You can easily make boxed au gratin potatoes in the Instant Pot! Find out just how simple it is!
No need to heat up the stove or oven–you can make Instant Pot au gratin potatoes from a box in a matter of minutes!
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Listen, I know you’re busy, just like I am. You don’t have all day to spend in the kitchen, even if you wanted to.
And while I fully believe there are some things that are best to make from scratch (Instant Pot mashed potatoes, anyone?), I also acknowledge the reality that time is limited.
And when you’re tackling a mountain of laundry so the kids will have something clean to wear tomorrow, settling sibling squabbles for the 956th time today, practicing multiplication tables with your third grader and taxiing kids to and fro, you don’t always have time to make everything from scratch.
I get it.
That’s why I think it’s totally fine to include convenience foods in your diet from time to time.
This is one of those times.
Because, let’s be honest–the likelihood of me having time to hand-cut a bunch of potatoes into paper thin slices is pretty slim these days.
While my family does try to limit boxed convenience foods, I am totally okay with turning to boxed au gratin potatoes every now and then!
More Convenience Foods You Can Make in Your Instant Pot:
- Instant Pot Hamburger Helper from a Box
- Instant Pot Rice a Roni
- Instant Pot Frozen Ravioli
- Instant Pot Frozen Dumplings (Potstickers)
- Instant Pot Knorr Rice Sides
Can You Make Boxed Au Gratin Potatoes in the Instant Pot?
I’m happy to report that yes, you can make au gratin potatoes in the Instant Pot!
I was trying to multitask the other day and wanted a hands-free way to make some potatoes, so I tried making these boxed au gratin potatoes in the Instant Pot. It worked beautifully!
More Instant Pot Side Dishes:
- Instant Pot Southern Style Green Beans
- Sweet Corn and Tomato Salad in the Instant Pot
- Instant Pot Jasmine Rice
- Instant Pot Scalloped Pineapple Dressing
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How to Make Boxed Au Gratin Potatoes in the Instant Pot
It’s really easy! This method would also work for making boxed scalloped potatoes in the Instant Pot.
These would be the perfect addition to Easter dinner, alongside a ham!
Check out my list of more delicious Instant Pot Easter recipes!
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 Box of Au Gratin Potatoes and included seasoning packet (I used Betty Crocker)
- 1 3/4 cups water (the box called for 2 cups, but I decreased it a bit since there wouldn’t be much evaporation in the Instant Pot)
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 Tbsp butter
How to Make It:
(Full printable recipe is available below)
Combine ingredients. Add the potatoes, seasoning mix, butter, water, and milk to the insert pot of the Instant Pot.
Note: I normally avoid pressure cooking dairy, because it can sometimes curdle under pressure. However, in this case, it works just fine–I’ve tested it multiple times and have never had an issue with curdling.
Pressure cook. Next you’ll set a cook time of 5 minutes at high pressure. Once the cook time is over, perform a quick release of pressure.
After the pressure has released and the valve drops, carefully remove the lid.
Brown, if desired. If you want, you can transfer the potatoes to a shallow dish and pop them in the oven under the broiler for just a few minutes to brown the top a bit. Totally optional!
If you have a Mealthy CrispLid or other air fryer lid for the Instant Pot, you can also use it to brown the tops a bit, which is what I did. Again, totally optional!
Notes and Adaptations:
- You can use this same method and same cook time to prepare two boxes of potatoes, if you need more servings.
- The cheese sauce will thicken slightly as it cools.
- Feel free to add some chopped, cooked ham to this dish if you want, and enjoy a meal of au gratin potatoes and ham!
Recommended Equipment:
- Instant Pot (I have the DUO60 model) or other electric pressure cooker
- Mealthy CrispLid or other air fryer lid for the Instant Pot (optional)
Instant Pot Au Gratin Potatoes (From a Box)
No need to use the stove or oven for these au gratin potatoes--you can cook your favorite boxed variety in the Instant Pot!
Ingredients
- 4.7-oz Box of Au Gratin Potatoes, including seasoning packet
- 1 3/4 cups water
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 Tbsp butter
Instructions
- In the insert pot of the Instant Pot, add potatoes, seasoning packet, water, milk, and butter. Stir to combine.
- Close lid and set the vent to the sealed position.
- Select a cook time of 5 minutes at high pressure.
- When the cook time is complete, perform a quick release of pressure. After the pressure has released and the valve has dropped, carefully remove lid.
- Stir and serve, or transfer potatoes to an oven-safe dish and put in the oven under the broiler for a couple of minutes, if desired. You can also use a Mealthy CrispLid or other air fryer lid for the Instant Pot to brown the top of the potatoes. This step is optional.
Notes
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 111Total Fat: 9gSaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 305mgCarbohydrates: 5gFiber: 1gSugar: 0gProtein: 3g
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and is not guaranteed for accuracy.
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Does the cooking time change for 2 servings?
Hi Kristine! I’d keep the cook time the same for two boxes. Enjoy! 🙂
Do you double the liquid?
Hi Jennifer! If you are making two boxes, go ahead and double all of the ingredients, including the liquid. You’ll use the same cook time. Enjoy! 🙂
Have you experimented with adding raw boneless skinless chicken breasts to this and cook all together? I have done that in the oven and it comes out great. But have not tried in the IP.
If so, do you think I should I change the cook time?
Hi Amy! I haven’t tried that, but what a great idea! I think this could easily be done in the Instant Pot. I’d recommend cutting the chicken breasts in half and keeping the cook time the same. If you try it, I’d love to know how it works out!
Me Tarzan.
Hi, What would be the cook time if I want to allow pressure to release on it’s own? 3 minutes?
Will this change if I make 4 boxes?
Does the bottom burn??? Could I cook at lower setting and for how long?
My pot is stainless steel, should I oil the bottom?
Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus.
Thank you very much. I have to make this side for Christmas at my brothers house.
Hi Don! Those are great questions. I haven’t tested the recipe with a natural release, but I would think 3-4 minutes cook time might work. As far as making four boxes, I haven’t tried that, either, but I’d be concerned that might exceed the maximum recommended fill for the Instant Pot, so double-check that. My IP has a stainless steel pot as well, and I did not oil the bottom (though you certainly could if you’d like), and had no problems with scorching. However, I suppose scorching could potentially be an issue if you use four boxes, as it will take longer for the pot to come to pressure, which could cause some of the milk/cheese mixture to burn. Sorry I can’t give you a more definitive answer without having tested it myself, but hopefully that helps a little! 🙂