25 Instant Pot sides that make Thanksgiving easier

Make holiday cooking feel less stressful with the right tools. These 25 Instant Pot sides are quick, easy, and full of flavor. No need to juggle stove space or worry about timing. Let the pressure cooker handle the work while the rest of the meal comes together with ease.

Instant Pot Chipotle Mac and Cheese

A bowl of macaroni and cheese topped with a sprinkle of ground pepper, with a wooden spoon resting on the side. — Instant Pot Chipotle Mac and Cheese . Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

You’ll appreciate something bold when the table starts to feel predictable. Smoky flavor gives Instant Pot Chipotle Mac and Cheese a little edge without making it overpowering. Guests usually finish their portions quickly.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chipotle Mac and Cheese

Cheesy Mashed Potatoes

Close up of mashed potatoes in a Dutch oven, with wooden spoon. — Cheesy Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

You’re never wrong bringing something classic that still feels special. A warm, rich profile gives Cheesy Mashed Potatoes the kind of presence that fits right in with a holiday feast. Seconds are almost guaranteed.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Mashed Potatoes

Instant Pot Refried Beans

Bowls of refried beans garnished with sliced jalapenos, cheese, and tomatoes with a napkin and two spoons on the side. — Instant Pot Refried Beans. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

You can count on this side to add both comfort and substance without extra effort. The creamy consistency of Instant Pot Refried Beans pairs easily with everything on the plate. One scoop tends to turn into two before plates make it to the table.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Refried Beans

Instant Pot Beef and Mushroom Stew

A deeply flavored stew works well next to lighter sides and roasted vegetables. Rich and hearty, Instant Pot Beef and Mushroom Stew fills in the gaps when the table needs something grounding. You may even catch guests skipping the main for another bowl.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Beef and Mushroom Stew

Instant Pot Duo Crisp Pesto Smashed Potatoes

Baked potato topped with green pesto and shredded cheese, served on a white speckled plate with a fork beside it. — Instant Pot Duo Crisp Pesto Smashed Potatoes. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

You might want a potato dish that feels more fun than the usual mash. Crisp edges and bright herbs in Instant Pot Duo Crisp Pesto Smashed Potatoes create a side that stands out during the rush of holiday cooking. Many people grab an extra scoop before the bowl gets low.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Duo Crisp Pesto Smashed Potatoes

Instant Pot Sausage Pasta

A bowl of penne pasta with sausage and marinara sauce with cheese and herbs on a table. — Instant Pot Sausage Pasta. Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting.

You’ll appreciate having one dish that feels filling but still low-effort. Full of flavor and easy to portion, Instant Pot Sausage Pasta helps keep guests full without pulling attention from the rest of the table. Nothing feels out of place when it's added.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Sausage Pasta

Easy Red Bean Soup Instant Pot Recipe You Must Try

Close-up of warm red bean soup in a blue and white color bowl. — Easy Red Bean Soup Instant Pot Recipe You Must Try. Photo credit: Sassy Chopsticks.

Serving something light and full of flavor is a smart way to balance the meal. Earthy and rich, Easy Red Bean Soup Instant Pot Recipe You Must Try delivers without demanding much space or prep. Plenty of folks ladle it out more than once.
Get the Recipe: Easy Red Bean Soup Instant Pot Recipe You Must Try

The BEST EVER Instant Pot Creamy Macaroni and Cheese

A white plate of macaroni and cheese garnished with chopped herbs, with a fork resting on the plate. — The BEST EVER Instant Pot Creamy Macaroni and Cheese. Photo credit: xoxobella.

You can always count on macaroni and cheese to draw a crowd. Creamy texture and simple flavor give The BEST EVER Instant Pot Creamy Macaroni and Cheese the kind of appeal that fits any plate. Many guests return just for another serving of it.
Get the Recipe: The BEST EVER Instant Pot Creamy Macaroni and Cheese

Instant Pot Cajun Spiced Chickpea Soup

A bowl of chickpea stew with vegetables in a reddish broth, placed next to a textured, patterned napkin. — Instant Pot Cajun Spiced Chickpea Soup. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

You’ll find that having a warm, hearty option makes the rest of the spread feel more complete. With plenty of depth and a little spice, Instant Pot Cajun Spiced Chickpea Soup brings balance to richer dishes. Bowls rarely return to the table full.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Cajun Spiced Chickpea Soup

Instant Pot Queso

An image of queso in a bowl with nacho chips on the side and an instant pot on the back. — Instant Pot Queso. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

You may notice that guests gather faster when something warm and creamy is ready early. That’s where Instant Pot Queso becomes the perfect pre-dinner side, offering a simple snack that keeps everyone occupied. The serving bowl tends to empty sooner than expected.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Queso

Instant Pot Bolognese

Thick, meaty sauces aren’t just for pasta night. Instant Pot Bolognese fits into Thanksgiving as a surprise favorite, adding a punch of flavor that balances well with milder sides. People often look twice when it lands on the table.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Bolognese

Instant Pot Pumpkin Butter

A jar filled with a thick brown paste and a cinnamon stick sits in front of a floral-patterned kitchen appliance, with a dish of cinnamon and cloth napkins nearby. — Instant Pot Pumpkin Butter. Photo credit: Trop Rockin.

A touch of sweetness brings balance to a spread full of bold and salty flavors. Smooth and fragrant, Instant Pot Pumpkin Butter works well with biscuits, breads, or even a spoon. It rarely makes it to the end of the meal untouched.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Pumpkin Butter

Easy Homemade Instant Pot Chickpeas Recipe

Close-up of cooked Instant Pot chickpeas in a brown wooden bowl. — Easy Homemade Instant Pot Chickpeas Recipe. Photo credit: Veggie Chopsticks.

Simple and protein-packed, this dish helps round out the spread for plant-based eaters. Easy Homemade Instant Pot Chickpeas Recipe brings a bit of texture that breaks up the softer sides. It often earns quiet praise from people looking for something less expected.
Get the Recipe: Easy Homemade Instant Pot Chickpeas Recipe

Instant Pot Corn Chowder

You’ll want at least one cozy side that works for kids and adults alike. Mild sweetness and rich texture make Instant Pot Corn Chowder a reliable companion to turkey, stuffing, and everything in between. Bowls are usually scraped clean by the end.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Corn Chowder

Chinese Millet Porridge Recipe

Nutritious and soothing Chinese millet porridge in a bowl with a spoon. — Chinese Millet Porridge Recipe. Photo credit: Sassy Chopsticks.

A soft, mild grain dish can be a nice change of pace in a sea of rich casseroles. Chinese Millet Porridge Recipe offers something gentle and warming, especially welcome on crowded plates. Guests who try it once tend to come back for more.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Millet Porridge Recipe

Mulligatawny Soup

Offering something warm with spice helps cut through all the heavier dishes. With its deep flavor and balance, Mulligatawny Soup brings variety to the lineup without clashing with classics. Guests often reach for it again before dessert is served.
Get the Recipe: Mulligatawny Soup

Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Close up of mashed potatoes with a slice of butter and a golden spoon. — Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

You’ll appreciate how much flavor a little garlic adds when the rest of the meal is heavy. Smooth and bold, Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes come together quickly without sacrificing depth. Requests for the recipe are pretty common.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Instant Pot Coconut Rice

A mound of coconut rice on a black plate with ribs on the side. — Instant Pot Coconut Rice. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

You’ll want something neutral yet flavorful to anchor all the rich mains. Creamy texture and mild sweetness make Instant Pot Coconut Rice a smart companion for turkey, vegetables, or bold sauces. Many guests don’t expect it, but they always go back for more.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Coconut Rice

Instant Pot Spinach Artichoke Dip

You might like offering a dip that doubles as a side and a snack. The creamy blend in Instant Pot Spinach Artichoke Dip makes it easy to pair with bread, chips, or vegetables. People tend to hover around it until it’s gone.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Spinach Artichoke Dip

Instant Pot Pasta Da Vinci - Cheesecake Factory Copycat

A black bowl filled with penne pasta and chicken in a creamy sauce, garnished with chopped herbs, sits on a wooden table next to fresh parsley. — Instant Pot Pasta Da Vinci - Cheesecake Factory Copycat. Photo credit: xoxobella.

You’ll enjoy having something rich and comforting that doesn’t require the oven. Deep flavor in Instant Pot Pasta Da Vinci - Cheesecake Factory Copycat helps it stand strong next to traditional Thanksgiving dishes. Leftovers usually disappear fast.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Pasta Da Vinci - Cheesecake Factory Copycat

Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce

Cranberry sauce in a white bowl garnished with orange zest and star anise pods. — Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Getting one thing off the stove helps more than you think. Tangy and bold, Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce saves time while keeping that must-have flavor in the mix. You’ll notice it gets passed around more than once.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce

Instant Pot Leftover Turkey Wild Rice Casserole

A wooden bowl filled with creamy wild rice and lentil stew, garnished with fresh thyme. Carrots and raw wild rice scattered around. A spoon rests in the bowl on a rustic wooden table. — Instant Pot Leftover Turkey Wild Rice Casserole. Photo credit: xoxobella.

You’ll see how easily leftovers fit into the holiday when they’re transformed into something hearty. Instant Pot Leftover Turkey Wild Rice Casserole turns extra turkey into a dish that stands on its own. Families often ask for it again the next day.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Leftover Turkey Wild Rice Casserole

Instant Pot Applesauce

You might enjoy having a lighter option that blends well with the richer sides. Mild sweetness keeps Instant Pot Applesauce versatile enough for kids, adults, and anyone wanting a break from heavy dishes. A lot of diners end up adding it to more than one item on their plate.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Applesauce

Instand Pot Chili

A bowl of chili with shredded cheese in a white bowl. — Instand Pot Chili. Photo credit: The Happy Body Project.

Something warm and hearty makes a good anchor when plates are packed with lighter bites. Instand Pot Chili gives the spread a bit more weight and keeps everyone satisfied from the first plate to the last. No one asks twice whether it belongs.
Get the Recipe: Instand Pot Chili

Instant Pot Black Beans

Low angle shot of two bowls of Mexican black beans garnished with crumbled cheese and lime wedges. — Instant Pot Black Beans. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

You’ll appreciate having a simple but dependable side that adds protein without extra work. Soft texture and deep flavor make Instant Pot Black Beans an easy fit among the Thanksgiving staples. Many guests treat it like a must-have once they try it.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Black Beans