When it comes to cooking in an Instant Pot, one of the most common questions is what type of baking dish or pan can be used safely in the multi-cooker. The Instant Pot is a very versatile appliance that can be used for pressure cooking, slow cooking, steaming, and even baking. However, not all baking dishes are suitable for use in the Instant Pot.
Metal Baking Dishes
Metal baking pans and dishes like aluminum, stainless steel, and cast iron can all be used in the Instant Pot. The key thing is to make sure the metal baking dish you choose is oven safe up to the maximum temperature and pressure levels of the Instant Pot model you have. Most Instant Pot models reach up to 240-250°F and 11-12 psi during pressure cooking. As long as your metal bakeware is rated oven safe to at least that temperature, it will be fine in the Instant Pot. Stainless steel and enameled cast iron pans are very popular choices.
It’s best to avoid very thin, lightweight metal pans as they may warp or bend under pressure. Thicker, heavier duty metal bakeware is ideal. Also make sure the metal baking dish you use fits comfortably down into the inner pot of your Instant Pot and doesn’t interfere with the sealing ring or float valve. The sides of the pan shouldn’t be higher than the sides of the Instant Pot inner pot.
Advantages of Metal Bakeware
- Can withstand high temperatures and pressure
- Heats evenly for consistent cooking
- Durable and reusable
- Easy to clean
What to Cook in Metal
Metal baking pans are great for cooking moist dishes like casseroles, lasagnas, mac and cheese, eggs, rice, and cheesecakes. The metal helps conduct heat evenly to the food inside the pan. Just make sure to cover any metal baking dish with foil before putting it in the Instant Pot if the recipe calls for it.
Glass Baking Dishes
Heat-tempered glass baking dishes like Pyrex can generally be used in the Instant Pot. The key is making sure the glass dish you use is oven-safe to temperatures of at least 300-350°F. Do not use thin glass like window glass! Tempered glass bakeware is specially designed to withstand high heat. Check the product details to confirm the maximum heat tolerance.
Glass baking dishes should be used with caution in the Instant Pot though, as sudden temperature changes can cause them to crack or shatter. Avoid very large glass baking dishes as those are more prone to breaking. Stick to smaller, individual ramekins or lidded casserole dishes for best results.
Advantages of Glass Bakeware
- Lets you visibly monitor food as it cooks
- Non-reactive surface won’t discolor or impart flavors
- Easy to clean
What to Cook in Glass
Glass baking dishes are best for acidic foods like tomatoes, lemon curd, macerated berries, and cheesecake as well as egg dishes like frittatas. The non-reactive glass surface won’t react with acidic ingredients. Use caution when cooking dairy-based dishes as the sugars can caramelize onto glass.
Ceramic Baking Dishes
Unglazed ceramic baking dishes like a bean pot or ramekins can be used in the Instant Pot as they can withstand high pressure and heat. Make sure any ceramic you use is oven-safe to 300°F or above.
There are some caveats though. Glazed ceramic should be avoided as the glaze may crack or chip under pressure. Ceramic baking dishes with decorative prints or patterns on the exterior should also be avoided as these decorations could contain lead or cadmium that could leech into food at high heat. Plain, undecorated ceramic is best.
As with glass, sudden temperature changes can also cause ceramic to crack so use care. Allow dishes to cool gradually. Avoid very large ceramic casserole dishes in the IP.
Advantages of Ceramic Bakeware
- Withstands high heat and pressure
- Unpainted ceramics won’t react with acidic foods
- Keeps food warm for serving
What to Cook in Ceramic
Plain ceramic baking dishes excel at cooking rice, beans, braised meats, eggs, and vegetable dishes. Their heat retention properties keep food piping hot for serving. For baking, smaller ceramic ramekins for individual desserts work better than large dishes.
Silicone Baking Molds
Silicone bakeware like loaf pans, muffin tins, and brioche molds can also be used in the Instant Pot. Make sure to choose silicone that is reinforced with glass or metal and avoid flimsy silicone molds as they may collapse. The silicone should be oven safe to at least 390°F.
Silicone is flexible so it’s easy to get in and out of the Instant Pot. It’s also non-stick and easy to clean. Be sure to place silicone molds on a trivet or steam rack though and not directly in the inner pot.
Advantages of Silicone Bakeware
- Flexible material is easy to unmold
- Nonstick for easy release and cleaning
- Lets you pop out individual muffins or servings
- Wide temp range from freezer to 390°F oven
What to Cook in Silicone
Silicone pans make it easy to make muffins, cupcakes, breads, egg bites, and layered gelatin desserts that release easily. Avoid very acidic or sugary batters that could react with the silicone. Not suitable for dishes that require extended cooking times.
Dishes to Avoid
There are some materials that should be avoided when cooking in the Instant Pot:
- Plastic – Unsafe at high temperatures and may melt or leach chemicals
- Silicone Rubbermaid containers – Not designed for oven use
- Disposable aluminum pans – Too thin and prone to warping
- Ceramic rice cookers – Often painted/decorated exteriors and not oven safe
- Stoneware – May crack under pressure or temperature changes
- Wood – Not heat safe and may absorb moisture/odors
- Mini cocottes – Often have plastic lids/handles not IP safe
- Glazed ceramic or porcelain – Glaze may crack or chip under pressure
- Non-heat tempered glass – Risk of shattering
Tips for Baking in the Instant Pot
Follow these tips for safe and successful baking in your Instant Pot:
- Use oven-safe bakeware compatible with Instant Pot temperatures
- Make sure dish fits in inner pot without obstructing sealing ring
- Preheat empty pot first for 10 mins unless recipe says not to
- Use trivet or steam rack under bakeware and add 1 cup water to pot
- For cakes/bread, use pans no bigger than 6-7 inches diameter
- Avoid big dishes like 9 x 13 casseroles which take up space
- Adjust cooking time and pressure as needed based on size of dish
- Allow natural pressure release unless recipe specifies quick release
- Use an instant-read thermometer to check doneness if possible
- Allow dishes to cool and set before attempting to unmold
Common Baking Vessels for the Instant Pot
Here are some of the most commonly used baking dishes in the Instant Pot:
| Dish | Sizes | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Round Cake Pans | 6-7 inches | Use metal or oven-safe ceramic/glass. Avoid dark metal for cakes. |
| Loaf Pans | 6-7 inches long | Metal, silicone, or ceramic. Avoid large wide pans. |
| Ramekins | 4-6 oz | Individual baking, eggs, desserts. Use metal, ceramic or glass. |
| Custard Cups | 4-6 oz | Ceramic or glass cups with lids. Great for pot de creme. |
| Muffin Tin | 6-12 cups, mini | Silicone or metal. Allow room for pan to expand. |
| Springform Pans | 6-7 inches | Metal or silicone only. Avoid glass. May need parchment sling. |
Instant Pot Baking Tips and Tricks
Make the most out of your Instant Pot for baking with these additional pointers:
- Use a baking trivet or steam rack to elevate pans above water level
- Wrap outside of metal pans in foil to prevent condensation drips
- Grease bakeware well or use parchment paper for easy release
- Avoid opening the lid before pressure release finishes
- Quick release may cause delicate baked goods to collapse or sink
- Gently touch tops of cakes or breads to check for doneness
- Use an instant-read thermometer to check internal temperature
- Allow cheesecakes and custards to cool completely before chilling
- Let pressure fully drop before attempting to remove lid
- Invert cakes out onto a wire rack after baking
Conclusion
From metal and silicone pans to glass ramekins and ceramic dishes, there are variety of baking vessel options that can be used in the Instant Pot. The keys are to use oven-safe bakeware that can withstand pressure and heat, allow proper clearance in the pot, make size and recipe adjustments as needed, and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations. With the right bakeware and some trial and error, you can make all kinds of baked goods in the Instant Pot from breads and cakes to mug cakes, egg bites, and crème brûlée.