Instant Pot Thanksgiving Recipes
Nov 16, 2025
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Whether you're cooking the entire feast in your Instant Pot or just freeing up space for the casseroles and pies, these easy, tried-and-true recipes will help you pull off a stress-free, show-stopping Thanksgiving dinner.
From the juiciest turkey breast to creamy mashed potatoes and make-ahead sides, these are the recipes that actually save time, oven space, and make hosting Thanksgiving that much easier.
The Main Event
We have to start with the big question. Can you really make turkey in the Instant Pot? Absolutely…if you go with turkey breast. It turns out juicy, flavorful, and cooks in a fraction of the time--and actually FITS inside the Instant Pot. Or you can opt to make a small ham to serve with your roast turkey if you like serving both (we do!)
Instant Pot Turkey Breast
My Instant Pot Turkey Breast recipe uses an herb butter that makes it so flavorful and tender, your guests will swear you spent all day basting it.
Instant Pot Ham
Cooked in the moist, steamy environment of the Instant Pot, the ham stays juicy and tender and the pineapple glaze takes the flavor over the top.
Make-Ahead Thanksgiving Instant Pot Recipes
Get a head start on the holiday rush! These recipes can be made days, or even weeks in advance.
Instant Pot Applesauce
Sweet, homemade comfort. Make it the weekend before or freeze it months ahead. It tastes just as good thawed.
Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce
My son's favorite (and one of the easiest things you'll make). Make up to 4 days ahead or freeze up to a month in advance.
Instant Pot Sweet Potatoes
Pressure cook, mash, and refrigerate or freeze for an easy head start on your Sweet Potato Casserole.
Instant Pot Pumpkin Cheesecake
Gingersnap crust plus creamy pumpkin filling is the ultimate Thanksgiving dessert. As an added bonus, this dessert tastes better made ahead.
Easy Instant Pot Thanksgiving Side Dishes
Save your oven and stove top for other dishes. The Instant Pot pulls these sides together quickly.
Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
Creamy, buttery perfection every time.
Instant Pot Scalloped Potatoes
Perfect for a smaller gathering, these gooey, cheesy potatoes are comfort on a plate.
Instant Pot Stuffing
My Papa's classic recipe adapted for the Instant Pot. It is every bit as moist as "stuffed" stuffing. 😉
Instant Pot Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Add maple syrup and walnuts for an effortless side with sweet potato casserole vibes.
Instant Pot Creamed Corn
Buttery, rich, and oh-so easy to make.
Instant Pot Green Beans
The easiest way to steam green beans. Perfectly tender and bright every time.
An Entire Thanksgiving Dinner Made in the Instant Pot
In case you were wondering, you can make an ENTIRE Thanksgiving Dinner in the Instant Pot! I start with a buttered seasoned turkey breast and then prepare mashed potatoes, green beans, and gravy all in the SAME instant pot in just about 2 hours time! Perfect for smaller crowds. You can watch how I do it below.
Thanksgiving Leftovers?
The best part of Thanksgiving might just be the leftovers! You can browse all of my favorite Thanksgiving leftover recipes, or check out my favorites made using the Instant Pot.
- Instant Pot Turkey Noodle Soup: Creamy, comforting, and ready in 30 minutes. It's like chicken noodle soup--but better!
- Instant Pot Ham and Bean Soup: Made with dried beans, pantry staples, and a leftover ham bone, it doesn't get much cheaper (or tastier) than this cozy soup.
- Instant Pot Noodle Casserole: Swap out the tuna for diced turkey or ham and enjoy a simple, creamy pasta made with egg noodles and peas.
- Instant Pot Ham & Cheese Pasta: A dump-and-go dinner your whole family will love. This works really well with leftover turkey (or ham!)
- Instant Pot Turkey Stock : Don't throw away your turkey bones! Use my recipe for Instant Pot Chicken Stock to make a delicious turkey stock.
More Thanksgiving Recipe Collections
Hosting Thanksgiving doesn't have to mean chaos in the kitchen. With these Instant Pot recipes, you can spend less time babysitting the stove and more time enjoying the people (and food) around your table. --xo, Kristen
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