Our Instant Pot is hands-down one of the best investments we’ve made in the kitchen.
Between busy workdays, school schedules, and family activities, it’s been a total lifesaver.
Honestly, it’s more than a gadget—it’s a little kitchen miracle.
From quick dinners to weekend comfort food, this one appliance helps us feed our family healthy, homemade meals with minimal stress.
Over the years, we’ve discovered 20 amazing ways to make the most of our Instant Pot, and I’m excited to share them with you.
Amazon Gear for Getting the Most Out of Our Instant Pot I Recommend
Want to Save Time, Cook Faster, and Feed Your Family with Less Stress?
The Instant Pot has become one of the most-used appliances in our home.
From quick weeknight dinners to meal prep, breakfasts, and even desserts, it helps us cook smarter every single week.
Below are my favorite Amazon essentials that help us use our Instant Pot in 20+ practical, everyday ways.
Top Instant Pot Essentials on Amazon
| Product | Why You’ll Love It | Shop Now |
|---|---|---|
| Instant Pot Multi-Cooker (6- or 8-Quart) | Pressure cooks, slow cooks, sautés, steams, and more — a true family workhorse. | Check Price on Amazon |
| Extra Inner Pot (Stainless Steel) | Lets you cook back-to-back meals without waiting for cleanup. | View on Amazon |
| Silicone Steamer Basket | Perfect for veggies, eggs, dumplings, and healthy sides. | Shop Now |
| Glass Lid (Instant Pot Compatible) | Ideal for slow cooking, sautéing, or keeping food warm. | Buy on Amazon |
| Silicone Egg Bites Mold | Great for breakfast egg bites, mini frittatas, and desserts. | See Details |
| Instant Pot Sealing Rings (Multi-Pack) | Keeps flavors separate for sweet and savory meals. | Check Price |
| Pressure-Safe Measuring Cups & Spoons | Ensures accurate liquid and ingredient ratios every time. | View on Amazon |
| Recipe Cookbook for Instant Pot | Endless inspiration for quick family meals. | Shop Now |
Why We Love Our Instant Pot
If you’re new to the Instant Pot, you might feel intimidated at first.
It looks complicated, and there’s a little fear that it might “explode” (spoiler: it won’t!).
But trust me, once you get the hang of it, it becomes your best kitchen friend.
Our 6-quart Instant Pot Duo is perfect for a family of four.
It’s a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, sauté pan, and yogurt maker all in one.
I honestly don’t know how we ever cooked meals without it.
Some of the biggest benefits for our family:
- Saves 70% of cooking time.
- Perfect for meal prepping and freezer meals.
- Hands-off cooking—so I can focus on the kids, our dog, or just relax while it works its magic.
1. Juicy Pulled Pork
Making pulled pork used to be a whole-day event.
With our Instant Pot, it’s ready in under an hour and perfectly tender.
We love shredding it for tacos, sandwiches, or even a big salad bowl.
2. Creamy Yogurt
I never thought I’d make yogurt at home, but the Instant Pot makes it surprisingly simple.
The kids love customizing it with fresh berries and a drizzle of honey, and it’s so much healthier than store-bought.
3. Perfect Rice Every Time
Whether it’s brown rice for meal prep or jasmine rice for dinner, the Instant Pot gives perfect results every time. Bonus:
I can cook rice alongside beans or veggies for a complete meal in one pot.
4. Cozy Spiced Apple Cider
Fall evenings are our favorite time to bring out the Instant Pot.
Apple cider cooks in 15 minutes, fills the house with amazing aromas, and keeps warm for everyone to enjoy. It’s basically autumn in a mug!
5. Family-Favorite Soups
From chicken noodle to creamy potato soup, we rely on the Instant Pot for soups that taste like they’ve simmered all day—but in less than an hour.
Soup night has never been easier.
6. Meal-Prep Hard-Boiled Eggs
Hard-boiled eggs are a lifesaver for breakfasts, salads, and snacks.
Five minutes on high pressure and a quick ice bath, and we have perfectly cooked eggs every time.
7. Whole Roasted Chicken
Cooking a 5-pound chicken in 30 minutes? Yes, please! It comes out juicy and flavorful.
I love roasting it on a bed of lemon slices and fresh herbs—it smells amazing while it cooks.
8. Hassle-Free Baked Potatoes
A batch of baked potatoes ready in 12 minutes is perfect for weeknight dinners or a casual baked potato bar with toppings like cheese, sour cream, and bacon.
9. Creamy Mashed Potatoes
These mash potatoes are creamy, dreamy, and perfect for family dinners.
Butter, cream cheese, and a pinch of herbs make them a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
10. Steamed Veggies
We love quick, healthy sides.
Brussels sprouts, broccoli, or carrots steam in minutes and retain all their nutrients.
I always toss them with olive oil and a sprinkle of salt before serving.
11. Dried Beans Made Simple
Cooking dried beans used to take hours. Now, they’re perfectly tender in a fraction of the time.
Chickpeas, black beans, kidney beans—you name it. Great for soups, salads, and hummus.
12. Risotto Without Stirring
Creamy risotto doesn’t have to be a workout.
With the Instant Pot, it cooks evenly and beautifully with minimal attention.
13. Homemade Applesauce
My kids love applesauce, and making it at home in the Instant Pot is effortless.
Smooth, sweet, and perfect as a snack or dessert.
14. Quick Steel-Cut Oats
Breakfast prep is a breeze. Steel-cut oats cook in minutes, and I can add fruit, nuts, or cinnamon for variety. It’s hearty and keeps the whole family full.
15. One-Pot Pasta
Dinner in one pot is a life-saver. Combine noodles, sauce, and veggies, set the timer, and voilà—pasta night without the extra dishes.
16. Steamed Fish
Delicate fish fillets cook perfectly in minutes. Moist, flavorful, and minimal cleanup.
17. Rice Pudding
A comforting dessert made easy. Creamy, sweet, and customizable with your favorite spices or fruits.
18. Pot Roast
A family classic that usually takes hours in the oven.
The Instant Pot reduces cooking time significantly while keeping meat tender and flavorful.
19. Chili Night
Whether beef, turkey, or vegetarian, chili is hearty, cozy, and quick.
Perfect for weeknight dinners or prepping freezer meals.
20. Yogurt Cheesecake
A little indulgence made simple. Creamy, smooth, and evenly cooked, perfect for celebrating family birthdays or special occasions.
Final Thoughts
Our Instant Pot has become more than just an appliance—it’s a kitchen companion.
It saves time, makes cooking stress-free, and keeps our family fed with wholesome meals.
From breakfast to dessert, it handles it all.
I hope these 20 ideas inspire you to explore new ways to use your Instant Pot.
Don’t forget to experiment and make it your own.
Cooking should be fun, and with this little gadget, it definitely is!