Ingredients
Potatoes and Stock
- 2 pounds (900g) white potatoes, peeled and sliced
- 1 cup (237ml) vegetable stock
Seasonings and Aromatics
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp thyme, chopped
- 2 tbsp butter
Dairy and Cheese
- 1 cup (237ml) heavy cream
- 9 oz (255g) cheddar cheese, grated
Instructions
- Prepare the Potatoes: Peel and thinly slice the white potatoes to ensure even cooking and a creamy texture. Set them aside while you prepare the other ingredients.
- Sauté Aromatics: Turn the Instant Pot to sauté mode. Add butter and minced garlic to the pot, cooking until fragrant and lightly golden, about 1-2 minutes. This step enhances the dish with a rich garlic flavor.
- Add Potatoes and Herbs: Layer the sliced potatoes into the Instant Pot. Sprinkle the chopped thyme evenly over the potatoes to infuse a fresh herbal aroma.
- Pour in Vegetable Stock: Carefully add 1 cup of vegetable stock, ensuring it covers the potatoes partially to prevent burning and promote steaming during pressure cooking.
- Pressure Cook: Seal the Instant Pot lid and set it to manual high pressure for 8 minutes. This cooks the potatoes until tender but not mushy.
- Quick Release Pressure: Once cooking is complete, perform a quick release of the pressure by carefully turning the valve to vent. Open the lid once the pressure is fully released.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and the grated cheddar cheese directly into the potatoes. Mix gently to combine, allowing the cheese to melt and create a creamy sauce.
- Warm and Thicken: Set the Instant Pot to sauté again at low heat, and stir continuously for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency without boiling over.
- Serve: Once thickened, turn off the Instant Pot and serve the scalloped potatoes hot as a delicious side dish or a comforting vegetarian main.
Notes
- For extra flavor, sprinkle some freshly ground black pepper or paprika on top before serving.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version, but the dish may be less creamy.
- If you prefer sharper cheese, use aged cheddar or mix with Gruyère for a richer taste.
- Make sure to slice potatoes evenly to ensure even cooking in the Instant Pot.
- This recipe is vegetarian but not vegan due to dairy ingredients.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian