The holidays are a busy time of year, between hosting guests, planning a dinner, and catering to everyone’s needs it can get hectic and stressful. Thankfully there are helpful kitchen gadgets available at our disposal to help alleviate some of the work and the stress.
This Thanksgiving, be sure to add these quick and easy Instant Pot recipes to your menu. Whether you’re an Instant Pot beginner or a seasoned user, you’ll be able to whip these recipes together in a hurry! We’ve made sure to include popular Thanksgiving side dishes such as green bean casserole, and mashed potatoes, but we have also included several entrées, and dessert ideas too. So let’s get cooking and put that awesome kitchen gadget to good use!
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Of all the baked goods to make from scratch at home, pies are some of the most complicated. From making the crust to the filling (and trying not burn anything), it’s understandable why people opt for pre-baked pies from the grocery store. This year, take the complication out of pie baking by using your Instant Pot!
This pumpkin pie recipe uses simple steps that completely eliminates the need for an oven. To get started, you make a graham cracker crust. You could also buy a pre-made one to save time. Mix the other ingredients in a bowl before pouring it into the crust. From there, you place some water with the trivet into the pot.
The pie only takes about an hour to cook inside the pot. Be sure to pay attention to the recipe cook time instructions so your pie is perfectly baked. Let it cool before serving and don’t forget about the whipped cream!
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It wouldn’t be Thanksgiving dinner without having stuffing. This classic go-to side dish goes well with turkey, potatoes, and just about anything else sitting on the dining table. It’s also insanely easy and quick to prepare with an Instant Pot. It doesn’t get more convenient than this.
This recipe published on Temecula Blogs elevates the stuffing by using butternut squash, but you can omit that ingredient if you prefer. It makes 10 servings and uses dry stuffing mix, chicken broth, celery, and other flavorful ingredients. Plus, you could make this dish vegetarian by using vegetable broth.
While many choose to cook their stuffing inside the turkey, this recipe is great for people skipping the turkey this year or if you’re in need of extra servings of stuffing on the table. It takes less than an hour to prepare and can be the reason why you enjoy stuffing not only at Thanksgiving, but all year round.
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There’s a good chance that if you make this Instant Pot sweet potato casserole on Thanksgiving Day, it will steal the show from whatever main course you have planned. This recipe is packed with sweet potatoes and topped with a melt-in-your-mouth marshmallow topping.
After steaming the potatoes for eight minutes, stir the rest of your ingredients into the pressure cooker. You can then transfer it to a round glass baking dish and spread it evenly. Once that’s ready, mix all of the topping ingredients together and add it on top of the sweet potatoes. The walnut, brown sugar, and marshmallow flavors are tasty enough to eat on their own!
Let the casserole bake in the oven for just half an hour. What’s nice about this recipe is how nearly everything is mixed in the Instant Pot before it goes in the oven, saving you time and dishes to clean up afterwards.
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Cornbread is one of the easiest types of bread to make from scratch. The only way to make it even simpler is by following this pressure cooker recipe.
To cook it evenly (and score points on presentation), consider using a mini bundt pan. This is an accessory available to purchase for your Instant Pot. You can make this bread ahead of time since it stays fresh at room temperature for one to two days. To make it last longer, wrap it in plastic and store it in the fridge for up to one week.
Anyone interested in baking cornbread that packs a punch can choose to make it spicy! All you have to do is add some diced jalapeños into the mix. You can also put your cooking skills to the test by grabbing your blender to make homemade cornmeal. No pressure though — corn meal from the store will taste just as good.
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From its salty bacon to the creamy mushroom soup, get ready for a burst of flavor with every bite. This Forkly green bean casserole recipe makes six to eight servings. The cherry on top of this dish is the fried onions, which can be added right before serving.
The only cooking you will have to do before tossing all ingredients into the Instant Pot is the bacon. Saute it in the pressure cooker with a bit of olive oil for five to seven minutes. Once you drain the excess fat from the pot, you can move onto the next step. Those who are short on time can use pre-cooked bacon pieces.
One important thing to remember is to not stir the green beans onto the soup. The beans could get stuck to the bottom of the pot and result in the BURN notice. That being said, prevent this from happening by keeping the broth and soup mixture closer to the bottom of the pot.
PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: FORKLY
Perhaps the most intimidating food to cook all year round is the turkey. It’s the showstopper, the main course, and the thing that people most look forward to on Thanksgiving Day. No pressure, right? Consider saving yourself time and stress by cooking up this turkey recipe designed for your Instant Pot.
This recipe can cook a turkey breast in just half an hour. You can also cook with a frozen turkey breast if you’re short on time, but using a thawed out breast is best. Start by rubbing the butter mixture under around the turkey and searing the breast on all sides using the Saute function. After getting the trivet set up and adding your ingredients, cook on high pressure for 30 minutes.
Allow a 10 to 15 minute natural release before placing the turkey in a baking pan. Place it under the oven broiler until it appears crispy golden. Let the turkey rest on the counter for 10 minutes before slicing and your work is done!
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‘Tis the season for cranberry sauce when Thanksgiving rolls around. The classic holiday side is a must-have on the dinner table since it pairs so well with just about everything else. Instead of cracking open a can from the grocery store, take your sauce to the next level by using your pressure cooker.
All you need for this recipe are fresh cranberries, apple cider, cinnamon sticks, and maple syrup. Start by putting the cranberries and apple cider into your Instant Pot. Then, drizzle the maple syrup on top along with one cinnamon stick. Set to high pressure for one minute and allow it to naturally release for three minutes.
The instructions will eventually tell you to sprinkle on the rest of the cranberries and a cup of sugar, along with a few other quick steps. Since this holiday recipe uses minimal ingredients and takes a few minutes to prepare, there’s no reason not to go homemade this year!
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Not only is macaroni and cheese the ultimate comfort food, but it’s also a savory side to serve guests at Thanksgiving dinner. You can whip up six servings of ooey, gooey deliciousness with just seven ingredients: macaroni noodles, water, butter, salt, garlic powder, shredded cheese, and milk.
This Forkly recipe is about as simple as it gets with cooking macaroni and cheese. With only three steps to follow, you can be eating this Thanksgiving Day side in just six minutes. Start by putting all the ingredients into the Instant Pot and cooking on Manual HIGH for four minutes. Next, you have to quick release the pressure.
You can then remove the lid and add in your cheese and milk. Stir the ingredients until they are well melted and mixed in. You can then garnish with parsley. Consider having some ketchup or hot sauce at the table so guests can further flavor their pasta however they prefer.
PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: FORKLY
Wondering which dessert will impress your dinner guests most? Look no further than these cinnamon apples. This decadent treat can be prepared in just 15 minutes with the help of your pressure cooker. To get started, peel each apple and remove the seeds and core. Slice the apples into four pieces and toss them in a bowl of lemon juice.
Once the apples are covered, let the Instant Pot do the rest of the work. Add it into the pot along with the brown sugar, cinnamon, and maple syrup. Toss them around with a spoon followed by the water and cornstarch mix.
To achieve crisp apples, let them cook for five minutes on Manual. Those who want softer apple slices should cook them for 10 minutes. Once you let the steam release naturally for five minutes, mix up the apples and serve. This seasonal dessert will taste great using Honeycrisp apples. For a tarter taste, opt for Granny Smith apples.
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Want to serve up a rotisserie chicken without spending half the day cooking it? Then check out this Forkly “faux” rotisserie chicken recipe courtesy of your Instant Pot. It delivers the flavor, tenderness, and savoriness of rotisserie chicken that can be prepared in an hour.
You will need a whole fresh chicken, so make sure to thaw out your chicken the night before if it’s frozen. Prep the inside of the chicken and season the outside to get it ready for the pressure cooker. Feel free to season the chicken however you prefer. Some ideas include lemon pepper, Greek, ranch dip mix, Montreal chicken, and beer can spice mix.
The recipe says it takes 15 minutes to come to pressure, but keep in mind this time can vary depending on the size and model of your Instant Pot. Closely monitor the chicken and pot to make sure it’s being cooked properly.
PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: FORKLY
There are some big contenders for the most important Thanksgiving Day desserts. Pumpkin pie, trifles, apple pie are just some examples. But there’s a good chance that apple crisp will take the cake if you follow this Instant Pot recipe. This recipe makes 12 servings in just half an hour.
Once the recommended cooking time is finished, you should transfer the apple crip to another baking dish to prevent them from baking any further. By doing this, you will save the apples from getting too soft. Those looking for the crispiest results can transfer it to an oven-safe dish and broil it in the oven for no more than five minutes.
Something that will pair nicely with apple crisp is vanilla ice cream, whipped cream or vanilla frozen Greek yogurt. Those who would like to make it healthier can use less brown sugar and opt for coconut oil or grass-fed butter.
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This low maintenance carrot recipe can be prepared minutes before serving dinner. You simply throw everything into the Instant Pot and let it cook, so it couldn’t be any easier. All you need are six ingredients: baby carrots, unsalted butter, salt, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and water.
Start by placing the baby carrots in the pressure cooker followed by the other ingredients. Cover the pot and set the vent at the top to Sealing. Next, cook it for four minutes on a Pressure Cook or Manual setting. Then, you just have to switch the vent to Venting, stir the carrots, and serve.
Following this recipe can really elevate carrots as a side dish. The brown sugar glaze is unique and surprising, which is something guests will appreciate as they take a bite. Even the kids won’t mind digging into this type of veggie. It’s the easiest way to sweeten up a vegetable without overwhelming the taste buds!
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The next time you whip up mashed potatoes, be sure to follow this hassle-free Forkly recipe. This recipe eliminates the need to do two of the most time consuming tasks — peeling and boiling the potatoes. Instead, save time by using your Instant Pot.
To get started, wash your potatoes and chop them into cubes. Then toss them into the pressure cooker along with garlic, salt, broth and half a cup of milk. Those wanting to make vegan potatoes can use nut milk. Or if you’re looking to make a lighter option, use skim milk instead. Using half and half cream is another option that can result in a creamier texture.
You’ll let the pressure cooker work its magic for about 15 minutes. Once they are done, you can strain the potatoes and toss them back in. Mash them up, add in melted butter and the remaining milk, and you’re ready to serve immediately. Don’t forget to garnish with chives!
PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: FORKLY
There is no such thing as serving too many sides on Thanksgiving Day, which is why you can’t forget to make this green beans and ham recipe. It provides guests with a healthier and low-carb option that’s super tender. Plus, it can be prepared and cooked in less than 15 minutes.
This Savory Tooth recipe yields four servings. It’s recommended that you use the steamer basket accessory with your Instant Pot. All you have to do is pour water into the pot followed by the basket. Add all the ingredients, stir, and cook at high pressure for four minutes. Serve it while hot and add some extra salt and pepper to taste.
Using the steamer basket can save you a lot of time. But if you don’t have a steamer basket, that doesn’t mean you can’t make this side dish. Instead you can cook it on saute mode and stir frequently before eventually cooking at high pressure for four minutes.
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Butternut squash is arguably one of the most fall-esque foods there is, which makes it a must-have at Thanksgiving dinner. Although it can be a time consuming dish, that doesn’t mean it has to be. This Forkly recipe makes a sweet and flavorful butternut squash in just 15 minutes using your Instant Pot.
The most time consuming part of this recipe will likely be slicing the butternut squash and scooping out the seeds. Once that’s done, you can then add the liquid, trivet, and squash to the pressure cooker. Put on the lid and cook on Manual/Pressure Cook HIGH for 12 minutes. Remove the squash and peel off the skin once it cools down a bit.
Serve up this side dish while it’s still warm. You could also store it in an airtight container for up to a week if you have any leftovers — but that’s probably not going to happen!
PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: FORKLY
In just an hour and a half, you can have eight servings of this Instant Pot baked beans. The recipe is packed with flavor from the Worcestershire sauce to smoked paprika to cinnamon to green chiles and beyond. It’s guaranteed to pair well with cornbread and turkey at the dinner table.
The bacon adds a nice smokiness to the beans. It’s recommended that you cook it separate for crispier results. If you’re short on time, feel free to skip the dried beans portion of this recipe and go with canned beans instead. There are endless variations you can do to customize this recipe however you see fit.
To make this dish vegetarian-friendly, omit the bacon and use water or vegetable broth. Want to make baked beans with a bit of a kick? Add a decent amount of chilli powder and some hot sauce. Go crazy on the garlic if that’s something you can’t get enough of either.
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There’s no better drink to serve your guests on Thanksgiving Day than hot apple cider. This festive beverage bursts with autumn, cinnamon, and all-spice flavors and can easily be prepared using your pressure cooker. Feel free to use any type of apples for your cider when following this recipe.
Start by adding the apples, orange, cinnamon sticks, and whole all-spice to the water in your Instant Pot. Cook on Manual HIGH for three minutes and give it five minutes to release the pressure manually. Mash up the contents well and use a strainer to get out the pulp. If you want to sweeten the cider, add some brown sugar and serve while it’s hot!
It’s important to note that powdered cinnamon is not a substitute for cinnamon sticks in this recipe. Doing so will lead to gritty cider since it cannot dissolve. Instead, the cinnamon sticks infuse the cider with subtle flavor that will leave you wanting more. You’re also able to store leftover cider in the refrigerator for up to four days.
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Upgrade your typical can of corn this Thanksgiving season with this delectable creamed corn recipe. It takes just five minutes to prepare and 15 minutes to cook, making it an easy last minute side to whip up before dinnertime. Better yet — there are only three steps to follow!
All you have to do is combine all seven ingredients in your Instant Pot. This recipe uses frozen corn kernels, cream cheese butter, milk, white sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir it together, lock the lid, and set it to high pressure for three minutes. Do a quick release once the timer goes off and turn on the saute setting.
You will then let it cook and thicken for another three to five minutes. Be sure to stir frequently and serve warm. Season with salt and pepper and you’re good to go. This recipe yields six servings but can easily be multiplied to make more.
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One of the best sides to indulge in throughout the holidays are sweet potatoes. The pillowy texture mixed with the to-die-for flavors make it a definite crowd pleaser. With this Forkly recipe, you won’t want to use your oven to cook ever again. The Instant Pot delivers sweet potatoes that will have you craving them long after Thanksgiving Day.
Put one cup of water into the trivet and add in your clean potatoes. Place the lid on and cook the potatoes on Manual or Pressure Cook HIGH for 20 minutes. While cook times can vary, you can try cooking them for 18 minutes to achieve firmer results.
Allow the pot to release 10 minutes before removing the lid. Then they are ready to remove and serve up warm. This easy recipe leaves you with perfectly cooked results where the skin just falls off the potato. Serve with butter and enjoy!
After reading about how easy it is to make homemade applesauce, you will never want to buy it pre-made again. This recipe requires only two ingredients: fresh apples and water.
Start by peeling your apples and chopping them into large chunks. Toss them into the Instant Pot and set it to high pressure on Manual for eight minutes. You can then vent all the steam out. It will be sticky, so have a wipe handy. Grab a blender and set it to pulse until it reaches the consistency of your preference.
What’s convenient about this recipe is that you can make it ahead of time and have one less thing to do on Thanksgiving Day. Simply store it in a sealed container in the fridge. Just make sure to let it cool at room temperature before doing so. You could also freeze it and leave it in the fridge overnight to thaw out.
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