14 Christmas Instant Pot Recipes

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Looking for cozy, time-saving Christmas recipes that still taste like they simmered all day?

The Instant Pot is your holiday secret weapon.

From tender meats and hearty sides to festive drinks and desserts, these 14 Christmas Instant Pot recipes will simplify your holiday cooking while delivering incredible flavor.

Whether you’re hosting a crowd or enjoying a quiet Christmas dinner, these quick recipes will help you serve warm and comforting dishes without spending hours in the kitchen.

1. Instant Pot Honey-Glazed Ham

This sweet and savory holiday ham cooks quickly in the Instant Pot while staying juicy and perfectly glazed. Ideal for Christmas dinner with minimal effort.

Ingredients:

  • 1 spiral-cut ham (3–4 lbs)

  • 1 cup pineapple juice

  • ½ cup honey

  • ¼ cup brown sugar

  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard

  • ½ tsp ground cloves

Instructions:

  1. Place ham on the trivet inside the pot.

  2. Whisk honey, sugar, mustard, and cloves; pour over the ham.

  3. Add pineapple juice to the bottom.

  4. Seal and cook on Manual – 10 minutes.

  5. Quick release, spoon glaze over the top, and serve.

2. Instant Pot Garlic Herb Turkey Breast

A juicy, flavorful turkey breast that frees up oven space and cooks in a fraction of the time.

Ingredients:

  • 3 lb turkey breast

  • 3 tbsp butter

  • 1 tbsp garlic

  • 1 tsp thyme

  • 1 tsp rosemary

  • 1 cup chicken broth

Instructions:

  1. Rub turkey with butter and herbs.

  2. Add broth to the pot and place turkey on the trivet.

  3. Cook Manual – 25 minutes.

  4. Natural release for 10 minutes.

  5. Broil for crispy skin if desired.

3. Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes

Creamy, fluffy mashed potatoes made in one pot for easy cleanup.

Ingredients:

  • 3 lbs potatoes, peeled and cubed

  • 1 cup water

  • ½ cup butter

  • 1 cup warm milk

  • Salt and pepper

Instructions:

  1. Add potatoes and water to pot.

  2. Cook Manual – 10 minutes.

  3. Drain, add milk and butter, mash until smooth.

4. Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce

Tangy, sweet, and so much better than canned — ready in minutes.

Ingredients:

  • 12 oz fresh cranberries

  • 1 cup orange juice

  • ½ cup sugar

  • 1 tsp orange zest

Instructions:

  1. Add all ingredients to pot.

  2. Cook Manual – 3 minutes.

  3. Natural release for 5 minutes.

  4. Stir until thickened.

5. Instant Pot Beef Pot Roast

This Christmas classic comes out tender and flavorful with melt-in-your-mouth veggies.

Ingredients:

  • 3 lb chuck roast

  • 1 tbsp oil

  • 1 onion, chopped

  • 4 carrots

  • 4 potatoes

  • 1 cup beef broth

  • 2 tbsp tomato paste

Instructions:

  1. Sauté roast in oil until browned.

  2. Add broth, paste, onion, and veggies.

  3. Cook Manual – 60 minutes.

  4. Natural release for 10 minutes.

6. Instant Pot Holiday Stuffing

A soft and savory stuffing with herbs, onions, and celery, cooked perfectly without drying out.

Ingredients:

  • 8 cups cubed bread

  • 1 onion

  • 3 celery stalks

  • 2 cups broth

  • 1 tsp sage

  • 1 tsp thyme

Instructions:

  1. Sauté onion and celery in butter.

  2. Add bread, herbs, and broth.

  3. Seal and cook Manual – 5 minutes.

  4. Quick release and fluff.

Read More: 14 Keto Christmas Dinner Recipes

7. Instant Pot Sweet Potato Casserole

A rich and naturally sweet holiday side topped with marshmallows or pecans.

Ingredients:

  • 4 sweet potatoes, peeled

  • ½ cup brown sugar

  • ½ cup butter

  • ½ tsp cinnamon

  • Marshmallows or pecans

Instructions:

  1. Cook sweet potatoes with 1 cup water Manual – 15 minutes.

  2. Mash with sugar, butter, and cinnamon.

  3. Top with marshmallows; broil if desired.

8. Instant Pot Christmas Meatballs

Tender meatballs simmered in a cranberry-barbecue glaze — perfect for holiday appetizers.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb frozen or homemade meatballs

  • 1 cup cranberry sauce

  • 1 cup barbecue sauce

Instructions:

  1. Add meatballs and sauces to pot.

  2. Cook Manual – 5 minutes.

  3. Quick release and stir to coat.

9. Instant Pot Mulled Wine

Warm, spiced wine perfect for Christmas Eve gatherings.

Ingredients:

  • 1 bottle red wine

  • ¼ cup honey

  • 1 orange, sliced

  • 2 cinnamon sticks

  • 4 cloves

Instructions:

  1. Add everything to the pot.

  2. Use Keep Warm for 20–30 minutes (do not pressure cook).

  3. Ladle and serve warm.

Also Check: Best Christmas Cocktail Ideas

10. Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo Christmas Pasta

A creamy, comforting pasta dinner for busy December nights.

Ingredients:

  • 2 chicken breasts

  • 12 oz pasta

  • 3 cups broth

  • 1 cup cream

  • 1 cup parmesan

  • 2 garlic cloves

Instructions:

  1. Add chicken, pasta, broth, and garlic.

  2. Cook Manual – 8 minutes.

  3. Shred chicken, stir in cream and parmesan.

11. Instant Pot Gingerbread Oatmeal

A warm, spiced breakfast that tastes like a bowl of Christmas cheer.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups oats

  • 3 cups milk

  • 1 tsp cinnamon

  • ½ tsp ginger

  • ¼ cup molasses

Instructions:

  1. Add all ingredients to pot.

  2. Cook Manual – 3 minutes.

  3. Natural release for 10 minutes.

12. Instant Pot Christmas Cheesecake

Perfectly smooth and creamy cheesecake with festive flavors — no cracking!

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups crushed graham crackers

  • 3 tbsp butter

  • 16 oz cream cheese

  • ¾ cup sugar

  • 2 eggs

  • 1 tsp vanilla

Instructions:

  1. Make crust and press into a springform pan.

  2. Blend filling and pour on top.

  3. Add 1 cup water to pot and place pan on trivet.

  4. Cook Manual – 35 minutes.

  5. Natural release for 10 minutes; chill before serving.

13. Instant Pot Christmas Chili

Hearty and flavorful chili that cooks quickly but tastes like it simmered all day.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground beef

  • 1 onion

  • 1 can tomatoes

  • 1 can beans

  • 1 cup broth

  • 1 tbsp chili powder

Instructions:

  1. Sauté beef and onion.

  2. Add remaining ingredients.

  3. Cook Manual – 15 minutes.

  4. Quick release and serve warm.

14. Instant Pot Hot Chocolate

Rich, creamy hot chocolate perfect for Christmas morning or snowy nights.

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups milk

  • 1 cup heavy cream

  • 1 cup chocolate chips

  • 2 tbsp cocoa powder

  • 1 tsp vanilla

Instructions:

  1. Add everything to the pot.

  2. Use Sauté – Low and whisk until smooth.

  3. Serve with whipped cream or marshmallows.

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