Thanksgiving is an occasion to huddle around the table, enjoy a feast with dear ones, and make unforgettable memories. However, while we deeply treasure this festivity, the preparations can occasionally seem a bit daunting.
Facing the challenge of preparing a scrumptious, comforting feast with the available short time can be daunting. However, the Instant Pot revolutionizes this task by simplifying the preparation process for traditional Thanksgiving dishes.
The Instant Pot has rapidly ascended to an essential kitchen implement, particularly during the festive season. With its capability to hasten cooking duration without forgoing taste, it proves itself to be an indispensable asset for any Thanksgiving chef.
Whether it’s succulent meats or velvety side dishes, the Instant Pot provides an efficient method to whip up an array of meals that are sure to dazzle your guests and render your holiday feast memorable.
Thanksgiving Instant Pot Recipes
15. Whole Turkey from Bacon is Magic
Prepare a juicy, tender ham in a fraction of the usual time by using an Instant Pot and a sweet honey glaze. The steam environment keeps the meat moist, while a blend of pineapple juice, honey, and brown sugar infuses each slice with rich flavor.
Wrapping the ham in foil allows the glaze to soak in and prevents dryness, making this a standout choice for holidays or family dinners with minimal effort.
14. Honey Baked Ham from A Mind “Full” Mom
Juicy, tender ham is ready in a fraction of the usual time with this Instant Pot method, thanks to a steamy cooking environment that locks in moisture.
A sweet honey glaze—made with pineapple juice, honey, and brown sugar—seeps into every slice, delivering a perfect balance of savory and sweet. Serve it for a holiday feast or a comforting family dinner, and enjoy effortless preparation with minimal cleanup and consistently delicious results every time you make it.
13. Pork Loin, Stuffing & Gravy from The Creative Bite
Savor a complete comfort meal with tender pork loin, savory stuffing, and rich homemade gravy—all prepared in a single pressure cooker. The pork loin is seared for a flavorful crust, then cooked until juicy alongside onions and broth.
After resting, the flavorful juices are used to prepare perfectly seasoned stuffing and a smooth gravy, making cleanup a breeze. Enjoy a hearty dinner that brings together classic flavors with minimal effort and just one pot to wash.
12. Turkey Breast from Jo Cooks
Juicy, tender turkey breast is ready in just about an hour with this Instant Pot method, making it perfect for a small holiday meal or weeknight dinner.
The turkey is seared for extra flavor, then pressure cooked to lock in moisture, resulting in slices that are never dry. Homemade gravy comes together right in the pot using the flavorful drippings, so you can serve everything hot and fresh without extra pans or hassle.
11. Sweet Spiced Honey Glazed Ham from My Heart Beets
Juicy, tender ham is infused with a sweet spiced honey glaze, all thanks to the convenience of the Instant Pot. The pressure cooking method ensures each slice stays moist and flavorful, with the glaze seeping into every bite.
The charred edges from the glaze add a caramelized touch that’s irresistible. Perfect for holiday gatherings or special brunches, leftovers can be transformed into hearty soups or sandwiches, making this dish as versatile as it is delicious.
10. Balsamic Roast Beef from Add a Pinch
Tender, juicy roast beef infused with tangy balsamic flavors comes together in under an hour using an Instant Pot. A blend of beef broth, balsamic vinegar, honey, garlic, and a touch of red pepper flakes creates a rich, savory sauce that perfectly complements the meat.
Serve with the optional balsamic gravy made from the cooking juices for an extra burst of flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights or a comforting family dinner.
9. Sweet Potato Casserole from Zen and Spice
Sweet potatoes become perfectly tender in minutes using the Instant Pot, making prep for this casserole quick and hassle-free. Once blended with eggs, butter, sugar, milk, and vanilla, the mixture is transferred to a baking dish and topped with a crumbly walnut-brown sugar streusel and fluffy marshmallows.
After a short bake, the result is a classic sweet potato casserole with a caramelized topping—ideal for saving stovetop space and delivering a crowd-pleasing side for any holiday meal.
8. Pineapple Brown Sugar Ham from Crunchy Creamy Sweet
Experience a juicy, sweet ham infused with a pineapple brown sugar glaze, all made in under 30 minutes using the Instant Pot. The pressure cooker locks in moisture and flavor, resulting in tender slices that pair beautifully with your favorite sides.
The easy glaze thickens to a glossy finish, perfect for drizzling over each serving. Enjoy more oven space and less fuss, while leftovers can be saved for casseroles or soups, stretching your holiday meal even further.
7. Turkey and Gravy from The Novice Chef
Enjoy a tender, flavorful turkey dinner with minimal effort using a frozen boneless turkey roast and your Instant Pot. Simply add broth, butter, veggies, and herbs, then let the pressure cooker handle the rest.
In just over an hour, you’ll have juicy turkey and savory gravy, all made in one pot for easy cleanup. Perfect for busy weeknights or a stress-free holiday meal, this method delivers classic comfort without the fuss.
6. Apple Cider and Brown Sugar Glazed Ham from The Foodie Eats
Juicy spiral-cut ham gets a sweet and savory upgrade with apple cider, brown sugar, and warm spices, all made effortlessly in the Instant Pot. The quick pressure-cooking method locks in moisture and flavor, resulting in tender slices perfect for holiday gatherings or weeknight dinners.
With minimal prep and hands-off cooking, you’ll free up oven space for side dishes while still serving a showstopping main course that’s beautifully glazed and ready to impress a crowd.
5. Best Mashed Potatoes from Pinch of Yum
Creamy, fluffy mashed potatoes come together effortlessly in the Instant Pot, ready in just 30 minutes from start to finish. The potatoes are cooked and mashed all in one pot, making cleanup a breeze.
Customize the flavor with your choice of herbs, garlic, and creamy additions like sour cream or cream cheese. Whether you peel the potatoes or leave the skins on, the result is a rich, comforting side dish perfect for any gathering or weeknight dinner.
4. Instant Pot Scalloped Potatoes from Joanie Simon
Creamy, cheesy scalloped potatoes come together with ease using the Instant Pot, delivering tender slices that hold their shape and soak up a rich, savory sauce.
Prep can be done ahead, making this a convenient option for gatherings or weeknight dinners—no more guesswork or lengthy baking required.
A quick pressure cook ensures the potatoes are perfectly soft in just a minute, while a final broil in the oven creates that irresistible golden, bubbly cheese topping.
3. Mashed Sweet Potatoes from Jessica Gavin
Instant Pot mashed sweet potatoes offer a quick, hands-off way to achieve a creamy, flavorful side dish. The pressure cooker softens orange-fleshed sweet potatoes in just 10 minutes, making them easy to mash with butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt for balanced flavor.
The result is a smooth, vibrant mash that pairs well with both sweet and savory meals. Easily customize with herbs, spices, or a splash of cream for your preferred texture and taste.
2. Macaroni and Cheese from The Salty Marshmallow
Creamy, homemade mac and cheese comes together in just 10 minutes using the Instant Pot, making it a perfect solution for busy weeknights. Elbow macaroni cooks directly in chicken broth with butter and seasonings, eliminating the need for draining.
A blend of sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan creates a rich, smooth sauce that clings to every bite. The result is a comforting, satisfying dish with enough leftovers for lunches or an easy side later in the week.
1. Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes from Pressure Cooking Today
Golden, cheesy potatoes au gratin come together effortlessly using a pressure cooker or Instant Pot. Thinly sliced potatoes are cooked quickly, then enveloped in a creamy cheese sauce and finished with a crisp panko topping.
The result is a comforting side dish that pairs beautifully with ham or roast meats, making it a favorite for holiday gatherings or weeknight dinners. Using a steamer basket ensures perfectly tender potatoes without breaking down, while broiling adds that irresistible golden finish.