The creamy, cheesy Instant Pot Ranch Potatoes recipe makes for the perfect side dish on any dinner table. This recipe is comforting, easy and delicious. Perfect for holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter or any potluck gathering.
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Keyword Baked Potatoes, Casseroles, Christmas, Instant Pot Potato Recipes, Instant Pot Sides, Potato Recipes, Potluck Recipes, Ranch Dressing, Side Dishes, Thanksgiving
Prep Time 15 minutesminutes
Cook Time 30 minutesminutes
Total Time 45 minutesminutes
Servings 6-8
Calories 449kcal
Author Irena Macri
Ingredients
Cooking phase
4rashers of bacondiced
1tablespoonolive oil
⅔cupwater
3lbsmall red potatoesunpeeled and cut into quarters, about 1.3 kg
1vegetable stock cubeor use ⅔ cup ready-made vegetable stock
½teaspoonsalt
Dressing phase
½cupRanch dressing
½cupsour cream
1teaspoongarlic powder
1teaspoononion powder
½teaspoonpaprika
½teaspoonpepper
1 - 1.5cupsCheddar shredded, or mixed cheese
⅓cupgreen onionschopped, or chives
Instructions
Turn the Instant Pot on Saute using Normal or More mode. Add the olive oil and diced bacon and cook for 3-4 minutes, until crispy. Stir a few times.
Remove the bacon to a bowl. Pour in the water and scrape the bottom of the pot to remove any stuck bits (this is known as 'deglazing'. Press Cancel to stop the Saute.
Add the potatoes, stock cube or stock powder and salt and stir through.
Secure the lid and move the pressure release valve to the Sealing position. Press Manual or Pressure Cook; cook at HIGH pressure for 5 minutes. Please note the pressure will take about 5 minutes to come to pressure first.
When cooking is complete, use the quick release. Leave the Instant Pot on Keep Warm setting.
Strain any leftover cooking liquid and return the potatoes to the pot. You can leave about ¼ cup of the liquid to mix with the dressing for more saucy potatoes.
Add the ranch dressing, sour cream, garlic, onion powder, paprika, and pepper. Add the pre-cooked bacon and half of the chives/onions (you can save a few bits for garnish after). Stir everything through and taste for salt. Season with more salt if needed.
The final step is to melt the cheese over the top. For those with no oven, leave the potatoes on Keep Warm setting. Sprinkle the cheese over and pop a regular glass lid on top. Leave for 5 minutes for the cheese to melt into the potatoes using the internal Keep Warm heat. Or, Transfer the potatoes to a casserole/baking dish. Top with the cheese and pop under the grill/broil for 5 minutes for the cheese to melt and brown.
Finish the dish by sprinkling the remaining bacon and chives over the top.