The Instant Pot is a game-changer in the kitchen, but it’s not just for quick dinners. This versatile tool can handle a variety of tasks you might not have thought of, saving you time and effort. Whether you’re into DIY projects or looking to add some flair to your meals, there are plenty of creative uses for the pressure cooker that took kitchens by storm a few years ago.

Making Yogurt
Did you know you can make your own yogurt in the Instant Pot? It’s surprisingly easy and lets you control the sweetness and flavor. Simply heat milk to 180°F, cool it to 110°F, add yogurt starter, and incubate for 8-12 hours. You get creamy, delicious yogurt without any additives.
Baking Bread
Use your Instant Pot as a proofing box for dough and get the perfect rise every time. The consistent warm environment helps the dough rise faster and more evenly. After proofing, bake the dough in the oven for a crusty loaf. This method is great for homemade bread lovers.
Cooking Eggs
Hard-boiling eggs is a breeze in the Instant Pot. They come out perfectly cooked and super easy to peel, thanks to the consistent pressure. Simply place the eggs on the trivet, add a cup of water, and cook on high pressure for 5 minutes. Quick release, then transfer to an ice bath.
Making Jam
Fresh homemade jam is possible in the Instant Pot. Just add your fruit, sugar and a bit of lemon juice, and let it do the work. The high pressure helps break down the fruit quickly, creating a thick, spreadable jam in under an hour. Perfect for toast, desserts or gifting.
DIY Infused Oils
Create your own flavored oils by infusing herbs and spices with oil in the Instant Pot. Combine olive oil with your favorite herbs (like rosemary or garlic), set on the keep warm setting for a few hours, then strain. Great for cooking, dipping bread or as a thoughtful homemade gift.
Cheesecake
Believe it or not, you can make rich and creamy cheesecake in your Instant Pot. It cooks evenly and stays moist, thanks to the controlled steam environment. Prepare your cheesecake batter, pour it into a springform pan that fits your machine, and cook on high pressure for about 30 minutes. Chill before serving for best results.
Infusing Spirits
Speed up the process of infusing spirits with flavors like herbs, spices, or fruit using your Instant Pot. Combine your spirit with flavorings, seal, and cook on low pressure for about an hour. This method intensifies the flavors quickly, perfect for making customized cocktails or flavored liquors.
Homemade Soap
Make your own soap using the Instant Pot to melt and combine ingredients safely and efficiently. This method helps maintain consistent temperatures and speeds up the saponification process. You can customize your soap with different oils, scents and additives for a personal touch.
Dog Food
Whip up healthy, homemade dog food using fresh ingredients in your Instant Pot. It’s faster than cooking it on the stove, and you know exactly what’s in it. Combine meat, vegetables and any grains you want to use, cook on high pressure for about 30 minutes, and you have nutritious meals for your furry friend.
Growing Mushrooms
Use your Instant Pot to sterilize growing medium for cultivating mushrooms at home. This is crucial for preventing contamination. Fill jars with substrate, add water and cook on high pressure for about 90 minutes. Once cooled, inoculate with mushroom spores and watch them grow.
8 Foods You Should Never Cook in Your Cast Iron Pan
Cooking with a cast iron pan can be fantastic, but it’s not suitable for everything. Some foods can ruin the seasoning, stick like glue, or leave behind strong flavors. If you want to keep your cast iron in top shape and your meals tasting great, there are a few things you should definitely avoid. Here are the foods you should avoid.
Read it Here: 8 Foods You Should Never Cook in Your Cast Iron Pan
Cook Up the Juiciest Burgers Ever with These 10 Tricks
There’s nothing worse than biting into a dry, flavorless burger. Grilling the perfect burger isn’t just about slapping some meat on the grill; it takes a bit of know-how. With these simple tips, you’ll be making juicy, delicious burgers that everyone will rave about.
Read it Here: Cook Up the Juiciest Burgers Ever with These 10 Tricks
*Select images provided by Depositphotos.
Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.