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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

This item demonstrates how to prepare a juicy, tender ham quickly using an Instant Pot, enhanced with a sweet honey glaze. It highlights the benefits of cooking ham in a moist, pressurized environment to avoid dryness while infusing flavor throughout the meat.
The process involves wrapping the ham with a simple glaze made from pineapple juice, honey, and brown sugar, then pressure cooking it on a trivet to prevent burning.
It also offers tips for adjusting cooking times based on ham size and slicing, ensuring a perfectly heated and flavorful result every time.
14. Honey Baked Ham from A Mind “Full” Mom

This item demonstrates how to prepare a juicy, tender ham using an Instant Pot, featuring a simple honey glaze made from pineapple juice, honey, and brown sugar.
The method involves wrapping the ham in foil with the glaze and pressure cooking it on a trivet, which helps the flavors penetrate while keeping the meat moist.
The cooking time varies based on the ham’s weight and whether it is sliced or not, ensuring the ham heats through without drying out. Alternative glaze options and spices are suggested to customize the flavor, making it suitable for holiday meals or casual dinners.
13. Pork Loin, Stuffing & Gravy from The Creative Bite

This recipe combines pork loin, stuffing, and gravy into a single, easy-to-make meal using a pressure cooker. The pork loin is first seared to develop flavor, then cooked under high pressure with broth and onions, creating tender meat and flavorful cooking juices.
After cooking, the leftover broth is transformed into a savory gravy, while Stove Top stuffing is prepared directly in the pot using the flavorful liquid. This method delivers a comforting, one-pot dinner that minimizes cleanup and maximizes taste with simple ingredients.
12. Turkey Breast from Jo Cooks

This item demonstrates how to prepare a juicy turkey breast using an Instant Pot, significantly reducing cooking time compared to traditional methods. It highlights the process of seasoning, searing, and pressure cooking the turkey to lock in moisture and flavor.
The method also includes making a creamy gravy directly in the Instant Pot using simple ingredients like butter, flour, and chicken broth. The result is a tender, flavorful turkey breast that can be served immediately or stored for meal prep.
11. Sweet Spiced Honey Glazed Ham from My Heart Beets

A bone-in spiral cut ham is cooked quickly and evenly using an Instant Pot, resulting in juicy, tender meat that retains its moisture. The ham is coated with a sweet spiced honey glaze made from brown sugar, honey, and warming spices, which infuses rich flavor throughout the meat during pressure cooking.
After cooking, the glaze caramelizes slightly, creating deliciously charred edges that add texture and depth. The leftover cooking liquid is reduced into a thick sauce to drizzle over the ham, enhancing each slice with a glossy, flavorful finish.
10. Balsamic Roast Beef from Add a Pinch

This recipe creates a tender and flavorful balsamic roast beef using an Instant Pot, cutting the cooking time to under an hour. The beef is cooked with a mixture of beef broth, balsamic vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, honey, garlic, and red pepper flakes for a rich, savory taste.
After pressure cooking, the drippings can be reduced to make a delicious balsamic gravy to serve alongside the beef. The result is a juicy roast that practically falls apart, making it easy to enjoy without needing a knife.
9. Sweet Potato Casserole from Zen and Spice

This recipe demonstrates how to prepare a sweet potato casserole using an Instant Pot to steam the potatoes quickly, saving stove space and reducing prep time.
After steaming, the potatoes are mixed directly in the pot with eggs, butter, sugar, milk, and vanilla before being transferred to a baking dish.
The casserole is topped with a crumbly mixture of walnuts, brown sugar, flour, and butter, then finished with marshmallows before baking. The result is a warm, comforting dish featuring toasted marshmallows and crunchy nuts, perfect for holiday meals or family gatherings.
8. Pineapple Brown Sugar Ham from Crunchy Creamy Sweet

This item features a recipe for cooking a juicy, sweet ham with a pineapple brown sugar glaze using an Instant Pot. The method significantly reduces cooking time compared to traditional oven roasting, making it convenient for holiday meals or quick dinners.
The ham is cooked under pressure with a flavorful glaze made from pineapple tidbits, brown sugar, and cloves, which is then thickened into a glossy sauce.
Leftover ham can be stored or repurposed easily, and the Instant Pot frees up oven space for preparing additional dishes.
7. Turkey and Gravy from The Novice Chef

This item demonstrates how to cook a moist, flavorful turkey roast and make gravy using an Instant Pot with minimal prep time. It includes instructions for cooking a frozen boneless turkey roast along with vegetables and herbs, resulting in a complete meal cooked in one pot.
After pressure cooking the turkey, the recipe guides you through making a smooth, rich gravy directly in the Instant Pot using the drippings and gravy mix.
The process is designed to be simple and efficient, allowing you to prepare a classic turkey dinner with easy cleanup and minimal hands-on time.
6. Apple Cider and Brown Sugar Glazed Ham from The Foodie Eats

This recipe demonstrates how to prepare a spiral-cut ham in an Instant Pot using apple cider, brown sugar, and a blend of spices for a sweet and savory flavor.
The ham is cooked under high pressure for a short time, allowing it to heat thoroughly while absorbing the glaze and seasonings.
The process involves layering the ham on a trivet above a mixture of apple cider, Worcestershire sauce, cinnamon, and bay leaf, then coating it with brown sugar before pressure cooking.
After cooking, the ham is basted with the remaining glaze and juices, resulting in a tender, flavorful main dish perfect for holiday meals or special occasions.
5. Best Mashed Potatoes from Pinch of Yum

These mashed potatoes are made entirely in an Instant Pot, delivering a creamy and fluffy texture with minimal effort. The recipe infuses the potatoes with a flavorful garlic herb butter, creating a rich and aromatic side dish ready in just 30 minutes.
Users can customize the recipe by choosing their preferred type of potato and adjusting the herbs and creaminess to taste. Leftover mashed potatoes can be repurposed into other dishes like gnocchi or potato cakes, making this a versatile and time-saving option for any meal.
4. Instant Pot Scalloped Potatoes from Joanie Simon

This item demonstrates how to prepare scalloped potatoes quickly and easily using an Instant Pot. It highlights the importance of slicing the potatoes to the right thickness so they cook perfectly without becoming mushy.
The process involves pressure cooking the potatoes for just one minute, then making a creamy cheese sauce directly in the pot. Finally, the dish is finished under the broiler to achieve a golden, bubbly cheese topping.
3. Mashed Sweet Potatoes from Jessica Gavin

This item demonstrates how to make smooth and creamy mashed sweet potatoes using an Instant Pot. The pressure cooker softens cubed sweet potatoes quickly, allowing them to be mashed easily with butter and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg for balanced flavor.
The method includes cutting the sweet potatoes into even pieces, cooking them under high pressure for 10 minutes, and draining excess water to avoid a watery texture.
Users can customize the dish by adding herbs, sweeteners, or dairy alternatives to suit their taste preferences.
2. Macaroni and Cheese from The Salty Marshmallow

This recipe creates a creamy, flavorful macaroni and cheese using an Instant Pot, cutting the cooking time to about 10 minutes. The pasta cooks directly in seasoned chicken broth, eliminating the need to drain, and a mix of cheeses is stirred in gradually for a smooth texture.
The dish yields enough to serve a family of four with leftovers for later meals. It combines sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses with simple seasonings like garlic powder and hot sauce to enhance the flavor without adding heat.
1. Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes from Pressure Cooking Today

These cheesy potatoes au gratin are made quickly in a pressure cooker or Instant Pot, featuring thinly sliced potatoes coated in a rich, creamy cheese sauce.
A crispy panko breadcrumb topping adds texture and golden color, making the dish both comforting and visually appealing.
Cooking the potatoes in a steamer basket inside the pressure cooker helps maintain their shape and texture, while the cheese sauce is prepared directly in the pot.
The topping can be browned using a crisping lid or broiler, allowing for a beautifully finished dish that pairs well with holiday meals or weeknight dinners.