Boxed Au Gratin (or Scalloped) Potatoes: Easy, Cheesy, and Quick
Learn how to make Boxed Au Gratin or Scalloped Potatoes in your Instant Pot—it’s easy, hands-off, only 5 ingredients, and perfect for busy weeknights or simple meals!
This dish originally appeared in the Shortcut section of our 2017 cookbook. However, thanks to shrinkflation, we’ve had requests to update the recipe to work with the smaller package size.
Why you’ll love this shortcut potato dish:
- Only 5 ingredients to make a quick and easy side dish.
- Mostly hands-off recipe for an easy side dish that goes well with most meats.
- Perfect addition for your meal when you are short on time or energy—no slicing needed.
- No-bakerecipe means no need to heat up your oven.
- You can enjoy it as is or give it some homemade flavor by adding a few fresh ingredients.
What to serve with Shortcut Au Gratin Potatoes
These quick au gratin potatoes pair well with ham, meatloaf, or just about any grilled meat.
Add in a healthy veggie like asparagus, green beans, or a tossed salad.
Looking for our From-Scratch Au Gratin Potatoes recipe? Click here.
Should I use Boxed Au Gratin or Boxed Scalloped Potatoes in this recipe?
We originally developed this version for Betty Crocker‘s Au Gratin Potatoes. However, the recipe works the same with Boxed Scalloped Potatoes. The only difference between the two are the seasonings in the cheese sauce.
Our local grocery store carries 3 brands of Au Gratin Potatoes: Idahoan, Betty Crocker, and store brand. Both of the name brand versions were 4 ounce packages.
The store brand came in a 4.7 ounce package. If the box you’re using is the larger size, you’ll need 1 1/2 cups water and 1/2 cup milk.
How to Make Boxed Scalloped Potatoes Better
Looking to make boxed au gratin potatoes taste more homemade? Here are some of my favorite tips:
Before pressure cooking, melt 1 tablespoon butter and sauté 1/2 cup finely diced onions and 1 minced clove garlic. Continue with the recipe as directed.
In a small bowl, mix together your favorite seasonings (like black pepper, paprika, or garlic powder) before pressure cooking. (I don’t recommend adding salt because the potatoes are pretty salty as is.)
After pressure cooking, stir in real cheese—cheddar or parmesan —to amp up the cheesy goodness. You could also try adding sour cream, 1 tablespoon at a time, after pressure cooking until you reach your desired tanginess.
Or, make your own cheese sauce! In a medium bowl, combine 1/3 cup chicken broth, 1/2 cup sour cream, ½ cup cheddar cheese, and your desired seasonings. Gently fold this into the cooking pot.
Or, add protein by stirring in pre-cooked diced ham (start with 1/2 cup, add more to taste). To finish, top with fresh chives, thinly sliced green onions, or fresh parsley to amp up the fresh flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Too thick: Simple add more milk or half and half. Stir gently—the potatoes will be tender and easy to break.
Too thin: The sauce packet contains thickeners that thicken quite a bit as they cool. Simply leave the lid off and allow to cool for 3 to 5 minutes and the potatoes will be quite a bit thicker.
I don’t recommend making a half batch, since the liquid in the pressure cooker won’t be enought o come to pressure.
However, you can double this recipe with no change to the cook time.
Allow the potatoes to cool and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Note: The potatoes will thicken quite a bit in the fridge and will definitely need extra liquid (milk, broth, or water) to become creamy.
Other Instant Pot Potato dishes
This recipe works great for simple family meals. If you’re looking for a potato dish fit for special occasions, try one of these Instant Pot recipes:
- Quick and Easy Cheesy Potato Casserole starts with refrigerated shredded potatoes and Ranch seasoning.
- Twice-Baked Potatoes are an impressive side dish, with flavor that’s worth the extra effort.
- Quick Potato Salad makes the potatoes and hard-boiled eggs at the same time in the pressure cooker, for the easiest potato salad ever.
- Rosemary Garlic Sliced Potatoes have four ingredients and steam up soft in the pressure cooker.
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Instant Pot Easy Au Gratin Potatoes: 5-Ingredient Boxed Side
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 ¼ cups water
- 1 package au gratin potatoes 4 oz
- ¼ cup milk or half and half plus up to another ¼ cup if needed
- Dash cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Select Saute and melt the butter in the pressure cooking pot. Add the potatoes and very gently stir the potatoes to ensure they are coated. Add the water, lock the lid in place. Select High Pressure and 5 minutes cook time.
- When the cook time ends, use a quick release. When the valve drops, carefully remove the lid. Gently stir in the half and half (or milk), sauce packet, and cayenne. If needed add additional milk or half and half until the potatoes reach your desired consistency. (Remember, they will continue to thicken as they cool.) Serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
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Ohhh thank you for this recipe! I have several packages of these in mylar for longer term storage and this will make them SO much better! I will try it soon!