10 Unexpected Things That You Can Make Using Your Instant Pot
The creation of the Instant Pot has no doubt transformed the world of cooking forever. From soups to mac and cheese, anything you desire can now be made at the touch of a button. However, you can make a lot more with an Instant Pot than you probably think! This list of unexpected things that you can make in an Instant Pot will leave you thinking twice about what you make next!
1. Pop up some popcorn
When I think of an Instant Pot, my mind usually wanders to the land of stews and soups, and not crunchy, salty snacks. But as it turns out, popcorn is super easy and quick to make with your handy pressure cooker, so throw out that bulky popcorn maker and make your favorite movie night snack in a flash! All you’ll need is popcorn kernels, oil, salt, and five minutes of your time to whip up this delicious and healthy snack.
2. Lotion bars
Our next item on the list was a true surprise when I learned it could be made in an Instant Pot. I didn’t even consider the fact that non-food items could be made in a food making machine, so I’m really eager to try this one out for myself. The ingredients include cacao butter, beeswax, olive oil, Vitamin E oil, and any other essential oils that you prefer. You basically melt everything down in the Instant Pot with the “Keep Warm” setting, then pour into molds and stick them into the freezer. No need for a double boiler to melt everything down, so you’ll have fun lotion bars in no time!
3. Wine
Having a dinner party and want to impress all your friends? Then make your own wine with an Instant Pot! All you’ll need for this one is grape juice, red wine yeast, and sugar. Screw on the lid tight and press the yogurt button to get things started. This recipe will take some patience because it will have to stay in the Instant Pot for 48 hours! You’ll alternate opening and closing the air vent until you have delicious wine to serve and enjoy!
4. Mug cakes
Our next unexpected thing you can make using an Instant Pot is a personal favorite. I’ve tried making a mug cake with my own Instant Pot and I can guarantee that this recipe will be a hit in your household, just like it is in mine! There tons of different flavors of cake and topping you can choose from, such as chocolate lava cake, blueberry muffins, or even banana bread! These cute little cakes can be made in a mug or mason jar and are perfect for a late-night snack or picnic dessert. There are very few ingredients required, so you’ll whip this one up in no time!
5. Cheesecake
You’d be surprised how many delicious desserts you can make with this handy pressure cooker. Similar to the mug cakes, making cheesecake with an Instant Pot is pretty quick and easy. You’ll need a special pan to hold the cheesecake, but all of the other ingredients are the same and the result will give you a tasty cheesecake that you can top with whatever you like! You can also find recipes for Oreo cheesecake, salted caramel cheesecake, or any flavor you can think of! The world of baking is forever changed!
6. Dog food
Any dog owner will agree that their dog’s health and wellbeing is their number one priority. So, why not treat your furry friend with a healthy homemade meal every once in a while? This Instant Pot recipe includes ingredients like white rice, ground beef, frozen vegetables, and chicken broth, and all comes together with the touch of a button. You’ll be feeding your dog healthy ingredients and they’ll think it’s a treat, so it’ a win-win!
7. Vanilla extract
This next unexpected thing you can make using an Instant Pot is for all of my bakers out there. Never again will you run out of your tiny bottle of expensive store-bought vanilla extract, because after discovering this Instant Pot hack, you’ll never go back. Making vanilla extract with a pressure cooker takes about 24 hours, but most of that time is spent allowing the extract to get stronger after cooking. Worried about the cost of buying vanilla beans? Don’t be! You can use Grade B vanilla beans which will save you a lot of money but have all the same great flavor. If you’re a baker who always seems to be running out of vanilla extract or you’re just looking to save money, this one is for you!
8. Iced tea
There’s nothing like a refreshing glass of iced tea on a hot day. This next Instant Pot creation will be sure to quench your thirst and give you something fun to make! Just like any of the other things on this list, this recipe is very easy. All you need is tea bags, water, and sugar, and you’ll have tea in no time. After cooling in the fridge, you’ll be ready to enjoy your delicious drink!
9. Crème brûlée
This fun but historically difficult french dessert will finally be within the grasps of ambitious Instant Pot users, who before knowing this recipe, would never dare to try to make a crème brûlée on their own. With this recipe, anything is possible! Instead of spending hours and hours making crème brûlée the original way, why not throw it together in just 25 minutes? The Instant Pot pressure will cook these yummy desserts to perfection and will make you feel extremely proud of what you’ve done!
10. Crayons
Have a bunch of old crayons lying around that will probably never be used again? Make some new ones with an Instant Pot! All you’ll need is a fun shaped silicone mold, broken and unwrapped crayons, and a little bit of water! The heat of the Instant Pot will melt the crayons into fun new shapes and give new meaning to your crayons! Not only will this be fun to make, but these crayons are also great gifts for kids!
