19 Instant Pot Potluck Recipes for Your Next Gathering

These quick Instant Pot potluck recipes are perfect for feeding a crowd, whether you need a big main dish of tender, shredded meat, an easy, flavorful side or a sweet, creamy dessert to end the meal.

When you need a dish that’s easy to make, travels well and feeds a lot of people, these Instant Pot potluck recipes deliver on all three counts. These quick potluck recipes offer a fast, hands-off way to make satisfying mains, sides and desserts for a last-minute event for school or an upcoming backyard cookout. If you are still learning how to use an Instant Pot, these recipes will guide you through the straightforward steps of using an electric pressure cooker so you can create crowd-pleasing dishes without spending all day in the kitchen. From tender ribs to saucy baked beans, and even creamy cheesecake, this lineup of Instant Pot party food is built for sharing.

Each recipe in this collection serves six or more, making them ideal for larger potlucks, picnics and gatherings of all kinds, or smaller get-togethers where you have bonus leftovers for the week. From hearty mains to bite-sized appetizers and cheesy dips, these Instant Pot recipes take the pressure off hosting, so you can spend less time cooking and more time connecting.

1/19

Pressure-Cooker Memphis-Style Ribs

Total Time 35 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: After my dad and I had dinner at the legendary Rendezvous restaurant, I was inspired to create my own version of tasty dry-rub Memphis ribs. Smoked paprika in the rub mimics the flavor the ribs would get from grilling over hot coals. —Matthew Hass, Franklin, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 509 calories, 35g fat (13g saturated fat), 136mg cholesterol, 1137mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 38g protein.
2/19

Pressure Cooker Very Vanilla Cheesecake

Total Time 1 hour 25 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Cinnamon and vanilla give this cheesecake so much flavor, and making it in the pressure cooker creates a silky, smooth texture that's hard to resist. —Krista Lanphier, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 1 slice: 484 calories, 34g fat (19g saturated fat), 151mg cholesterol, 357mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (31g sugars, 0 fiber), 8g protein.
3/19

Pressure-Cooker Mini Teriyaki Turkey Sandwiches

Total Time 45 min
Servings 20 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Preparing the pulled turkey in a delicious teriyaki sauce for these snack-size sandwiches is a breeze using a pressure cooker. Serving the turkey on lightly toasted sweet dinner rolls is a finishing touch.—Amanda Hoop, Seaman, Ohio
Nutrition Facts: 1 mini sandwich: 252 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 70mg cholesterol, 501mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 1g fiber), 26g protein.
4/19

Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip

Total Time 20 min
Servings 6 cups
From the Recipe Creator: If you like quick and easy recipes that are spicy, you'll love this Instant-Pot Buffalo chicken dip. It has that real Buffalo wing taste—and it's super cheesy! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 1/4 cup dip: 173 calories, 15g fat (8g saturated fat), 44mg cholesterol, 502mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 8g protein.
5/19

Instant Pot Baked Beans

Total Time 45 min
Servings 12 servings
From the Recipe Creator: I was under doctor's orders to reduce the amount of sodium I was eating, but I just couldn't part with some of my favorite foods. After many experiments I came up with this potluck favorite—now everyone's happy! —Sherrel Hendrix, Arkadelphia, Arkansas
Nutrition Facts: 1/2 cup: 238 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 347mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 8g fiber), 10g protein.
6/19

Pressure Cooker Beer-Braised Pulled Ham

Total Time 35 min
Servings 16 servings
From the Recipe Creator: To jazz up leftover ham, I cooked it with a beer sauce. Buns loaded with ham, pickles and mustard are irresistible. —Ann Sheehy, Lawrence, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 378 calories, 9g fat (1g saturated fat), 50mg cholesterol, 1246mg sodium, 50g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 25g protein.
7/19

Pressure Cooker Peach Salsa

Total Time 35 min
Servings 11 cups
From the Recipe Creator: Fresh peaches and tomatoes make my salsa a hands-down winner over store versions. As a treat, I give my co-workers several jars throughout the year. —Peggi Stahnke, Cleveland, Ohio
Nutrition Facts: 1/4 cup: 28 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 59mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
8/19

Pressure-Cooker Molten Mocha Cake

Total Time 35 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: When I first made my decadent chocolate cake, my husband's and daughter's expressions said it all. She says it's one of her "most favorites." Later, I took one of these to our next-door neighbors. Their teenage son, who answered the door, ate the whole thing without telling anyone else about it! —Aimee Fortney, Fairview, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 482 calories, 19g fat (11g saturated fat), 165mg cholesterol, 269mg sodium, 71g carbohydrate (51g sugars, 2g fiber), 8g protein.
9/19

Pressure-Cooker Char Siu Pork

Total Time 1 hour 40 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: I based this juicy pork on Asian influence in Hawaii. It's tasty as is, in a bun or over rice. Use leftovers with fried rice, ramen and salads. —Karen Naihe, Kamuela, Hawaii
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 392 calories, 18g fat (6g saturated fat), 102mg cholesterol, 981mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (24g sugars, 1g fiber), 31g protein.
10/19

Pressure Cooker Hoisin Meatballs

Total Time 30 min
Servings about 2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: I love the start of fall because that means it's football season! Meatballs are filling and hearty and great for a tailgate. I served this for the first time at my favorite team's home opener. My best friend, who hates meatballs, couldn't get enough of them! I created a meatball convert! Woo-hoo! If you are serving children and prefer not to add the wine, substitute beef broth instead.—Lisa de Perio, Dallas, Texas
Nutrition Facts: 1 meatball: 78 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 28mg cholesterol, 156mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 6g protein.
11/19

Pressure-Cooker Lemon Red Potatoes

Total Time 25 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Butter, lemon juice, parsley and chives enhance this simple side dish. I usually prepare these potatoes when I'm having company. Since they cook in the pressure cooker, there's plenty of room on the stove for other dishes. —Tara Branham, Austin, Texas
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 150 calories, 8g fat (5g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 85mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein.
12/19

Pressure Cooker Hearty Pork & Black Bean Nachos

Total Time 1 hour 35 min
Servings 10 servings
From the Recipe Creator: My husband and I are both graduate students right now, so we don't have a lot of time to cook dinner. Our family loves coming home to this incredible nacho platter, and I love how easy it is to prepare. —Faith Stokes, Chickamauga, Georgia
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 469 calories, 24g fat (9g saturated fat), 87mg cholesterol, 1055mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 7g fiber), 33g protein.
13/19

Pressure-Cooker Buffalo Shrimp Mac & Cheese

Total Time 25 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: For a rich, creamy and slightly spicy shrimp and pasta recipe, you can't beat this crowd-pleasing dish. It's a nice new twist on popular Buffalo chicken dishes.—Robin Haas, Cranston, Rhode Island
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 551 calories, 34g fat (20g saturated fat), 228mg cholesterol, 1269mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 1g fiber), 38g protein.
14/19

Instant Pot Brisket

Total Time 1 hour 25 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: One bite of this super tender brisket and your family will be hooked! The rich gravy is perfect for spooning over a side of creamy mashed potatoes. —Eunice Stoen, Decorah, Iowa
Nutrition Facts: 5 ounces cooked beef: 268 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 81mg cholesterol, 375mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 39g protein.
15/19

Instant Pot Beef Carnitas

Total Time 1 hour 20 min
Servings 16 servings plus 1/4 cup leftover spice mixture
From the Recipe Creator: I came up with this pressure-cooker beef carnitas recipe while cleaning out my refrigerator, and trying to figure out what I could do with a pot roast that had been in the freezer. I LOVE how easy this is. —Ann Piscitelli, Nokomis, Florida
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 415 calories, 18g fat (6g saturated fat), 70mg cholesterol, 830mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 27g protein.
16/19

Pressure-Cooker Chinese-Style Ribs

Total Time 50 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: It's nice to walk in after a hard day's work and have dinner ready in a short amount of time. I hope you agree these ribs are quick, easy and delicious. Enjoy! —Paula Marchesi, Lenhartsville, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 493 calories, 22g fat (8g saturated fat), 132mg cholesterol, 1115mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 2g fiber), 42g protein.
17/19

Pressure-Cooker Marinated Mushrooms

Total Time 20 min
Servings 5 cups
From the Recipe Creator: Here's a terrific healthy addition to any buffet spread. Mushrooms and pearl onions seasoned with herbs, balsamic and red wine are terrific on their own or alongside a tenderloin roast. —Courtney Wilson, Fresno, California
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 43 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 138mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
18/19

Slow-Cooker Cheddar Bacon Beer Dip

Total Time 3 hours 15 min
Servings 4-1/2 cups
From the Recipe Creator: My tangy, smoky dip won the top prize in our office party recipe contest. Other beers can work for this, but be sure to steer clear of dark varieties. —Ashley Lecker, Green Bay, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 1/4 cup: 213 calories, 19g fat (10g saturated fat), 60mg cholesterol, 378mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 8g protein.
19/19

Instant Pot Fajitas

Total Time 50 min
Servings 8 fajitas
From the Recipe Creator: When friends call to ask for new recipes to try, suggest these tasty fajitas. Top as you like to add healthy color and extra flavor. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts: 1 fajita: 314 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 34mg cholesterol, 374mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 fat.

Instant Pot Potluck Recipes FAQ

What crowd-pleasing Instant Pot dishes are best to bring to a potluck?

The best Instant Pot dishes to bring to a potluck are those that hold up well to traveling, are easy to serve and reheat quickly or can be served cold. Think char siu shredded pork, creamy dips and appetizer-friendly meatballs. Bring dishes like BBQ chicken and a package of buns separately so guests can assemble sandwiches or sliders when it’s time to eat, and the bread won’t get soggy.

What is the best way to transport Instant Pot party food?

To transport Instant Pot party food, let the dish cool and then either cover the insert bowl securely with a stretchy silicone lid or plastic wrap or transfer the contents to a separate, leak-proof container. A thermal carrier or a cooler with hot packs can help keep food warm while you are en route. If your host also has an Instant Pot, ask if you can drop your insert in and reheat it directly in the pot at your destination.

What potluck meals for a crowd can I make ahead?

If you are heading to a big potluck, the Instant Pot makes braising a large batch of pork, chicken or beef super easy. For side dishes, try a pot of baked beans or potatoes seasoned with a pop of lemon. Make-ahead potluck recipes take the stress out of prep because all you have to do the day of the party is check the seasoning, add some garnishes and reheat, if necessary.