February feels like that in-between month. The Christmas rush has passed, school days are in full swing again, and the mornings still carry a little chill. It’s the kind of season when I find myself craving simple, filling food that doesn’t need too much fuss, something warm enough to fight the breeze but easy enough to handle on busy weekdays.
That’s where my Instant Pot steps in. On days when the schedule is packed or everyone is just hungry after school or work, this little kitchen buddy delivers. And lately, one of my go-to recipes has been Potato Bake using the Instant Pot.
Normally, baked potatoes can take close to an hour in the oven. In the Instant Pot, they’re ready in about 20 minutes, fluffy, steaming, and perfect for loading up with butter, cheese, or sour cream. The potatoes went straight on the trivet, let the pot do its thing, and in no time, we had potatoes that looked and tasted like they belonged at a steakhouse.
Easy Potato Bake Using the Instant Pot
Ingredients
- 4 medium potatoes (scrubbed clean)
- 1 cup water
- 2 tbsp butter (for topping)
- ½ cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your favorite)
- 2 tbsp sour cream (optional)
- Chopped chives or green onions, for garnish
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Place the trivet inside the Instant Pot. Pour in 1 cup of water.
- Arrange the scrubbed potatoes on the trivet.
- Lock the lid and set the Instant Pot to Pressure Cook (Manual) on High for 12–15 minutes (depending on potato size).
- Once done, allow a 10-minute natural release before quickly releasing the rest of the pressure.
- Carefully remove the potatoes. Using a knife, slice them open.
- Fluff the insides with a fork, then add butter, cheese, sour cream, and season with salt and pepper.
- Garnish with chives or green onions. Serve warm.
Notes
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For a cheesy layered potato bake, scoop out the flesh, mash with butter and cheese, then layer back into a baking dish. Broil for 5 minutes until golden.
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Add crispy bacon bits if you want a loaded version.
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Sweet potatoes work with the same method, giving you a naturally sweet, healthy twist.
Why I Love This Recipe
It’s exactly the kind of dish that works for February. Simple, hearty, and satisfying without needing the oven. Just set it, forget it, and enjoy steaming baked potatoes on the table.
Sometimes, the comfort of family merienda really does start with something as basic as a potato.
Kitchen Essentials for Potato Bake (Shopee Affiliate Picks)
- 🍲 Instant Pot Multi-Cooker – The star of the recipe.
- 🔪 Stainless Steel Trivet – Keeps potatoes elevated and cooking evenly.
- 🧈 Butter Dish with Lid – Because butter deserves proper storage.
- 🧀 Cheese Grater – Freshly grated cheese melts better.
- 🌿 Chopping Scissors for Herbs – Quick garnish tool.
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