The Top 10 Holiday Recipes for the Instant Pot

updated Oct 22, 2019
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Credit: Sweet & Savory Meals; Joe Lingeman

The holidays are stressful enough as it is — especially if you’re hosting a party or one of the big holiday meals. If you own an Instant Pot, rest assured that it can be a real lifesaver in these situations. It saves you oven space, and doesn’t require constant babysitting the way stovetop recipes do.

So to help you out this holiday season, we turned to the popular Instant Pot Facebook Group for suggestions on the best holiday Instant Pot recipes around. Below are some of our favorites!

1. Instant Pot Green Bean Casserole from Stay Snatched

Don’t love green bean casserole? Give it a second chance with this cheesy Instant Pot version. You’ll need to make the crunchy topping separately, or you can buy a container of crunchy, pre-fried onions.

Get the recipe: Instant Pot Green Bean Casserole from Stay Snatched

2. Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes from Kristine’s Kitchen Blog

Mashed potatoes are a staple at nearly every holiday meal. Instead of going through the trouble of boiling your spuds on the stove (which can take forever if you’re making a big batch), let the Instant Pot do the work.

Get the recipe: Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes from Kristine’s Kitchen Blog

3. Instant Pot Butternut Squash Soup from Berry & Maple

Not everyone likes a first course at holiday meals, which is fair enough. But if you want to keep your guests happy with a little something while you finish dinner, go with this Instant Pot butternut squash soup.

Get the recipe: Instant Pot Butternut Squash Soup from Berry & Maple

4. Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce from Stay Snatched

If you go the homemade route for cranberry sauce, save time and stove space by doing it in the Instant Pot. Make it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator so that it’s cold and thick when you’re ready to serve it.

Get the recipe: Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce from Stay Snatched

5. Instant Pot Matzo Ball Soup from Lana Under Pressure 

Matzo ball soup is a staple on Jewish holiday tables, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t for everyone. Whether you grew up eating the stuff or not, consider adding this Instant Pot version to your holiday table.

Get the recipe: Instant Pot Matzo Ball Soup from Lana Under Pressure 

6. Instant Pot Ham from Sweet and Savory Meals

Buy a pre-cooked ham (which is how they’re sold in supermarkets) and you can heat it in the Instant Pot in just five minutes! We recommend the optional broiling step, which calls for a honey-brown sugar topping that caramelizes under the broiler.

Get the recipe: Instant Pot Ham from Sweet and Savory Meals

7. Instant Pot Turkey Legs with Gravy from Berry & Maple

You can’t fit a whole turkey in the Instant Pot, but you can fit several turkey legs. If you like dark meat, try this turkey and gravy recipe for Thanksgiving. You’ll save about four hours of oven time.

Get the recipe: Instant Pot Turkey Legs with Gravy from Berry & Maple

8. Instant Pot Mashed Sweet Potatoes from Jessica Gavin

Sweet potatoes are a year-round favorite, but they’re especially perfect for the holidays. Make yours in the Instant Pot with butter and spices — it only takes 20 minutes!

Get the recipe: Instant Pot Mashed Sweet Potatoes from Jessica Gavin

9. Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin from Everyday Eileen

This Instant Pot pork only makes four servings, so it’s not great for a crowd. But if you’re hosting a more intimate holiday dinner and don’t want to bother with a turkey or ham, it’s a great alternative that still feels festive and special.

Get the recipe: Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin from Everyday Eileen

10. Instant Pot Boneless Turkey Breast from Crunchy Creamy Sweet

Truth be told, Instant Pot turkey breast is far more tender than the oven-roasted kind, because of a much shorter cook time and a not-so-dry cooking environment. Plus, it’s done in a fraction of the time.

Get the recipe: Instant Pot Boneless Turkey Breast from Crunchy Creamy Sweet