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.

A finger presses the "Rice" button on an Instant Pot with a digital display showing 00:12 in red.
Photo credit: Shutterstock.
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Making Yogurt

A woman's hand is holding a jar of yogurt with blueberries.
Photo credit: Depositphotos.

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

Sliced loaf of bread on a wooden cutting board with a knife and cloth.
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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

A person peeling a hard-boiled egg over a wooden table, with another unpeeled egg and a peeled egg beside them.
Photo Credit: Yayimages.

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

A jar of jam and toast with a spoon.
Photo credit: Depositphotos.

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

Olive oil being poured into a glass on a wooden table.
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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

A slice of cheesecake with a browned top, garnished with strawberry halves and a mint leaf, on a white plate with a fork. The whole cheesecake and a bowl of strawberries can be seen in the background.
Photo credit: Shutterstock.

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

Three glass bottles filled with green herb-infused oils are placed on a wooden surface, surrounded by sprigs of fresh herbs and wicker baskets. A ball of twine is seen next to the bottles.
Photo credit: Shutterstock.

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

Two bars of handmade soap, one beige and one brown, are surrounded by small purple and pink flowers on a light surface.
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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

A dog sitting between a bowl of water and a bowl of food, licking its nose.
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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

A person in white gloves picking up mushrooms in a wooden box.
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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

An assortment of cast iron cookware on a marble countertop.
Photo Credit: Depositphotos.

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

Two bison cheeseburgers with lettuce, tomato, and sauce on a wooden board, accompanied by sides of pickles and sweet potato fries.
Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

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.

Founder and Writer at Running to the Kitchen | About

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.

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