15 Pressure Cooker Thanksgiving Recipe Ideas

Pressure Cooker Roasted Turkey

quick flavorful tender turkey

Pressure Cooker Roasted Turkey is a quick and convenient way to prepare a tender, juicy turkey for Thanksgiving without spending hours in the kitchen. Using a pressure cooker, this recipe reduces cooking time while ensuring that the turkey remains flavorful and moist. Perfect for smaller gatherings or when oven space is limited, this method allows you to enjoy all the traditional flavors of a Thanksgiving turkey with ease.

Ingredients Quantity
Whole turkey 8-10 pounds
Olive oil 2 tablespoons
Salt 2 teaspoons
Black pepper 1 teaspoon
Garlic powder 1 teaspoon
Onion powder 1 teaspoon
Fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary, sage) 2 tablespoons chopped
Chicken broth 1 cup
Lemon slices 1 lemon

Cooking Steps:

  1. Season the turkey inside and out with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and chopped herbs.
  2. Pour the chicken broth into the pressure cooker and place the turkey on the rack inside.
  3. Squeeze lemon juice over the turkey and place lemon slices inside the cavity.
  4. Lock the lid and set the pressure cooker to high pressure for 60-75 minutes depending on the size of the turkey.
  5. Once cooking is complete, allow for a natural pressure release for 20 minutes before carefully opening the lid.
  6. Let the turkey rest for at least 15 minutes before carving and serving. Enjoy your delicious pressure cooker roasted turkey!

Creamy Mashed Potatoes

creamy buttery mashed potatoes

Creamy Mashed Potatoes are a classic side dish that perfectly complements a Thanksgiving meal. Made with buttery, fluffy potatoes and rich cream, this dish is both comforting and indulgent. Preparing mashed potatoes in a pressure cooker streamlines the process, allowing you to achieve velvety potatoes in a fraction of the time it takes on the stove.

Ingredients Quantity
Russet potatoes 3 pounds
Butter 1/2 cup
Heavy cream 1/2 cup
Garlic (optional) 2 cloves, minced
Salt To taste
Black pepper To taste
Chives (optional) 2 tablespoons, chopped

Cooking Steps:

  1. Peel and chop the potatoes into even-sized chunks.
  2. Add the potatoes to the pressure cooker with enough water to cover them and sprinkle with salt.
  3. Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 10-12 minutes.
  4. Once done, perform a quick release of the pressure.
  5. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add butter, heavy cream, garlic, salt, and pepper.
  6. Mash until smooth and creamy, adding more cream to achieve desired consistency. Garnish with chives if desired, and serve warm. Enjoy your creamy mashed potatoes!

Maple Glazed Carrots

sweet maple glazed carrots

Maple Glazed Carrots are a delightful side dish that brings a touch of sweetness and elegance to your Thanksgiving table. The natural sweetness of fresh carrots is enhanced with a rich maple glaze, making this dish not only colorful but also packed with flavor. Cooking these carrots in a pressure cooker makes the process quick and ensures they remain tender and vibrant.

Ingredients Quantity
Carrots 2 pounds
Maple syrup 1/4 cup
Butter 2 tablespoons
Brown sugar 2 tablespoons
Salt 1/2 teaspoon
Black pepper To taste
Fresh thyme (optional) 2 teaspoons, chopped

Cooking Steps:

  1. Peel and cut the carrots into uniform pieces.
  2. Add the carrots to the pressure cooker along with maple syrup, butter, brown sugar, salt, and pepper.
  3. Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 5 minutes.
  4. Once finished, perform a quick release of the pressure.
  5. Stir gently to coat the carrots in the glaze, and add fresh thyme if desired. Serve warm and enjoy your maple glazed carrots!

Savory Stuffing

savory pressure cooker stuffing

Savory Stuffing is a classic Thanksgiving dish that combines bread cubes with aromatic herbs and savory vegetables, creating a hearty complement to your holiday feast. Cooking it in a pressure cooker not only speeds up the process but also ensures that all the flavors meld beautifully, resulting in a moist and flavorful stuffing that can be served alongside turkey or enjoyed on its own.

Ingredients Quantity
Bread cubes (stale or day-old) 8 cups
Onion 1 medium, chopped
Celery 2 ribs, chopped
Garlic 2 cloves, minced
Chicken or vegetable broth 2 cups
Butter 1/2 cup
Fresh sage 1 tablespoon, chopped
Fresh thyme 1 tablespoon, chopped
Salt 1 teaspoon
Black pepper To taste
Eggs (optional) 2, beaten (for moisture)

Cooking Steps:

  1. In the pressure cooker, melt the butter and sauté the onion, celery, and garlic until softened.
  2. Add the bread cubes, herbs, salt, and pepper to the pot, mixing well.
  3. Pour the broth over the mixture to moisten the bread, and stir to combine.
  4. If using, add beaten eggs for extra richness and moisture.
  5. Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 5 minutes.
  6. Perform a quick release of the pressure and fluff the stuffing with a fork before serving. Enjoy your savory stuffing!

Green Bean Casserole

creamy green bean casserole

Green Bean Casserole is a beloved Thanksgiving side dish that combines tender green beans with a creamy mushroom sauce and crispy fried onions, creating a comforting and satisfying blend of flavors and textures. Cooking it in a pressure cooker elevates the dish by allowing the ingredients to meld together quickly while preserving the freshness of the green beans.

Ingredients Quantity
Fresh green beans 1 pound
Cream of mushroom soup 1 can (10.5 oz)
Milk 1/2 cup
Soy sauce 1 tablespoon
Black pepper 1/2 teaspoon
Crispy fried onions 1 cup
Garlic powder 1/2 teaspoon
Onion (optional) 1 small, chopped

Cooking Steps:

  1. Trim the ends of the green beans and set aside.
  2. In the pressure cooker, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, black pepper, garlic powder, and chopped onion (if using) to create the sauce.
  3. Stir in the fresh green beans until they are well coated with the sauce.
  4. Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 3 minutes.
  5. Perform a quick release of the pressure, and gently fold in half of the crispy fried onions.
  6. Serve topped with the remaining crispy fried onions. Enjoy your delicious green bean casserole!

Cranberry Sauce

pressure cooker cranberry sauce

Cranberry Sauce is a classic Thanksgiving condiment that adds a sweet, tangy flavor to the holiday meal. Making it in a pressure cooker allows for a quick and easy preparation, enhancing the natural flavors of the cranberries and allowing them to fully break down into a sauce, all while keeping the texture just right.

Ingredients Quantity
Fresh or frozen cranberries 1 bag (12 oz)
Sugar 1 cup
Water 1/2 cup
Orange juice 1/4 cup
Orange zest 1 teaspoon
Cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon
Salt 1/4 teaspoon

Cooking Steps:

  1. Rinse the cranberries under cold water and remove any stems or debris.
  2. In the pressure cooker, combine the cranberries, sugar, water, orange juice, orange zest, cinnamon, and salt.
  3. Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 5 minutes.
  4. Let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes, then perform a quick release.
  5. Stir the sauce and let it cool before serving. Enjoy your homemade cranberry sauce!

Pumpkin Risotto

creamy pumpkin risotto recipe

Pumpkin Risotto is a creamy, comforting dish that captures the essence of fall while being a delightful addition to your Thanksgiving feast. Combining the rich flavors of pumpkin and Parmesan cheese, this pressure cooker recipe allows for a quick and effortless preparation without sacrificing taste or texture.

Ingredients Quantity
Arborio rice 1 cup
Pumpkin puree 1 cup
Onion (finely chopped) 1 medium
Garlic (minced) 2 cloves
Vegetable broth 4 cups
Parmesan cheese (grated) 1/2 cup
Olive oil 2 tablespoons
Salt 1 teaspoon
Black pepper 1/2 teaspoon
Fresh sage (chopped) 2 tablespoons

Cooking Steps:

  1. Set the pressure cooker to sauté mode and add olive oil. Sauté the onions and garlic until softened.
  2. Add the Arborio rice and stir for 2 minutes to toast it slightly.
  3. Pour in the vegetable broth and pumpkin puree, then season with salt and black pepper.
  4. Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 6 minutes.
  5. Allow for a natural pressure release for 5 minutes, then perform a quick release.
  6. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and fresh sage before serving. Enjoy your creamy pumpkin risotto!

Herb Butter Smoked Ham

herb butter smoked ham recipe
Ingredients Quantity
Pre-cooked smoked ham 4-5 lbs
Unsalted butter 1/2 cup
Fresh rosemary (chopped) 2 tablespoons
Fresh thyme (chopped) 2 tablespoons
Garlic (minced) 4 cloves
Brown sugar 1/4 cup
Dijon mustard 2 tablespoons
Honey 1/4 cup
Black pepper 1 teaspoon
Water 1 cup

Cooking Steps:

  1. In a small bowl, mix the softened butter with rosemary, thyme, garlic, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, honey, and black pepper to create an herb butter.
  2. Rub the herb butter all over the smoked ham, ensuring it is well covered.
  3. Pour water into the pressure cooker and place a trivet inside.
  4. Set the ham on the trivet and seal the lid.
  5. Cook on high pressure for 15 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release.
  6. Remove the ham from the pressure cooker, let it rest, then slice and serve. Enjoy your flavorful herb butter smoked ham!

Sweet Potato Mash

creamy sweet potato mash recipe

Sweet potato mash is a creamy and flavorful side dish that’s perfect for Thanksgiving gatherings. This delightful twist on traditional mashed potatoes brings a hint of natural sweetness and a vibrant orange hue to your dinner table. Utilizing a pressure cooker, you can achieve perfectly tender sweet potatoes in a fraction of the time.

Ingredients Quantity
Sweet potatoes 3 lbs
Unsalted butter 1/4 cup
Milk or cream 1/2 cup
Maple syrup 2 tablespoons
Ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon
Salt 1 teaspoon
Black pepper 1/2 teaspoon

Cooking Steps:

  1. Peel and cut the sweet potatoes into evenly sized chunks.
  2. Place the sweet potatoes in the pressure cooker with 1 cup of water.
  3. Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 8 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release.
  4. Drain any excess water and mash the sweet potatoes in the cooker.
  5. Stir in the butter, milk or cream, maple syrup, cinnamon, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
  6. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, then serve warm. Enjoy your delicious sweet potato mash!

Garlic Parmesan Brussels Sprouts

garlic parmesan brussels sprouts recipe

Garlic Parmesan Brussels Sprouts are a delicious and nutritious side dish that adds a delightful crunch and flavor to your Thanksgiving feast. Cooking them in a pressure cooker allows you to achieve tender sprouts infused with garlic and topped with savory Parmesan cheese in no time, making them a perfect addition to your holiday table.

Ingredients Quantity
Brussels sprouts 1.5 lbs
Olive oil 2 tablespoons
Garlic cloves (minced) 3
Grated Parmesan cheese 1/2 cup
Salt 1 teaspoon
Black pepper 1/2 teaspoon
Water 1 cup

Cooking Steps:

  1. Trim the ends of the Brussels sprouts and cut them in half.
  2. Add the Brussels sprouts and 1 cup of water to the pressure cooker.
  3. Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 4 minutes, followed by a quick pressure release.
  4. Drain the water and return the sprouts to the cooker.
  5. Stir in olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper, then sauté for an additional 2-3 minutes until tender.
  6. Remove from heat and toss with grated Parmesan cheese before serving. Enjoy your flavorful Garlic Parmesan Brussels Sprouts!

Pressure Cooker Gravy

quick and flavorful gravy

Pressure Cooker Gravy is a rich and flavorful sauce that elevates any Thanksgiving meal, bringing together the savory elements of roasted turkey or mashed potatoes. Using a pressure cooker means you can easily whip up this delicious gravy in a fraction of the time, ensuring you have a perfect complement to your holiday dishes without the long waits associated with traditional methods.

Ingredients Quantity
Turkey drippings 1 cup
Chicken or turkey broth 2 cups
All-purpose flour 1/4 cup
Unsalted butter 4 tablespoons
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
Fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary, or sage) optional, for garnish

Cooking Steps:

  1. Collect the turkey drippings and add them to the pressure cooker along with 2 cups of broth.
  2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and a small amount of broth to create a slurry.
  3. Add the slurry to the pressure cooker and mix well.
  4. Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 5 minutes followed by a quick release.
  5. Stir in the butter until melted and season with salt and black pepper.
  6. Optionally, garnish with fresh herbs before serving. Enjoy your velvety Pressure Cooker Gravy!

Butternut Squash Soup

creamy butternut squash soup

Butternut Squash Soup is a creamy and comforting dish that embodies the flavors of fall, making it a perfect addition to your Thanksgiving feast. This velvety soup is not only delicious but also easy to prepare in a pressure cooker, allowing you to serve it to family and friends without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients Quantity
Butternut squash, peeled and cubed 3 cups
Onion, diced 1 medium
Carrot, diced 1 medium
Celery, diced 1 stalk
Garlic, minced 2 cloves
Vegetable broth 4 cups
Olive oil 2 tablespoons
Ground cumin 1 teaspoon
Ground nutmeg 1/4 teaspoon
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
Heavy cream (optional) 1/2 cup
Fresh parsley (optional) for garnish

Cooking Steps:

  1. Set the pressure cooker to sauté mode, add olive oil, and sauté the onion, carrot, celery, and garlic until softened.
  2. Add the cubed butternut squash, vegetable broth, ground cumin, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
  3. Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes followed by a natural release.
  4. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth (or carefully transfer to a blender).
  5. Stir in the heavy cream if desired, adjust seasoning, and serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley. Enjoy your warm bowl of Butternut Squash Soup!

Apple Crisp

warm spiced apple dessert

Apple Crisp is a warm, comforting dessert that showcases seasonal apple flavors, making it a favorite for Thanksgiving gatherings. With its crispy oat topping and sweet, spiced apple filling, this dish is perfect for serving alongside vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. The pressure cooker makes it easy to achieve that delightful texture while infusing the apples with deliciousness.

Ingredients Quantity
Apples, peeled and sliced 4 cups
Brown sugar 1/2 cup
Granulated sugar 1/4 cup
Ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon
Ground nutmeg 1/4 teaspoon
Lemon juice 1 tablespoon
Old-fashioned oats 1 cup
All-purpose flour 1/2 cup
Salt 1/4 teaspoon
Unsalted butter, melted 1/2 cup

Cooking Steps:

  1. In a bowl, mix sliced apples with brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Place in a lightly greased pressure cooker.
  2. In another bowl, combine oats, flour, salt, and melted butter until crumbly; spread over the apple mixture.
  3. Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 8 minutes followed by a quick release.
  4. Let the apple crisp sit for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy warm with ice cream or whipped cream!

Cornbread

pressure cooker cornbread recipe

Cornbread is a delightful, fluffy bread often served as a side dish during Thanksgiving feasts. Its slightly sweet and buttery flavor complements savory dishes like turkey, stuffing, and gravy, making it a timeless addition to holiday celebrations. With the pressure cooker, you can whip up this cornbread quickly, resulting in a moist texture that will impress your guests.

Ingredients Quantity
Cornmeal 1 cup
All-purpose flour 1 cup
Baking powder 1 tablespoon
Baking soda 1/2 teaspoon
Salt 1/2 teaspoon
Sugar 1/4 cup
Milk 1 cup
Egg 1 large
Unsalted butter, melted 1/4 cup

Cooking Steps:

  1. In a bowl, combine cornmeal, flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar.
  2. In another bowl, whisk together milk, egg, and melted butter, then mix into the dry ingredients until just combined.
  3. Pour the batter into a greased, oven-safe dish that fits in your pressure cooker.
  4. Add 1 cup of water to the pressure cooker, place the dish on the trivet, and seal the lid.
  5. Cook on high pressure for 25 minutes followed by a natural release.
  6. Once done, remove the cornbread from the pressure cooker, let it cool slightly, and serve warm. Enjoy!

Spiced Pear Compote

spiced pear compote recipe

Spiced Pear Compote is a warm and fragrant dish that beautifully complements a Thanksgiving feast. This sweet and spiced fruit compote is made with fresh pears and infused with warm spices, creating a delectable topping for desserts like vanilla ice cream, pancakes, or even alongside roast meats. With the convenience of a pressure cooker, you can prepare this delightful dish in no time, allowing the flavors to meld perfectly.

Ingredients Quantity
Pears, peeled and diced 4 large
Brown sugar 1/2 cup
Water 1/4 cup
Cinnamon 1 teaspoon
Nutmeg 1/4 teaspoon
Ginger, grated 1 teaspoon
Lemon juice 1 tablespoon
Vanilla extract 1 teaspoon

Cooking Steps:

  1. In the pressure cooker, combine diced pears, brown sugar, water, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
  2. Stir the mixture gently to combine the ingredients evenly.
  3. Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 5 minutes followed by a quick release.
  4. Once done, stir the compote and let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy it warm!