Instant Pot Thanksgiving Recipes (2024)

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Here’s all the Instant Pot Thanksgiving recipes you’ll need for the holidays! From Instant Pot turkey to pressure cooker side dishes & dessert, we’ve got you covered. Perfect list to use for all of November.

Instant Pot Thanksgiving Recipes (1)

Ok I am back with a roundup of the best Instant Pot Thanksgiving recipes! Of course we have over 100 more easy Instant Pot recipes on my site but these are great for the holidays. (originally published 9/18, affiliate links present)

Ninja Foodi Thanksgiving Recipes

I’m here to share a few of my favorite pressure cooker holiday recipes. Of course you can use them as Ninja Foodi recipes too, or whatever brand you have. If you have the latter, or the pressure cooker air fryer lid, you can make even more too.

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Here’s the BIG list of everything you’ll need to create an Instant Pot Thanksgiving dinner for everyone in no time.

If you are new to pressure cooking we have a lot of easy one pot meal recipes for you here. To begin with let’s start with a few basic tips:

  • Make sure to Bookmark our InstaPot recipes page. We add new ones each week!
  • Then PRINT this —–> Instant Pot cooking times cheat sheet that will help you understand how long meat, vegetables and beans take to cook in your pressure cooker.
    • This is a great InstaPot cookbook and a set of wooden utensils are great to grab too.
    • I HIGHLY recommend you buy this non stick pot.
      • You should still deglaze pressure cooker after sautéing but it won’t have as many issues with this better liner.

For reference, this is the pressure cooker I have (a 6 quart) and use for all recipe creations.

Instant Pot Thanksgiving Recipes (2)

Instant Pot Thanksgiving

We have a recipe for the main dish, Instant Pot turkey of course but if you’re not a huge fan of that you could serve a pressure cooker ham which is a yummy dinner too no matter what time of year it is. You could easily use this list for your Instant Pot Christmas recipes too. This is why we love using this pot during this holiday.

  1. It frees up your oven space for other dishes on Thanksgiving Day
  2. Y’all can cook a dish very quickly
  3. You can saute, cook, and keep warm all in one pot

Hands down it is the best thing that has ever been invented for this holiday in particular. The #1 item that I ALWAYS make in it are Instant Pot mashed potatoes or garlic mashed potatoes. If nothing else, make that!

Instant Pot Thanksgiving Recipes (3)

Thanksgiving Recipes Pressure Cooker

Electric pressure cooker is what you will need, any brand. I just got my newPioneer Woman Instant Pot with a non stick pot – you can use a Crockpot Express and/or Ninja Foodi too. For vegetables you will want a Instant Pot Steamer basket for sure.

Instant Pot Thanksgiving Recipes

6 c. bundt pan that fits into a 6 or 8 qt. IP is perfect for side dishes like my corn casserole and cornbread. I just bought mini mitts that have come in handy to get things out easier

  • Pressure Cooker turkey is possible and done in a fraction of the time of course
    • Smaller gatherings can use this pressure cooker turkey breast recipe
    • You can make this pressure cooker gravy or Instant Pot sausage gravy as well with all the wonderful drippings from your bird
  • Here’s a chart showing how long to cook an Instant Pot turkey breast as well

Instant Pot ham is a great alternative in case you aren’t a huge fan of turkey. A great choice if there are only 2-4 of you too so there aren’t too many leftovers.

Instant Pot Thanksgiving Recipes (5)

Instant Pot Thanksgiving Dinner

Instant Pot Side Dishes are a must. I mean I think many times we could skip the meat entirely and just have an entire meal with just these. lol

If you’re having an all day affair start the day with this pressure cooker breakfast quinoa that’s amazing – make a toppings bar for fun!

  • Instant Pot brussel sprouts and bacon is amazing and sure to go fast
  • Pressure cooker baked potatoes are cheap and simple, but Instant Pot garlic mashed potatoes are easier to serve.
  • A must is thisInstant Pot corn casserole recipe
  • Cheesy Instant Pot cauliflower is an amazing side dish that will be new to everyone

The bestInstant Pot cheesy bacon ranch potatoes are here. Use a mixture of different cheeses to make them over the top fantastic.

Instant Pot Thanksgiving Recipes (6)

Best Thanksgiving Sides Instant Pot

Instant Pot sweet potato casserole with a pecan topping or stop at the mashed sweet potatoes stage

  • HolidayInstant Pot cranberry sauce is a must and SO easy!
  • Easy Instant Pot artichokes are a favorite year round really
  • ThisInstant Pot stuffing with butternut squash or without, works great!
  • CheesyInstant Pot scalloped potatoes – you may call them au gratin potatoes

Pressure cooker cornbread is really pretty to serve in this small bundt pan.

Instant Pot Thanksgiving Recipes (7)

Instant Pot white rice– basic recipe for cooked rice but is much easier than the stovetop method, something we use several times a week! For a healthier version, make Instant Pot brown rice. This way, it turns out fluffier than ever.

  • HomemadeInstant Pot spaghetti squash

If you have picky kids coming just make a pot of Instant Pot macaroni and cheese so they’re happy.

  • BestInstant Pot spinach
  • Easy Instant Pot artichokes
  • Pressure cooker fried cabbagewith bacon of course
Instant Pot Thanksgiving Recipes (8)
  • Instant Pot potatoeswith Italian herb seasoning
  • CreamyInstant Pot potato salad
  • ButteryInstant Pot cauliflower mash
  • The bestInstant Pot green bean casserole
  • Pressure cooker Amish macaroni salad

We always have some sort of fruit dish to serve on the side so this Instant Pot applesauce would work well for that.

Instant Pot Thanksgiving Recipes (9)

You can make Instant Pot quinoa as a healthier side dish instead of rice

  • Instant Pot popcorn is something fun to make if you have kids coming over and you can discuss how the Native Americans made popcorn way back when etc….
  • EasyInstant Pot Indian vegetable rice is fun

Instant Pot Thanksgiving Desserts

  • This Instant Pot pumpkin apple cake is just wonderful.
    • You can use our pressure cooker pumpkin recipe to make homemade pumpkin puree to use too

Not necessarily traditional but people RAVE about our Instant Pot rice pudding which for me is my favorite no matter what holiday it is. OrInstant Pot chocolate rice pudding.

Instant Pot Thanksgiving Recipes (10)

Pressure Cooker Dessert Recipes

FunInstant Pot caramel popcorn you can do with kids. It is fun to watch it pop up using a glass lid.

  • Instant Pot brownies(or fill with peanut butter…it’s amazing)
  • Delicious Instant Pot pumpkin cheesecake
  • If you want to cook dessert in your oven here are some easy pumpkin desserts
Instant Pot Thanksgiving Recipes (11)

Then take note and PIN this roundup of Christmas brunch menu ideas, and December Instant Pot recipes.

  • Make sure to use our leftover turkey recipe if you have any meat left. Don’t waste! You can make turkey stock out of the bones too.

If you’re celebrating with kids here are a few ideas to keep the day fun!

  • Easy Thanksgiving crafts
  • Thanksgiving bingo
  • Free printable coloring Thanksgiving placemats

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Instant Pot Thanksgiving Recipes (12)

Instant Pot Thanksgiving Recipes (13)

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5 from 1 vote

Instant Pot Thanksgiving Recipes

24+ Instant Pot Thanksgiving recipes from side dishes to main dishes like a whole turkey, cranberry sauce, stuffing and this creamed corn in pressure cooker here.

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Keyword corn, cream, creamed, crockpot express, instant pot, ninja foodi, pressure cooker

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 4 minutes minutes

Servings 8

Calories 153kcal

Author The Typical Mom

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 16 oz corn frozen
  • 4 oz cream cheese softened
  • 1 tbsp milk
  • 1/2 c cheese shredded, cheddar
  • 1/4 tsp sugar optional for sweetness
  • 1.5 tbsp butter

Instructions

  • Pour 1.5 c of water into your pressure cooker and put a trivet in the middle of your pot. In an oven safe bowl add your bag of frozen corn, 1 tbsp milk, butter and sugar. Place bowl on top of your trivet.

  • Close your lid and steam valve and set to pressure high for 4 minutes. Do a quick release. Remove the bowl and trivet, drain water inside the pot. Dump buttery corn mixture into your inner pot and set to saute, low setting.

  • Add shredded cheddar cheese and cream cheese (cut into small blocks so it melts easier) and stir slowly until all the cheeses melt. Serve.

Nutrition Facts

Instant Pot Thanksgiving Recipes

Amount Per Serving (1 oz)

Calories 153Calories from Fat 90

% Daily Value*

Fat 10g15%

Saturated Fat 6g38%

Trans Fat 0.1g

Polyunsaturated Fat 1g

Monounsaturated Fat 3g

Cholesterol 27mg9%

Sodium 109mg5%

Potassium 151mg4%

Carbohydrates 13g4%

Fiber 1g4%

Sugar 3g3%

Protein 5g10%

Vitamin A 479IU10%

Vitamin C 3mg4%

Calcium 68mg7%

Iron 0.3mg2%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Instant Pot Thanksgiving Recipes (14)
Instant Pot Thanksgiving Recipes (2024)

FAQs

How to make Thanksgiving dinner for the first time? ›

How to Cook Thanksgiving Dinner for the First Time
  1. Prep the week and night before if possible. If certain dishes on your menu like pies, side dishes, etc can be made beforehand, do it. ...
  2. Shop early. ...
  3. Set the table a few days before. ...
  4. Put on a peppy playlist. ...
  5. Enlist help. ...
  6. Have a cleanup plan.
Nov 3, 2023

How to cook Thanksgiving in order? ›

For the big day, we've figured out just the right order to pull together the rest of the feast.
  1. Defrost premade bread. ...
  2. Chill wine and beer.
  3. Prepare the stuffing stuffing. ...
  4. Roast the turkey. ...
  5. Prepare other side dishes while the turkey roasts. ...
  6. Remove the fully cooked turkey from the oven and rest it for 1 hour.
Oct 20, 2021

What can you cook in a pressure cooker? ›

Pressure cooker recipes
  • Pressure cooker chicken stew. ...
  • Lemony prawn & pea pressure cooker risotto. ...
  • Slow-roasted mutton shoulder with garlic bean mash & gremolata. ...
  • Pressure cooker short ribs with herb salad. ...
  • Goat mole chilli with pickled radishes. ...
  • Pressure cooker beef curry. ...
  • Big-batch pressure cooker bolognese.
Jan 25, 2023

What to make 2 days ahead for Thanksgiving? ›

Dishes you should definitely make in advance
  • Thanksgiving stuffing. "We always make my mom's sweet potato stuffing ahead of time. ...
  • Casserole. "Pretty much anything with 'casserole' in the name is built for being made in advance." — ...
  • Mise en place. ...
  • Gravy. ...
  • Turkey and chicken stock. ...
  • Most desserts. ...
  • Brussels sprouts. ...
  • Dinner rolls.
Nov 14, 2023

What foods can be cooked the day before Thanksgiving? ›

Get a head start on all the classics—like green bean casserole, sweet potato casserole, and corn casserole—so you can breathe easier on the big day. Another example is stuffing. Most stuffing recipes want to be made of stale, crunchy bread that can soak up all the yummy flavors without getting soggy.

When should I start cooking Thanksgiving sides? ›

2-3 days out: Start on your sides and gather your remaining ingredients. Unless you thrive under pressure, start your sides on the Monday and Tuesday before Thanksgiving. “Start with sides that reheat well,” recommended Smith. “Examples include mashed potatoes, braised greens and green bean casserole.”

What is the average time to start Thanksgiving dinner? ›

People eat whenever they like. However, a 'classic' Thanksgiving dinner with a turkey and 'fixings' and all the sides - that takes TIME to prep and cook, so I would say, IN GENERAL (and with a lot of exceptions) that it is TYPICAL for Thanksgiving dinner to be served around 1 or 2 pm. Or sometimes later.

When should I start the mashed potatoes for Thanksgiving? ›

You can make the mashed potatoes a few hours before dinner, and then keep them warm on the stovetop. When you should start cooking: A couple hours before dinnertime.

What is a good Thanksgiving menu? ›

IF you mean a traditional American Thanksgiving dinner: roast turkey, gravy, stuffing, mashed potatoes, string beans, rolls, cranberry sauce; mushroom dish, maybe a salad or 2, maybe wild rice; pumpkin pie and/or apple pie.

Can you cook turkey and stuffing at the same time? ›

Cooking the Thanksgiving meal doesn't have to be complicated or stressful. Take, for instance, our recipe for One-Pan Turkey Breast and Stuffing with parsley-pomegranate sauce. With this recipe, the turkey and stuffing cook together in the same roasting pan.

What Cannot be cooked in a pressure cooker? ›

Here are six things you should always avoid cooking in a pressure cooker.
  1. Dairy products. Foods containing dairy, like milk, cream, or yogurt, should not be pressure-cooked. ...
  2. Fried foods. Cooking fried foods is a strict no no, when it comes to pressure cookers. ...
  3. Quick cooking vegetables. ...
  4. Cakes and bakes. ...
  5. Eggs in the shell.
Jul 23, 2023

Is Instapot worth it? ›

Yes, the Instant Pot is widely considered an effective and versatile pressure cooker. Many users find it worth the price due to its convenience, time-saving features, and ability to perform various cooking functions in one appliance.

What is the best meat to pressure cook? ›

You can still pressure cook leaner pieces – like eye of round and top sirloin – but these work best if they've been stuffed, shredded or rolled (with other ingredients). Best cuts of beef to use: Chuck steak, Round Roast, Shoulder, Pot roast, Ribs, Brisket, Oxtail.

What do you normally do the night before Thanksgiving? ›

The day before Thanksgiving means travel, traffic — and, for many families, takeout. Cooking another meal the night before the impending feast isn't high on many of our priority lists, which explains why the Wednesday before Thanksgiving is one of the biggest pizza nights of the year across the country.

What can I do the Tuesday before Thanksgiving? ›

The Tuesday before Thanksgiving you can begin making food and chilling it in your fridge. Use today to make cranberry sauce and pie crusts, and prep the ingredients for stuffing and casseroles.

Is it OK to make stuffing a day ahead of time? ›

No matter where you fall, getting a head start on what can be prepared before the big day is essential. One question that always crops up: Can you make stuffing ahead of time? The short answer to whether you can making stuffing ahead of time is yes.

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