Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this incredibly easy and unbelievably delicious recipe for **Instant Pot Scalloped Potatoes**. This isn’t just any side dish; it’s a culinary revelation that brings classic flavors to your table faster than ever before. Picture perfectly tender potato slices, enrobed in a rich, creamy, and cheesy sauce, with hints of smoky ham creating an irresistible depth of flavor. Whether you’re planning an elaborate Easter feast, a cozy Thanksgiving dinner, or simply craving a hearty weeknight meal, these pressure cooker scalloped potatoes are guaranteed to be a showstopper that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Gone are the days of long baking times and guessing games. The Instant Pot transforms this beloved traditional dish into a convenient, quick-cooking marvel, cutting down preparation significantly without compromising on taste or texture. My family eagerly anticipates this dish every year, and it has firmly secured its place as a cherished holiday staple.
Elevate Your Holiday Table: Instant Pot Scalloped Potatoes
For many, scalloped potatoes evoke memories of family gatherings and festive celebrations. Each year, as Easter and Thanksgiving approach, my kitchen is filled with the comforting aroma of this classic dish. While traditional scalloped potatoes are wonderful, my family particularly loves the decadent addition of cheese. For Easter, we often prepare them without ham, allowing the main ham roast to take center stage. But for Thanksgiving, integrating smoky ham directly into these Instant Pot Scalloped Potatoes creates a harmonious symphony of flavors that perfectly complements the holiday spread. Get ready for your guests to devour every last bite!
The Cheesy vs. Classic Debate: Your Scalloped Potato Choice
I know, I know – some purists might argue that “traditional” scalloped potatoes shouldn’t contain cheese. However, my family wholeheartedly embraces this cheesy twist, and honestly, once you try them, you might too! The cheese adds an extra layer of creaminess and savory richness that elevates the dish to new heights of comfort. While I typically opt for the cheesy version, I also have a method for making them without cheese, keeping all other elements of the recipe consistent for that beloved classic flavor.
If you prefer a classic, cheese-free scalloped potato experience, you can easily adapt this recipe by preparing a simple béchamel sauce directly in your Instant Pot. Here’s how to create a rich, creamy sauce to pour over your perfectly cooked potatoes:
Melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter in the Instant Pot on the ‘Sauté’ function at ‘Low’ heat. Once the butter is fully melted and shimmering, stir in 4 tablespoons of all-purpose flour. Whisk continuously for about 1-2 minutes until a smooth roux forms, taking care not to brown it. This roux is the base for your silky béchamel.
Next, increase the heat to medium and gradually whisk in about 1 cup of milk (whole milk works best for richness). Continue whisking until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. If it becomes too thick, simply add a little more milk, a tablespoon at a time, until it’s perfectly smooth and pourable.
Once your béchamel is ready, pour it evenly over the cooked potatoes in your baking dish (full instructions are also available in the recipe card notes for your convenience). Then, proceed to broil as directed in the main recipe to ensure it’s heated through and develops a beautiful, lightly browned top.
Why the Instant Pot is Your Secret Weapon for Scalloped Potatoes
Cooking vegetables in an electric pressure cooker, such as the Instant Pot, is a game-changer, especially for dishes that traditionally take a long time. The pressure cooking method significantly reduces the cooking time compared to conventional oven baking. For these scalloped potatoes, the actual pressure cooking time is an astonishingly quick one minute! This means less waiting and more enjoying. After the potatoes are perfectly tender, you’ll whip up a simple, incredibly delicious cheesy sauce right in the same pot – minimal cleanup, maximum flavor. The convenience and speed make this recipe a true winner, especially when you’re juggling multiple dishes for a holiday meal or simply need a satisfying side dish in a hurry. Prepare for a lot of yum!
Mastering Instant Pot Scalloped Potatoes: Key Ingredients & Expert Tips
Creating the perfect Instant Pot Scalloped Potatoes begins with understanding your ingredients and employing a few smart techniques. From selecting the right potato to achieving that irresistible golden crust, every detail contributes to a truly memorable dish.
Choosing Your Potatoes: The Foundation of Flavor
The star of the show, potatoes, plays a crucial role. For scalloped potatoes, starchy varieties like Russet or Yukon Gold are excellent choices as they break down slightly during cooking, contributing to the creamy texture of the dish while still holding their shape. It’s essential to slice your potatoes consistently, ideally ¼-inch thick. If sliced too thin, they can become mushy; too thick, and they might not cook evenly or fully. A mandoline slicer can be incredibly helpful for achieving uniform slices, ensuring consistent cooking and a beautiful presentation.
Smoky Ham or Savory Alternatives
The addition of smoked, cooked ham brings a wonderful depth of flavor and a savory counterpoint to the creamy potatoes and cheese. Diced or cubed ham pieces distribute nicely throughout the dish. If you’re not a fan of ham, or wish to make this dish vegetarian, feel free to omit it. You could also explore alternatives like cooked bacon bits for a different smoky flavor, or sautéed mushrooms for an earthy vegetarian option.
The Perfect Cheese Pull: Selecting Your Blend
My personal preference for this recipe is Monterey Jack cheese because of its excellent melting properties and mild, creamy flavor that pairs beautifully with potatoes and ham. However, don’t shy away from experimenting! A sharp cheddar will offer a bolder, tangier profile, while Gruyere can add a nutty complexity. A blend of cheeses, such as cheddar and mozzarella, can also create a fantastic flavor and texture. Always shred your cheese from a block if possible, as pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can affect how smoothly they melt. The key is to use a cheese that melts well to create that luscious, velvety sauce.
Broth & Seasonings: The Flavor Boosters
The broth (low sodium chicken or vegetable) provides the liquid needed for pressure cooking and infuses the potatoes with flavor. Kosher salt, black pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder are staple seasonings that enhance the natural taste of the potatoes and ham. Fresh thyme leaves, while optional, add an aromatic, herbaceous note that truly elevates the dish, especially for holiday meals. Nutmeg, a classic addition to creamy potato dishes, adds a subtle warmth and sophistication to the cheese sauce – don’t skip it if you’re looking to impress!
Simple Steps to Deliciousness: How to Make Instant Pot Scalloped Potatoes
Here are the straightforward steps to create your own irresistible Instant Pot Scalloped Potatoes, simplified for ease and maximum flavor:
Achieving That Golden Perfection: Broiling Tips
The final step of broiling is crucial for achieving that irresistible golden-brown crust and bubbling, caramelized cheese on top. However, this stage requires a watchful eye! Broilers can be incredibly powerful, and while they work quickly, they can also burn food just as fast. Keep a close watch on your scalloped potatoes as they broil. They might appear to be taking their time, and then, suddenly, they can go from perfectly golden to charred in a matter of seconds. Stay near the oven and check frequently to ensure the cheese browns beautifully to your liking without burning. This creates that crispy, savory topping that everyone loves.
My absolute favorite part of these scalloped potatoes is that glorious, bubbly, golden crust of cheese on top! It adds an incredible texture contrast to the creamy potatoes underneath. While I enjoy using Monterey Jack for its smooth melt, don’t hesitate to experiment with different cheeses to find your perfect match. Have fun customizing and creating a dish that truly reflects your taste!
Serving Suggestions & Variations
These Instant Pot Scalloped Potatoes are incredibly versatile. They make an ideal companion to roasted meats like ham, turkey, or prime rib during holidays. For a weeknight meal, serve them alongside baked chicken, pork chops, or even a simple green salad for a comforting and satisfying dinner. For a twist, consider adding thinly sliced onions or sautéed leeks with the potatoes for an extra layer of flavor. You could also try different herbs like rosemary or sage for a more autumnal feel. The possibilities are endless when it comes to customizing this delicious dish!
Instant Pot Sweet Potatoes
Instant Pot Creamy Bacon Brussels Sprouts
Instant Pot Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Instant Pot Candied Yams
Instant Pot Scalloped Potatoes
Sandy Clifton
15 minutes
6 minutes
20 minutes
41 minutes
4
– 6
Ingredients
-
2
lbs
Potatoes,
sliced 1/4″ thick (Yukon Gold or Russet recommended) -
5
oz
Smoked Cooked Ham
(thin sliced and cubed) -
½
tsp
Kosher Salt -
¼
tsp
Pepper -
¼
tsp
Onion Powder -
½
tsp
Garlic Powder -
½
tsp
Fresh Thyme Leaves
(optional, adds aromatic depth) -
1
cup
Broth
(low sodium chicken or vegetable)
Add After Pressure Cooking
-
2 ½
cups
Monterey Jack Cheese*,
shredded, divided (or your favorite melting cheese) -
¼
cup
Heavy Cream
(for ultimate creaminess, or half and half for a lighter option) -
¼
tsp
Nutmeg
(optional, but highly recommended for classic flavor)
Tools You’ll Need
-
6 qt or 8 qt Electric Pressure Cooker -
Large Slotted Spoon -
8″x8″ Baking Dish
Instructions
-
Carefully peel the potatoes and slice them uniformly ¼-inch thick. Precision is key here: aim for consistent thickness (no thinner, as they can become overly soft; no thicker, as they might not cook completely). Add the sliced potatoes to the inner pot of your pressure cooker.
-
Stack a few slices of the smoked ham on top of each other, then cut them into strips, and finally into small, even squares. Add the cubed ham to the pot with the potatoes.
-
Generously sprinkle in the kosher salt, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and fresh thyme leaves (if you’re using them) over the potatoes and ham.
-
Pour in the cup of low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth. Ensure it’s distributed somewhat evenly over the ingredients.
-
Secure the lid on the pressure cooker, making sure it’s properly sealed. Set the steam release knob to the ‘Sealing’ position. Select the ‘Pressure Cook’ (or ‘Manual’) button/dial, then use the +/- button/dial to set the cooking time to a mere 1 minute. Yes, just one minute! The pot will take several minutes to come to full pressure before the cooking cycle begins.
-
Once the pressure cooking cycle has completed, immediately perform a Quick Release (QR) of the pressure. Carefully turn the steam release knob to the ‘Venting’ position, allowing the steam to escape quickly. Stand clear of the steam. Once the float valve (pin) in the lid drops down, indicating all pressure has been released, it’s safe to open the lid.
-
Using a large slotted spoon, very carefully transfer the cooked potatoes and ham mixture from the Instant Pot into an 8″x8″ baking dish. Leave the flavorful broth/liquid remaining in the pot; this will be used for your cheese sauce.
-
Adjust your oven rack to be approximately 6 to 8 inches from the broiler heating element. Turn on your oven’s broiler to 400°F (or your broiler’s high setting) to preheat.
-
Return your attention to the pressure cooker. Turn on the ‘Sauté’ setting to ‘Low’ heat.
-
To the remaining liquid in the pot, add 1 ½ cups of the shredded cheese, the heavy cream, and the nutmeg (if using). Stir continuously with a whisk or spoon until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Once achieved, turn off the pressure cooker.
-
Evenly spoon or carefully pour the rich cheese mixture over the potatoes and ham in the baking dish. Be mindful that the Instant Pot’s inner pot will still be hot, so use oven mitts or silicone holders if you lift it to pour.
-
Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheese over the top of the potatoes. Place the baking dish under the preheated broiler for 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully browned, bubbly, and caramelized to your preference. Maintain a constant watch, as broiling can happen very rapidly!
Notes
Recipe adapted from allrecipes.com
Nutrition
Calories:
197
kcal
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
Side Dish
American
Tried this recipe?
Mention @simply_happy_foodie
RESOURCES TO MAKE Instant Pot Scalloped Potatoes recipe and more
We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.