My roundup of 10 budget recipes was popular, so I’m back with 13 Instant Pot Thanksgiving side dishes to help you plan a delicious, stress-free holiday.
Thanksgiving is approaching, and if you’re looking for Instant Pot side dishes for the holiday, this list gathers easy, budget-friendly, and flavorful options. I recently bought my first Instant Pot and plan to use it for Thanksgiving this year. We’ve always had a slow cooker — I bought one about ten years ago for $14 and used it constantly. That small purchase paid off, but my old crockpot was falling apart, so I upgraded to an Instant Pot.
If you’re hunting for easy Instant Pot recipes that won’t break the bank, these Thanksgiving side dishes are affordable, simple to prepare, and many use ingredients you probably already have at home. Below are 13 Instant Pot and slow-cooker-friendly side dishes to round out your Thanksgiving menu.
Note: If you want weekly meal-planning help with budget recipes, consider a meal planning service that delivers a weekly menu and shopping list for a small monthly fee.
Other helpful articles you might enjoy:
- 10 Delicious Thanksgiving Desserts
- Meatless Monday Recipes You Should Try
- Budget Lunch Ideas and Cheap Easy Meals You Should Try
- Budget Recipes and Cheap Easy Meals You Should Try
- Easy Homemade Snacks To Bring On Your Next Hike
- 10 Slow Cooker Recipes That Will Make Dinner Time Easy
Here are 13 Instant Pot Thanksgiving side dishes:
1. Instant Pot Twice Baked Potato Casserole
This comforting casserole gives you all the flavor of twice-baked potatoes with less hands-on time. It’s creamy, cheesy, and reheats well—perfect for busy holiday prep.
2. Instant Pot Green Bean Casserole
A classic Thanksgiving side made easier in the Instant Pot. This version keeps the crisp-tender texture of green beans and the creamy mushroom sauce everyone loves.
3. Instant Pot Green Beans With Ham
Fresh green beans cooked with ham or smoked ham hock for a savory, comforting side dish. Quick in the Instant Pot and full of flavor—great for those who prefer a heartier green bean option.
4. Creamiest Mashed Potatoes
Perfectly creamy mashed potatoes made in the Instant Pot for a velvety, smooth texture with minimal effort. These are a must-have on any Thanksgiving table and pair well with gravy and roasted turkey.
5. Instant Pot Brussels Sprouts Gratin
This Brussels sprouts gratin is rich, cheesy, and a great way to serve veggies that appeal to everyone. The Instant Pot helps cook the sprouts quickly while keeping them tender.
6. Instant Pot Pumpkin Risotto
Pumpkin risotto is a seasonal favorite—creamy, slightly sweet, and full of fall flavors. The Instant Pot speeds up the risotto process while delivering a luxurious texture.
7. Instant Pot Mac and Cheese
A creamy, cheesy mac and cheese made quickly in the Instant Pot—comforting, kid-friendly, and a satisfying addition to any holiday spread.
8. Slow Cooker Cheddar Corn
Though not an Instant Pot recipe, slow cooker cheddar corn is effortless to prepare and pairs well with other Instant Pot sides. It’s cheesy, sweet, and creamy—an easy crowd-pleaser.
9. No Soak Instant Pot Baked Beans
Baked beans made without soaking—quick, savory, and ideal for feeding a crowd. The Instant Pot creates tender beans with rich, well-developed flavor in a fraction of the traditional time.
10. 3 Minute Pressure Cooker Butternut Squash
Quick and simple, this pressure-cooker butternut squash is tender and ready in minutes. Use it as a side on its own or mash it for a silky, seasonal accompaniment to your Thanksgiving meal.
11. Instant Pot Feta Dill Sweet Potato Mash
This sweet potato mash combines tangy feta and fresh dill for a bright, savory twist. The Instant Pot makes the sweet potatoes perfectly tender, and the mix-in ingredients elevate the dish.
12. Slow Cooker Loaded Potatoes
Loaded potatoes made in a slow cooker are easy and filling. Topped with cheese, bacon bits, sour cream, and chives, these are an indulgent side that’s simple to keep warm until serving.
13. Instant Pot Pressure Cooker Caramelized Sweet Potatoes (Yams)
Caramelized sweet potatoes offer a sweet and savory complement to the Thanksgiving table. The pressure cooker helps achieve tender, caramelized edges with minimal fuss.
Which of these Instant Pot Thanksgiving side dishes will you try this year?