21 Instant Pot & Slow Cooker Thanksgiving Recipes
Thanksgiving dinner can be overwhelming with all those dishes competing for oven space and stovetop real estate. That’s where your trusty Instant Pot and slow cooker become absolute lifesavers! These handy appliances free up precious cooking space while delivering incredibly flavorful results with minimal hands-on time.
From tender glazed ham to creamy mashed potatoes and decadent desserts, you can create a memorable feast without the stress. These set-it-and-forget-it recipes let you focus on what really matters – spending quality time with family and friends while amazing aromas fill your kitchen.
Slow Cooker Honey Glazed Ham
This tender, juicy ham practically falls off the bone after slow cooking in a sweet honey glaze. The low, gentle heat ensures the meat stays incredibly moist while the glaze caramelizes beautifully. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd without monopolizing your oven for hours.
The sweet and savory flavors develop beautifully during the long cooking process, creating a centerpiece that’s both impressive and effortless. Plus, cleanup is a breeze with just one pot to wash.
Get the recipe here.
Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
Creamy, fluffy mashed potatoes in under 30 minutes – it’s like Thanksgiving magic! The pressure cooking method breaks down the potatoes perfectly, creating an incredibly smooth texture that’s hard to achieve with traditional boiling. You’ll love how the potatoes absorb butter and cream so beautifully.
No more worrying about lumpy potatoes or timing them perfectly with everything else. The Instant Pot keeps them warm until you’re ready to serve, making your holiday coordination so much easier.
Get the recipe here.
Slow Cooker Green Bean Casserole
This beloved holiday side dish gets a convenient makeover that tastes just like the classic version everyone loves. The green beans become perfectly tender while the creamy mushroom sauce develops rich, deep flavors during the slow cooking process. The crispy onion topping stays perfectly crunchy when added at the end.
It’s comfort food at its finest, and you’ll appreciate having one less dish to juggle in the oven. The slow cooker keeps everything at the perfect serving temperature too.
Get the recipe here.
Instant Pot Stuffing
Fluffy, flavorful stuffing that’s ready in minutes instead of hours! The steam creates incredibly moist stuffing with perfect texture throughout. You get all those traditional herb and celery flavors without the risk of dry spots or soggy bottoms that can happen with oven-baked versions.
It’s especially great when your oven is already packed with other dishes. The best part? You can customize it easily with your favorite add-ins like sausage, cranberries, or nuts without affecting the cooking time.
Get the recipe here.
Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Casserole
Silky smooth sweet potatoes with warm spices that taste like autumn in every bite. The slow cooking method brings out the natural sweetness of the potatoes while creating an incredibly creamy consistency.
Top with marshmallows or pecans during the last 30 minutes for that classic finish. It’s comfort food that practically makes itself, and the aroma will have everyone asking what smells so amazing. You’ll love how hands-off this recipe is while still delivering that homemade taste everyone expects.
Get the recipe here.
Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce
Fresh, tangy cranberry sauce with just the right amount of sweetness, ready in under 15 minutes. The pressure cooking method breaks down the cranberries perfectly while preserving their bright, tart flavor.
You can control the sweetness level and add orange zest, cinnamon, or other spices to make it uniquely yours. It’s so much better than the canned version and incredibly easy to make. Plus, you can make it days ahead and reheat when needed.
Get the recipe here.
Slow Cooker Apple Cider Glazed Carrots
These tender carrots are bathed in a sweet, spiced apple cider glaze that screams fall flavors. The slow cooking process allows the carrots to absorb all those warm, comforting flavors while maintaining a perfect tender-crisp texture.
The natural sugars caramelize beautifully, creating a glossy finish that looks restaurant-quality. It’s an elegant side dish that requires minimal prep but delivers maximum flavor. Kids and adults alike will be reaching for seconds of these sweet, aromatic carrots.
Get the recipe here.
Instant Pot Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Even Brussels sprouts skeptics will be converted by this smoky, savory dish. The pressure cooking method eliminates any bitterness while the bacon adds incredible flavor throughout.
The sprouts become perfectly tender without being mushy, and the bacon fat creates a delicious coating. It’s a sophisticated side dish that feels both elegant and comforting. The combination of textures and the rich, smoky flavor profile makes this a standout addition to any holiday table.
Get the recipe here.
Slow Cooker Corn Pudding
Creamy, custard-like corn pudding that’s like a cross between cornbread and a soufflé. The slow, gentle cooking creates an incredibly smooth, almost mousse-like texture that’s absolutely divine.
Sweet corn kernels throughout add lovely pops of flavor and texture. It’s comfort food at its finest – rich, satisfying, and surprisingly elegant. This Southern-inspired dish adds something special to your holiday spread while being incredibly easy to prepare and serve.
Get the recipe here.
Instant Pot Butternut Squash Soup
Velvety smooth soup with warm spices that’s perfect as a starter or light main dish. The pressure cooking method breaks down the squash completely, creating an incredibly creamy texture without any cream.
Natural sweetness from the squash pairs beautifully with hints of cinnamon, nutmeg, and sage. It’s elegant enough for company but simple enough for everyday meals. The gorgeous orange color and rich flavor make it a beautiful addition to your holiday table.
Get the recipe here.
Slow Cooker Creamed Corn
Rich, indulgent creamed corn that tastes like it came from a fancy steakhouse. The slow cooking process allows the corn to release its natural starches, creating a naturally thick, creamy sauce.
Sweet corn kernels provide lovely texture contrast to the smooth base. It’s comfort food that feels both nostalgic and sophisticated. The cream cheese and butter create an incredibly rich, satisfying side dish that pairs perfectly with ham, turkey, or any holiday main course.
Get the recipe here.
Instant Pot Wild Rice Pilaf
Nutty, chewy wild rice mixed with aromatic herbs and vegetables creates a sophisticated side dish. The pressure cooking method cooks the wild rice perfectly without any guesswork about timing or liquid ratios. Cranberries and pecans add lovely color and texture contrasts.
It’s a healthy, wholesome dish that feels special enough for holidays but easy enough for weeknight dinners. The earthy flavors complement turkey beautifully while adding interesting texture to your holiday spread.
Get the recipe here.
Slow Cooker Maple Acorn Squash
Tender acorn squash wedges glazed with pure maple syrup and warm spices. The slow cooking method brings out the squash’s natural sweetness while the maple glaze caramelizes beautifully. Each bite is like autumn on a fork – sweet, earthy, and incredibly satisfying.
The presentation is gorgeous too, with golden, glossy wedges that look restaurant-quality. It’s a healthy side dish that doesn’t taste healthy, making it perfect for converting vegetable skeptics at your holiday table.
Get the recipe here.
Instant Pot Turkey and Vegetable Soup
Hearty, comforting soup that’s perfect for using up Thanksgiving leftovers. The pressure cooking method extracts incredible flavor from turkey bones and vegetables in a fraction of the time.
The broth is rich and flavorful, while tender vegetables and turkey meat make it satisfying and nourishing. It’s the ultimate comfort food for the day after Thanksgiving when you want something warm and cozy. Plus, it freezes beautifully for quick meals throughout the winter months.
Get the recipe here.
Slow Cooker Pumpkin Butter
Silky smooth pumpkin butter with warm spices that spreads like velvet on toast or biscuits. The long, slow cooking process concentrates the pumpkin flavor while allowing all the spices to meld beautifully. It’s like fall in a jar – sweet, spiced, and absolutely irresistible.
The texture is incredibly smooth and spreadable, perfect for gifts or keeping on hand for breakfast treats. The aroma while it’s cooking will fill your house with the most amazing autumn scents.
Get the recipe here.
Instant Pot Apple Crisp
Tender, spiced apples topped with a golden, crispy oat topping that tastes just like traditional oven-baked versions. The pressure cooking method cooks the apples perfectly while keeping them from becoming mushy.
The topping gets wonderfully crispy under the broiler for just a few minutes. It’s comfort food dessert that’s ready in under an hour. Serve it warm with vanilla ice cream for the perfect ending to your holiday meal.
Get the recipe here.
Slow Cooker Bread Pudding
Rich, custardy bread pudding that’s incredibly indulgent and satisfying. The slow, gentle cooking creates the perfect texture – creamy throughout with slightly crispy edges. Day-old bread soaks up the vanilla-scented custard beautifully, creating pockets of incredible flavor.
It’s like a warm hug in dessert form, perfect for chilly autumn evenings. The versatility is amazing too – add chocolate chips, dried fruit, or nuts to make it your own signature dessert.
Get the recipe here.
Instant Pot Pumpkin Cheesecake
Creamy, spiced pumpkin cheesecake that’s surprisingly easy to make in your pressure cooker. The steam cooking method creates an incredibly smooth, crack-free surface that’s absolutely gorgeous.
The pumpkin and warm spices create the perfect fall flavor profile that’s not too sweet or overwhelming. It’s an impressive dessert that looks like it came from a bakery but requires minimal skill to achieve. The texture is absolutely divine – rich, creamy, and perfectly set.
Get the recipe here.
Slow Cooker Mulled Apple Cider
Warm, fragrant cider infused with cinnamon, cloves, and orange that fills your house with amazing aromas. The slow cooking method allows all the spices to infuse deeply, creating a complex, warming flavor.
It’s perfect for greeting guests or sipping while you cook. The warmth and spices make it incredibly comforting on chilly autumn days. You can keep it warm in the slow cooker throughout your gathering, so everyone can help themselves to this festive drink.
Get the recipe here.
Instant Pot Pecan Pie Filling
Rich, gooey pecan pie filling that’s perfect over ice cream, pancakes, or eaten straight from the bowl. The pressure cooking method creates an incredibly smooth, caramel-like consistency that’s absolutely divine.
Toasted pecans add wonderful crunch and nutty flavor throughout. It’s all the best parts of pecan pie without the fuss of making pastry. The intense, concentrated flavor is like liquid gold – sweet, buttery, and irresistibly indulgent. Perfect for holiday entertaining or gift-giving.
Get the recipe here.
