Imagine diving into a dish so creamy, so cheesy, and so irresistibly delicious that it'll make your taste buds dance with joy! These Instant Pot Dad's Creamy Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes are not just another side dish – they're a culinary experience that transforms humble potatoes into a mouthwatering masterpiece. Whether you're looking to impress your family or craving the ultimate comfort food, this recipe promises restaurant-quality results with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs potatoes, sliced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
- Wash and peel potatoes, then slice them uniformly into 1/4-inch thick rounds using a mandoline or sharp knife to ensure even cooking.
- Prepare the Instant Pot by lightly greasing the inner pot with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Dice the onions finely and mince the garlic cloves, ensuring they are chopped to release maximum flavor.
- Layer the sliced potatoes in the Instant Pot, sprinkling each layer with diced onions, minced garlic, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
- Pour the heavy cream evenly over the layered potatoes, ensuring all potato slices are partially covered.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously over the potato layers, creating a rich and creamy base.
- Close the Instant Pot lid, set the valve to sealing position, and select the "Pressure Cook" mode on high pressure for 10 minutes.
- Once cooking completes, allow a natural pressure release for 5 minutes, then carefully do a quick release.
- Open the lid and sprinkle grated parmesan cheese over the top of the potatoes.
- Optional: For a golden, crispy top, transfer to a broiler-safe dish and broil for 2-3 minutes until cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.
- Let the potatoes rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set and flavors to meld.
Tips
- Slice Uniformity is Key: Use a mandoline or sharp knife to ensure potato slices are exactly 1/4-inch thick. This guarantees even cooking and a consistent texture throughout the dish.
- Cheese Selection Matters: While the recipe calls for cheddar and parmesan, feel free to experiment with different cheese combinations. Gruyère or fontina can add extra depth of flavor.
- Prevent Burning: Greasing the Instant Pot inner pot is crucial to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Layering Technique: When layering potatoes, distribute onions and garlic evenly to ensure each bite is packed with flavor.
- Natural Pressure Release: The 5-minute natural release helps the potatoes continue cooking gently and absorb more flavors.
- Broiling Tip: If you want a golden, crispy top, don't skip the optional broiling step – it adds a beautiful texture and color to the dish.
- Resting Time: Allowing the potatoes to rest for 5 minutes after cooking helps the sauce set and makes serving easier.Pro Tip: This recipe is perfect for meal prep and can be easily reheated, making it a fantastic make-ahead side dish for busy weeknights or special gatherings!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 23g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Cholesterol: 70mg
