Instant Pot Scalloped Potatoes Au Gratin: The Ultimate Quick & Creamy Side Dish
Instant Pot Scalloped Potatoes Au Gratin are an absolute game-changer in your kitchen! This recipe is incredibly fast, easy, and exceptionally delicious, boasting an unbelievable one-minute cook time. Perfect for busy weeknights, holiday gatherings, or as a crowd-pleasing side, these cheesy potatoes are also perfectly portioned for the 21 Day Fix. Get ready to impress with this irresistible dish!
If you’re already a fan of using your Instant Pot for mashed potatoes, you know the magic it works – producing perfectly fluffy results in a fraction of the time. Well, prepare to have your mind blown once again! While mashed potatoes are a holiday staple, this year, I decided to venture into something new: a scalloped potato recipe that would rival any traditional oven-baked version, but with incredible speed.
And let me tell you, it was a game-changer. This isn’t just a tasty side dish; it’s a revelation in efficiency. Instead of waiting an hour or more for potatoes to bake, the Instant Pot transforms humble spuds into rich, creamy Scalloped Potatoes Au Gratin with an astounding one minute of pressure cook time. Yes, you read that right – one minute! This innovative approach means less time stressing in the kitchen and more time enjoying delicious food with loved ones.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Instant Pot Scalloped Potatoes
This Instant Pot Scalloped Potatoes Au Gratin recipe isn’t just another side dish; it’s a culinary triumph that will revolutionize your meal planning. Here’s why it’s destined to become a new favorite:
- Unbelievable Speed: You’re literally one minute of pressure cook time away from a tender, creamy potato base. This rapid cooking ensures you spend less time hovering over the stove and more time enjoying your company.
- Ultimate Convenience: During busy holidays or hectic weeknights, every minute counts. This recipe frees up valuable time, allowing you to focus on other main dishes or simply relax.
- Frees Up Oven Space: Traditional scalloped potatoes can monopolize your oven for over an hour. By using the Instant Pot, you keep your oven open for roasting turkey, baking casseroles, or preparing other essential components of your meal.
- Irresistible Flavor & Texture: Expect layers of thinly sliced, perfectly tender potatoes swimming in a rich, cheesy, and incredibly creamy sauce, all crowned with a golden, bubbly crust. It’s comfort food at its finest!
- Diet-Friendly Options: This recipe is approved for the 21 Day Fix meal plan, making it a delicious yet mindful choice. Plus, with simple substitutions, it can easily cater to gluten-free, dairy-free, or vegetarian diets.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a festive celebration, these potatoes are guaranteed to disappear quickly. Their decadent taste appeals to all ages and preferences.
Key Ingredients for Perfect Scalloped Potatoes
Crafting these delectable scalloped potatoes requires just a handful of straightforward ingredients, many of which you likely already have on hand. The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility, allowing you to easily adapt it to suit your dietary needs or personal preferences:
- Yukon Gold Potatoes – These are the star of our dish, chosen for their naturally buttery flavor and their ability to become wonderfully tender and creamy when cooked, without falling apart. Their thin skins are also delicate enough that peeling is optional. If Yukon Golds aren’t available, red potatoes make an excellent substitute, offering a similar texture. Russet potatoes can also work, but their starchier nature might result in a slightly different consistency, so adjust cook time if needed.
- Chicken Broth or Water – While chicken broth undeniably infuses the potatoes with a deeper, richer flavor, using water is a perfectly acceptable alternative, especially if you want to keep the dish vegetarian. Vegetable broth is another fantastic option for enhancing flavor while maintaining its plant-based friendly status.
- Garlic – Freshly minced garlic is crucial here. Aim for finely minced pieces to ensure the garlicky essence is evenly distributed and subtle, rather than overpowering. Large chunks can disrupt the creamy texture. If fresh garlic isn’t handy, a teaspoon of garlic powder can be used as a convenient substitute.
- Gluten-Free Flour or Whole Wheat Flour – This ingredient acts as the thickening agent for our luxurious cheese sauce. The recipe is designed to be adaptable, so you can choose a gluten-free flour blend or whole wheat flour to align with your dietary requirements. Regular all-purpose flour works perfectly too, if neither of these options is a concern.
- Butter, Vegan Butter, or Ghee – The fat component adds richness and flavor to the sauce. Feel free to use your preferred option: traditional butter for classic taste, vegan butter for a dairy-free rendition, or ghee for a rich, nutty flavor profile.
- Unsweetened Original Almond Milk – For the creamiest sauce, unsweetened almond milk is ideal. It provides the necessary liquid without adding unwanted sugars or flavors that could clash with the savory profile. Absolutely avoid flavored varieties like vanilla almond milk! If you prefer, 1% dairy milk can also be used for a slightly richer, more traditional creaminess.
- Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese – For a truly flavorful cheesy punch, extra sharp shredded cheddar cheese is highly recommended. Its robust flavor stands up beautifully in this rich sauce. While other cheddar varieties can be used, extra sharp will deliver the most satisfying taste. Shred your own cheese for the best melt and texture, as pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents.
- Pecorino Romano Cheese – This firm, salty, sheep’s milk cheese introduces a wonderful depth of flavor and a distinct tang that elevates the entire dish. Don’t be shy if you haven’t tried it before; its unique taste complements the cheddar beautifully. If Pecorino Romano isn’t available, Parmesan cheese can serve as a suitable, though slightly milder, alternative.
- Himalayan Salt and Pepper – Simple seasoning is all that’s needed to enhance the natural flavors of the potatoes and cheese. A judicious pinch of each will do; always taste and adjust to ensure perfect balance, without overpowering the other ingredients.
How to Make Instant Pot Scalloped Potatoes Au Gratin
Creating this irresistible side dish is surprisingly simple, especially with the help of your Instant Pot. Follow these steps to achieve perfectly tender, cheesy potatoes with minimal effort:
- Prepare Your Potatoes: Start by washing your Yukon Gold potatoes thoroughly. While entirely optional, I often recommend peeling them for the smoothest, creamiest texture in the finished dish. If you’re short on time or prefer a rustic feel, you can leave the skins on.
- Slice Them Thin: The key to classic scalloped potatoes is uniform, thin slices. Use your favorite tool for this – a mandoline slicer will give you the most consistent ⅛ to ¼ inch slices, which are ideal for even cooking. A food processor with a slicing attachment or a sharp knife and a steady hand can also do the trick. Ensure slices are not too thick, or they might not cook through properly and won’t achieve that delicate, layered scalloped consistency.
- Instant Pot Cooking: Place your thinly sliced potatoes and minced garlic directly into the inner pot of your Instant Pot. Sprinkle them with a modest pinch of Himalayan salt and pepper, then pour the chicken broth or water over the top. Secure the lid, set the Instant Pot to manual (or pressure cook) on high pressure for just 1 minute. Once cooking is complete, perform a quick release of the pressure valve. Carefully open the lid and, using a slotted spoon, transfer the now perfectly cooked potatoes to a mixing bowl. Set them aside for a moment. (Pro Tip: If your potato slices are on the thicker side, you may need to increase the cook time to 2 minutes to ensure they are tender.)
- Craft the Cheesy Sauce: Carefully remove the Instant Pot inner liner, wipe it dry, and return it to the Instant Pot base. Select the sauté function and allow it to heat until the display indicates “hot.” Melt the butter (or vegan butter/ghee) in the pot. Once melted, whisk in the flour, cooking for about 1 minute to create a roux. Slowly, gradually, whisk in the unsweetened almond milk. Continue whisking constantly as the mixture comes to a gentle boil and begins to thicken. As soon as it reaches your desired consistency, carefully remove the steel pot from the Instant Pot base (this immediately stops the heating process). Stir in 1 cup of the shredded extra sharp cheddar cheese until it’s completely melted and smooth. Season with about ¼ teaspoon of salt, or adjust to your taste preferences.
- Layer and Assemble: Lightly spray a medium-sized casserole dish (approx. 9×13 inches or similar) with olive oil cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange half of your cooked, cheesy potatoes evenly across the bottom of the dish. Next, generously pour half of your rich cheese sauce over these potatoes, ensuring they are well coated. Sprinkle a quarter cup of the remaining shredded cheddar cheese over the sauce. Now, add the rest of the cooked potatoes to form the second layer. Pour the remaining cheese sauce over the top, spreading it evenly. Finish by sprinkling the remaining cheddar cheese and the Pecorino Romano cheese over the entire surface. This final layer of cheese will melt into a beautiful, crispy, golden crust during broiling.
- Broil to Perfection: This is the easiest and most satisfying part! Place your assembled casserole under the broiler. Keep a very close eye on it, as broiling can happen quickly. Broil for approximately 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese has melted, is wonderfully bubbly, and forms a delicious, golden-brown, crispy crust.
- Serve and Savor: Once out of the broiler, let the scalloped potatoes rest for a few minutes. This allows the sauce to set slightly and makes for easier serving. Then, dig in and enjoy this incredibly fast, cheesy, and utterly delicious Instant Pot Scalloped Potatoes Au Gratin!
Tips & Variations for Your Cheesy Potatoes
This Instant Pot Scalloped Potatoes Au Gratin recipe is incredibly versatile and can be customized to your liking. Here are some tips and variations to make it even more perfect for your meal:
- Enhance the Broth: If you’re opting for a vegetarian version or simply want to add more depth of flavor than water, vegetable broth is an excellent choice. You could also use a mixture of broth and a splash of unsweetened milk during the potato cooking phase for extra richness.
- Cheese Lover’s Dream: Don’t limit yourself to just cheddar and Pecorino Romano! Feel free to experiment with other cheeses. Gruyère offers a nutty, savory flavor, while Parmesan cheese adds a sharp, salty kick. White cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a blend of your favorite melting cheeses can elevate the flavor profile of the cheese sauce.
- Add Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh herbs can brighten the dish. Chopped chives, parsley, or thyme added after broiling, or even mixed into the sauce, will add a fragrant, fresh dimension.
- A Hint of Spice: For a subtle warmth, a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper or a grating of fresh nutmeg can be added to the cheese sauce. These spices complement the creamy, cheesy flavors beautifully without making the dish spicy.
- Extra Crispy Top: If you love an extra crunchy topping, sprinkle a thin layer of panko breadcrumbs mixed with a touch of melted butter over the top layer of cheese before broiling.
- Mushroom or Onion Infusion: Sauté finely diced onions or mushrooms in the Instant Pot before adding the potatoes for an extra layer of savory flavor. This adds a wonderful umami depth to the dish.
- Understand Instant Pot Timing: Remember that the “1-minute cook time” refers to the actual pressure cooking duration. The Instant Pot still needs time to come to pressure (5-10 minutes, depending on the volume of liquid and ingredients) and for the pressure to be released. Factor this into your overall meal preparation schedule.
- No Instant Pot? No Problem! While the Instant Pot significantly speeds up the process, you can still enjoy this classic dish. Refer to the “Oven | Stovetop” instructions in the recipe card below for detailed guidance on how to make a delicious version using traditional methods. This offers flexibility if you don’t own an Instant Pot or prefer the conventional approach.
Meal Prep, Storage, and Reheating Tips
To Prep Ahead: One of the fantastic advantages of this Instant Pot Scalloped Potatoes Au Gratin recipe is its suitability for make-ahead meal prep. You can fully assemble the dish, up to the broiling step, and then store it. This is particularly convenient for busy holiday cooking or weekly meal planning, as it allows you to get a head start. Simply prepare the potatoes and sauce, layer them in the casserole dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate.
To Store Leftovers: Any remaining portions of these delicious cheesy potatoes should be transferred to an airtight container. Store them promptly in the refrigerator, where they will keep fresh and flavorful for up to 4-5 days. This makes them perfect for enjoying as quick and easy sides throughout the week.
To Reheat: These scalloped potatoes reheat beautifully, retaining their creamy texture and cheesy goodness. For best results, reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C), covered with foil, for 20-30 minutes, or until thoroughly heated through. If you desire a crispy top, remove the foil for the last 5-10 minutes. Alternatively, individual servings can be quickly reheated in the microwave for a few minutes, stirring halfway, until warm throughout. Just be careful not to overcook them in the microwave, which can dry them out.
Frequently Asked Questions About Scalloped Potatoes
Historically, the distinction between scalloped potatoes and potatoes au gratin primarily revolved around the presence of cheese. Traditional scalloped potatoes typically feature thinly sliced potatoes baked in a rich, creamy milk-based sauce, sometimes with onions or herbs, but without cheese. Potatoes au gratin, on the other hand, are characterized by their generous layers of grated cheese, often with a crispy, browned topping. This recipe beautifully blends the best of both worlds, creating a dish that offers the creamy tenderness of scalloped potatoes with the irresistible cheesy crust of au gratin – truly the ultimate au gratin potatoes recipe!
Absolutely! While the Instant Pot significantly cuts down on cooking time, you can certainly prepare a delicious version of this dish using conventional stovetop and oven methods. We’ve included full instructions for the Oven | Stovetop method within the recipe card below. However, I personally find the Instant Pot version superior due to its unparalleled speed and consistent results. It consistently delivers soft, perfectly cooked potatoes with the ideal consistency and texture every single time, making it my preferred method for these cheesy potatoes.
While Yukon Gold potatoes are highly recommended for their buttery flavor and tender texture, you can experiment with other varieties. Red potatoes are a good alternative, offering a similar waxy texture that holds up well. Russet potatoes, being starchier, can also be used but might result in a slightly fluffier, less creamy texture. If using russets, ensure they are sliced uniformly thin to aid even cooking and avoid a mushy result. Adjust your pressure cook time by an extra minute if using thicker or denser potato types.
The key to perfectly textured scalloped potatoes lies in consistent slicing and precise cooking time. Ensure your potatoes are sliced uniformly thin (⅛-¼ inch). This allows them to cook evenly. For the Instant Pot, the 1-minute pressure cook time is usually perfect for Yukon Golds. If your potatoes are thicker, increase to 2 minutes. A quick release of pressure also helps prevent overcooking. For the oven method, covering the dish initially helps steam the potatoes to tenderness before uncovering for browning. Always test for tenderness with a fork before serving.
Yes, this recipe is designed with flexibility in mind! You can easily make it dairy-free or vegan. Simply use water or vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Opt for vegan butter or ghee, and ensure you’re using unsweetened almond milk (or another plant-based milk). For the cheese, you’ll need to use your favorite brand of dairy-free shredded cheddar and a plant-based Parmesan alternative, as Pecorino Romano is a sheep’s milk cheese. The steps remain the same, just with dairy-free ingredient swaps!
Perfect Pairings: What to Serve With Scalloped Potatoes
These incredibly cheesy and creamy Instant Pot Scalloped Potatoes Au Gratin are a versatile side dish that complements a wide array of main courses. Their rich flavor and comforting texture make them an ideal partner for everything from a simple weeknight meal to a festive holiday feast. Here are some of my favorite main dishes that pair wonderfully with this recipe:
New York Strip Steak – The hearty, savory notes of a perfectly cooked steak are a classic match for creamy potatoes.
Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin – A lean and flavorful pork tenderloin provides a lovely contrast to the richness of the potatoes.
Instant Pot Whole Chicken [Crock Pot option] – A tender, juicy whole chicken offers a comforting and complete meal alongside these potatoes.
Easy Oven Roasted Turkey with Gravy – An absolute holiday essential, turkey and scalloped potatoes are a match made in heaven.
Momma’s Gluten Free Meatloaf – The savory, home-style goodness of meatloaf is perfectly complemented by creamy potatoes.
Baked Lemon Garlic Chicken – The bright, zesty flavors of lemon garlic chicken beautifully balance the rich potato dish.
Instant Pot Scalloped Potatoes Au Gratin
Nancylynn
6
servings
Pin Recipe
15 minutes
1 minute
16 minutes
Ingredients
- 6 large Yukon Gold Potatoes
- 1 cup chicken broth or water
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 4 teaspoons gluten free flour or whole wheat flour
- 4 teaspoons vegan butter butter, or ghee
- 1 cup unsweetened original almond milk or sub 1% milk
- 2 cups shredded extra sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoon Pecorino Romano Cheese
- Himalayan salt + pepper
Instructions
Instant Pot Method
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Optional – peel your potatoes. For the creamiest texture, I usually peel them, but you can leave the skin on for a more rustic approach.
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Slice the potatoes thinly. Using a mandoline, food processor, or a very sharp knife, cut your potatoes into uniform ⅛ -¼ inch slices. Consistency is key for even cooking.
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Pressure Cook Potatoes: Place the sliced potatoes into your Instant Pot. Add the minced garlic and sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper. Pour the chicken broth (or water) over the potatoes. Close the lid, set the Instant Pot to “Manual” (or “Pressure Cook”) on high pressure for 1 minute. Once done, perform a quick release of the pressure. Transfer the cooked potatoes to a mixing bowl using a slotted spoon and set aside. **Note: If your potato slices are on the thicker side, cook for 2 minutes.
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Prepare the Cheese Sauce: Wipe the Instant Pot inner liner dry and return it to the base. Select the “Sauté” function and wait until it indicates “hot.” Melt the butter (or vegan butter/ghee). Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux. Slowly and gradually whisk in the almond milk, continuing to whisk until the mixture comes to a boil and begins to thicken. Once thickened, immediately remove the steel pot from the Instant Pot base (this stops the cooking process). Stir in 1 cup of cheddar cheese until fully melted and smooth, adding about ¼ teaspoon of salt or to taste.
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Assemble the Casserole: Spray a casserole dish with olive oil cooking spray. Arrange half of the cooked potatoes in the dish. Pour half of the prepared cheese sauce over the potatoes, then sprinkle with ¼ cup of cheddar cheese. Add the remaining potatoes to the dish, then pour the rest of the sauce evenly over the top. Finally, sprinkle with the remaining cheddar cheese and the Pecorino Romano cheese.
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Broil for a Crispy Top: Place the casserole under a preheated broiler for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and has a beautiful golden-brown, crispy crust. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
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Rest and Serve: Let the potatoes rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set. Enjoy your incredibly fast and delicious Instant Pot Scalloped Potatoes Au Gratin!
Oven | Stovetop Method
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Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
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Optional – peel your potatoes. (I usually do for a smoother texture).
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Slice the potatoes thinly. Using a mandoline, food processor, or a sharp knife, cut your potatoes into uniform ⅛ -¼ inch slices.
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Prepare the Cheese Sauce (Stovetop): Heat a ceramic or stainless steel pan over medium heat. Melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Slowly whisk in the milk, continuing to whisk until the mixture comes to a boil and begins to thicken. Once thickened, remove from heat and stir in 1 cup of cheddar cheese until fully melted, adding ¼ teaspoon of salt or to taste.
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Assemble and Layer: Spray a casserole dish with olive oil cooking spray. Arrange half of the sliced potatoes in the dish. Top with half of the minced garlic, a pinch of salt, and pepper. Pour half of the cheese sauce over these potatoes, then sprinkle with ¼ cup of cheddar cheese. Add the remaining potatoes, then the rest of the garlic, another pinch of salt and pepper. Pour the remaining sauce over the top. Sprinkle with the remaining cheddar cheese and the Pecorino Romano.
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Bake Covered: Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. The sauce should be bubbly around the edges, indicating the potatoes are softening.
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Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue to bake uncovered for another 25-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are completely cooked through and tender when pierced with a fork, and the top is golden.
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Optional Broil: For an extra crispy, golden-brown topping, broil for the last 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
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Rest and Enjoy: Let the potatoes rest for a few minutes after baking before serving. Enjoy!
Video
Notes
WW: 9 points (per serving) [Calculated using GF flour, butter, almond milk, and reduced fat cheddar cheese]
Meal Prep + Storage
To Prep Ahead: The nice thing about this recipe, especially if you are using it for the holidays or for meal prep, you can make scalloped potatoes in advance and just heat it and broil before serving!
To Store: Any leftover potatoes should be stored in an airtight container and kept in the fridge for up to 4-5 days.
To Reheat: These reheat really well in a covered in a warm oven or in the microwave for a few minutes until heated through.
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 33g
Protein: 14g
Fat: 17g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g
Monounsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0.5g
Cholesterol: 39mg
Sodium: 365mg
Potassium: 787mg
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 2g
Vitamin A: 388IU
Vitamin C: 34mg
Calcium: 360mg
Iron: 2mg
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