An Instant Pot Easter Menu
With Easter just weeks away, it's about time to start thinking about your holiday menu. Although you likely already have some tried-and-true recipes at the ready, we've compiled a list of simple and flavorful dishes—including several appetizers, main dishes, side dishes, and desserts—that can all be made in an Instant Pot.
Thanks to the trusted kitchen appliance, most of these dishes come together in less than an hour and require minimal cleanup, deeming them ideal for those occasionally stressful holiday situations. What's more? Since the Instant Pot excels at making food flavorful, tender, and delicious, you'll have your guests thinking you spent all day in the kitchen cooking a picture-perfect meal, when, really, it was ready in a fraction of the time.
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Appetizers
Balsamic Basil Wheat Berry Salad
Before the meat and sweet courses are served, consider beginning the meal with a dish that's heavy on greens and healthy veggies. We're big fans of the balsamic basil wheat berry salad that calls for lycopene-rich tomatoes, vitamin E-filled Kalamata olives, and protein-packed feta cheese. The wheat berries—which add essential fiber, protein, and iron to the dish—boast a distinctly nutty flavor, which intensifies as it cooks in the Instant Pot.
Get the recipe from Flavorrd.
Spicy Carrot Soup
Forgo the food coma and include an appetizer that's light, healthy, and doesn't sacrifice flavor to your Easter menu. This spicy carrot soup accomplishes that and much more. Ready in just 20 minutes and Instant Pot-friendly, this dish is also vegan and gluten-free, making it ideal for guests with dietary restrictions. Plus, your guests will swoon over the combo of peanut butter and red curry paste in this zesty soup.
Get the recipe from Pinch of Yum.
Stuffed Artichokes
As the main course approaches, get your stomach psyched with these stuffed artichokes. While the Italian classic typically takes over an hour to make, this tasty recipe can be made with the Instant Pot's help in under 20 minutes. Simply steam the artichokes in the pot for a few minutes, remove them, spread the leaves out, and fill the fiber-rich veggie with a tasty mix of breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese. To slim down the stuffing, opt for whole-wheat breadcrumbs, and remind yourself that Parmesan is teeming with calcium—which can actually help ward off weight gain, according to a study in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition. For a plethora of other belly-blasting tips, take a look at this list of 24 Ways to Shrink Your Belly in 24 Hours.
Get the recipe from Foody Schmoody.
Mains
Pot Roast
Is there anything that ushers in a holiday celebration quite like a tasty pot roast that's also really easy to make? This delicious recipe takes just about an hour to make thanks to the Instant Pot, yet tastes so good that your guests will think you slaved over a hot stove all day long. What's more? This meat-centric dish is cooked with vitamin-packed parsnips as well as garlic, which has been shown to improve cholesterol profiles and improve immunity, according to studies in the Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine journal and the Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, respectively.
Get the recipe from Zenbelly.
Cranberry Balsamic Pork Loin
If pot roast isn't your thing, then why not give this cranberry balsamic pork loin a try? The lean meat cooks in the Instant Pot for about 40 minutes and is moist and flavorful once it's done. For an added flavor boost, serve it with a sweet and savory cranberry sauce that's concocted with balsamic vinegar, cranberries, ginger paste, orange zest, and orange juice.
Get the recipe from The Creative Bite.
Turkey With Dijon Gravy
For something just as lean but a bit more savory than the previous recipe, consider this Dijon turkey dish. The recipe is ready in about an hour, and you can use turkey legs, thighs, or bone-in half-breasts to get the job done. What's more? The Dijon mustard that serves as the base for the flavorful sauce contains just 5 calories per teaspoon and delivers some serious zest to the lean turkey.
Get the recipe from Simply Recipes.
Sides
Roasted Potatoes
No matter what the main dish is at your Easter dinner, these Instant Pot roasted potatoes are bound to complement it perfectly. Ready to eat in just 35 minutes, these babies are crisp on the outside and soft and pillowy on the inside. They're generously seasoned with rosemary, thyme, garlic, and an optional sprinkling of cheese. Easy and delicious? Count us in!
Get the recipe from The Cozy Cook.
Honey Cinnamon Carrots
These honey- and cinnamon-slathered carrots will undoubtedly add a burst of color, flavor, and skin-friendly vitamin A to your Easter dinner. The side dish requires minimal effort and can be ready in just 10 minutes, yet packs a wallop of flavor that rivals difficult-to-make foods. The sweetness comes from the anti-bacterial honey and blood-sugar-regulating cinnamon. With dessert coming up, you'll be glad you put some of these veggies on your plate!
Get the recipe from Five Heart Home.
Black Beans
Beans are often overlooked as a side, but giving them a spot on your Easter table is a smart idea, especially since this simple recipe is ready in just about an hour. Black beans (and beans in general) are an excellent source of satiating protein and fiber, as well as a whole host of other nutrients. So pile 'em on your plate if you don't want to be too tempted by dessert.
Get the recipe from Katie's Cucina.
Dessert
Peach Crisp
Speaking of dessert, an Easter meal wouldn't be complete without at least one sweet treat on the table—and this peach crisp topped with crunchy oatmeal streusel hits the spot. While it's not quite peach season, this dessert will have you looking forward to summer as you wrap up your Easter celebration. Simply cook the peaches in the Instant Pot and add the oatmeal topping, which can either be made in the Instant Pot or on the stove. The dessert is ready in just 30 minutes and pairs well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream such as Halo Top.
Get the recipe from Paint the Kitchen Red.
New York-Style Cheesecake
Despite the fact that most people use their Instant Pots to whip up savory soups and stews, this New York-style cheesecake is proof that the beloved kitchen appliance is very versatile. What's more? This Instant Pot cheesecake is ready in a fraction of the time that it takes to bake its oven-made counterpart and is just as tasty. For an added dose of fiber, consider serving the cheesecake with blueberries and raspberries. Both fruits are packed with antioxidants that have been proven to eliminate belly fat. For additional tips on how to flatten your tummy, take a look at this list of 14 Ways To Lose Your Belly In 14 Days!
Get the recipe from Little Spice Jar.
