Potato hash is a hearty Instant Pot skillet of potatoes, ham, eggs, and melted cheddar cooked under pressure in five minutes. The potatoes sauté first for browned edges, then everything steams together into fluffy, cheesy bites. It is a full breakfast in one pot.
Ingredients
- Olive Oil: 1.0 tbsp. (0.5 oz / 15g)
- Potatoes: 5.0 medium potatoes (approx. 26.5 oz / 750g), peeled and roughly chopped
- Eggs: 5.0 large eggs (approx. 8.8 oz / 250g), whisked
- Cheddar Cheese: 1.0 cup (4.0 oz / 113g), shredded
- Ham: 1.0 cup (5.0 oz / 140g), chopped
- Water: 0.25 cup (2.0 oz / 60g)
- Salt: 0.1 tsp. (0.02 oz / 0.5g), or to taste
- Black Pepper: 0.1 tsp. (0.02 oz / 0.25g), freshly ground, or to taste
Step-by-Step Directions
- Select the SAUTÉ setting on your Instant Pot and heat the 1.0 tbsp. (0.5 oz / 15g) of olive oil. Add the chopped potatoes and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the edges become slightly brown.
- Pour in the whisked eggs, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped ham, 0.25 cup (2.0 oz / 60g) of water, salt, and black pepper. Stir the mixture well so the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Close and securely lock the Instant Pot lid. Press the CANCEL button to turn off the SAUTÉ function, then select the MANUAL (or Pressure Cook) setting and set the cooking time for 5 minutes at HIGH pressure.
- Once the pressure cooking cycle is fully complete, immediately press CANCEL and perform a Quick Release to vent the steam. Carefully unlock the lid once the safety pin drops, and serve the hot hash immediately.
Nutritional Information
(Approximate values per serving, based on 5 servings)
- Calories: 374 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 37g (1.31 oz)
- Protein: 20g (0.71 oz)
- Fat: 17g (0.6 oz)
Pro Tips
As a chef, I want to ensure your morning meal turns out flawlessly. Follow these tips to elevate your dish:
- Cut Potatoes Uniformly: To ensure every bite of your Tasty Potato Hash cooks evenly, dice your potatoes into similarly sized pieces. This prevents you from having some pieces that are mushy while others remain too firm.
- Scrape the Bottom (Deglaze): After the SAUTÉ step, make sure to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of your Instant Pot when you add the water. This adds incredible flavor and prevents the dreaded "Burn" notice.
- Whisk Eggs Thoroughly: For the fluffiest texture, beat your eggs vigorously before adding them to the pot. This incorporates air and creates a lighter hash.
- Swap Your Proteins: While chopped ham adds a wonderful salty bite, feel free to substitute it with cooked sausage crumbles, crispy bacon, or even a plant-based alternative to make this Tasty Potato Hash entirely your own.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this Tasty Potato Hash ahead of time for meal prep? Yes, absolutely! This Tasty Potato Hash stores wonderfully in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Let it cool completely, then portion it into airtight containers. Reheat in the microwave or briefly in a skillet with a splash of oil to bring back the texture.
Can I use frozen diced hash browns instead of fresh potatoes? You certainly can. If using frozen diced potatoes for your Tasty Potato Hash, you may not need to sauté them as long, and you might want to reduce the water slightly (by about a tablespoon) since frozen potatoes release more moisture as they cook.
Why did I get a "Burn" warning on my Instant Pot while making this Tasty Potato Hash? A "Burn" message usually happens if the starches from the potatoes stick to the bottom of the stainless steel insert. To fix this, always ensure you use enough olive oil during the sauté phase, and firmly scrape the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon as soon as you pour in the water.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free? Yes! To make a dairy-free Tasty Potato Hash, simply omit the cheddar cheese or swap it for your favorite dairy-free cheese alternative. The eggs and potatoes will still bind together beautifully for a satisfying breakfast.
Pro Tips
- Dice the potatoes uniformly so every piece cooks through at the same rate — uneven cubes leave you with mushy and hard pieces in the same bowl.
- Scrape up the browned bits from the sauté step when you add the water; that fond adds flavor and keeps the Instant Pot from throwing a BURN notice.
- Whisk the eggs vigorously before adding them — the incorporated air makes the finished hash noticeably lighter.
- Chopped ham can be swapped for cooked sausage crumbles or crispy bacon without changing the method.
- Serve immediately after the quick release; the hash firms up as it cools and is best steaming hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make potato hash ahead?
Cook it fresh for the best texture, but leftovers keep 2–3 days in the fridge and rewarm well in a covered skillet.
Can I add vegetables?
Diced bell peppers or onions sauté nicely with the potatoes before the eggs go in — just keep the total volume from crowding the pot.
Is this hash keto-friendly?
It is carby at 37g per serving from the potatoes, so enjoy a modest portion or save it for a higher-carb day.
Can I use another cheese?
Any good melting cheese works — try Monterey Jack or Gruyère, grated fresh for a smoother melt.
Recipe card below.
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Ingredients
Method
- Select the SAUTÉ setting on your Instant Pot and heat the 1. 0 tbsp. (0. 5 oz / 15g) of olive oil.
- Add the chopped potatoes and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the edges become slightly brown.
- Pour in the whisked eggs, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped ham, 0. 25 cup (2. 0 oz / 60g) of water, salt, and black pepper.
- Stir the mixture well so the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Close and securely lock the Instant Pot lid. Press the CANCEL button to turn off the SAUTÉ function, then select the MANUAL (or Pressure Cook) setting and set the cooking time for 5 minutes at HIGH pressure.
- Once the pressure cooking cycle is fully complete, immediately press CANCEL and perform a Quick Release to vent the steam. Carefully unlock the lid once the safety pin drops, and serve the hot hash immediately.
- Cut Potatoes Uniformly: To ensure every bite of your Tasty Potato Hash cooks evenly, dice your potatoes into similarly sized pieces. This prevents you from having some pieces that are mushy while others remain too firm.
- Whisk Eggs Thoroughly: For the fluffiest texture, beat your eggs vigorously before adding them to the pot. This incorporates air and creates a lighter hash.
