The holiday season is all about celebration, family, and, of course, delicious food. But with so much to do, spending hours in the kitchen can quickly become overwhelming. That’s where the Instant Pot shines. These 13 easy Instant Pot Christmas recipes make holiday cooking faster, simpler, and just as flavorful, so you can spend more time enjoying the festivities and less time worrying about the meal.
Start your festive feast with Instant Pot cranberry sauce, a quick and tangy condiment that pairs perfectly with any roast. Then dive into a succulent Instant Pot roast beef or a tender Instant Pot honey-glazed ham—both cooked to juicy perfection in a fraction of the usual time.
For sides, you’ll love the convenience of Instant Pot mashed potatoes, creamy and buttery without the need for constant stirring. The Instant Pot green bean casserole offers that classic holiday flavor with a quick prep and minimal cleanup. For a comforting twist, try Instant Pot stuffing, packed with herbs and savory goodness, ready in under an hour.
Vegetarian options shine with dishes like Instant Pot butternut squash soup—silky, sweet, and spiced just right—and Instant Pot vegetable biryani, a fragrant rice dish loaded with colorful veggies and warming spices.
Don’t forget dessert! Whip up a decadent Instant Pot chocolate lava cake that’s rich and gooey, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without heating up the whole kitchen. Or try Instant Pot apple crisp, a warm and cozy treat topped with a crunchy oat topping.
These recipes aren’t just about speed—they’re about enhancing flavor through pressure cooking, locking in juices and aromas that slow cooking sometimes misses. Plus, with the Instant Pot’s “set it and forget it” function, you can focus on holiday activities while your meal cooks perfectly.
Whether you’re hosting a big family gathering or a cozy Christmas dinner for two, these 13 easy Instant Pot Christmas recipes are designed to simplify your holiday meal planning. From savory mains to comforting sides and indulgent desserts, this collection has everything you need to create a festive feast with less stress and more joy.
Instant Pot Ham
“This is one reason I love my Instant Pot,” says Brandi Doss Russell. “I can pull a frozen ham from the freezer; put it in the Instant Pot with just three ingredients; and, with almost no effort, have dinner on the table.”
Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Serve your Christmas roast with simple garlic mashers. “Try these creamy, buttery, and totally irresistible garlic mashed potatoes made in just minutes in your Instant Pot for a completely mess-free easy dinner,” says Fioa.
Instant Pot Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Crispy roasted Brussels sprouts are ready in just five minutes in your Instant Pot. “They’re a quick and easy low-carb side dish that’s family-friendly,” says Fioa.
Instant Pot Turkey Breast
“The Instant Pot made the moistest turkey breast I have ever made,” says Tammy Lynn. “I usually let this cook in the slow cooker all day, but this turned out so much better. I couldn’t believe that I had such a wonderful meal ready in less than an hour total!”
Instant Pot Pan Juice Gravy
This recipe uses the natural juices from your turkey breast after it has cooked in the Instant Pot to create a rich, savory gravy. “This gravy worked perfectly,” says Tammy Lynn. “The only suggestion I have is to add just a little garlic salt — you can always add more later.”
Instant Pot Traditional Dressing
“This is a delicious and super-efficient dressing recipe,” says Buckwheat Queen. “I made this twice at Thanksgiving and it has secured a place at the Christmas table. The method is perfectly timed. Holiday tip: Make this a couple of days before you need it and refrigerate. On the day you need it, bring it to room temp and pop it in the oven to crisp up.”
Instant Pot Cherry-Orange Cranberry Sauce
“This cranberry sauce practically makes itself!” says France C. “It’s quick, and you won’t have to keep a constant eye on it. Substitute the water for apple or orange juice, or do half water and half rum! Can be made several days ahead of time, will keep for at least a week in the refrigerator, and can even be frozen if needed.”
Instant Pot Cheesecake
Instant Pot Green Bean Casserole
The Instant Pot offers a new way to make a holiday classic. “This recipe uses fresh green beans and homemade soup for a healthier take on green bean casserole,” says Soup Loving Nicole.
Instant Pot Cranberry-Thyme Pot Roast
A Christmas pot roast for the Instant Pot. “Cranberry sauce and fresh thyme infuse this beef pot roast with sweet and savory flavors,” says Tammy Lynn. “It makes a wonderful gravy that is perfect with mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice.”
Instant Pot Mashed Sweet Potatoes
You’ll combine sweet potatoes, coconut milk, vegetable broth, garlic — and mash with a little butter. “Delicious, moist and full of flavor — save the oven and use your Instant Pot for mashed sweet potatoes!” says Angela Sackett Superhotmama.
Instant Pot Sweet Acorn Squash
“A perfect way to make a sweetened acorn squash,” says bd.weld. “This sweet acorn squash cooks up in 25 minutes using an electric pressure cooker.”
Instant Pot Honey-Sriracha Glazed Ham
This Christmas ham brings some heat with the sweet — and it’s ready in about 35 minutes. “Just a few minutes of your time,” says Soup Loving Nicole, “and you can walk away while your Instant Pot does the rest.”
