Instant Pot Thanksgiving Recipes

Save Time Without Sacrificing Flavor This Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a time for comfort, family, and incredible food—but it can also be overwhelming to juggle multiple dishes and hours of cooking. Enter the Instant Pot: your holiday kitchen game-changer. This versatile appliance lets you prepare traditional Thanksgiving favorites quickly, easily, and with minimal cleanup, so you can spend more time enjoying your guests.

In this article, you’ll find a curated selection of Instant Pot Thanksgiving recipes that deliver all the cozy, hearty flavors you want—roasted turkey breast, creamy mashed potatoes, savory stuffing, and more—all cooked in half the time. Whether you’re a busy parent, cooking for a small group, or simply want to streamline your holiday meal, these recipes will become your new Thanksgiving go-tos.

Instant Pot Turkey Breast: Juicy, Tender, and Herb-Infused

Nothing says Thanksgiving like turkey, but roasting a whole bird can be time-consuming. This Instant Pot turkey breast is juicy, flavorful, and ready in under an hour.

Ingredients:

• 4-5 lb turkey breast, skin-on

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 teaspoons dried thyme

• 2 teaspoons dried rosemary

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth

Instructions:

1. Pat the turkey breast dry and rub olive oil over the skin.

2. Mix garlic, thyme, rosemary, paprika, salt, and pepper in a small bowl, then rub evenly over the turkey breast.

3. Select the “Sauté” function on your Instant Pot and brown the turkey breast skin-side down for 5-7 minutes until golden. Flip and brown the other side for 3-4 minutes.

4. Remove turkey breast and add chicken broth to deglaze the pot, scraping up browned bits.

5. Place a trivet inside the Instant Pot, set the turkey breast on top.

6. Seal the lid and cook on “Manual” high pressure for 25 minutes.

7. Allow natural pressure release for 10 minutes before quick releasing remaining pressure.

8. Let the turkey rest 10 minutes before slicing.

Creamy Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes

Classic mashed potatoes with a creamy texture—made effortlessly in your Instant Pot with no boiling or draining.

Ingredients:

• 3 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and quartered

• 1 cup water or chicken broth

• 4 tablespoons butter

• ½ cup warm milk or cream

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Optional: chopped chives for garnish

Instructions:

1. Place potatoes and water (or broth) in the Instant Pot.

2. Seal the lid and set to “Manual” high pressure for 8 minutes.

3. Quick release the pressure when time is up.

4. Drain any remaining liquid, then mash potatoes with butter, warm milk, salt, and pepper until creamy.

5. Garnish with chopped chives if desired.

Savory Instant Pot Stuffing

Skip the oven and let your Instant Pot do the work with this moist, flavorful stuffing featuring herbs, celery, and onions.

Ingredients:

• 8 cups cubed gluten-free bread or whole-grain bread (day-old preferred)

• 3 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 cup diced onions

• 1 cup diced celery

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth

• 2 teaspoons dried sage

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions:

1. Select “Sauté” on the Instant Pot and heat olive oil. Add onions, celery, and garlic; cook until softened, about 5 minutes.

2. Turn off “Sauté.” Add bread cubes, broth, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper; mix well.

3. Seal the lid and set to “Manual” high pressure for 5 minutes.

4. Quick release the pressure and stir in fresh parsley.

5. Serve warm as a comforting side.

Instant Pot Green Beans Almondine

Tender green beans cooked quickly, tossed with toasted almonds and a squeeze of lemon, perfect for balancing your Thanksgiving plate.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed

• 1 cup water

• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter

• ½ cup sliced almonds

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Pour water into the Instant Pot and place a steamer basket inside with green beans.

2. Seal lid and cook on “Manual” high pressure for 0 minutes (the beans cook during the pressurizing process).

3. Quick release pressure immediately. Drain green beans and set aside.

4. On “Sauté” mode, toast almonds in olive oil or butter until golden, about 2 minutes.

5. Add green beans back, toss with lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

6. Heat through and serve.

Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce: Tangy & Sweet

Forget the canned stuff. This fresh cranberry sauce comes together effortlessly in the Instant Pot and perfectly complements your turkey.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz fresh cranberries

• ½ cup orange juice

• ¼ cup water

• ½ cup granulated sugar or preferred sweetener

• Zest of 1 orange

Instructions:

1. Combine cranberries, orange juice, water, sugar, and orange zest in the Instant Pot.

2. Seal the lid and cook on “Manual” high pressure for 2 minutes.

3. Quick release the pressure.

4. Stir the sauce and let it cool to thicken before serving.

Tips for Using the Instant Pot on Thanksgiving

• Plan your timing: Many dishes can cook simultaneously if you have multiple Instant Pots or can keep items warm in the oven or on the stove.

• Use natural pressure release for meats: It helps keep the turkey juicy and tender.

• Don’t overcrowd: Leave room for steam circulation inside the pot for best cooking results.

• Prep ahead: Chop veggies and season your turkey breast a day before to save time.

• Adjust seasoning after cooking: Sometimes pressure cooking mellows flavors, so taste and adjust salt and herbs as needed.

Frequently Asked Questions About Instant Pot Thanksgiving Cooking

Can I cook a whole turkey in the Instant Pot?
Because of size constraints, most Instant Pots accommodate turkey breasts rather than a whole bird. For a whole turkey, consider roasting or slow cooking separately.

Is the texture of Instant Pot mashed potatoes as good as traditional?
Yes! Instant Pot mashed potatoes are creamy and smooth without the need for boiling or draining, making them quicker and less messy.

How do I prevent stuffing from getting soggy in the Instant Pot?
Using day-old bread and controlling the amount of broth added helps maintain the right texture. Also, cooking for a shorter time prevents over-saturation.

Can I make gravy in the Instant Pot?
Absolutely. Use the turkey drippings and broth left in the pot, add thickener like cornstarch slurry, and simmer on “Sauté” until thickened.

What if I don’t have an Instant Pot?
Similar recipes can be adapted for stovetop pressure cookers or slow cookers, but cooking times and methods will vary.

Why Use the Instant Pot for Thanksgiving?

The Instant Pot is a true multitasker, saving precious time in the kitchen while delivering comforting holiday flavors. It simplifies complex dishes, minimizes cleanup with one-pot cooking, and keeps food moist and flavorful. This makes it ideal for busy hosts who want to enjoy Thanksgiving without the stress of long hours spent by the stove.

Whether you’re cooking for two or twenty, these Instant Pot recipes offer fast, convenient solutions without compromising the spirit of a homemade, festive meal.