10 Must-Try Instant Pot Side Dishes To Impress Your Friends At Your Next Cookout

Planning a cookout is stressful, especially when you have to balance the grill with every other side dish. Using your pressure cooker saves you so much time and keeps your stove free for the main event. Here are 15 must-try Instant Pot cookout side dishes that take the hassle out of your next neighborhood party. These simple recipes will help you feed a hungry crowd without spending all day in the kitchen.

1. Classic Creamy Mac and Cheese

When I think of summer cooking and bbqs, I always think of macaroni and cheese. And that is why I put it number 1 on this list. There is nothing like a bowl of creamy mac and cheese, and nothing worse than babysitting a pot of boiling water while your guests are already hanging out in the backyard. Using your pressure cooker to make this creamy mac and cheese saves you from watching the stove and ensures the noodles stay perfectly al dente.

See the recipe here.

2. Honey Cinnamon Glazed Carrots

You might think I’m crazy for suggesting bringing carrots to a backyard picnic, especially when I say its a desert. But trust me on this. If you didn’t know, carrots get sweeter as they are cooked. And adding melted butter and cinnamon adds this warm, aromatic sweetness that makes them taste like they spent hours in the oven. It is honestly the easiest way to get a vegetable dish on the table that guests will love.

See the recipe here.

3. Traditional Southern Style Baked Beans

You haven’t really had a cookout until you’ve tasted baked beans that spent hours simmering with thick-cut bacon and dark molasses. Making them in an Instant Pot saves you an entire afternoon without sacrificing that deep, smoky flavor we all crave.

Here’s the recipe.

4. Garlic and Herb Mashed Potatoes

These mashed potatoes are a lifesaver when you are hosting a crowd because they stay warm right in the pressure cooker. You don’t have to worry about boiling huge pots of water on a busy stove. And, who doesnt love garlicy mashed taters?

Your guests will appreciate the rich, savory taste that makes these potatoes stand out at any backyard party.

Recipe is here.

5. Sweet Corn on the Cob

Corn on the cob is simple but honestly just speaks summer vibes to me. And you can cook it in a flash with the instant pot. Just pour a cup of water into the base and toss in your shucked ears.

The result is perfectly steamed corn that tastes like it came straight from a farm stand. Don’t forget to slather on some salted butter and a dusting of chili powder while they are still piping hot.

Get the recipe here.

6. Tangy German Potato Salad

Most potato salads rely on heavy mayonnaise, but this German version keeps things bright and acidic with a warm bacon vinaigrette. The Instant Pot handles the potatoes perfectly in just a few minutes, so you don’t have to wait for a giant pot of water to boil.

The secret here is adding the dressing while the potatoes are still hot. They soak up all that tangy flavor before the salad ever hits the picnic table.

1. Render the bacon first directly in the stainless steel insert using the sauté function until it gets nice and crispy.
2. Cook the potatoes in the bacon fat and a little bit of chicken broth to infuse them with savory flavor from the start.
3. Whisk in apple cider vinegar and a spoonful of Dijon mustard to create that signature sharp bite.
4. Toss in fresh parsley right before serving to add a pop of color and a bit of herbal freshness.

You can serve this dish warm or at room temperature. Either way, it stays fresh for days in the fridge.

7. Savory Bacon Wrapped Green Beans

Not everyone likes green beans, but add a little bacon and it makes everything better!

See recipe here.

8. Mexican Street Corn Salad

Trying to scrape charred kernels off a cob at a backyard party is messy work. This salad captures those smoky, creamy flavors without the hassle of holding a hot stick of corn.

You just toss frozen corn, a splash of water, and some chili powder into the pressure cooker for a few minutes. Once it is done, you stir in mayonnaise, cotija cheese, fresh cilantro, and a heavy squeeze of lime juice.

Here is a good recipe.

9. Fluffy Cilantro Lime Rice

You might not think of cilantro rice when it comes to side dish ideas for a backyard barbeque, but sometimes, the same old beans or potato salad just doesnt cut it. This rice is declisious and people are sure to love it for a change of pace.

Get the recipe here.

10. Cheesy Jalapeno Cornbread Pudding

Most cookout sides lean toward the heavy or greasy side, but this cornbread pudding brings a perfect balance of comfort and a little kick. It’s the kind of dish that disappears before the main course even hits the table because everyone loves that sweet and spicy combination.

Here is the recipe.

Wrapping Up

These 15 must-try Instant Pot cookout side dishes prove that you do not need to spend all day in the kitchen to feed a hungry crowd. By using your pressure cooker, you can save space on the grill and get back to enjoying time with your guests. Pick a favorite recipe from this list and start cooking for your next outdoor gathering today.