Prepare to revolutionize your side dish game with the most mind-blowing Garlic Parmesan Au Gratin Potatoes you've ever tasted! Imagine tender, melt-in-your-mouth potato slices bathed in a rich, creamy sauce and topped with a golden, crispy Parmesan crust - all created effortlessly in your Instant Pot. This isn't just a recipe; it's a culinary experience that will have your family and friends begging for seconds, wondering how you became such a kitchen wizard!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 pounds potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash and peel potatoes, then use a mandoline or sharp knife to slice them uniformly thin, approximately 1/8 inch thick. Pat potato slices dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Mince fresh garlic cloves finely, releasing their aromatic oils. Grate Parmesan cheese using a microplane or box grater for optimal texture and melting.
- Grease the Instant Pot inner pot with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking. Layer potato slices in overlapping, circular patterns to create even coverage.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together heavy cream, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Pour cream mixture evenly over layered potatoes, ensuring all slices are coated.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese generously over the potato layers, creating a rich and flavorful topping.
- Close Instant Pot lid, set valve to sealing position. Select "Pressure Cook" mode and set timer for 15 minutes on high pressure.
- Once cooking completes, allow natural pressure release for 5 minutes, then carefully do a quick release of remaining pressure.
- Optional: For golden, crispy top, transfer potatoes to oven-safe dish and broil for 2-3 minutes until cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
- Let potatoes rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow sauce to set and flavors to meld. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired.
Tips
- Slice Consistency is Key: Use a mandoline or sharp knife to ensure uniform 1/8-inch potato slices. This guarantees even cooking and a perfect texture throughout.
- Moisture Management: Always pat potato slices dry with paper towels to prevent excess liquid and ensure a creamy, not watery, final dish.
- Cheese Matters: Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melting quality and most intense flavor. Pre-packaged shredded cheese won't give you the same rich results.
- Broiling Bonus: The optional broiling step is a game-changer - it creates a crispy, golden top that adds incredible texture and visual appeal.
- Resting Time: Don't skip the 5-minute rest after cooking. This allows the sauce to set and the flavors to fully develop.
- Customization Tip: Feel free to add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the cream mixture for an extra flavor dimension.
- Storage Hack: These potatoes reheat beautifully. Store in an airtight container and gently reheat in the oven to maintain their creamy texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 241kcal
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Cholesterol: 67mg
