If you haven’t been using your Instant Pot for side dishes, you’re missing a simple way to upgrade weeknight meals. Below are 25 easy, flavorful Instant Pot side dish recipes with clear, step-by-step instructions to make prep fast and stress-free.
I’ll be honest — it’s easy to fall into a routine with the same few sides. That’s why I hunted down quick Instant Pot side dish recipes that are delicious, simple, and realistic for busy evenings. These recipes were chosen for being easy to follow, many with pictures or videos, and most require minimal hands-on time.
Here are 25 Instant Pot side dishes worth trying, each with a brief note on why it’s worth making.
Teriyaki Grilled Artichokes with Sriracha Dipping Sauce
Don’t be intimidated by artichokes — they’re simpler than they look. This recipe uses the Instant Pot to boil and tenderize artichokes quickly, then finishes them grilled with a ginger, garlic and honey Sriracha dipping sauce. Gluten free and approachable for beginners.
Instant Pot Mac ‘n Cheese
A classic comfort food made from scratch and ready in about 10 minutes. This Instant Pot mac and cheese is creamy, quick, and a hit with both kids and adults — perfect as a crowd-pleasing side or a simple weeknight dish.
Perfect Instant Pot Baked Potatoes
Yes — a true baked potato in about 27 minutes, evenly cooked and ready to top. This simple method uses only two ingredients and produces reliably fluffy baked potatoes without the oven.
Instant Pot Spicy Creamed Corn
Rich, buttery creamed corn with a spicy Cajun twist. This one takes about 10 minutes and is an easy, comforting, gluten-free side that pairs well with grilled or roasted proteins.
Instant Pot Gobi Masala – Cauliflower in Indian Spices
A simple, authentic-feeling cauliflower side flavored with Indian spices. This Instant Pot version reduces hands-on time and helps the cauliflower stay tender without turning mushy. Vegan and gluten free, ready in about 7 minutes.
Pressure Cooker Green Beans with Bacon
A simple, no-fuss side with green beans and bacon — minimal ingredients and hands-off cooking. This low-carb, gluten-free dish is tossed into the Instant Pot and left to finish, about 25 minutes total.
Instant Pot Keto Creamy Garlic Broccoli Mash
This broccoli mash, made with cream cheese and garlic, is a low-carb alternative to creamed vegetables. It’s keto- and gluten-friendly and can be ready in about 10 minutes. Optional red pepper flakes add a touch of heat.
Instant Pot Dal Makhani
A creamy mix of black and kidney beans often described as a buttery lentil. This vegan, gluten-free side is flavorful and versatile — great with rice, bread, or as a protein-rich accompaniment.
Instant Pot Corn on the Cob
Skip boiling and get perfectly cooked corn in about 12 minutes. This is a fast, reliable vegetable side that’s especially handy when you need a simple addition to dinner.
Instant Pot Spaghetti Squash
The ideal pasta substitute, steamed perfectly in the Instant Pot in about 12 minutes. This recipe walks you through steaming without overcooking and works well for gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan meals.
Loaded Baked Potato Salad Without Mayo
A loaded potato salad made without mayo — Whole30-friendly and gluten free. Ready quickly and packed with flavor, including bacon for extra richness.
Instant Pot Honey Butter Carrots
Carrots glazed in a honey-butter sauce — hands-off and simple in the Instant Pot. This is a sweet, family-friendly side that’s easy to prepare and takes about 23 minutes from start to table.
Easy Instant Pot No-Stir Polenta
This no-stir polenta yields creamy, smooth results with very little effort. A one-step pressure cooker method that avoids the constant stirring of traditional polenta. Gluten free and vegetarian, about 20 minutes total.
Chickpeas Vegetable Korma / Instant Pot Veg Kurma
A comforting curry of vegetables, chickpeas, warm spices, cashews and coconut milk. Making this in the Instant Pot removes the need to babysit the pot, and it’s easy to swap the chickpeas for other beans if you prefer. About 14 minutes cook time.
Instant Pot Brussels Sprouts
A bold Brussels sprouts recipe with bacon, apple cider vinegar and soy sauce for tang and depth. Quick and flavorful — about 10 minutes — with tips for the best texture.
Teriyaki Instant Pot Rice
A set-and-forget rice dish with teriyaki flavor that’s easy, no-fuss, and versatile. No sticking or boiling over — just reliable rice with about 22 minutes total cook time.
Mushroom Risotto in the Instant Pot
This Instant Pot risotto delivers creamy texture without the constant stirring of traditional risotto. Rich, comforting, and fast — the pressure cooker reduces hands-on time while preserving flavor. Short cook time with detailed steps provided.
Instant Pot Potato Salad 3 Ways
Versatile potato salad with three different dressings — no mayo required. Options include a roasted bell pepper sauce, a French-inspired herb blend, and a wasabi-ginger dressing for an Asian twist. About 19 minutes cook time.
Instant Pot Ratatouille
A classic stewed vegetable dish made easy — tomatoes, zucchini, eggplant, bell peppers and herbs come together with a splash of balsamic. Vegetarian, vegan, paleo and Whole30-friendly, ready in about 12 minutes.
Rajas Con Crema y Elote
A comforting mix of roasted poblanos, onions, and corn finished with a touch of crème fraîche. The Instant Pot speeds up the process and reduces hands-on time — about 5 minutes cooking time once assembled.
Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice | Instant Pot Cauliflower Rice
A low-carb, cauliflower-based take on cilantro-lime rice reminiscent of a popular fast-casual version, but made in the Instant Pot. Extremely quick — about 1 minute cook time — and a great side for bowls and tacos.
Homemade Greek Yogurt in the Instant Pot
Yogurt may not be the first thing you think of as a side dish, but homemade Greek yogurt is versatile for lunches, snacks, and side servings. This post explains pros and cons of making yogurt in the Instant Pot and walks through the process.
Instant Pot Mushrooms Recipe
Restaurant-quality sautéed mushrooms in under 15 minutes — an elegant side or a savory topping for steak and poultry. Simple steps and quick cook time make this an easy go-to.
Instant Pot Punjabi Kadhi Pakoda
An authentic Punjabi kadhi with chickpea-flour fritters in a tangy yogurt-based gravy. This recipe includes a video tutorial and brings classic flavors to the Instant Pot in about 15 minutes.
Instant Pot Mexican Quinoa
A versatile, fiber- and protein-rich side that works for stuffing burritos, serving over greens, or for meal prep bowls. This recipe includes a helpful video and clocks in around 25 minutes.
Looking For More Instant Pot Recipe Ideas?
For additional Instant Pot inspiration, see these featured posts:
- Instant Pot Mexican Rice
- Instant Pot Tuscan Chicken
- 14 Recipes That Will Convince You To Buy An Instant Pot
- How to Make the Best Instant Pot Rice
If you try any of these recipes, please leave a comment to share how it turned out or which variations you used — I love hearing feedback and tips from readers.