Masterful Cooking With Essential Instant Pot Accessories

Why Every Homesteader Should Invest in Instant Pot Accessories

Out here on the homestead, every tool earns its keep.

We value versatility - whether it’s a fence post driver that doubles as a hammer or a pot that can both sear and stew.

The Instant Pot fits right in with that mindset, and its accessories make it even more powerful.

Think of your Instant Pot as a foundation.

The accessories are the building blocks that allow you to create everything from homemade yogurt to garden-fresh soups, perfectly steamed veggies, or even baked treats.

With the right add-ons, one small appliance can handle meal prep, food preservation, and healthy cooking - all without the fuss of multiple gadgets cluttering up your counter.

Instant Pot accessories are more than conveniences; they’re part of a sustainable kitchen system.

They help us cook smarter, waste less, and make the most of what we’ve raised, grown, or foraged.

What Are the Best Instant Pot Accessories for Homesteaders?

Let’s explore the most practical, time-saving, and downright fun accessories that every homestead cook should consider.

Sous Vide Immersion Circulator: For Perfectly Cooked Meat and Veggies

If you’ve ever wanted to cook like a professional chef without standing over a stove, a sous vide immersion circulator is the way to go.

It transforms your Instant Pot into a precise temperature-controlled water bath.

You can cook a venison steak to the exact doneness you prefer or gently poach home-raised chicken until it’s fall-apart tender.

Once you’ve tried it, you’ll never look at tough cuts of meat the same way again.

And here’s a bonus: it’s energy-efficient and nearly foolproof - something every busy homesteader can appreciate.

Baking Set Attachments: From Cheesecakes to Savory Meatloaf

One of my favorite Instant Pot accessories is the 4-piece baking set.

It’s amazing how something so compact can open up so many possibilities.

On hot summer evenings when I don’t want to run the oven, I can still bake cheesecake, banana bread, or even small meatloaves in my Instant Pot.

The texture turns out moist and perfect every time.

If you’re preserving eggs or dairy, these baking accessories are wonderful for using up excess ingredients in creative ways - think frittatas, cheese, custards, or rich quiches made with fresh goat milk or duck eggs.

Steamer Basket or Rack: Your Everyday Essential

This is the workhorse accessory that every Instant Pot owner should have.

A steamer basket or rack prevents food from burning on the bottom and allows you to steam vegetables, tamales, dumplings, or even hard-boiled eggs effortlessly.

In my kitchen, I often use it to steam garden-fresh carrots or beets before freezing them - the colors stay vibrant and the flavor is unmatched.

The best part?

Cleanup takes only a few minutes.

Silicone Egg Bite Molds: Not Just for Breakfast

Sure, they’re called egg bite molds, but their uses go far beyond that.

These flexible silicone molds are perfect for making mini frittatas, rice pudding, mini banana bread bites, or even baby food for your barnyard babies.

I’ve also used them to freeze small portions of homemade broth and sauces - ideal for tossing into soups later.

They’re reusable, dishwasher safe, and they stack neatly, which is a big plus when you’re managing a busy kitchen.

Yogurt Maker Cups and Lids: DIY Dairy Made Easy

If you’ve ever made homemade yogurt, you know it can be a bit temperamental - but not with an Instant Pot.

With yogurt maker cups and lids, you can make probiotic-rich yogurt that rivals anything from the store.

Adjust the thickness, flavor, and sweetness to your liking, and skip the additives.

I often flavor mine with foraged berries or homemade vanilla extract - small touches that make it truly our own.

And when it’s cold outside, a warm cup of homemade yogurt with honey feels like a reward for a hard day’s work.

Silicone Lids and Sealing Rings: Keep It Fresh, Keep It Clean

It’s always good to have backup lids and sealing rings.

Not only do they help with meal prep and storage, but they also prevent unwanted flavor transfers.

Trust me - you don’t want your chocolate cake tasting faintly of garlic stew!

Keep different-colored rings for sweet and savory dishes.

They’re inexpensive, easy to switch, and save plenty of frustration in the long run.

Stainless Steel Inner Pot: Durability Meets Efficiency

A second stainless steel inner pot can make cooking multiple dishes in one evening a breeze.

When I’m cooking dinner and prepping tomorrow’s breakfast, I simply swap pots - no washing or waiting required.

I also have an inner pot specifically dedicated to pasteurizing milk or making cheese.

These pots are tough, dishwasher safe, and built to last.

For homesteaders who cook from scratch daily, that’s worth every penny.

Stackable Insert Pans: The Time-Saving Hero

Stackable pans are a game changer for meal prep.

Imagine steaming veggies in the top tier while rice or stew cooks below.

Dinner’s done in one go, and there’s only one pot to clean.

These pans are also perfect for portioning freezer meals or canning test batches before committing to a big preserve.

It’s all about efficiency - and on the homestead, time is gold.

Versatile Trivet: Small But Mighty

You might overlook it, but a stainless-steel trivet is incredibly useful.

It elevates food for pot-in-pot cooking, keeps jars steady for small-batch canning, and doubles as a cooling rack for baked goods.

If you’re new to pressure cooking, this is one accessory that helps you avoid scorched food and cracked jars - something every homesteader learns the hard way at least once!

Air Fryer Lid: Guilt-Free Crunch in Minutes

If you love crispy food but don’t want to deep fry, the air fryer lid is your Instant Pot’s best friend.

Pop it on and you’ve got golden fries, crunchy chicken wings, or roasted chickpeas in minutes - no extra appliance required.

I love using it to make homemade snacks for movie night, or to crisp up leftovers so they taste freshly cooked.

It’s also fantastic for finishing off casseroles with a cheesy crust.

Ceramic Non-Stick Inner Pot: Effortless Cleanup

When you’re juggling chores, animals, and dinner, the last thing you want is scrubbing pots.

The ceramic non-stick inner pot makes cleanup simple.

It’s ideal for sticky dishes like rice pudding or oatmeal, and the food slides right out.

It’s not just convenience - it’s sanity-saving on busy days when the to-do list feels endless.

Dehydrator Racks: Preserve the Harvest Fast

Dehydrator racks are a hidden gem for homesteaders.

If you’ve ever had a handful of herbs, apple slices, or tomato skins left over after canning, these racks are perfect for small-batch drying.

They fit right inside the Instant Pot and let you dehydrate without running a big dehydrator for hours.

I love using mine for citrus peels (they make great natural cleaners) and tiny bits of garlic or onion that would otherwise go to waste.

How Instant Pot Accessories Simplify Homestead Cooking

At the heart of homesteading is the idea of making the most of what you have - and that’s exactly what these accessories help you do.

They extend your Instant Pot’s abilities so you can cook, preserve, and create more from scratch, even with limited time or space.

Here’s how they shine on the homestead:

• • • Energy Efficiency: Save on propane or electricity while still cooking complete meals.

    • Less Food Waste: Dehydrate, ferment, or freeze leftovers for later.

    • Convenience: Batch-cook meals for busy weeks or preserve small harvests quickly.

    • Creative Freedom: Experiment with recipes - from yogurt to bread to herbal teas - without needing new equipment.

It’s like adding a Swiss Army knife to your kitchen.

The Instant Pot and its accessories empower you to live more sustainably and self-sufficiently - one delicious dish at a time.

Instant Pot Accessories FAQ

Q. What are the best Instant Pot accessories for homesteaders?
A. The most useful accessories include stackable pans, dehydrator racks, yogurt cups, and air fryer lids. These let you cook multiple dishes, preserve food, and reduce waste in a single appliance.

Q. Can I bake in my Instant Pot?
A. Absolutely! Springform and bundt pans make baking cheesecakes, breads, and custards a breeze - all without firing up the oven.

Q. Are Instant Pot accessories dishwasher safe?
A. Most stainless steel and silicone accessories are, but always check the manufacturer’s care instructions to be sure.

Q. Can I use these accessories with other pressure cookers?
A. Many accessories are interchangeable, but always check size and safety ratings before use.

Q. What accessories are best for food preservation?
A. Dehydrator racks, silicone molds, and stackable pans are great for drying herbs, freezing broth, or storing leftovers neatly.

Q. How do I avoid flavor transfer between meals?
A. Keep extra sealing rings and label them for sweet or savory dishes - it’s a simple but effective trick.

Q. Can the Instant Pot help me save money on the homestead?
A. Definitely! By cooking in bulk, preserving food faster, and avoiding takeout, your Instant Pot easily pays for itself over time.