Instant Pot Cauliflower
Updated Aug 10, 2026
This Instant Pot Cauliflower recipe is so easy to make and comes out perfectly steamed every time. No steamer basket needed!
Instant pot cauliflower
Steamed cauliflower is a side dish that goes well with pretty much any meal. You can’t go wrong with a classic like that. Even my kids will eat cauliflower when it’s tender and buttery.
The instant pot is my new favorite appliance for steaming vegetables. It is so easy to do and cooks in no time while you finish the rest of dinner.
This instant pot cauliflower recipe requires hardly any work and comes out perfect every time!
Ingredients needed
- Cauliflower: cut into similar sized florets
- Water: for steaming
- Butter
- Salt: to taste
How to make instant pot steamed cauliflower
Step 1: Wash and cut a head of cauliflower into similar sized florets. It should be around 4 cups worth.
Step 2: Add one cup of water to the bottom of the instant pot, then place the trivet down over the water.
Step 3: Place the cauliflower florets on top of the trivet. Place the pat of butter in the center of the cauliflower.
Step 4: Place the lid on the instant pot and set to sealing. Set the instant pot to manual pressure for 0 minutes.
The instant pot will take a few minutes to come to pressure before it will start the count down once it finishes.
Once the timer beeps, do a quick release immediately to avoid overcooking the cauliflower. Wait for the steam to release and the pin to drop all the way, then safely remove the lid.
Remove the trivet using a spoon and salt the cauliflower to taste before serving.
Serve as is or make some of our favorite cheese sauce for vegetables to pour over the top!
This recipe is so easy and results in the perfect buttery steamed cauliflower side dish.
It’s a crowd pleaser and even my kids gobbled it up and asked for more!
I find that salt and butter are plenty of flavor, but of course you can switch the seasonings up to try different flavors!
More instant pot recipes
- Instant Pot Steamed Broccoli
- Instant Pot Mac and Cheese
- Instant Pot Creamy Noodles
- Instant Pot Stir Fry
- Instant Pot Cabbage
If you have an instant pot, you have to try this steamed vegetable recipe!
Instant Pot Cauliflower
Ingredients
- 4 cups cauliflower florets
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 cup water
- salt, to taste
Instructions
- Add the water to the bottom of the instant pot insert. Place the trivet down, then add the cauliflower florets. Place the butter in the center of the cauliflower
- Place the lid on the instant pot and set to sealing.
- Turn to manual pressure for 0 minutes.
- Do a quick release after the 0 minute countdown is over.
- After the pin has dropped, remove the instant pot lid and remove the trivet.
- Salt the cauliflower to taste and serve immediately.
