So You Got an Instant Pot — Here's What to Make First (2024)

Whether by gift or from a sale, you've just received your first Instant Pot, and if you're like most users, you're either giddy with glee or scratching your head trying to figure out what on earth you'll cook in it. No matter which category you fall into, our list of introductory Instant Pot recipes are sure to help get you started.

The Instant Pot is great for making quick dinners, meal prepping with ease, and recreating your takeout favorites. This ultra-popular appliance acts as an electric pressure cooker, rice cooker, steamer, yogurt maker, sauté pan, and more. We've rounded up our favorite recipes that made us say, "I didn't know the Instant Pot could do that," in an effort to introduce you to the most useful functions for the appliance.

Mushroom Risotto

Risotto is a labor of love, with constant stirring and fussing over the dish until it's time to serve it. But with the Instant Pot and Shauna James Ahern's easy Mushroom Risotto recipe, you'll only be stirring for about 15 minutes as opposed to the traditional method's 50 minutes. Earthy mushrooms, rich white wine, and salty Parmesan all add flavor to this Italian favorite.

Baby Back Ribs

You may have used earlier pressure cookers to make soup or soften dried goods like grains or beans, but Baby Back Ribs may seem like a stretch if that's all you know of a pressure cooker's skills. Even if you're a skeptic, you'll be impressed by this fall-off-the-bone recipe by pschelf. This method results in tender ribs that are then quickly browned in the oven before serving. If you're making the barbecue for game day, this recipe goes great with these other tailgating Instant Pot dishes.

Hard-Boiled Eggs

Picnics and potlucks will never be the same once you try this easy method for making Hard-Boiled Eggs. Whether you need a large batch for egg salad or Easter egg hunting, the Instant Pot turns them out perfectly cooked on a consistent basis. Eric Belk's recipe can make up to 16 eggs a time, making it the secret weapon for next time you host a brunch party.

Lemon Rotisserie Chicken

Say goodbye to supermarket rotisserie chicken. With the Instant Pot, you'll be able to make incredibly tender and moist Lemon Rotisserie Chicken in under an hour and with only five minutes of prep work. Created by Fioa, this recipe relies on fresh lemon wedges and a spice blend for baking up an irresistible bird. If chicken is a family favorite, then check out our other Instant Pot chicken recipes.

Cheesecake

You didn't think we'd skip dessert, did you? The Instant Pot is even helpful when it comes to adding something sweet to your day. Avoid the fuss off adding a steam bath to your oven while baking this Cheesecake by using Shauna James Ahern's recipe. The Instant Pot offers an all-in-one approach by pressure cooking the cake with a small amount of water under your pan, resulting in a silky smooth dessert.

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