Buying an Instant Pot? There are two popular sizes to consider: the 6-quart vs. 8-quart Instant Pot.
In this article, we'll explore the differences so you can decide which one is best for you.
The 6-quart Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 is a common size choice for those who are new to using an Instant Pot.
It's the perfect size for couples' or family-size cooking. Plus, it can easily handle a majority of recipes that call for up to six servings.
This model is a versatile size that can be used for various food preparation tasks such as making yogurt.
You can also use it for cooking delicious chicken recipes (like Easy Instant Pot Chicken Thighs with Honey Garlic Sauce), one-pot meals, soups, stews (like Easy Instant Pot Potato Soup), and even desserts.
The 6-quart model also takes up less counter space than its larger counterpart, making it ideal for small kitchens.
In our experience, bringing a 6-quart electric pressure cooker to full internal pressure during the cooking process takes less time than with a larger model. Pressure release time is also shorter.
The 8-quart Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 is ideal for cooking for larger families and people who like to cook larger quantities of food to make leftovers. It can easily handle most recipes that call for up to eight servings.
One of the key benefits of the 8-quart model is that it allows you to cook larger portions of food. This is especially useful for people who like to meal prep, make freezer meals, or cook in bulk.
With an 8-quart Instant Pot, you can quickly cook enough food to feed a large family or to have leftovers for the week. This can save time and effort in the kitchen, as you can cook all your batches of food for the week in one go.
Another benefit of the 8-quart Instant Pot is that it allows you to cook larger cuts of meat. Pressure cookers are terrific at cooking tough cuts of meat, such as beef chuck or pork shoulder. Plus, the 8-quart size gives you plenty of room to cook larger food items.
This can save time and effort, as the pressure cooking function of the Instant Pot cooks meat much faster than traditional cooking methods.
If you frequently host parties, the 8-quart Instant Pot allows you to cook large amounts of food to feed a big group easily. This can be especially useful for dishes with a big liquid requirement, such as soups and stews. The 8-quart Instant Pot is also a good choice for people who like to cook for a crowd.
Despite its benefits, the larger size Instant Pot takes up more kitchen cabinet space than its smaller counterpart, making it better for someone with extra space in the kitchen or pantry. It also takes more time to bring to internal pressure than the 6-quart pot. Pressure release time is also longer.
Regarding price, the 6-quart size and 8-quart Instant Pots are both relatively affordable, with the 6-quart model typically costing around $130 and the larger size usually running for about $140.
The 6-quart and 8-quart Instant Pots offer various features that make them great options for those looking to cook delicious meals quickly and easily.
The 8-quart Instant Pot offers the same features as the 6-quart size model. The only difference is capacity and that you can cook for up to 8 people instead of 6.
Looking for some cool kitchen gear for your new pressure cooker?
Glass lids - Many like buying a $14 glass lid for serving, slow cooking, and sautéing.
Steamer basket - We like this Instant Pot Official Silicone Steamer Basket compatible with 6-Quart and 8-Quart Cookers. Super easy to clean and doesn't rust.
Hard-boiled eggs rack - Make hard-boiled eggs with this nifty stackable egg steamer rack.
Using your Instant Pot as a cake maker? Then get an official Instant Pot Official Round Cake Pan (8-inch cake pan).
You can buy an air fryer basket replacement model if you need a new one.
Sealing rings - It's easy to replace the Instant Pot sealing rings if they get torn.
When choosing the ideal size Instant Pot for your needs, you must consider how many people you'll be cooking for and your kitchen space.
Suppose you're cooking for four people or fewer. In that case, the 6-quart Instant Pot is an excellent choice for someone with limited kitchen space. It offers all of the features necessary for basic cooking.
On the other hand, if you're cooking for four people or more, the 8-quart Instant Pot is an excellent choice as it offers more features and a larger capacity. Additionally, the 8-quart model takes up more counter space, making it ideal for people with more kitchen counter space.
Ultimately, both models are relatively affordable and offer a variety of features that make them great options for those looking to cook delicious meals quickly and easily.
This article looked at the two basic models. Still, there are so many other Instant Pots out there with fabulous features and additional functionality such as:
Instant Pot Duo Crisp 11-in-1 Air Fryer and Electric Pressure Cooker Combo - Looking for an air fryer? We can't wait to try our Easy Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges Recipe in this one! These fancier models feature those twisty air-fryer lids!
This is among the strong candidates for extra versatility since it roasts, bakes, dehydrates, pressure cooks, slow cooks, and steams. It also acts as a rice cooker, yogurt maker, steamer, sauté pan, yogurt maker, sterilizer, and food warmer.
You only pay a little more for a few very cool additional functions. Comes in both 6-quart and 8-quart sizes.
Go smaller with the mini 3-quart size! If you're looking for something smaller, the 3-quart Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 sells for around $100. These usable size 3-quart Instant Pots are perfect for smaller apartments, couples, and making breakfast oatmeal, rice, and desserts.
Instant Pot Pro 10-in-1 - this Instant Pot offers 10-in-1 functionality, including sous vide and cake baker. It's the only multi-cooker with an inner pot with silicone handles that you can take from your Insta Pot to your stovetop. The 6-quart is similarly priced to the Instant Pot Duo 6-Quart. If you're looking for different color options, this one is matte black.
Star Wars Fans can choose from these models:
All are in the $80-$100 range. Lots of color choices and styles here!
Instant Pot Not Heating or Working? - This guide will help you figure out why your pressure cooker isn't heating.
When Is It Safe to Open My Instant Pot? - Tips on how to safely do a quick pressure release, natural pressure release, and water test.
What is Natural Release vs. Quick Release on an Instant Pot? - Learn how to do a natural pressure release vs. a quick pressure release.
What size and model Instant Pot are you going to buy?
]]>Make these crispy air fryer sweet potato wedges in less than 30 minutes. Serve this delicious side dish with your favorite dipping sauce.
This healthy alternative to fried sweet potato fries uses minimal ingredients. Your taste buds will love the crispy exterior and the tender insides.
● sweet potatoes
● non-stick cooking spray (we like olive oil spray)
● olive oil
● coarse salt or kosher salt
● onion powder
● ground black pepper
● paprika
● fresh parsley (optional garnish)
Air fryer temperatures vary. Use the exact cooking time and temperature that works best for your appliance.
1. Clean and cut sweet potatoes into wedges and place them in a large bowl for mixing. (Yes, you want to remove the sweet potato skin.)
Note: If you're preparing the sweet potato wedges ahead of time, place them in the mixing bowl. Then fill it with cold water, so the wedges don't brown.
2. Preheat the air fryer to 380 degrees F.
3. Drizzle sweet potato wedges with oil.
4. Combine spices in a small mixing bowl.
5. Sprinkle spice blend over the sweet potato wedges. Toss to coat evenly.
6. Place wedges in the air fryer basket, allowing enough space to cook evenly and form a crispy outer layer. You'll need to cook the wedges in batches.
7. Cook at 380 degrees F for 15-18 minutes, turning halfway through. Cook until golden brown for maximum crispiness.
8. Remove the wedges. Place them on a baking sheet lined with paper towels in a warm oven.
9. Continue cooking the remaining wedges.
10. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.
11. Place leftover air fryer potato wedges in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Oils: Instead of olive oil, you can use avocado oil or canola oil.
You can also make this recipe with white potatoes or russet potatoes. Or make sweet potato fries. Since fries are thinner, cooking time will be less.
You can use a variety of seasonings with these homemade wedges. Try a blend of spices using these simple ingredients:
This is the perfect snack for a variety of dipping sauces. Here are just a few to serve with this healthy side dish:
● Easy Low-Carb Keto Ranch Dressing Recipe
● Alabama White Barbecue Sauce Recipe
● The Best Homemade Tartar Sauce Recipe
● Homemade Hoisin Sauce (Gluten Free)
● Chimichurri Marinade and Sauce Recipe
● fry sauce
● pesto sauce
● spicy miso sauce
● or sprinkle on a little grated parmesan
If you love this air fryer recipe, try a family favorite or two:
● Air Fryer Chicken Breast Recipe
● Easy Air Fryer Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe
● Easy Fried Air Fryer Ravioli Recipe
● Air Fryer Asparagus (2 Ways)
Besides air-fried sweet potato wedges, what do you like to cook in your air fryer?
Make these crispy air fryer sweet potato wedges in less than 30 minutes. Serve this delicious side dish with your favorite dipping sauce.
Nutritional information is automatically calculated per the ingredients list. Serving size may not be accurate. Please double-check with your preferred nutritional app for the most accurate information.
Make this smoked leg of lamb recipe on your pellet smoker for a special holiday family dinner. The smoky flavor compliments most classic side dishes.
If you haven’t smoked lamb before, you have to give this a try.
This tender lamb dinner is easy to prepare, too. The flavor of apple wood or other mild woods like pecan or cherry accentuates the natural flavor of the meat.
This was cooked on a Traeger grill. You can cook this on a pellet smoker or electric smoker.
Check out our The Best Smoker Grill Guide or our electric pellet smoker review for other preferred smokers.
You can also use this lamb herb rub recipe on lamb steaks, lamb chops, or lamb shanks. Nothing better than lamb on the smoker!
1. Coat the lamb with olive oil.
2. Rub with minced garlic.
(Since 1/2 teaspoon of minced garlic equals one clove, you’ll need 6 garlic cloves.)
3. Cover with rosemary, oregano, salt, and pepper.
If you don’t have fresh herbs, substitute dried herbs. 2 teaspoons of dried to 2 tablespoons of fresh herbs.
You can also use a store-bought lamb seasoning blend.
4. Preheat the smoker to 250 degrees F.
5. Place the lamb directly on the smoker rack.
6. Smoke lamb for approximately two hours or until it reaches your desired doneness. 130-135°F for medium-rare and internal temp of 135-140°F for medium doneness.
Use a quality instant-read meat thermometer so you don’t overcook the lamb. Place the meat probe in the thickest part of the lamb roast.
7. Remove from the smoker, cover with heavy-duty aluminum foil, and allow to rest for 15 minutes before carving.
8. Serve immediately.
9. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can freeze cooked lamb for up to 3 months.
This recipe calls for a 3-5 pound boneless lamb leg.
You can buy either American lamb or an Australian lamb roast. Both are excellent quality lamb choices.
You can also smoke a bone-in leg of lamb shoulder using this recipe.
You should not trim away the fat layer on the leg of lamb. Fat keeps the meat from drying out during cooking. It also helps keep the meat moist and flavorful.
However, if you like your lamb leg to have a less gamey flavor, trim away the fat and add another tbsp olive oil to the recipe.
You should also take off any silver skin from the meat. Silver skin turns tough after smoking.
Mild fruit wood is best for smoked lamb. Here’s what we recommend for the best lamb flavor profile:
● Apple wood pellets or apple wood chips
● Cherry wood pellets or cherry wood chips
● Pecan wood pellets or pecan wood chips
Leg of lamb doneness is a matter of personal preference.
If you like your lamb to be cooked to medium rare and a bit pink, shoot for an internal temperature of 130-135°F.
If you like yours to be more done, go for a medium temperature of 135-140°F.
Cooking time depends on the size and thickness of the cuts of meat you’re smoking. Our best guess is 2-3 hours, but keep an eye on smoker temp and internal temperature.
Looking for favorite side dishes for a family gathering? Check out these side dish recipe roundups:
● Ham Dinner Menu Ideas: The 35+ Best Side Dishes
● What to Serve with Smoked Turkey Breast – 15+ Best Sides
● 30+ Best Side Dishes to Serve with Smoked Brisket
● 35 Side Dishes to Serve with Chicken Cordon Bleu
● 30+ Best Side Dishes to Serve with Ham Dinner
● The 27 Best Side Dishes to Serve with Meatloaf
● The Best Smoked Chicken Thighs Recipe
● Traeger Smoked Brisket Recipe
● The Best Smoked Mac and Cheese Recipe
● How to prepare & cook a spatchcock or butterflied turkey
● How to make a smoked turkey breast brine
● Smoked Turkey Brine Recipe with Smoked Turkey Rub
Do you like a serve a traditional mint flavor sauce with your lamb? Or something else?
Make this smoked leg of lamb recipe on your pellet smoker for a special holiday family dinner. The smoky flavor compliments most classic side dishes.
Nutritional information is automatically calculated per the ingredients list. Serving size may not be accurate. Please double-check with your preferred nutritional app for the most accurate information.
Are you planning a Southern ham dinner menu for the holidays? Here are 35+ of the best side dishes that are a perfect match for your holiday meal.
What ham recipe do you cook up for your family dinner table?
Here are some of our favorites for the holiday table:
Learn how to safely freeze leftover ham with The best how-to guide on freezing ham.
Love leftover ham sandwiches? Save ham slices for this Ham & Pimento Cheese Sandwich Recipe or The Ultimate Breakfast Bagel Sandwich Recipe.
Or try this family favorite, The Best Easy Split Pea Soup Recipe.
Whether you're creating a Southern Easter dinner, a Christmas dinner, or a Thanksgiving holiday meal, here are some of our favorite recipes to go with your main course.
Are you planning a Southern ham dinner menu for the holidays? Here are 35+ of the best side dishes that are a perfect match for your holiday meal.
An easy-to-make marinated asparagus recipe. This roasted asparagus recipe can be served either hot or cold with a hearty meal.
Looking for an easy collard greens recipe? Try this tasty Southern-style sweet collard greens delicious side dish recipe for dinner.
A healthy sweet potato salad recipe with a Southwestern flair. Easy to make, this cold sweet potato salad goes great with smoked and grilled foods.
This gluten-free tabbouleh recipe is made with jasmine rice instead of couscous. This simple tabbouleh recipe is ideal for main meals and holiday dinners!
Make these crispy air fryer sweet potato wedges in less than 30 minutes. Serve this delicious side dish with your favorite dipping sauce.
Enjoy this tasty, easy vegan garbanzo bean salad year-round. This easy side dish goes well with dinners like smoked ham, grilled chicken, steak, fish, or pasta.
This cucumber onion salad recipe is the ideal side dish to bring to a potluck or a picnic. Goes great with a variety of dishes.
It's so easy to make this Instant Pot Sweet Potatoes recipe. You'll never cook sweet potatoes for a holiday feast any other way ever again.
There's nothing easier than crock pot mashed potatoes when you're busy cooking during the holidays. Made with chicken broth, salt, pepper, cream cheese, and other simple ingredients in your slow cooker. Nothing could be easier!
Oven-roasted vegetables are super easy to make. This simple recipe featuring your favorite colorful vegetables makes an excellent and healthy side dish for a delicious meal. One of our favorite vegetable side dishes.
Pasta Salad with Roasted Vegetables is made with simple ingredients. Its balance of flavors makes it a classic recipe for any meal.
It's easy to make smoked mac and cheese on your Traeger smoker grill. The creamy sauce features Muenster and Colby Jack cheeses (not cheddar cheese). Everyone will love this cheesy dish at your holiday meal.
Looking for unexpected, amazing side dishes this holiday season? This is the easiest Instant Pot baked beans recipe you'll find. Serve them as the perfect side dish with a smoked ham recipe.
This classic Seven Layer Salad recipe is a show-stopping side dish to serve at your next party. It's as tasty as it is pretty.
This brussels sprouts salad with cranberries recipe is easy to make ahead of time. Make brussels sprout slaw for holiday meals or weeknight dinners.
This mixed green salad with chicken recipe takes under 20 minutes to make. This no-cook salad is easy to prepare and uses seasonal fruits.
Make this easy gluten-free cornbread recipe for special occasions as an alternative to dinner rolls. Serving the cornbread right out of a castiron skillet gives your table a downhome touch.
You'll flip over this super cheesy crockpot scalloped potatoes recipe. Creamy and oh-so delicious!
It's easy to make homemade applesauce (no sugar added)? Plus, it's much better tasting than store-bought applesauce.
This Broccoli Bacon Salad Recipe makes a tasty side dish for a weeknight dinner or your next barbecue party. It's an ideal side dish for anyone on a low-carb ketogenic diet, too.
Make crock-pot vegan mashed sweet potatoes with parsnips for Thanksgiving or dinner. Slow cooker sweet potatoes are paleo, gluten and dairy-free.
Use this vegan tofu sour cream recipe whenever you need sour cream so that you can include it in your favorite recipes. It’s so yummy that no one will guess it’s a dairy-free recipe!
A classic Southern Potato Salad, just like Grandma used to make; this easy old-fashioned side dish is creamy, tangy, and deliciousness. And it’s full of crunchy dill pickles, yellow mustard, mayonnaise, and must-have hard-boiled eggs!
Corn Pudding is a simple side that makes a great side dish for holidays or any day!
This is a delicious and healthy Air Fryer Green Beans recipe. Using fresh green beans, this recipe makes a quick and inexpensive side dish.
This green bean salad with crispy fried onions is a fresh alternative to the classic green bean casserole. It's light and fresh but still filled with savory flavors.
This roasted carrots recipe is the perfect side dish for any meal. There are much sweeter versions of roasted carrot recipes, but you'll love this more savory preparation.
Cooking air fryer broccoli and cauliflower makes for a quick hands-off side dish. Soft yet slightly crispy, it pairs well with the salty ham flavor.
This Crockpot Scalloped Potatoes recipe is easy to make and made with three different kinds of cheese! It’s a great side dish for weeknights or holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter.
These Garlic Buttered Mini Hasselback potatoes are sure to be your new favorite potato side dish – with a super crispy exterior and fluffy, flavorful interior.
Make your vegetable side dish swoon-worthy with these tender, sweet and delicious Garlic Honey Roasted Carrots. Just a few simple ingredients!
Scalloped Corn Casserole is a flavourful, easy, casserole-style side dish. It is made from fresh sweet corn, fat, cheese, and general awesomeness!
These garlic mashed potatoes are creamy, garlicky, and the perfect side for ham! It's made with soft fluffy potatoes and garlic-infused heavy cream and finished with a drizzle of sauteed garlic butter.
Wondering what to serve with chocolate fondue? Here are 15 of the best chocolate fondue dippers and sides.
Chocolate fondue is usually made from melted dark chocolate, semi-sweet chocolate, or white chocolate. (You can use chocolate chips or crushed chocolate bars.) It's mixed with milk or heavy cream.
It became popular in the U.S. in the early 1960s along with cheese fondue (such as my Brie & Chive Fondue) and meat fondue (cooking meat in a broth fondue). Maybe you've had it at a fondue restaurant.
You don't have to use milk or cream. I make an Easy Dairy Free Chocolate Fondue Recipe with coconut cream and dairy-free chocolate.
You could even make it with one of the new keto chocolate brands. For variety, add creamy peanut butter, a cup marshmallow cream, or a teaspoon vanilla extract or two.
You can also make peppermint chocolate fondue by adding a teaspoon peppermint extract.
Fun fact: the name “fondue” originates from the French word fondre, “to melt.”
Set up a chocolate fondue fountain for a chocolate fondue party. Or cook up a batch of homemade chocolate fondue in an electric fondue pot or double broiler.
Now time to figure out what are the best chocolate fondue dippers to put on the end of that set of vintage fondue forks you inherited from grandma.
What dipper ideas will go with dark chocolate fondue vs. a milk chocolate fondue?
Serve these with that easy chocolate fondue recipe for New Year's Eve party. Or save it for a special occasion such as a celebration with your sweetie on Valentine's Day with a white chocolate fondue.
Try simple classic assorted dippers with this sweet treat:
What are your favorite dippers for this fun dessert?
Wondering what to serve with chocolate fondue? Here are 15 of the best chocolate fondue dippers and sides.
These are the best M&M Chocolate Chip Cookies ever. This will be your go-to chocolate chip recipe for parties and cookie exchanges.
If you're looking for easy gluten-free peanut butter cookie recipes for bake sales, cookie exchanges, or just everyday baking, this will become your go-to recipe.
Make this mini blueberry cheesecake cupcakes recipe for your next party. These tasty little individual desserts are a crowd-pleaser! Cut into cheesecake squares for dipping.
Looking for a gluten-free rice flour snickerdoodles cookies recipe? Try this easy-to-make rice flour cookies recipe! These homemade cookies are perfect for dipping.
If you’re looking for delicious Gluten Free Brownies, you’ve come to the right place! Especially if you like a gluten-free brownies recipe to be more like fudge. Cut into brownie bites or brownie squares.
You’ll love this baked plantains recipe. Why buy store-bought snacks after seeing how easy it is to make nutritious oven-baked plantain chips? Better than store-bought banana chips.
Not only is it easy to make homemade granola bars, but they're also a fun, kid-favorite treat.
Bake up a batch of this gluten-free pumpkin bread recipe that is sugar-free and dairy-free. A fun alternative to the same old banana bread.
Simple, deliciously fluffy marshmallows are easy to make with this step-by-step recipe.
This cream cheese pound cake recipe is super moist and sweet enough to eat all on its own but also wonderful covered in chocolate! Cut the sponge cake into bite-sized pieces.
These gluten-free rice krispies treats are gooey, crispy, and buttery. They’re made with brown butter, vanilla, and just the right amount of marshmallows.
This is the best homemade angel food cake recipe! It’s a light and fluffy, bakery-quality angel cake that turns out perfectly every time.
Chocolate chip shortbread cookie dippers are tender, buttery cookies made with just five ingredients. These shortbread cookies are the perfect shape for dipping in milk, hot cocoa, or fondue!
This chocolate loaf cake is somewhere between really good chocolate cake and tender fudge brownies.
Get ready for a simple Coconut Macaroon Recipe that is chewy on the inside, crunchy on the outside and naturally gluten-free!
Wondering what to serve with smoked turkey breast? Here are 15+ of the best sides for your Thanksgiving dinner.
Nothing beats cooking a Thanksgiving turkey over wood chips to get that awesome smokey flavor. All your guests will swoon over the moist white meat and smoky dark meat.
Here are a few smoked turkey recipes we recommend. These recipes can be made on a gas grill, charcoal grill, pellet grill, Big Green Egg, or electric smoker.
(Check out our The Best Smoker Grill Guide or our electric pellet smoker review.)
● How to prepare & cook a spatchcock or butterflied turkey – This is a great way to quickly cook up a turkey. You can use a dry brine or brown sugar rub with this recipe.
● Easy Brined and Smoked Turkey Breast Recipe – We like an apple cider brine in this recipe . Making an extra juicy turkey breast is a great way to have plenty of leftover turkey for recipes like Turkey Enchilada Casserole.
● Best Smoked Turkey Brine with Smoked Turkey Rub Recipe – This holiday turkey recipe uses a maple syrup brine and a salt rub.
If you’re making a whole turkey smoked over wood chunks for the holidays, here are delicious options from root vegetables, stuffing, breads, spreads, casseroles, and more.
Check out some of the best side dishes to go with your smoked turkey recipe!
Wondering what to serve with smoked turkey breast? Here are 15+ of the best sides for your Thanksgiving dinner.
This Gluten Free Cornbread Stuffing recipe is so tasty and moist that everyone at your Thanksgiving table will be asking for seconds. Your guest will love the savory flavors of herbs and spices.
There's nothing easier than crockpot mashed potatoes when you're busy cooking during the holidays. This is a great addition to your traditional Thanksgiving meal.
It's so easy to make this Instant Pot Sweet Potatoes recipe. You'll never cook sweet potatoes any other way ever again.
This vegan rice stuffing is cooked with cranberries, butternut squash, and dates. This easy recipe is made with jasmine rice from the grocery store and is a great choice for guests who are vegetarian or gluten-free.
This sugar-free cranberry sauce recipe is a great option for those on keto, low-carb, or paleo diets.
This crock-pot vegan mashed sweet potatoes with parsnips is a perfect side dish with a holiday turkey dinner. Slow cooker sweet potatoes are paleo, gluten and dairy-free.
This easy gluten free stuffing recipe is made with chorizo, squash & apples. This gluten-free recipe for stuffing with cornbread goes great with holiday roast turkey.
Serve this pimento cheese spread recipe with crackers. This pimento cheese ball pumpkin is a popular dish for fall entertaining.
Vegan cornbread with rosemary is perfect for Thanksgiving. Use this gluten-free cornbread in stuffing.
Make these crispy air fryer sweet potato wedges in less than 30 minutes. Serve this delicious side dish with your favorite dipping sauce.
An easy-to-make marinated asparagus recipe. This roasted asparagus recipe can be served either hot or cold.
This Brussels sprouts salad with cranberries recipe is easy to make ahead of time. Make brussels sprout slaw for holiday meals or weeknight dinners.
Cauliflower Au Gratin is a nice option to have on the holiday table for those who want to skip the mashed potatoes or stuffing because they're gluten-free or eating low-carb.
With only a handful of simple ingredients and 10 minutes of prep, this classic Green Bean Casserole recipe takes little time but has so much flavor. Perfect side for turkey!
This smoked tri-tip recipe uses just a few simple seasonings for maximum results. This recipe uses a reverse sear to lock in the flavor.
Tri-tip is one of the more flavorful and budget-friendly cuts of beef. It's also delicious when smoked over indirect heat.
The best part is that there is minimal prep time. And you don't need to marinate or brine the meat for maximum tenderness.
Just cook it low and slow as to not overcook your roast.
This was cooked on a Traeger pellet grill.
Check out our The Best Smoker Grill Guide or our electric pellet smoker review for other preferred smokers.
Smoking tri-tip in your pellet grill adds a rich smoky flavor while leaving the roast tender.
1. Trim any silverskin or hard fat from the entire tri-tip toast. You can do this by running a sharp knife under the membrane to cut it away to remove it.
2. In a small bowl, combine seasonings.
3. Pat the meat dry with paper towels. Then season evenly on all sides of the roast. Lightly pat the piece of meat to ensure the seasoning sticks.
4. Set the smoker to 180-220 degrees F. Insert an instant-read meat thermometer probe into the thickest part of the tri-tip.
5. Place the tri-tip directly on the grill grates, close the lid, and smoke for about 2-3 hours until you have an internal temperature between 130-135 degrees F (medium rare).
6. Add half a stick unsalted butter to a very hot cast-iron pan (500 degrees F). Then transfer the tri-tip and sear for 30 seconds on each side.
7. Let the meat rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing against the grain. Tent with aluminum foil to keep the roast warm.
8. Serve with your favorite tasty side dishes.
Tri-tip is a triangular-shaped beef roast cut taken from the bottom sirloin's lower portion.
It used to be ground up for hamburgers. Now it's used as a standalone roast since it's lean, juicy, and tender if sliced against the grain.
Untrimmed tri-tip comes with a layer of fat and silver skin. If purchased trimmed, you can find them in the 3-pound range.
Here's what we recommend for the best smoke flavor:
This juicy tri-tip recipe takes 2 to 3 hours to reach an internal temperature of 130 to 135 degrees F for medium rare.
We feel this is the perfect degree of doneness. If cuts of meat are too rare, they're tough and chewy. Too overcooked, then they're dry and tasteless. Let your meat probe be your guide.
To get a crusty bark on the exterior of the tri-tip, do a reverse sear in a hot cast iron skillet with some sizzling butter.
You can also sear the smoked roast on the gas grill or under your oven's broiler.
Let the tri-tip rest for 10-15 minutes after searing. Tent with foil to keep the roast warm.
Then slice against the grain at an angle. Not sure? Take a look at your first slice. If you see meat fibers running in the same direction, slice the other way.
Also, cut thin slices for the best results and the most tender bites of meat.
Use a few tablespoons brisket rub from the store if you like or this award winning rib rub.
Check out our Traeger Smoked Brisket Recipe that uses brown sugar, too.
Try coating the tri-tip roast with virgin olive oil before adding the rub to help the spices adhere to the meat better.
Serve this with your favorite BBQ sauce, Alabama White BBQ sauce, roasted potatoes, and some refreshing iced tea.
Try these amazing side dishes, too!
Check out our 30+ Best Side Dishes to Serve with Smoked Brisket for more serving ideas.
What's your favorite dish to smoke on your grill?
This smoked tri-tip recipe uses just a few simple seasonings for maximum results. This recipe uses a reverse sear to lock in the flavor.
Nutritional information is automatically calculated per the ingredients list. Serving size may not be accurate. Please double-check with your preferred nutritional app for the most accurate information.
You'll love how easy it is to make this air fryer grilled cheese sandwich recipe. You get a perfect crispy, gooey grilled cheese every time.
Skip making grilled cheese in a frying pan on the stove. Try an air fryer instead when you want to make the perfect grilled cheese sandwich!
No need to worry about burning your sandwich or making a big mess.
Even better? This best air fryer cheese sandwich recipe takes only 8 minutes of cook time.
Not only will this become one of your favorite air fryer recipes, but it's also the perfect way to make the best grilled cheese sandwiches!
Cooking times may vary with different air fryers.
1. Preheat your air fryer to 360 degrees F for 5 minutes.
2. If you're using block cheese, grate enough for the recipe.
3. Spread a little butter on one side of the bread slices.
4. Turn over 2 slices of bread and pile 1/2 cup of grated cheese on each piece of bread.
5. Top with the remaining piece of bread with butter side up.
6. Press together slightly.
7. Place in the air fryer basket. Cook for 5 minutes at 360 degrees F.
8. Flip over and cook for 3 minutes until your grilled cheese is golden brown and crispy.
9. Serve immediately.
I used Monterey jack cheese in this recipe. But you can use many types of cheese to make this, such as:
You can also use pre-shredded cheese from the grocery store.
Next time try a combination of cheeses to bring this comfort food classic to a whole new level.
Whatever grated or slice of your favorite cheese you choose to use, this classic comfort food makes a delicious lunch.
My kids love using mayonnaise instead of butter when toasting their grilled cheese.
You can also jazz up your grilled cheese recipe by adding all kinds of goodies such as:
Add a béchamel sauce like in this Easy Croque Monsieurs with Honey Bechamel Sauce Recipe.
Our favorite bread is sourdough, which goes well with melty cheese. But you can use any type of bread:
Air-fried grilled cheese sandwiches are best eaten right out of the air fryer.
But you can store any leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container or baggie. Just heat it back up in the air fryer at snack time.
There's nothing better than serving this simple recipe with a bowl of creamy tomato soup and a green salad.
Love soup? Here are some easy recipes to serve with this classic sandwich:
What's your favorite cheese to use in air fryer grilled cheese sandwiches?
You'll love how easy it is to make this air fryer grilled cheese sandwich recipe. You get a perfect crispy, gooey grilled cheese every time.
Cooking times may vary with different air fryers.
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Nutritional information is automatically calculated per the ingredients list. Serving size may not be accurate. Please double-check with your preferred nutritional app for the most accurate information.