18 Delicious Holiday Recipes You Can Make in Your Instant Pot, Because Who Has Time? (2024)

18 Delicious Holiday Recipes You Can Make in Your Instant Pot, Because Who Has Time? (1)

From family get-togethers to parties with friends to school or work functions, you probably feel obligated to bring a little something with you wherever you go during the holidays. And if you've exhausted the option to always be the one to bring the alcohol, food is the next step. But if you don't have the time, space, or patience to cook something elaborate, your Instant Pot lets you try really hard without actually trying much at all.

Instead of slicing, dicing, baking, and prepping, the Instant Pot lets you dump all of your needed ingredients inside and call it a day (yes, even if you forget to thaw something). And there are tons of recipes that are perfect for any holiday party. Here are 18 simple ones that will take the stress off you but taste delicious in the end.

18 Delicious Holiday Recipes You Can Make in Your Instant Pot, Because Who Has Time? (2)

Apple Cider

Warm apple cider is the perfect remedy to take the chill out of your bones. You can also add a splash of cinnamon whiskey to kick things up a notch.

Get the recipe: apple cider

18 Delicious Holiday Recipes You Can Make in Your Instant Pot, Because Who Has Time? (3)

Sweet and Spicy Meatballs

Food just tastes better when you can eat it with a toothpick, doesn't it? These sweet and spicy morsels are the ultimate crowd-pleaser.

Get the recipe: sweet and spicy meatballs

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Butternut Squash Soup

Come one, come all! This holiday classic can be prepared gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan.

Get the recipe: butternut squash soup

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Potato Corn Chowder

Does anything scream "cold-weather food" quite like chowder? It's comfort in a bowl.

Get the recipe: potato corn chowder

Turkey Soup With Stuffing Dumplings

Searching for a creative way to use up those leftovers? Look no further.

Get the recipe: turkey soup with stuffing dumplings

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Applesauce

Applesauce, while delicious on its own, is also the potato latke's best friend. Don't settle for that jarred stuff — whip up your own with minimal effort.

Get the recipe: applesauce

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Carrots With Honey Glaze

The thing about the holidays is that you can cover your vegetables in honey and nobody is allowed to say anything. These carrots are tastier than candy, and they're ready in 15 minutes.

Get the recipe: carrots with honey glaze

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Mushroom Risotto

Sure, mushrooms can be divisive, but you know what? If a guest doesn't like mushrooms, that's just more creamy, savory risotto for you.

Get the recipe: mushroom risotto

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Mashed Potatoes

So good, you won't need to smother them in gravy. You totally can, though.

Get the recipe: mashed potatoes

Turkey Breast

Nothing like waking up at 6 a.m. to throw a turkey in the oven, right? If you're cooking for a smaller crew, consider a breast instead. The Instant Pot cuts prep and cooking time down to about an hour, so go ahead and hit the snooze button.

Get the recipe: turkey breast

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Honey Baked Ham

This juicy-but-not-too-sweet main course will have you hearing angels sing — ideal to drown out your uncle who won't stop talking about politics.

Get the recipe: honey baked ham

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Pork Roast with Apple Gravy

Rejoice, for roast season is upon us! With the Instant Pot, you can get the delectable taste of an all-day affair in a fraction of the time.

Get the recipe: pork roast with apple gravy

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Balsamic Beef Brisket

Brisket is notoriously tricky to master and can take the better part of a day to tenderize. That is, unless you let the Instant Pot do all the work in just 55 minutes.

Get the recipe: balsamic beef brisket

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Arroz Con Leche

Is rice pudding the official scent of the holidays? If not, please consider this a formal petition.

Get the recipe: arroz con leche

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Cheesecake

Yes, you can make a cheesecake in the Instant Pot. Serve it with a toppings bar featuring berries, sauces (hint: check out the next recipe!), chocolate chips, and crushed peppermint sticks.

Get the recipe: cheesecake

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Caramel Sauce

Excellent as a topping for cakes and ice cream, or as a dipping sauce for a fruit tray. Or, you know, just eat it with a spoon.

Get the recipe: caramel sauce

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Corned Beef and Cabbage

This dish is a staple for many on Jan. 1, as it is fabled to bring good luck in the new year. Best not to chance these things, especially when this meal is so easy to prepare.

Get the recipe: corned beef and cabbage

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Weight-Loss Soup

When you want a little break from all the holiday treats, this clean bowl of goodness and nutrients is just what to reach for.

Get the recipe: weight-loss soup