Frequently Asked Questions
What are Creamy Instant Pot Gratin Potatoes?
This dish consists of tender layers of thinly sliced russet potatoes cooked in a sauce of chicken broth, evaporated milk, and heavy cream, topped with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
How long do I need to pressure cook the potatoes?
Set the Instant Pot to high pressure and cook for 10 minutes.
What kind of potatoes work best for this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for 3 medium russet potatoes, peeled and very thinly sliced.
What size Instant Pot is recommended?
A 6-quart or larger Instant Pot is recommended to accommodate the wire trivet and casserole dish.
What size casserole dish should I use?
A 7-inch round casserole dish is used to fit inside the Instant Pot.
How do I prevent the potatoes from sticking to the dish?
Grease the 7-inch round casserole dish with cooking spray or butter before layering the ingredients.
What liquids are used for the creamy sauce?
The sauce is a whisked blend of 1/2 cup chicken broth, 1/2 cup evaporated milk, and 1/4 cup heavy cream.
Which cheeses are used in this gratin?
The recipe uses 1 cup of shredded mozzarella and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
Do I need to add water to the Instant Pot base?
Yes, pour 1 cup of water into the Instant Pot to create the necessary steam for pressure cooking.
What is the purpose of the wire trivet?
The wire trivet is used to hold the casserole dish above the water inside the Instant Pot.
Should the casserole dish be covered during cooking?
Yes, loosely cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil to prevent steam from escaping.
Is the pressure release natural or quick?
You should perform a quick release by moving the valve to 'venting' as soon as the 10-minute timer goes off.
How do I get a golden, crispy top?
After pressure cooking, uncover the dish and place it under the broiler for 3-5 minutes until golden and bubbly.
What aromatics are added to the sauce?
One minced garlic clove and 1/2 of a diced yellow onion are whisked into the milk and broth mixture.
What is the recommended garnish?
Garnish the dish with one tablespoon of freshly chopped chives before serving.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 142 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 7 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
Each serving contains 15 grams of carbohydrates.
How much protein is in each serving?
This potato gratin provides 4 grams of protein per serving.
Is there any fiber in this recipe?
Yes, there is 1 gram of fiber per serving.
How much sugar is in the recipe?
There is 1 gram of sugar per serving.
What is the total ingredient count?
This recipe requires 10 ingredients.
Can I use something other than chicken broth?
While the recipe calls for chicken broth, you could substitute it with vegetable broth if desired.
How should the onions be prepared?
The yellow onion should be finely diced before being added to the liquid mixture.
Is the broiler step required?
The broiler step is optional but highly recommended for achieving a golden, bubbly crust.
What is the primary benefit of using an Instant Pot for this recipe?
The Instant Pot significantly reduces the total cooking time compared to traditional oven-baked methods.
How should I layer the potatoes and cheese?
Repeat layers of sliced potatoes, mozzarella, Parmesan, and the milk mixture until all ingredients are used, ending with cheese.
What setting should the steam valve be on during cooking?
The steam valve must be set to the 'sealing' position for the pressure cooker to function correctly.
Can I serve this as a main course?
While it is rich and comforting, it is primarily intended as a side dish for any occasion.
How many russet potatoes are needed?
You will need 3 medium-sized russet potatoes.