Instant Pot Salt Potatoes

Instant Pot Salt Potatoes are creamy on the inside, perfectly salty on the outside, and are proof that a few simple ingredients can make a serious impression.  Ten minute side dish staple right here!

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What can I say, I'm a salty girl.  I love salt.  Well seasoned food is a must on my plate and the salt shaker is always within reach at my table.

Today's recipe for Instant Pot Salt Potatoes is just about the greatest thing to ever happen to my “easy side dish” repertoire.

WHAT ARE SYRACUSE SALT POTATOES?

Before we go any further and you think I'm a crazy person when you see the amount of salt asked for in this dish, let me explain the origin of this recipe.

Salt potatoes originated in Syracuse, New York in the 1800s when Irish salt miners' daily diet included small, unpeeled potatoes boiled in a salty brine.  They continue to be a staple in Syracuse, regularly served at fairs and barbecues.

Using this “salt brine” method, unpeeled potatoes form a delicious salt crust on the outside and become unbelievably creamy on the inside.  Trust me, to truly say you've lived your ultimate life, you need to experience that “pop” when you bite into one of these salty babies.

WHY YOU WILL LOVE INSTANT POT SALT POTATOES

• Imagine creamy mashed potatoes wrapped in a firm, salty shell . . . better than potato chips, I swear!
• Takes about 1 minute to prep and will be ready to eat in less than 15 minutes, 14 of which are hands off.
• The dips!  So many possibilities!  You could have a party centered all around Salt Potatoes and bowls of ranch, melted butter, sour cream, BBQ sauce, etc.  Invite me!
• It's a side dish that will go with anything.  ANYTHING!

HOW TO MAKE THE BEST INSTANT POT SALT POTATOES

1. Pour warm water and salt into the pot and swirl to dissolve
2. Add your baby potatoes; add garlic and herbs if desired; cook
3. Drain potatoes and set aside to dry and form the salt crust

Salt lovers, meet the love of your life.

WHAT TO SERVE WITH SALT POTATOES

• Sour Cream and Chive Dip (my favorite, recipe below)
• Plain ol' melted butter – go for flavorful Kerrygold Butter (find it lots cheaper at the grocery store)
• Herb Butter
• Healthy Nacho Cheese Sauce
• Romesco Sauce – three cheers for this one!

MORE WAYS TO SERVE SALT POTATOES

All fancy aside, you can simply eat them with a fork and a bowl of your favorite dip, but imagine these other possibilities:

• Arrange on a platter, drizzle with melted butter, top with a sprinkle of fresh herbs
• Thread them on a skewer for a backyard BBQ with a variety of dips
• Spritz with a bit of oil and crisp them under the oven broiler or in an Air Fryer

FLAVOR VARIATIONS FOR SALT POTATOES

To add extra depth of flavor to your potatoes, add a few cloves of garlic to the pot water and woody herbs like rosemary, thyme, oregano, and/or sage.  This gives the potatoes great flavor, but be aware, if you add more than a sprig, the herb flavor becomes quite overpowering, and I personally didn't enjoy it.

Any way you flavor them, I'll guarantee these potatoes are going to be a hot item at your next meal!  If you enjoy salty nuts, potato chips, salted chocolate, etc, Salt Potatoes are definitely for you.

Enjoy!

EXTRA TIDBITS

IS SALT GOOD FOR YOU?

As with many food health related topics, salt is a hot debate when it comes to “healthy vs unhealthy”.

Salt has been accused of causing or exacerbating certain conditions such as heart disease and high blood pressure.

The problem with many of the studies is that the results of how sodium affects each individual vary quite a bit, potentially increasing blood pressure and bloating in one individual and not in another.

Salt, however, is essential to properly functioning bodies and has many health benefits to include proper digestion, neurological communication, sufficient hydration, etc.

A very simplistic conclusion in my opinion to the salt debate is that it affects everyone differently and the diagnosis and treatment for all can't be put into a small box recommendation of “no more than 6 grams of sodium per day.”

Recommendations can vary greatly depending on age, weight, diet, activity level (think office job vs hot, sweaty outdoor job), and many other health factors.  A good way to determine the amount of salt that is best for you is to listen to your body as well as your personal doctor's recommendations.

My personal recommendation for everyone is to avoid highly processed foods that so commonly contain incredibly high amounts of sodium.  Instead save that extra sprinkle of salt for your homemade creations, where you can salt and adjust to your personal taste.

HEALTHIEST SALT

Another great debate: Is one type of salt actually better for you than another?  Absolutely!

The standard table salt is processed to give it a fine, non-clumping texture, but doing this strips it of natural minerals and often times additives are added to keep it from clumping.

Unrefined Natural Salt/Sea Salt, however, contains naturally occurring minerals and electrolytes that support our bodies needs.

In my home, I have a cupboard full of the Real Salt Brand unrefined kosher and sea salt that I use exclusively for seasoning my meals once they are served.  I have goals to use it exclusively, but for recipes like these Salt Potatoes that use a higher amount of salt, I don't hesitate to use regular, less expensive table salt.

I'd love to hear what your salt routine looks like!  Let me know in the comments below.

For a great article all about refined vs unrefined salt read What is the Best Type of Natural Salt.

KOSHER SALT VS TABLE SALT

Have you ever had a recipe card that asked for a specific type of salt, like kosher salt, but all you have is fine salt?  Does it matter?  It absolutely does.

Table salt is finely ground while kosher salt is a larger granule so the amounts would need to be measured differently to avoid over or under salted food.  Think of it like an apple that is cut into large slices vs diced into small pieces.  One cup of each would not be the same weight.

Here is a handy Salt Conversion Chart to keep on hand when such an occasion arises.

Is that more than you ever wanted to know about salt?  I personally find it quite fascinating, food nerd and all!  Tell me your thoughts below in the comments.

TOOLS/INGREDIENTS USED TO MAKE INSTANT POT SALT POTATOES

• Instant Pot
• Real Salt
• Kerrygold Butter

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