You Got an Instant Pot — Here's What to Make First

If you don’t like spending too much time cooking, an Instant Pot can be your best friend. You can cook pretty much anything with it quickly and easily. If you’ve just bought your appliance, we have a few great recipes you can start with. Try them out, and you’ll be introduced to its most useful functions.

Instant Pot Mushroom Risotto

Who doesn't love a good bowl of risotto? With an Instant Pot, you can make it in only 15 minutes. Ingredients:

  • ¼ cup unsalted butter
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 3 cups diced mushrooms
  • 1 cup chopped onion
  • 1 sprig rosemary
  • 1 ½ cups Arborio rice
  • ¾ cup white vino
  • 1 quart chicken or vegetable stock
  • salt and ground black pepper to taste
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instant Pot Mushroom Risotto
Instagram // @instantpotofficial

Directions:

  1. Set the Instant Pot to Sauté and add the butter, oil, and mushrooms. Cook for a bit and stir in onion and rosemary sprig.
  2. Add the rice and some vino and simmer. Pour in stock, close, lock, and seal the lid. Select high pressure and set the timer for 6 minutes.
  3. Release the pressure and stir some more until you get a creamy texture. Remove the rosemary sprig and add Parmesan.

Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs

You'll be impressed by how juicy and tender baby ribs can get in an Instant Pot. Rest assured that they'll be the star of your BBQ party! Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons kosher salt
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 ½ teaspoons cayenne pepper
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 rack baby back pork ribs
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • ¼ cup barbeque sauce, or as needed

Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs
Instagram // @delilah

Directions:

  1. Once you make the rub with the listed ingredients, cut the rack into four parts and rub the ribs with the mixture.
  2. Pour the beef broth into the Instant Pot and place the ribs. Lock the lid, select high pressure, and set the timer for 30 minutes.
  3. Wait about 10-15 minutes until the pressure builds, then release, unlock, and remove the lid. Put the ribs on a baking sheet and get them saucy with the barbecue sauce.
  4. Bake in a preheated oven until the meat can fall off the bone.

Hard-Boiled Eggs

Hard-boiled eggs are easier than ever to achieve in an Instant Pot. Whether you're preparing breakfast or need eggs for a fun Easter egg hunt, this appliance will be a game changer. Ingredients:

  • 1 cup water
  • 16 eggs

Hard-Boiled Eggs
Instagram // @guarnaschelli

Directions:

  1. Place a wire rack at the bottom of the Instant Pot. Pour in the water and put the eggs inside. Close and lock the lid, select high pressure, and set a timer for 4 minutes. Allow pressure to build for about 10-15 minutes.
  2. Once the eggs are boiled, hit cancel and release the pressure for about 5 minutes. Unlock, remove the lid, then place the eggs in a bowl and cover with cold water. Let cool, peel them while still warm, and enjoy. You can also store them in the fridge.