Effortlessly Delicious: Instant Pot Potatoes and Carrots

Discover the ultimate quick and flavorful side dish with our Instant Pot Potatoes and Carrots recipe. This incredibly easy recipe is largely hands-off, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your meal while your pressure cooker works its magic. The secret to its profound depth of flavor lies in using chicken broth, which infuses every bite of these tender vegetables with a rich, savory essence.

Whether you’re planning a busy weeknight dinner or preparing a festive holiday spread, these Instant Pot Potatoes and Carrots are a versatile addition to any table. Their simplicity and delicious taste make them a go-to side, particularly for special occasions like Thanksgiving or Christmas, where freeing up precious oven and stovetop space is a huge bonus. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can create such a satisfying and nutritious dish.

Why You’ll Love This Instant Pot Side Dish

This Instant Pot Potatoes and Carrots recipe isn’t just easy; it’s a culinary revelation that brings a burst of flavor and convenience to your kitchen. Here are just a few reasons why this will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation:

• Effortless Preparation: Once your vegetables are chopped, the Instant Pot takes over, transforming raw ingredients into a delectable side dish with minimal fuss. Simply pile everything in, set the timer, and let the pressure cooker handle the rest, leaving you free to manage other meal preparations or simply relax.
• Unforgettable Flavor Infusion: The magic of pressure cooking lies in its ability to force liquids and flavors deep into the ingredients. Our recipe leverages this by using chicken broth, garlic, fresh thyme, and Creole seasoning, resulting in intensely flavored potatoes and carrots that are far from bland.
• Holiday Meal Game-Changer: During bustling holiday seasons like Thanksgiving or Christmas, kitchen space is at a premium. The Instant Pot allows you to prepare this delightful side dish without monopolizing your oven or stovetop, ensuring everything is ready simultaneously. Plus, the Instant Pot’s “Keep Warm” mode is perfect for serving at just the right temperature.
• Adaptable to Your Schedule: While optimized for the Instant Pot, this recipe also performs beautifully in a slow cooker. Just add your ingredients and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 4 hours for equally tender and flavorful results, offering flexibility for your busy lifestyle.
• Aromatic Fresh Herbs: The inclusion of fresh herbs, particularly thyme, elevates this simple dish to gourmet status. Fresh thyme adds an earthy, slightly minty, and subtly lemon-like aroma that complements the sweetness of the carrots and the starchiness of the potatoes perfectly.
• Heartwarming Comfort Food: There’s something undeniably comforting about a simple, wholesome dish of perfectly cooked root vegetables. This recipe delivers soul-warming, home-cooked goodness that appeals to everyone, making it a guaranteed family favorite.
• Nutrient-Rich Goodness: Not only is this dish delicious, but it’s also packed with nutritional benefits. Potatoes provide essential vitamins and minerals like potassium and Vitamin C, while carrots are an excellent source of Vitamin A, crucial for good vision and immune function.

Groceries You’ll Need: Key Ingredients

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this delightful Instant Pot side. Each component plays a vital role in building the layered flavors and perfect texture of the dish. Opt for fresh, high-quality produce for the best results.

• Baby Gold Potatoes: These small, tender potatoes hold their shape well and offer a buttery texture and slightly sweet flavor. No need to peel them, saving you precious prep time.
• Carrots: Fresh, firm carrots are essential. They sweeten beautifully under pressure and add a lovely color contrast. Peel and cut them into pieces roughly the same size as your potatoes for even cooking.
• Chicken Broth: This liquid gold is crucial for both pressure cooking and imparting a deep, savory foundation to the vegetables. Low-sodium broth allows you to control the seasoning precisely.
• Onion: Diced yellow onion provides an aromatic base, caramelizing slightly in the sauté phase to add a subtle sweetness and depth.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is a must for its pungent aroma and robust flavor, complementing the herbs and spices.
• Creole Seasoning: A vibrant blend of spices, Creole seasoning introduces a fantastic warmth and a touch of savory heat, giving the dish a unique Southern-inspired twist.
• Butter: Unsalted butter is used to sauté the aromatics, adding richness and helping to build a foundational flavor that coats the vegetables.
• Thyme: Fresh thyme sprigs are preferred here for their bright, earthy, and slightly peppery notes that truly elevate the overall taste of the dish.

For precise measurements and detailed instructions, please refer to the comprehensive recipe card located at the bottom of this post.

Recipe Walkthrough: Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to prepare perfectly cooked Instant Pot Potatoes and Carrots that are bursting with flavor. The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward process and consistent results.

• Step 1: Sauté Aromatics. Begin by adding the unsalted butter, diced yellow onions, and chopped carrots to your Instant Pot. Select the “Sauté” mode on your Instant Pot. This initial step helps to build a rich flavor base by softening the onions and carrots.
• Step 2: Tenderize and Deglaze. Allow the onions and carrots to sauté for approximately 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. During this time, the onions will become tender and translucent. If any bits start to brown on the bottom, gently scrape them up with a wooden spoon—this process, known as deglazing, adds even more flavor to your dish.
• Step 3: Introduce Garlic. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 2 minutes until fragrant. Then, press “Cancel” to turn off the sauté mode. This prevents the garlic from burning, which can make it bitter.
• Step 4: Add Remaining Vegetables and Seasoning. Carefully add the prepared yellow potatoes, fresh thyme sprigs, and Creole seasoning to the pot. Give all the ingredients a good stir to ensure everything is evenly coated and distributed.
• Step 5: Add Liquid and Seal. Pour in the chicken broth. This is the liquid necessary for the Instant Pot to come to pressure and cook the vegetables. Place the lid on your Instant Pot, ensuring it’s securely locked. Turn the steam release lever to the “Sealing” position.
• Step 6: Pressure Cook. Select the “High Pressure Cook” or “Manual” setting and set the cooking time to 5 minutes. The Instant Pot will take approximately 10-15 minutes to build pressure before the 5-minute cooking countdown begins.
• Step 7: Quick Release. Once the 5 minutes of high-pressure cooking are complete, carefully turn the steam release lever from “Sealing” to “Venting” for a quick pressure release (QPR). Be cautious of the hot steam escaping.
• Step 8: Serve and Enjoy. Once all the pressure has been released and the float valve drops, you can safely open the lid. Your tender, flavorful Instant Pot Potatoes and Carrots are now ready to be scooped out and served immediately.

Hint: For optimal and even cooking, strive to cut your potatoes and carrots into roughly uniform sizes. Any larger potatoes should be halved, and carrots should be chopped into pieces comparable in size to your potato chunks.

Recipe Variations and Substitute Ideas for Creative Cooks

One of the best aspects of this Instant Pot Potatoes and Carrots recipe is its flexibility. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients to tailor the dish to your taste preferences or what you have on hand. Here are some fantastic ideas to get you started:

• Potato Varieties: Instead of baby yellow potatoes, try using Red Potatoes for a slightly different texture and vibrant color, or peel and chop Russet Potatoes or Yukon Gold Potatoes, which offer a creamy consistency and rich flavor.
• Herb and Spice Blends: If fresh thyme isn’t available, or if you prefer a different flavor profile, substitute with 1 teaspoon of dried thyme. For a complete change, use Italian Seasoning instead of thyme and Creole seasoning, remembering to add salt and black pepper to taste. Other options include rosemary, dill, or a touch of smoked paprika for depth.
• Cooking Fat Alternatives: For a dairy-free or lighter option, swap the butter for an equal amount of good quality Olive Oil. Coconut oil could also be used for a subtle tropical note.
• Carrot Preparations: Save time by using pre-cut Baby Carrots, which are convenient and cook just as well. Alternatively, consider adding other root vegetables like parsnips or sweet potatoes alongside or in place of some carrots.
• Broth Options: To make this dish vegetarian or vegan, simply use Vegetable Stock or Vegetable Broth instead of chicken broth. For a richer, deeper umami flavor, especially if serving with beef, consider using Beef Broth.
• Umami Boosters: Add a tablespoon of Tomato Paste during the initial sauté stage for a concentrated sweet and tangy flavor, or stir in a splash of Worcestershire Sauce (check for vegetarian versions if needed) at the end for an extra layer of savory depth.
• Sweet Potatoes: For a delightful twist, replace the baby potatoes with chopped Sweet Potatoes. Their natural sweetness pairs wonderfully with the savory seasonings.
• Spicy Kick: If you love a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce along with the Creole seasoning.
• Fresh Finishes: After cooking, stir in some fresh chopped parsley or chives for a burst of color and fresh herbaceous flavor. A squeeze of lemon juice can also brighten the whole dish.
• Cheesy Indulgence: For an extra decadent side, stir in a handful of shredded cheddar cheese, Parmesan, or nutritional yeast (for a dairy-free option) right after the pressure release, allowing it to melt into the hot vegetables.

Necessary Gear: Essential Equipment for Success

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The star of this recipe is undoubtedly the Instant Pot, which simplifies the cooking process and ensures perfectly tender potatoes and carrots every time. Its multi-functional capabilities make it an invaluable tool in any modern kitchen.

The primary piece of equipment you’ll need is an Instant Pot. This versatile appliance acts as a pressure cooker, sauté pan, slow cooker, and more, all in one. For this recipe, it dramatically cuts down on cooking time while infusing maximum flavor. If you don’t own one yet, consider it a worthwhile investment for quick, delicious meals. I have included an affiliate link to my recommended model in the recipe card below.

While an Instant Pot is highly recommended for its convenience and speed, you could technically use an old-school stovetop pressure cooker. However, specific instructions for stovetop pressure cookers will vary greatly by model and are beyond the scope of this Instant Pot-focused guide. It’s been a long time since I used one of those!

For easier serving and to prevent the vegetables from becoming too mushy if you prefer them firmer, you might consider using a steamer basket insert. This allows you to lift the cooked potatoes and carrots out of the liquid, making transfer to a serving dish much simpler.

Beyond the Instant Pot, standard kitchen tools like a good quality cutting board and a sharp chef’s knife for preparing your potatoes, carrots, and onions will be essential. Measuring cups and spoons will also ensure accuracy in your ingredients.

Serving Suggestions: What to Pair with This Dish

These Instant Pot Potatoes and Carrots are incredibly versatile and make a fantastic accompaniment to a wide variety of main courses. Their savory, slightly sweet flavor profile and tender texture perfectly complement both hearty meats and lighter protein options.

• Classic Roast Dinners: They are a natural pairing for a perfectly cooked Roast Chicken, Pot Roast, or Pork Loin. The rich pan drippings from these main dishes are wonderful when spooned over the seasoned vegetables.
• Steak and Chops: For a more elevated meal, serve alongside a grilled Steak, pan-seared Lamb Chops, or juicy Pork Chops. The hearty vegetables stand up well to robust meat flavors.
• Poultry Dishes: Beyond roast chicken, these potatoes and carrots are excellent with baked or grilled Chicken Thighs, Turkey Breast, or even a simple pan-fried chicken cutlet.
• Fish and Seafood: For a lighter meal, pair them with flaky baked Salmon, pan-seared Cod, or even garlicky shrimp. The fresh herbs in the potatoes and carrots complement seafood beautifully.
• Vegetarian Mains: These vegetables can also be a substantial side to vegetarian dishes such as a Lentil Loaf, Black Bean Burgers, or a hearty Mushroom Pie.
• Garnish and Finishing Touches: To add a touch of freshness and visual appeal, sprinkle with extra fresh chopped parsley or chives before serving. A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt can also provide a creamy contrast.

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More Great Side Dishes I Think You’ll Love

If you enjoyed the simplicity and deliciousness of these Instant Pot Potatoes and Carrots, you’ll surely love exploring these other fantastic side dish recipes. They are perfect for complementing any meal, from everyday dinners to special occasions:

• Cracker Barrel Sweet Potato Casserole
• Cajun Rice Dressing
• Southern Black Eyed Peas and Collard Greens
• Stuffed Garlic Bread
• Crispy Instant Pot Potatoes
• Instant Pot White Beans
• Roasted Potatoes and Broccoli

How to Store Leftovers and Enjoy Later

One of the beauties of this Instant Pot Potatoes and Carrots recipe is how well the leftovers keep, making it ideal for meal prepping or enjoying a delicious side dish throughout the week. Proper storage ensures maximum freshness and flavor.

Refrigeration:

Once your potatoes and carrots have cooled completely to room temperature, transfer them to an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, you can gently warm them in the microwave, on the stovetop over low heat, or even in a preheated oven until heated through.

Freezing:

This recipe also freezes exceptionally well, which is great if you’ve made a large batch or want to prepare future meals in advance. Allow the cooked potatoes and carrots to cool completely. Transfer them to a freezer-safe airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat using your preferred method.

Mel’s Kitchen Notes: Expert Tips for Your Best Dish

Pressure Build-Up Time: Remember that the Instant Pot needs time to come to pressure before the actual cooking countdown begins. For this recipe, expect it to take about 10-15 minutes for the pot to reach the desired pressure before the 5-minute timer starts. Factor this into your overall meal preparation time!

Transforming Juices into Gravy: Don’t discard the flavorful liquid left in the Instant Pot after removing the potatoes and carrots! You can easily transform these remaining juices into an incredibly delicious gravy. Simply create a cornstarch slurry (mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon cold water until smooth), bring the juices to a simmer, and slowly whisk in the slurry until your desired gravy consistency is reached. Season to taste!

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