47 Healthy Instant Pot Holiday Recipes {pressure cooker, too!} (2024)

47 Healthy Instant Pot Holiday Recipes {pressure cooker, too!} (2)You cheerfully labor over perfectly prepared turkey, stuffing, gravy, side dishes, and dessert.

You lay your meal on a beautifully set table.

And everyone oohs and aaahs over what they call “the best holiday meal ever”.

This is a dream, right?

Well, maybe… maybe not. 😉

I can’t promise that everyone will oooh and aaah over your meal or that your table will be perfectly set. But I can promise this…

With a pressure cooker or Instant Pot, you can make your Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner preparations much easier and quicker than ever before, and your food will still be delicious and nutritious!

Cut down on cooking time (and even dishes) this year with these 47 Instant Pot or pressure cooker recipes for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Turkey, lamb roast, stuffing, gravy, sweet potato casserole, green beans, and even naturally sweetened cranberry sauce… it’s all here!

And it’s all pressure cooked!

From appetizers to cranberry sauce to dessert (and everything between), there are so many reasons to love pressure cooking. It is possible to pressure cook your way through the celebration season — and have fun while you’re at it!

Turkey And Roast LambAnd Brisket, Oh My!

Whether you celebrate Thanksgiving or Christmas with a traditional turkey and ham, or maybe you get a little more out-of-the-box and go for a brisket, lamb, or pork loin, these Instant Pot holiday recipes will make this year’s meal all the more special.

Paleo Turkey & Gluten-Free Gravy (Pressure Cooker)

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Tender turkey and rich gravy suitable for Paleo lifestyles in just 90 minutes?! Yes, please! Viagutsybynature.com.

Instant Pot Apple Cherry Pork Loin

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This is a freezer cooking recipe, so make it up now, freeze, and put in the Instant Pot on the big day! You’ll get through your Thanksgiving or Christmas meal with ease! Viaonceamonthmeals.com.

Pressure Cooker Lamb Shanks

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Tender and juicy, these lamb shanks are the perfect dish to tuck into on a cold, blustery day! Vianomnompaleo.com.

Maple Smoked Brisket

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“Pretty dang close to smoked with an outdoor smoker”…need I say more? What a special way to celebrate the season! Viabarerootgirl.com.

Instant Pot Apple Cider Pork Loin

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Moist and tender, with just the right amount of sweetness, this pork loin will look lovely on your holiday table. Viastevesacooking.com.

Instant Pot Sweet Baked Ham

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If you were wondering if ham could be made in the Instant Pot, the answer is YES! Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas to you! Viamelskitchencafe.com.

See Also
Jamie Oliver's best vegetarian Christmas recipesHow to Make Gluhwein (German Mulled Wine Recipe)Australian Keto Christmas Recipes21 Delicious Christmas Casserole Recipes That You'll Love!

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Don’t be a harried cook who rushes to scrape pan drippings for her gravy! With this trick, you can make your gravy in just 10 minutes and the day (or 2!) before the big meal! Via TraditionalCookingSchool.com.

Stuffing In The Pressure Cooker

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A great new way to cook your stuffing this year. Quickly “baked” in the pressure cooker and then crisped up in the oven before serving. Viapressurecookingtoday.com.

Instant Pot Bone Broth

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Good cooks know that the best gravy begins with homemade bone broth. But you don’t have 12 hours to simmer bone broth! So use your Instant Pot instead! Viaraisinggenerationnourished.com.

Instant Pot Sourdough Cornbread

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Does your cornbread stuffing need a traditional makeover? Try this pressure cooker sourdough cornbread for an easily digested, oh-so-yummy cornbread stuffing! Via TraditionalCookingSchool.com

Pressure Cooker Turkey Legs & Turkey Gravy

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Satisfyingly meaty turkey legs cook perfectly in a pressure cooker — then the cooking juices turn into a delicious gravy to ladle over your entire plate! Viapressurecookrecipes.com.

Cranberry-Braised Turkey Wings

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For family members who prefer crisp skin and dark meat, these delicious turkey wings are pressure cooked in a cranberry sauce for a finger-licking good meal! Viahippressurecooking.com.

Pressure Cooked Bone-In Ham With Maple-Honey Glaze

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Hey, so maybe turkey isn’t your thing, but you still want a pressure cooker Thanksgiving or Christmas main dish — look no further! Via simpleawesomecooking.com.

Creamy Mashed Side Dishes

Creamy Mashed Potatoes In The Pressure Cooker

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Nothing says holiday comfort food quite like creamy mashed potatoes! Simple, perfect, easy, and quick for your holiday feast! Viapressurecookingtoday.com.

The Best Sweet Potato Casserole Ever {in the Instant Pot!}

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Our famous grain-free, gluten-free, healthy sweet potato casserole is now adapted to the Instant Pot! No refined sugar, no store-bought marshmallows! Via TraditionalCookingSchool.com. 25+ Homemade Marshmallow Recipes!

Lard-Whipped Parsnips With Caramelized Onions [Paleo/Whole30/AIP]

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Can’t eat potatoes? There’s no reason why you shouldn’t enjoy something pretty close — whipped parsnips! These are lower in carbs than potatoes and full of nourishing fat! Via grazedandenthused.com.

Easy Instant Pot Cauliflower Mash

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Need to fool some guests into eating a healthier side dish? Look no further than this cauliflower mash — made easy in the Instant Pot! Even the kids might be fooled! Viapressurecookermeals.com.

Pressure Cooker Mashed Turnips

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If turnips are an unfamiliar veggie for you, THIS is where you should start! This yummy side dish will make your holidaymeal extra special. Viathedailymeal.com.

See Also
Easy Sourdough Stuffing Recipe

Sweet Pressure Cooker Carrot Puree

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This simple puree is made with 5 ingredients, in 10 minutes. What a great way to get your picky eaters to love eating their veggies. Viapressurecookrecipes.com.

Instant Pot Butternut Apple Mash {Paleo, Grain-Free, AIP}

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There’s already so much sugar in Thanksgiving dessert, right? No need to over-sweeten our side dishes too. This mashed butternut squash is naturally (and lightly) sweetened with apples! Viafoodandsunshine.com.

Creamy Pressure Cooker Mashed Sweet Potatoes

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Not mashed potatoes and not sweet potato casserole — it’s the perfect mix! Viapressurecookrecipes.com.

Ham & Cheddar Instant Pot Au Gratin Potatoes

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Ham + potatoes + cheese + an Instant Pot? Pure holidayheaven, if you ask me! Viaadventuresofanurse.com.

Holiday Pressure Cooker Veggies

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The holiday season just isn’tcomplete without green beans. No cream of mushroom soup here, however! Via TraditionalCookingSchool.com.

Sweet & Spicy Instant Pot Carrots

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Rarely the star of a meal, the humble carrot gets dressed up in this pressure cooker side dish that’s full of color and flavor! Viathesewildacres.com.

Red, White, & Green Pressure Cooker Brussels Sprouts

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Red pomegranate seeds and white toasted pine nuts look so appealing next to bright green pressure cooked Brussels sprouts! Add a splash of color to your table with this side dish! Viahippressurecooking.com.

Honey-Glazed Herbed Carrots

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“A quick and tantalizingly sweet way to serve carrots with just a hint of dill. It’s sweet and savory at the same time, and the aroma of thyme and dill will tickle your taste buds.” Viamissvickie.blogspot.com.

Pressure Cooker Butternut Squash {made in 3 minutes}

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There are just 5 ingredients in this simple autumn side dish. If you’re just getting your feet wet with pressure cooking, this is an easy recipe to begin with! Viacarrieonliving.com.

Instant Pot Herb-Roasted Potatoes

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Tender, herb-y, and the epitome of comfort food, the humble potato has a place on every Thanksgiving and Christmas table! This recipe is found only inside our Pressure Cooking eCourse!

Pressure Cooker Stuffed Acorn Squash

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Adorable and tender acorn squash makes an individual-sized cup for hearty stuffing. Viahappybellyfoodie.com.

Instant Pot Glazed Carrots

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I challenge you to find an easier, more rustic holidayside dish! This one’s sure to wow your friends and family! Via feistyeats.wordpress.com.

Green Beans In An Instant Pot

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Nothing fancy here… just simple, bright green beans full of flavor and nutrition because they’re pressure cooked! Viarecipesforinstantpot.com.

Sweet & Orange-y Brussels Sprouts

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Your celebrationmeal doesn’t have to be loaded with starch. With maple syrup and orange zest, you can add nutrition and color to your meal! Viafoodsforlonglife.blogspot.com.

Cranberry Sauce

Naturally Sweetened Cranberry Sauce In The Instant Pot

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I didn’t like cranberry sauce… until I made it myself with whole food ingredients. This naturally sweetened cranberry sauce takes just minutes in the Instant Pot. It’s even GAPS-friendly! Via TraditionalCookingSchool.com.

Pressure Cooker Orange Ginger Cranberry Sauce

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You’ll never open another can of cranberry sauce again once you’ve tried this flavorful sauce! Viathisoldgal.com.

Pressure Cooker Chipotle Cranberry Sauce

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A smokey twist on a classic! Add some spice and un-traditional flavor to your turkey and dressing! Viapressurecookerconvert.com.

And Of Course, Dessert!

Instant Pot Rice Pudding

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You can feed a crowd with this economical, oh-so-nourishing rice pudding. Perhaps you could even provide a topping bar — with dried fruits, nuts, coconut, maple syrup, and spices — so each person can customize their dessert! Via TraditionalCookingSchool.com.

Pressure Cooker Baked Apples

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A deceptively easy dessert, these baked apples will be a hit with grown-ups and kids alike! Viahippressurecooking.com.

Pressure Cooker Apple Cider

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When your guests need something sweet and spicy to sip on after they’ve stuffed their bellies, give them this beautiful pressure cooked cider! Viathehomemadecook.com.

Instant Pot Bread Pudding {with Paleo Option} & Sauteed Caramelized Pears

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A truly ethereal pleasure, warm bread pudding is cooked quickly and easily in the Instant Pot for a lovely, hearty dessert. (Or save some for breakfast the next day!) Viaeatbeautiful.net.

Pumpkin Cutie Pies

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Made from scratch and with fresh pumpkin, your holiday guests will enjoy these adorable, individual pumpkin cutie pies made in a pressure cooker! Via hippressurecooking.com.

Instant Pot Christmas Pudding

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A moist and fudgy traditional Christmas pudding made quick and easy in the Instant Pot or other pressure cooker! Viaeverynookandcranny.net.

Easy Instant Pot Spiced Apple Cider

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Instant Pot Spiced Apple Cider is so easy to make from scratch! It’sdelicious, perfectly spiced, maple sweetened and only takes 10 minutes cook time!Viarecipestonourish.com.

Honorable Mentions & How To Make Them Nourishing:

Will you be happily pressure cooking your way through the Thanksgiving and Christmas this year? What Instant Pot or pressure cooker holiday recipes will you try?

We only recommend products and services we wholeheartedly endorse. This post may contain special links through which we earn a small commission if you make a purchase (though your price is the same).

47 Healthy Instant Pot Holiday Recipes {pressure cooker, too!} (2024)

FAQs

What foods should not be cooked in an Instant Pot? ›

In fact, there are a handful of foods that just shouldn't be pressure-cooked. Among them are dairy and fried foods, as well as burgers and steaks.

Get More Info Here ›
Is food cooked in a pressure cooker healthy? ›

Yes, cooking in a pressure cooker is healthy as it uses steam to cook food, the insulated and sealed body does not allow the water to evaporate thus preserving the nutrients in the food. Pressure cookers do not require oil to cook making them even healthier.

Discover More Details ›
Is the Instant Pot better than the pressure cooker? ›

The key benefit of a traditional pressure cooker is that it can deliver a higher pressure than all but the most expensive Instant Pots, so it cooks even more quickly: where most Instant Pots deliver a maximum pressure of 12psi, traditional pressure cookers can go up to 15psi.

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Can you have too much liquid in a pressure cooker? ›

Too much food or liquid in your Instant Pot while pressure cooking can lead to dangerous pressure levels. As a rule of thumb, don't let the total amount of precooked food and liquid in the inner pot go over the two-thirds line.

Read The Full Story ›
What should never go in a pressure cooker? ›

Foods containing dairy, like milk, cream, or yogurt, should not be pressure-cooked. The high heat and pressure can cause dairy products to curdle or separate, ruining the texture, taste and flavour of the dish. Cooking fried foods is a strict no no, when it comes to pressure cookers.

Read The Full Story ›
Why shouldn't potatoes be cooked in a pressure cooker? ›

Mostly we boil potatoes in a pressure cooker, but like rice, potatoes also contain a lot of starch. This is the reason why boiling or cooking in this pressure cooker is not considered good for health. If you still plan to use cooker for the same, add a lot of water and wash them thoroughly post cooking.

Get More Info Here ›
What are the disadvantages of pressure cooker food? ›

Disadvantages of cooking food in a pressure cooker

However, starchy foods may form acrylamide, a harmful chemical, when pressure cooked. Consumption of this chemical on a regular basis may lead to health issues like cancer, infertility, and neurological disorders.

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Does cooking vegetables in pressure cooker destroy nutrients? ›

Three-quarters were wiped out by boiling, but less than half were eliminated by pressure cooking. Steaming beat both methods, retaining more nutrients than boiling or pressure cooking, because the greens weren't dunked in water, which can leach out the nutrients.

Keep Reading ›
Is slow cooking or pressure cooking healthier? ›

Is cooking in a pressure cooker healthy? Yes, cooking in a pressure cooker is healthy. Unlike a slow cooker, which cooks foods for a long time at a lower temperature, pressure cookers do use high heat when cooking - but not for a long time. This means that most of the nutrients won't be lost.

Find Out More ›
How long do pressure cookers last? ›

So long as you consistently care for the pressure cooker in your kitchen, you should get between two or three years of high-quality use out of it. The better care you take of your unit, the more likely it is to last beyond that timespan.

Know More ›

Are Instant Pots healthier? ›

“Instant pot recipes are absolutely healthy as long as what you put in the recipe is healthy,” she says. The shorter cooking time may also result in the greater preservation of vitamins and minerals when compared to other longer types of cooking.

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Can an instapot be used for canning? ›

I know that the Instant Pot Max has a button for canning, however, the research done by the National Center for Home Food Preservation found that it is not safe for canning because the temperature fluctuates during processing. This fluctuation can cause under-processing and you can risk foodborne illness.

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Do you put hot or cold water in a pressure cooker? ›

Since the food starts to cook when Instant Pot is heating up & going up to pressure, and this part of the cooking time is shortened, the food may come out undercooked. Solution: Use cold liquid to cook or adjust the cooking time stated in the recipe accordingly.

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Does cooking meat in a pressure cooker make it more tender? ›

This technique also forces moisture into the food quickly. That's why things like meaty stews and curries are so perfect in a pressure cooker — all of the moisture makes for saucy, extra-tender, succulent results.

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Can you overcook something in a pressure cooker? ›

Steam penetrates food easily under pressure. So connective tissues in cubes of beef for soups or stews soften in 15 minutes or less, and a pot roast will be medium-rare in 30 minutes. Be sure to follow instructions carefully; at this speed, it's easy to overcook things in mere minutes.

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What is the best meat to cook in a pressure cooker? ›

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.

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Do Instant Pots make meat tender? ›

Both slow cookers and pressure cookers do a good job of tenderizing tough meat, but each makes meat more edible in a different way. A pressure cooker is an enclosed pot with a lid that locks to form an airtight seal.

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Can you put olive oil in a pressure cooker? ›

The very best feature is the ability to brown aromatics or meat before cooking. This feature gives the Instant Pot a huge advantage over a crock pot in building flavorful dishes! But is it safe to use olive oil in the Instant Pot? The answer is yes!

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