Welcome to your new favorite kitchen hack! This incredibly easy recipe for Instant Pot Baby Potatoes is set to become a regular star on your dinner table. Forget lengthy prep and tedious peeling; in mere minutes, you’ll have perfectly steamed, tender, and creamy baby potatoes, lightly kissed with butter, ready to complement any main course. They’re not just a delicious addition, but also a wonderfully quick and healthy side dish that simplifies mealtime.
The Instant Pot has truly revolutionized modern cooking, transforming frantic dinnertime rushes into calm, efficient meal preparations. As someone who relies on my Instant Pot (yes, I have two!), I can attest to its power in making side dishes like these baby potatoes or a batch of fluffy white rice a completely hands-free affair. This liberation allows me to dedicate my attention to the main course, or perhaps even enjoy a moment with my family. It’s a win-win: easier cooking and undeniably tastier results!
This recipe for Instant Pot baby potatoes isn’t just a suggestion; it’s a tested, proven kitchen standard in my home, honed over countless trials. Through careful experimentation, I’ve pinpointed the exact cooking time to achieve that elusive balance of creamy texture and perfectly steamed tenderness. Whether you’re serving it alongside succulent salmon, juicy roasted chicken, or a perfectly seared steak, these potatoes elevate any meal with their simple elegance and rich, buttery flavor.
Unveiling Baby Potatoes: What They Are & Why They’re Great
Baby potatoes, often affectionately called “little potatoes” or “new potatoes,” are simply the smaller, immature spuds harvested before they reach their full size. These delightful tubers begin their growth cycle but are picked early, often at the tail end of the harvest season, preventing them from developing into larger, more mature potatoes. Their defining characteristics are their delicate, thin skins and compact size, which make them incredibly convenient for cooking. There’s no need for laborious washing or peeling, making them an ideal choice for busy cooks seeking efficiency without compromising on flavor or nutrition. Their popularity has soared in recent years, thanks to their ease of preparation and charming appearance.
Beyond their convenience, baby potatoes offer a slightly sweeter, creamier flesh compared to their larger counterparts. They absorb flavors beautifully, making them a versatile canvas for various seasonings and preparations. Plus, their smaller size means they cook much faster, making them an excellent choice for a quick weeknight dinner or a last-minute addition to a festive meal.
Top Reasons to Love This Instant Pot Baby Potatoes Recipe:
- Perfectly Cooked, Every Time: Say goodbye to undercooked or mushy potatoes! Our precise Instant Pot method guarantees a consistently creamy texture and buttery flavor that will impress everyone at the table.
- Lightning-Fast Prep & Cook Time: Unlike larger potatoes that demand longer boiling or baking times, these baby potatoes cook incredibly fast in the Instant Pot. This makes them the ultimate choice for a quick, delicious, and healthy side dish on even the busiest evenings.
- Ideal for Meal Prep: Streamline your weekly cooking by batch-prepping these potatoes. Cook a larger quantity early in the week, store them, and simply reheat as needed for effortless meal additions throughout the days. They retain their delicious texture remarkably well.
- Zero Peeling or Chopping: Enjoy maximum flavor with minimal effort. Baby potatoes come with thin, edible skins, eliminating the need for tedious peeling. A quick rinse is all it takes before they’re ready for the Instant Pot, saving you valuable time and effort in the kitchen.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Steamed Potatoes
- Baby Potatoes: The star of our show! Look for “baby potatoes” or “new potatoes” in your grocery store. These are the immature, smaller versions of popular potato varieties like Yukon Gold, red potatoes, or even fingerlings. A typical bag is about 1 ½ pounds, which is perfect for this recipe. Their small size and thin skin are key to their quick cooking and delightful texture.
- Salt: A crucial ingredient for seasoning the potatoes from the inside out. Adding salt directly to the water in your Instant Pot ensures that the potatoes absorb flavor during the steaming process, leading to a more delicious result. You can always adjust the seasoning further to your personal taste after cooking.
- Water: This is the liquid that creates the steam within the Instant Pot, cooking your potatoes to tender perfection. Use 1 cup of cold water for a 6-quart Instant Pot or 1 ½ cups for an 8-quart model. For an extra layer of savory flavor, consider substituting the water with chicken or vegetable broth – just remember to omit the added salt if using broth, as it often contains its own sodium.
- Butter (Optional, but Recommended): Once steamed, a generous drizzle of melted butter transforms these already delicious potatoes into a truly indulgent side dish. The butter adds a rich, creamy finish that complements their natural flavor beautifully.
- Parsley (Optional): For a pop of vibrant color and a fresh, herbaceous note, I love to garnish these potatoes with a few tablespoons of freshly chopped parsley. If fresh parsley isn’t available, a small amount of dried parsley will also work well, adding a subtle aromatic touch.
- Additional Salt and Black Pepper: Always have these on hand to season the finished potatoes to your precise liking. Freshly ground black pepper adds a delightful aromatic warmth.
Essential Equipment for Success
- Instant Pot Pressure Cooker: The hero appliance for this recipe! I’ve personally tested this method with both the 6-quart and 8-quart Instant Pot models, and it yields fantastic results in both. My go-to model, known for its versatility and performance, is the Instant Pot Duo 8-quart.
- Steamer Basket: To ensure your baby potatoes are perfectly steamed and not submerged in water, a stainless steel steamer basket is highly recommended. It keeps the potatoes elevated, allowing the steam to circulate evenly. If you don’t have a steamer basket, a trivet can also be used effectively – simply pile the potatoes on top, ensuring they remain above the water line.
Step-by-Step: How to Cook Baby Potatoes in an Instant Pot
Achieving perfectly tender, buttery baby potatoes in your Instant Pot is incredibly straightforward. Follow these simple steps for a foolproof side dish:
Step One: Prepare the Pot. Begin by thoroughly washing and drying your baby potatoes. While many packaged potatoes are pre-washed, a quick rinse under cold water is always a good practice to ensure cleanliness. Add one cup of cold water (or 1 ½ cups for an 8-quart Instant Pot) to the inner pot. Sprinkle in one teaspoon of salt and stir it well until it dissolves completely in the water. This infuses flavor into the potatoes as they steam.
Step Two: Load the Potatoes. Carefully place the washed baby potatoes into your steamer basket. Gently lower the steamer basket into the Instant Pot’s inner pot, ensuring it sits above the water level. If you’re using a trivet, stack the potatoes neatly on top.
Step Three: Pressure Cook. Secure the lid onto your Instant Pot, making sure it’s properly sealed. Rotate the steam release valve to the “sealing” position. Select the “Pressure Cook” (or “Manual”) setting and set the cooking time for 7 minutes on high pressure. The Instant Pot will take a few minutes to come up to pressure before the cooking countdown begins.
Step Four: Quick Release the Pressure. Once the cooking cycle is complete and the timer beeps, it’s crucial to perform a quick pressure release. Carefully switch the steam release valve to the “venting” position. I recommend using the long handle of a wooden spoon or tongs to avoid direct contact with the hot steam. Watch as the steam rapidly escapes. Once the floating pin drops down, it indicates that all pressure has been released, and it is safe to open the lid. Always open the lid away from your face to avoid any lingering steam.
Step Five: Drain and Dress. Using a gloved hand or oven mitts, carefully remove the hot steamer basket from the Instant Pot. Discard any excess water remaining in the inner pot. Transfer the hot, steamed baby potatoes back into the empty Instant Pot or a large serving bowl.
Step Six: Season and Serve. Drizzle the melted butter over the warm potatoes, tossing gently to ensure each potato is beautifully coated. Sprinkle in the fresh or dried parsley, and toss again to combine. Taste and add additional salt and freshly ground black pepper as desired. Transfer the perfectly cooked, seasoned baby potatoes to a serving bowl and enjoy immediately!
Instant Pot Butter Melting Hack
For ultimate convenience and to keep all your cooking in one appliance, you can easily melt the butter directly in your Instant Pot. After removing the cooked potatoes and draining the water, set the Instant Pot to the “Sauté” mode. Once it’s hot, add your butter and swirl it around until it’s completely melted. Then, simply add your steamed baby potatoes and parsley back into the pot, turn off the Sauté function, and toss everything gently to combine and coat. This method saves you an extra pan to wash!
Expert Tips for Flawless Instant Pot Baby Potatoes
- Master the Quick Release: A rapid pressure release is absolutely essential for this recipe. It immediately halts the cooking process, preventing your delicate baby potatoes from overcooking and becoming mushy. Avoid natural pressure release, as the residual heat will continue to cook the potatoes, leading to an undesirable texture.
- Embrace Variety: Baby potatoes aren’t just one type! They come in various forms, essentially miniature versions of popular potato types. You can find them as mini Yukon Gold, small red potatoes, purple potatoes, or even tiny white or yellow potatoes. Feel free to choose your favorite kind; the cooking time remains consistent across these smaller varieties. Each type offers a slightly different flavor profile and texture, so experiment to find what you love best!
- Beyond a Side Dish: While these Instant Pot baby potatoes are absolutely divine when simply steamed and tossed with butter or a good quality olive oil, their versatility extends much further. They make an excellent base for homemade mashed potatoes – just omit the butter and parsley step, then mash and season to your heart’s content. They can also be chilled and incorporated into a creamy potato salad, offering a firmer bite than traditional boiled potatoes.
- Uniform Sizing for Even Cooking: For the best results, try to select baby potatoes that are roughly similar in size. This ensures that all potatoes cook evenly at the same rate, preventing some from being undercooked while others are perfectly tender.
- Enhance Flavor with Broth: Instead of plain water, consider using chicken or vegetable broth for steaming. This simple substitution infuses the potatoes with an extra layer of savory flavor. If you choose this option, remember to reduce or omit the added salt, as broths often contain significant sodium.
Storing & Reheating Leftovers
Any leftover Instant Pot baby potatoes can be easily stored for future enjoyment. Simply transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days. This makes them excellent for meal prepping throughout the week.
To reheat: For best results, place the desired amount of potatoes in a microwave-safe bowl. Reheat in 30-second intervals, stirring gently between each interval, until they are tender and thoroughly heated through. You can also warm them gently in a skillet on the stovetop with a little butter or oil for a slightly crispy exterior, or in an air fryer for a few minutes until warm.
Creative Variations & Smart Substitutions
While classic buttered baby potatoes are undeniably delicious, don’t hesitate to get creative and customize this recipe to your palate!
- No Steamer Basket? No Problem! If you don’t own a steamer basket, you can absolutely still make these potatoes. Simply place a metal trivet in the bottom of your Instant Pot. Carefully pile the washed baby potatoes on top of the trivet, ensuring they remain elevated above the water level. The steam will still circulate effectively, cooking them to perfection.
- Amp Up the Flavor with Seasonings: Transform these simple potatoes into a vibrant, seasoned side. Once the cooking time is complete, instead of just butter and parsley, toss the hot potatoes with a generous drizzle of olive oil (or butter), a teaspoon of garlic powder, half a teaspoon of onion powder, and a tablespoon of your favorite Italian seasoning blend. A sprinkle of fresh or dried rosemary and thyme would also be delightful. For an extra touch, finish with a grating of Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Dairy-Free Option: If you’re looking for a dairy-free alternative, easily substitute the butter. Instead of butter, drizzle the warm potatoes with your favorite dairy-free spread, butter-flavored coconut oil, or an infused olive oil (like garlic or herb-infused). The results will be equally tender and delicious.
- Fingerling Potatoes: These slender, elongated potatoes can be cooked using the exact same directions and cook time as baby potatoes. Their thin skin and quick-cooking nature make them a perfect substitute, offering a slightly different visual appeal and a similar tender texture.
- Herb Garden Freshness: Experiment with different fresh herbs! Beyond parsley, consider tossing your cooked potatoes with finely chopped dill, chives, mint, or a mix of all four for a bright, aromatic twist.
- Spicy Kick: For those who love a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with your butter and herbs. A dash of smoked paprika can also add depth and a subtle smoky flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely. While many packaged baby potatoes might appear clean, it’s always a good habit to wash all produce before cooking. Simply rinse the baby potatoes thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt or debris. Afterward, pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel to ensure they steam evenly.
One of the greatest advantages of baby potatoes is that their skins are incredibly thin, delicate, and entirely edible. There is no need to peel them! This not only saves you significant time and effort but also retains beneficial nutrients found in the skin. Their small size would also make peeling them quite tedious, so enjoy the convenience.
Baby potatoes are perfectly cooked when they can be easily pierced through to the center with a knife or a fork. They should feel tender but still hold their shape without being mushy. If there’s any resistance, they may need another minute or two of cooking.
For most baby potatoes, 7 to 8 minutes of high-pressure cooking in the Instant Pot is ideal. Use 7 minutes if you prefer them slightly firmer, especially if you have a smaller batch. Opt for 8 minutes if you like them a bit softer or have a larger quantity of potatoes. The quick pressure release is vital to prevent overcooking once the timer goes off.
Yes, you can cook frozen baby potatoes in the Instant Pot. However, they might require an extra minute or two of cooking time compared to fresh potatoes due to their frozen state. Make sure to adjust the pressure cooking time to 8-9 minutes and perform a quick pressure release.
For this recipe, it’s best to cook only the baby potatoes to ensure even cooking and perfect texture. Different vegetables have varying cooking times under pressure. If you wish to cook other vegetables, it’s generally recommended to do so separately or follow a recipe specifically designed for mixed vegetables in the Instant Pot.
More Delicious & Easy Side Dishes to Explore
Looking to round out your meal with more effortless and delicious sides? Here are some other fantastic recipes that are sure to please your family and guests:
- Instant Pot Broccoli (Fresh or Frozen) – Perfectly steamed, vibrant broccoli every time.
- Crispy Air Fryer Baby Potatoes – For those who prefer a golden, crispy exterior.
- Parmesan Crusted Potatoes – An indulgent, cheesy potato side dish.
- Roasted Asparagus and Carrots – A colorful and healthy vegetable medley.
- Easy Funeral Potatoes – A classic, creamy, and comforting casserole.
If you tried and loved this easy recipe for Instant Pot Baby Potatoes, please consider leaving a 5-star review in the recipe card below or sharing your feedback in the comments! Your ratings and comments help others discover and enjoy these recipes. Don’t forget to tag me on Instagram @dashfordinner with your culinary creations!
Instant Pot Baby Potatoes (Perfectly Steamed)
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Equipment
- Instant Pot
- Steamer basket
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds baby potatoes (24 ounces)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup water
- 2 tablespoons butter melted (optional)
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley or 2 tablespoons fresh (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Add 1 cup of cool water to the inner pot of a 6-quart Instant Pot. Sprinkle in the salt and stir gently to combine.
- Place a steamer basket (or trivet) in the Instant Pot and add the baby potatoes into the basket in an even layer. It’s okay if some rest on top of others.
- Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and set the valve to “sealing”.
- Cook on manual pressure for 7-8 minutes (use the longer time for very soft potatoes).
- As soon as the cooking time is up carefully switch the valve to “venting” to do a quick pressure release.
- Remove the steamer basket from the Instant Pot and pour off the water from the Instant Pot.
- Add the potatoes back to the Instant Pot and add in the melted butter, dried parsley, and salt and pepper (to taste).
- Serve immediately.
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Notes
Without a steamer basket: Place a trivet in the Instant Pot and stack the potatoes on top, keeping them above the water level.
8-quart Instant Pot: If using an 8-quart model, increase the water to 1 ½ cups – even when keeping the number of potatoes the same. This ensures the pot reaches the required pressure level.
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 30g |
Protein: 3g |
Fat: 6g |
Saturated Fat: 4g |
Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3g |
Monounsaturated Fat: 1g |
Trans Fat: 0.2g |
Cholesterol: 15mg |
Sodium: 640mg |
Potassium: 718mg |
Fiber: 4g |
Sugar: 1g |
Vitamin A: 179IU |
Vitamin C: 34mg |
Calcium: 24mg |
Iron: 1mg
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