You can’t go wrong with classic mashed potatoes and glazed carrots, but it’s also good to switch things up once in a while. That’s why I’ve come up with this collection of recipes that cover a gamut of sides, from the timeless classics to the more unconventional treats. Don’t worry, with the Instant Pot, you can whip up even the most seemingly complicated side dishes in an instant. In fact, if you don’t own an Instant Pot yet, these side dishes might just convince you to get one. Entrees and desserts usually take the spotlight, but these side dishes will definitely steal the show! Let’s get cooking.
1. Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
Let’s get the ball rolling with perhaps the most popular side dish known to man: mashed potatoes. No matter what entree you’re serving, you can’t go wrong with this classic. Whether they’re smooth and silky or chunky and fluffy, this side dish never disappoints. The only disadvantage, if you can even call it that, is that potatoes take a while to make. Not where the Instant Pot is involved, though! With this recipe, your rich and creamy mashed potatoes will be ready in just 30 minutes.
2. Instant Pot Rice
I’m not ashamed to say that I eat rice almost every day! That said, cooking rice the right way is a skill that I pride myself in. So, if you’re new to the game, this recipe will be a big help. With this fool-proof recipe, you won’t have to worry about mushy or burned rice. Instead, you can look forward to soft, fluffy, perfectly cooked rice every time. It doesn’t matter what type of rice you’re dealing with. Whether it’s white, brown, or red, long-grain or short-grain, this recipe covers everything you need to know.
3. Instant Pot Corn on the Cob
While I also love elote, corn pudding, corn muffins, and other corn-based treats, for me, nothing beats the goodness of simple corn on the cob. It’s snappy, sweet and juicy, and bursting with deliciousness. That lovely golden hue is oh-so-charming, too! When it comes to cooking corn on the cob, I say grilling is the best way. But if the weather (or laziness) doesn’t permit, you can always count on the Instant Pot. With this nifty kitchen appliance, you’ll get evenly cooked corn on the cob in as fast as 12 minutes.
4. Garlic Parmesan Instant Pot Asparagus
Adults don’t have a problem eating asparagus, but unfortunately, we can’t say the same for kids. This is a shame, considering how nutrient-dense this vegetable is. This recipe is the perfect solution, though. When it comes to making veggies more kid-friendly, cheese always does the trick. For this recipe, you’ll flavor asparagus with butter, garlic, and parmesan. Nothing can mask the veggie flavor better than this terrific trio.
5. Instant Pot Corn Casserole
If you’re looking for a quick side dish for an impromptu get-together, this casserole is calling out your name. There’s no need to make cornbread from scratch – just the trusty Jiffy mix will do. Don’t worry, your guests won’t even notice your casserole came from a box! The corn kernels, creamed corn, jalapenos, sour cream, and shredded cheese will definitely make your casserole taste like it took you hours to make it.
6. Instant Pot Potato Salad
I’m such a sucker for potato salad. To me, it’s a picnic and barbecue must-have. It’s cold, creamy, starchy, hearty, and everything I want in a summer party food. I love this recipe because, besides the usual potatoes and celery, you’ll also get chunks of hard-boiled eggs, tart pickles, and chopped onion. They complement the potatoes and creamy dressing wonderfully well. Because you’ll use the Instant Pot for this recipe, your potato salad will be ready in just 40 minutes! That has to be a record.
7. Instant Pot Broccoli
Having a super heavy and sinful dish for lunch or dinner? I suggest you pair your entree with something light and refreshing, such as broccoli. This recipe teaches you how to cook broccoli in the Instant Pot in just 8 minutes. It’s a quick, last-minute side dish that works well with any entree. You can serve the broccoli as it is, but if you want to add more flavor, just season the florets to your heart’s content.
8. Instant Pot Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Here’s something all you sweet tooths will love! Mashed potatoes are great, but personally, I prefer mashed sweet potatoes more. When cooked and mashed, sweet potatoes have the same smooth and silky consistency as regular potatoes. What makes them extra special is their sweetness. Flavored with a bit of salt and butter, it creates that insatiable sweet and salty combination.
9. Instant Pot Glazed Carrots
Sweet carrots are drizzled with melted ghee and finished with freshly chopped thyme. This humble side dish proves that there is beauty in simplicity. You’ll love how the melted ghee (or butter) complements the sweetness of the carrots. The thyme adds a nice, earthy flavor, as well. All together, all components work beautifully together to create one masterpiece of a dish.
10. Instant Pot Mexican Street Corn (Elote)
If you’ve never heard of or had elote before, you are in for a treat. This Mexican street food is definitely a must-try. This side dish is corn on the cob at its core. That in itself is already a winner. The corn is smothered with a ridiculously delicious mix of Mexican crema (or mayo), sour cream, cotija cheese (or feta), cilantro, chili powder, sugar, garlic powder, and lime juice. What an amazing explosion of flavors!
11. Instant Pot Scalloped Potatoes
As an avid fan of potatoes, you can serve me any potato-based dish and I’d be happy. But, these scalloped potatoes will give me that extra ounce of joy. There’s something special about layers of thinly sliced potatoes. The layers create such a wonderful texture that you won’t get in any other potato dish. The potatoes are seasoned perfectly, and they’re made even more addictive by heavy cream and lots of cheddar cheese.
12. Sweet And Spicy Instant Pot Cauliflower
While I always say that roasting is the best way to cook vegetables, this recipe is an exception. A whole head of cauliflower is brushed with a sweet and spicy sauce made of olive oil, honey, ketchup, soy sauce, and hot sauce. Then, it’s roasted to perfection… in the Instant Pot. Yep, with this recipe, you’ll still enjoy beautifully roasted cauliflower even though there’s no oven involved. With the Instant Pot, the possibilities are endless!
13. Instant Pot Creamed Corn
This bowl of creamed corn is a thing of beauty! In this recipe, you’ll breathe new life into frozen corn kernels by combining them with cream cheese, butter, sugar, salt, and pepper. The recipe couldn’t be easier, but the result will blow your mind away. From the look to the flavor to the texture, this creamed corn gets tens across the board. It’s sweet from the corn, creamy and salty from the cream cheese, and rich and buttery from the butter. A bit of salt and sugar enhances the flavors, to boot.
14. Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice
Take your simple steamed white rice to the next level by adding these two simple ingredients. You won’t believe the difference cilantro and lime juice makes! Besides the flavor, the cilantro also gives the rice a bright pop of color. Serve this with your favorite meaty entree, or stuff it in your burritos and enchiladas. While rice is more traditionally cooked in a pot, the Instant Pot gets the job done much faster.
15. Instant Pot Green Beans
Green beans are a classic side dish that works well with any entree. While very humble, you’ll be surprised at how it transforms any meal from meh to magnificent. You can serve these Instant Pot green beans on their own, but if you want to take things a step further, the recipe has instructions on how to stir-fry the beans as well. Trust me, you’ll definitely want to take the extra step. Fried with garlic and seasoned with fish sauce, it’s like giving the beans new life.
16. Instant Pot Broccoli Garlic Mash
This side dish is the best way to introduce your kids to broccoli. Mashed-up broccoli florets are combined with cream cheese and garlic. Trust me, this recipe will get them begging for more. It’s so good, they might even like it more than mashed potatoes! Both the cream cheese and garlic give the boring broccoli a stunning glow-up.
17. Instant Pot Brussels Sprouts
There are so many ways to mess up Brussels sprouts. Undercook them and they’ll be tough and bitter. Overcook them and they’ll be too mushy and smell of sulfur. but if you stick to this recipe, you’ll get creamy, nutty, perfectly cooked Brussels sprouts every time. Here’s the bonus part; unlike roasting in the oven, the Instant Pot will cook your sprouts right up in just 10 minutes.
18. Instant Pot Mexican Rice
If you’re looking for a hearty side dish to serve on Taco Tuesday, here’s another Mexican rice dish you’ll surely love. White rice is cooked with garlic, onion, and tomato sauce, creating a dish your taste buds won’t soon forget. The color and aroma of this Mexican rice alone will delight you. The flavor is just off the charts! The texture of the rice is soft and fluffy, with added contrast from green peas.
19. Instant Pot Baked Potatoes
Want a simple addition to your already flavor-packed entree? You can’t go wrong with baked potatoes. Baked potatoes have a very mild flavor, but are wonderfully hearty and filling. If you want to add substance to your meal but don’t want to take away the spotlight from your delicious entree, they perfectly fit the bill.
20. Instant Pot Mac and Cheese
Yup, I’ve definitely saved the best for last. While mac and cheese is technically a side dish, I don’t oppose serving it as an entree. I also don’t mind having it for breakfast, lunch, or dinner… or a midnight snack, too! When it comes to comfort foods, mac and cheese checks all the boxes. It’s rich, creamy, cheesy, salty, and hearty. It’s so good it’s giving me goosebumps. Click on a star to rate it!
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