you’re ready to use the red potatoes, you can reheat them in the microwave, oven, or on the stovetop, depending on your preference and the recipe you have in mind. Reheat until they are heated through, and they should be good to enjoy.

More Veggie Side Dishes

• Instant Pot Broccoli (without a steamer basket)
• Baked Zucchini Squash Rounds
• Easy Broccoli Salad (without Mayo)
• Sautéed Butternut Squash
• Make Ahead Roasted Potatoes
• Balsamic Honey Glazed Carrots