These Instant Pot Scalloped Potatoes are deliciously addictive thinly sliced potatoes baked with a creamy cheese sauce using the pot-in-pot method.
» Check out these Instant Pot Accessories you need. Try this Instant Pot Chicken Fried Rice for other great side dish.
Scalloped Potatoes is a classic dish that also goes by the name of Potatoes Au Gratin, made popular in France where cream and butter are staple foods.
The difference between the two dishes is that scalloped potatoes are made with a roux (flour, butter, and milk), whereas Potatoes au Gratin are made with just cream, butter and cheese.
This version of scalloped potatoes is perfect for the Instant Pot, which might surprise you. Instead of placing the potatoes directly into the inner pot, you put them in a separate dish that goes inside the pot on the trivet.
This way you don’t have to add any water to the potatoes, which would ruin the dish. If you haven’t tried pot-in-pot cooking before, learn all you need to know here.
Scalloped Potatoes Ingredients
The ingredients in scalloped potatoes are very simple, and usually are things you already have in the pantry. This is a great recipe to help you use up those extra potatoes!
- Potatoes – Russet potatoes are great for this dish, but you could use just about any potato you like. Jersey Royals are delicious! Red potatoes work well too.
- Butter, flour, and milk – These ingredients make up the roux, which is the creamy sauce you’ll pour over the potatoes.
- Cheddar cheese – Try using a sharp cheddar cheese to give extra flavor to the dish. You could also use a creamy French cheese like Reblochon or Brie.
- Salt and Pepper – these are very important for adding great flavor to the dish.
How to Slice the Potatoes
The most important part of this recipe is the sliced potatoes. They need to be thinly sliced to about 1/8-inch. If they’re too thick, they will take a long time to cook and won’t be as well balanced with the sauce. If they’re too thin, they can disintegrate into the dish.
The best/easiest way to slice the potatoes is with a mandolin. This tool helps you easily slice the potatoes and they all come out perfectly uniform. It will save you a ton of time.
If you don’t have a mandolin, you can slice them yourself with a knife. Make sure it’s very sharp and that each slice you make is uniform.
The potatoes do not need to be peeled before slicing. I actually recommend leaving the skin on the potatoes because it helps keep them together, and adds some extra nutrients.
Potatoes cook fast and easy in the Instant Pot. For more great recipes try this Instant Pot Mashed Potato recipe or these Instant Pot Baked Potatoes.
How to Make Scalloped Potatoes in the Instant Pot
In a sauce pan over medium heat, allow the butter to melt, then add the flour and whisk together. Cook for 2-3 minutes. Pour in the milk and whisk until smooth.
Layer the potatoes in a dish that fits inside your Instant Pot. Sprinkle on 1/3 of the shredded cheese. Pour on 1/3 of the cream mixture. Repeat with 2 more layers.
Place the trivet in the Instant Pot. Pour in 1 cup of water. Set the potato dish on the trivet. Lock the lid and set the vent to sealing.
Press the Pressure Cook button and set the time to 30 minutes. When the time is up, naturally release pressure for 5-10 minutes, then release the remaining pressure.
Allow the dish to sit for at least 5 minutes to firm up before serving. It might seem a bit liquidy, but it will firm up and can then be cut and scooped from the dish.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between potatoes au gratin and scalloped potatoes?
The difference between the two dishes is that scalloped potatoes are made with a roux (flour, butter, and milk), whereas Potatoes au Gratin are made with just cream, butter and cheese.
How long do scalloped potatoes take to cook in the Instant Pot?
The beauty of the Instant Pot is that it cooks things faster then the oven. The recipe cooks for 30 minutes. When the time is up allow the pressure to release naturally for 5-10 minutes, then release the remaining pressure. Then allow the dish to sit for at least 5 minutes to firm up before serving.
Main Dishes to Serve This With
This is a great side dish to serve with just about any main dish protein. I like to serve it with chicken and pork. Here are a few options to enjoy:
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Instant Pot Scalloped Potatoes
Note: Made in a 6-qt Instant Pot
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3 medium potatoes sliced
- 1/2 cup cheddar cheese shredded
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 1/2 cup milk or cream
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- In a sauce pan over medium heat, allow the butter to melt, then add the flour and whisk together. Cook for 2-3 minutes. Pour in the milk and whisk until smooth.
- Layer the potatoes in a dish that fits inside your Instant Pot. Sprinkle on ⅓ of the shredded cheese. Pour on ⅓ of the sauce. Repeat with 2 more layers.
- Place the trivet in the Instant Pot. Pour in 1 cup of water. Set the potato dish on the trivet. Lock the lid and set the vent to sealing.
- Press the Pressure Cook button and set the time to 30 minutes. When the time is up, naturally release pressure for 5-10 minutes, then release the remaining pressure.
- Allow the dish to sit for at least 5 minutes to firm up before serving.
Nutrition
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Laura is a passionate home cook and the owner of A Pressure Cooker Kitchen. She is dedicated to helping people create delicious Instant Pot meals with ease. Laura is an expert at developing recipes that can be prepared quickly and easily using a pressure cooker.
I made this up and left in the frig the night before. Through it into the IP when I got home from work. Scallped potatoes are absolutely doable on busy weeknights.
Happy to hear that Charlotte.
The potatoes were tender, and the sause very creamy.