I Tried Making Instant Pot Yogurt and Can Attest to Its Awesomeness

For many of us, 2017 was a doozy, but we here at Brit + Co are ready to hit refresh in 2018! Follow our Hit Refresh series through January for new ideas, hacks, and skills that will help you achieve (and maintain!) those New Year’s resolutions.

Recently I tried making yogurt in the Instant Pot, because I absolutely love yogurt. Parfaits, cocktails, or simply dressed with toppings — you name it, I’ve probably tried to put yogurt in the recipe. But at some point I realized that the quantity of yogurt I was consuming was becoming pricy, so I began making it myself. For months, I did things the old-fashioned way by heating the milk on the stove and wrapping the pot in a blanket to ferment overnight. Eventually I got good at the process and could churn out smooth, cream-topped yogurt for a fraction of the price that it would cost at the store, but then the Instant Pot came onto the scene.

We’ve all been hearing the glowing reviews of the Instant Pot and how it can magically perform the job of a slow cooker, electric pressure cooker, rice cooker, steamer, yogurt maker, sauté/browning pan, and warming pot all in one. If you were like me, you probably thought it sounded too impressive to be true. But I was so wrong. A couple of weeks ago, my mother got an Instant Pot. Needless to say, it was barely out of the packaging before I asked if I could borrow it. I just had to know if everything it claimed it could do was true — and I was particularly interested in trying out its yogurt function.

Once I got it home, I wasted no time buying some milk and a starter and got to yogurt making. The Instant Pot yogurt recipe calls for two percent, ultra-pasteurized milk. However, I believe the creamier the better, and I also believe in buying local, so I purchased a quart of full-fat, low-temperature pasteurized milk from a nearby farm. I have a similar philosophy for my starters, so generally I use White Mountain Bulgarian yogurt. I think the texture is more pleasant than Greek yogurt and it has a nice sour taste that I enjoy. Although the provided Instant Pot recipe doesn’t call for it, I also whipped up some lavender simple syrup and persimmon jam to add into two separate batches for a little extra flavor. Even I, as a yogurt lover, can’t eat the plain Jane version.

And that was it. I set the milk into the Instant Pot to pasteurize, let it cool down to 115 degrees, added the starter, and walked away. Eight and a half hours later, I opened the lid, and to my surprise, I was face to face with the creamiest yogurt I’d ever made. The cream-top was evenly distributed across the surface and there was a minimal amount of whey to drain off. Things got even better when I stuck a spoon in to test the texture. I was thrilled to see that it held together without the gloppy consistency that I dislike in Greek yogurt. It pains me to say it, but the texture was better than what I can make on my own after months of practice.

The taste was excellent too. As far as I could tell (and I ate my way through the entire quart) there were no anomalous pockets of lavender flavoring. The sweetness had been evenly melded into the natural sourness of the yogurt. It was as I was scraping the bottom of the jar that I realized I’d fallen in love. Not that yogurt is terribly complicated to make, but it requires a lot of patience to endure the necessary trial and error while you learn how to regulate temperature. With the Instant Pot, though, there’s no need to fiddle with blankets and ovens. It’s as easy as using a slow cooker. It would be an understatement to say that yogurt in an Instant Pot was a success. In fact, I would say that in this case, I couldn’t have done better myself.

For more Instant Pot recipes, check us out on Pinterest.

(Photos via Jessi Devenyns)

Remember those easy days way back when life was so simple and McDonald’s graced us with the dream of an all-day breakfast? We could eat that delicious Sausage McGriddle at any time of day (or night), and it seemed as if all our dreams had finally (finally!) come true. Well, hold onto your hats, because while McDonald’s giveth delivery, McDonalds taketh away, nixing the all-day breakfast in a move that’s crushing us to the core. Fear not though, we do have a whole post on recreating your favorite McDonald breakfast items at home!

Does McDonald's serve breakfast all day?

McDonald's

Sadly, during the start of the 2020 pandemic, due to reduced staffing and a lack of dine-in traffic, McDonald's made the decision to end their super popular all-day breakfast to "provide better speed of service" to customers. We're still sad about it, TBH.

How late does McDonald's serve breakfast?

Polina Tankilevitch / PEXELS

While opening hours vary by McDonald's location (usually 5am, with some locations open 24 hours), breakfast now ends at 10:30am on weekdays and 11:00am on weekends. Sorry for the sad news, all, regarding McDonald's breakfast hours.

McDonald's does not serve any breakfast after 11:00am. 😭

What time does McDonald's stop serving breakfast?

Image via McDonald's

McDonald's typically stops serving breakfast after 11:00am, though the exact hours might depend on where you're located.

What is on McDonald's breakfast menu?

Erik Mclean / PEXELS

Here’s what the full McDonald's breakfast menu looks like:

  • Hash Brown McMuffin
  • Egg McMuffin
  • Sausage McMuffin with Egg
  • Sausage McMuffin
  • Bacon, Egg & Smoky Gouda McMuffin
  • Egg & Jalapeño Cheddar McMuffin
  • Bacon, Egg & Jalapeño Cheddar McMuffin
  • Egg BLT McMuffin
  • Chicken McMuffin
  • Bacon, Egg & Cheese Biscuit
  • Sausage Biscuit with Egg
  • Sausage Biscuit
  • Bacon, Egg & Cheese McGriddles
  • Sausage, Egg & Cheese McGriddles
  • Chicken McGriddle
  • Bacon, Egg & Smoky Gouda with Plain Bagel
  • Bacon, Egg & Smoky Gouda with Sesame Bagel
  • Bacon, Egg & Smoky Gouda with Everything Bagel
  • Sausage McGriddles
  • Big Breakfast
  • Big Breakfast with Hotcakes
  • Hotcakes
  • Hotcakes and Sausage
  • Sausage Burrito
  • Hash Browns
  • Plain Bagel with Butter or Cream Cheese
  • Everything Bagel with Butter or Cream Cheese
  • Sesame Bagel with Butter or Cream Cheese
  • English Muffin with Butter
  • Egg BLT Bagel
  • Fruit & Maple Oatmeal
  • Fruit ‘N Yogurt Parfait

Will McDonald's all-day breakfast ever come back?

Photo by Lisa Fotios / PEXELS

No official news about the comeback of McDonald's all-day breakfast has broken, but in 2020, the company tweeted that they're "evaluating" the need to bring it back. Obviously, there haven't been any new 24-hour breakfast McDonald's locations to make our all-day breakfast dreams come true.

What happened to McDonald's all-day breakfast?

McDonald's

Originally, McDonald's planned an all-day breakfast option because of failing sales across the US. They hoped that giving so many of us what we’d been asking for so long would improve the company’s bottom line. Turns out, not only has it not worked, but the chain’s sales of all-day breakfast menu items such as McDonald’s Sausage McMuffins, Egg White Delights, Sausage Biscuits, and Sausage McMuffins to name a few have decreased by almost 2% in the last few months (!).

In an interview with Buzzfeed News, CEO Steve Easterbrook said that the chain is trying to figure out how to fix sales here at home, even though around the world, the company is still doing quite well. Easterbrook says that focusing on making McDonald’s the “restaurant of the future” is a top priority (although sales are down while wait times are up). New focuses include curbside check-in, mobile ordering and advanced kiosks.

Need a new breakfast go-to now that McDonald's all-day breakfast is gone?

Polina Tankilevitch / PEXELS

With many people turning away from fast food in favor of healthier options, the comfort of knowing exactly what you’re getting at every single McDonald’s still can’t be beat — we still love the occasional hash brown after noon, so needless to say, we’re beyond bummed about the change in McDonald's breakfast hours.

Need some early morning inspiration to get over the bad news? Here are some easy breakfast meal ideas to try from home!

Still hungry for McDonald's breakfast?

I'm Hungry For That

While we can't turn back time if you've missed the cut-off, here's a list of great Mickey D copycat recipes – and we'll specifically call out this awesome McGriddle recipe from I'm Hungry For That!

Ingredients:

For the meat patties:

  • 1lb. ground breakfast sausage (or 4 pre-made sausage patties)
  • Salt and pepper

For the omelette:

  • 6 eggs
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 4 tbsp. softened butter
  • Salt and pepper

For the pancakes:

  • 1 ¼ cups flour
  • ⅔ cup milk
  • Just under 3 tbsp. melted butter
  • 1 egg
  • 1 ½ tsp. baking powder
  • 2 tbsp. maple syrup
  • ½ tsp. salt

And to finish it off:

  • 6 slices of crispy bacon
  • 4 slices American cheese

Get the full recipe and instructions on I'm Hungry for That, and enjoy! In the meantime, RIP, McDonald's all-day breakfast. RIP.

More McDonald's Breakfast Copycat Recipes

Barley & Sage

Sourdough Bagels

Slather on all the cream cheese and jelly, or stack some scrambled eggs and sausage patties on these homemade bagels that taste so much better than the McDonald's drive-thru – plus, they'll stay good for longer! (via Barley & Sage)

Culinary Hill

Hotcakes

The best part about McDonald's breakfast is hotcakes. It's a spiritual experience to drizzle countless packets of syrup on them, before taking the sweetest, stickiest bite. Make them easily at home when you don't feel like leaving the house. (via Culinary Hill)

Feel Good Foodie

Fruit & Maple Oatmeal

Emulating McDonald's Fruit & Maple Oatmeal is super easy with a stovetop, a few ingredients, a short amount of minutes. This recipe nails it! (via Feel Good Foodie)

What’s your favorite McDonald’s breakfast item? Tell us @BritandCo!

This post has been updated.

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These beginner Instant Pot recipes are about to save you from your ferocious hunger (and those hefty takeout bills) on busy weeknights. Not only are they great for those evenings when you'd rather be hanging with the fam than spending endless hours in the kitchen, but they'll also come in handy for all of that school year meal planning.

If you own an Instant Pot, you know just how valuable the modern pressure cooker is. It saves you time, money, and tons of effort when preparing everyday dishes. The device can be a bit daunting, though, when figuring out what recipes to make and how to make them. That's where these beginner Instant Pot recipes come in! From quick rice and quinoa, to full-on meals like coq au vin, the 72 recipes below are easy – and have ultra-quick cooking times – all thanks to the Instant Pot.

What are the best things to make in an Instant Pot?

Brit + Co

You can make all kinds of delicious recipes like rice, soup, and meats like chicken and salmon. In our opinion, the best thing to make in an Instant Pot is something that would take you a long time to make otherwise!

What should you not cook in an Instant Pot?

Brit + Co

You don't want to cook fried food because an Instant Pot won't keep the outside crispy the way that an air fryer will. You also want to avoid desserts like cookies because the moisture won't give you the same delicious results that an oven will.

What should I make my first time with Instant Pot?

Brit + Co

For your first time using the an Instant Pot, make a super simple, cheap dinner that won't cost you if you make a mistake. We'd recommend a simple chili, chicken noodle soup, or a simple pasta you've made before. That way, you can familiarize yourself with the Instant Pot without worrying too much about the outcome.

Is Instant Pot just as good as slow cooker?

Brit + Co

The Instant Pot is great for when you're short on time, whereas a slow cooker might require more attention since you typically cook food all day long in it. Each appliance is relatively easy to use, but if you want to whip up something quick, the Instant Pot might be better than a slow cooker.

Because of the different settings, the results will vary a bit from a slow cooker, but as long as you figure out the recipes that work for you, an Instant Pot can be a great addition to your kitchen.

Vegetarian Frittata in the Instant Pot

Brit + Co

Frittatas may be your norm for brunch, but they also make for an easy fridge clean-out dinner. Easy, quick, and tasty? Who wouldn't want to make this beginner Instant Pot recipe? (via Brit + Co)

Tuscan White Bean Soup in an Instant Pot

Brit + Co

This beginner-friendly soup is nutritious, thanks to eight different vegetables. It receives richness from sweet Italian sausage and lots of cannellini beans. Plus, it’s blissfully Tuscan thanks to juicy San Marzano tomatoes, lemon, and fresh parsley. (via Brit + Co)

Instant Pot Butter Chicken

Brit + Co

Spicy butter chicken makes for a romantic weeknight at-home date night. Serve with plenty of basmati rice for scooping up the addictive sauce, and enough slices of naan to literally wipe your plate clean. (via Brit + Co)

15-Minute Instant Pot Rice

Mgg Vitchakorn / Unsplash

All you need to make rice in your Instant Pot is water, salt, and, well – rice. The most important part of this whole process as far as we're concerned is the fluffing, because getting that fluffy consistency is vital for any and every rice recipe. (via Brit + Co)

Fluffy Quinoa Instant Pot Recipe

Brit + Co

The keys to fluffy, flavorful quinoa: rinse off the pseudo-grain’s bitter coating with water first, then sauté it in the Instant Pot until toasted. After you've done those steps, you can cook it with broth on the gadget’s rice setting and voilà. An easy and delicious meal. (via Brit + Co)

Pressure-Cooker Ramekin Eggs

Brit + Co

Your favorite veg, eggs, and cream go into individual ramekins, get pressure-cooked, and come out ever-so-slightly soft so you can spread the whole thing over toast. This is seriously one of the best breakfasts ever, and your brunches will never be the same! (via Brit + Co)

Steamed Cod with Ginger Scallion Sauce

Brit + Co

From a frozen state, fish only takes 5 minutes to pressure-cook in the Instant Pot. Yes, you read that right. From there, it’s just about adding the sauce and serving with rice for a complete meal. This is one of our favorite beginner Instant Pot recipes for the health nuts out there. (via Brit + Co)

Keto Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs

Brit + Co

We thought meatballs couldn't get much better, but stuff them with cheese, and suddenly they're a whole new meal that we can't get enough of. We love to eat them on top of zoodles, but any kind of noodles will do. (via Brit + Co)

Instant Pot Beef Stew

Brit + Co

You'll want to go ahead and bookmark this beginner Instant Pot recipe because chances are, after you make this stew for the first time, you’ll go back again and again. (via Brit + Co)

Pressure-Cooked Vegetarian Chili

Brit + Co

This foolproof recipe relies on quinoa to naturally thicken the chili. Not only will it help with the consistency, but it will also leave you feeling fuller. (via Brit + Co)

Basic Pressure-Cooker Chicken Breasts

Brit + Co

All you need is water, salt, and pepper to make this 10-minute chicken breast, which is easy to shred for salads, soups, and more. For extra moisture and flavor, we suggest brining the chicken in salt water overnight and sprinkling in a touch of brown sugar and peppercorns. (via Brit + Co)

Instant Pot Butternut Squash

Sarah Dubler / Unsplash

While you need the better part of an hour for the normal butternut squash method, this new and improved version only takes 12 minutes. We don't know about you, but we'll be fixing this Instant Pot recipe all the time for a side dish from here on out! (via Brit + Co)

3-Minute Salmon Dinner

Brit + Co

Salmon, sweet potatoes, and broccoli can be steamed up all together in three minutes via the wonders of the Instant Pot. We'll never say no to a dinner this quick *and* this delicious. (via Brit + Co)

Paleo Orange Chicken

Brit + Co

The classic American-Chinese staple is made even quicker when seared and pressure-cooked in the Instant Pot. Add a little bit of sriracha for an unmatched sweet and spicy flavor. (via Brit + Co)

Baked Potato Soup

Brit + Co

Gussy up this Instant Pot potato soup with all your fave fixings. This is great for any time of day and can include all your favorite loaded baked potato toppings. We always go with bacon, cheese, and chives. (via Brit + Co)

Hard Boiled Eggs without a Stove

Brit + Co

Why make hard-boiled eggs in the Instant Pot? Because of the change in pressure, they’re a lot easier to peel than their traditionally-boiled counterparts, so you can spend more time eating your eggs and less time wrangling with tough shells. From there, chop them up into an egg salad or over toast for a simple dinner. (via Brit + Co)

Quick and Easy French Dip Sandwich

Brit + Co

Our version of Pinterest’s most-pinned beginner Instant Pot recipe cooks tender chuck roast in nutty ghee, which we serve on buttered pretzel rolls with mild cheddar cheese, caramelized onions, and leftover juices for dipping. We won't blame you if you're drooling right now. (via Brit + Co)

Instant Pot Carnitas

Brit + Co

Pressure-cooker carnitas means you can decide you want tacos at 6 p.m. and sit down with a plate of Instant Pot pork goodness by 6:35 p.m. This flexible recipe has a flavorful base of pork shoulder, aromatic veggies, adobo sauce, and beer, but you can also get creative by adding your own combination of herbs and seasonings. (via Brit + Co)

Pot Roast in the Instant Pot

Culinary Hill

When you're dealing with something that sounds as complicated as pot roast, turning it into an Instant Pot recipe can make things a whole lot easier. We're big fans of this one for its hearty flavors. (via Culinary Hill)

Spaghetti Squash Beginner Instant Pot Recipe

Feel Good Foodie

Spaghetti squash is a nice alternative to pasta if you're trying to incorporate more low-carb recipes into your diet. Plus you aren't dealing with all the extra additives of a typical noodle. The actual cooking only takes around 20 minutes so it makes for a great quick dinner. (via Feel Good Foodie)

Salmon with Garlic Potatoes and Greens Instant Pot Recipe

Food Network

A complete salmon dinner in under 30 minutes? Yes, please. This amazing crock pot recipe is so simple and includes all sides in one pot. Forget about multiple pots and pans, and enjoy this delectable dish that includes only four simple steps. (via Food Network)

Healthier Instant Pot Coq Au Vin

Half Baked Harvest

This famously day-long cooking project gets boiled down to just 30 minutes when you follow this beginner Instant Pot recipe for cold nights. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Instant Pot Sweet Soy Chicken Thighs

A Spicy Perspective

Our favorite part of this recipe is the sweet-meets-salty flavor from the soy sauce, garlic, and brown sugar. It really can't be beat. (via A Spicy Perspective)

Instant Pot Pulled BBQ Chicken

Cozy Cravings

This recipe uses your favorite barbecue sauce, which means that you're almost guaranteed to love it. Serve it with tender Hawaiian rolls or some homemade pretzels. (via Cozy Cravings)

Instant Pot Chipotle Cheddar Corn Chowder

Half Baked Harvest

With some sweet corn, smoky chipotle peppers, cheddar, bacon, and a few other ingredients, you can have a bowl of corn chowder in less than one hour. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Apple Cobbler

Cilantro Parsley

Instant Pot recipes don't have to be savory if you don't want them to be. Granny smith apples, brown sugar, and oats come together the way that you would expect, but the secret to making this delicious recipe is adding caramel syrup as well. (via Cilantro Parsley)

Instant Pot Dandelion Greens With Caramelized Onions

Forks & Foliage

You can eat these yummy greens on their own, or serve them up as a side to another dish for a whole new meal. Whichever method you pick, make sure you don't forget about the caramelized onions. Yum! (via Forks & Foliage)

Mashed Potatoes

Feel Good Foodie

Greek yogurt is one of our favorite breakfast foods, and it's also the key to getting your mashed potatoes extra smooth. The great thing about the Instant Pot is that while it's cooking, you can be preparing your other food, or cleaning up the dishes to save yourself time later. (via Feel Good Foodie)

Pumpkin Walnut Chili Instant Pot Recipe

Pinch Of Yum

This vegan chili is full of nuts, grains, and lots of yummy pumpkin. Thanks to the use of canned pumpkin, it doesn't have to be October to make this beginner Instant Pot recipe. (via Pinch Of Yum)

Steel Cut Oats

Feel Good Foodie

Need a filling breakfast? Look no further than this Instant Pot oatmeal! Use your favorite milk and coconut oil to make it creamy, and top with all your favorite berries, cinnamon sugar, or go for a banana + peanut butter + chocolate chip combo. Yum! (via Feel Good Foodie)

Instant Pot Risotto

Hello Little Home

This beginner Instant Pot recipe takes the hard labor and constant attention that traditional risotto requires. Good news is, it's still elegantly tasty for when you want to step dinner up a bit. (via Hello Little Home)

Gluten Free Instant Pot Lentil Stew

Earthly Provisions

This Instant Pot stew recipe has winter written all over it. The easily-adaptable ingredients, a mix of meat and veggies, will supply you with a full, satisfied belly every time.(via Earthly Provisions)

Instant Pot Refried Beans

Averie Cooks

Making refried beans in the Instant Pot means they're not really fried at all, but this recipe still results in the same mushy texture you'd expect from the dish. Dress 'em up with cheese, avocado, cilantro, jalapeño, and lime for extra zest. (via Averie Cooks)

Instant Pot Irish Cheddar Bacon Mac and Cheese

Half Baked Harvest

Perfect for St. Patrick's Day, but really anytime of year, this 20-minute Instant Pot mac and cheese uses Irish cheddar and mixes in Brussels sprouts for extra tetxure. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Pressure Cooker Ramen Soup

Steamy Kitchen

Authentic-tasting ramen can be hard to come by. The secret to making it yourself is homemade chicken broth, which the Instant Pot makes possible in under an hour. Sprinkle a few sheets of dried seaweed right on top, and you've got a bowl of the real deal. (via Steamy Kitchen)

Instant Pot Chicken Adobo

Savory Tooth

You’ll never think of chicken as boring once you’ve tasted this Filipino adobo, which is redolent with garlic, vinegar, and pepper. Serve with some raw veggies to add some different temperatures and textures. (via Savory Tooth)

Instant Pot Veggies

365 Days of Slow + Pressure Cooking

Dinner gets boring really quickly when you’re serving the same side dishes day after day. With just four ingredients and less than five minutes, you could have these veggies on the table, ready to accompany any main dish. Since all you have to do is throw everything in the pot, this is a beginner Instant Pot recipe for the books. (via 365 Days of Slow + Pressure Cooking)

Instant Pot Dairy-Free Stroganoff

Clean Cuisine

This one's for the lazy gals. If your pasta craving has grown too strong for words, make sure to prep this Instant Pot stroganoff ahead-of-time for easy savory snacking. (via Clean Cuisine)

Salmon With Chili-Lime Sauce

Savory Tooth

Eating healthy is a cinch with a pressure cooker. There are no time excuses, plus you have the advantage of using minimal to zero oil when cooking your protein, like this in this chili-lime salmon. (via Savory Tooth)

Instant Pot Italian Chicken Orzo

A Spicy Perspective

Orzo is great because it tastes exactly like pasta, but it's way easier to eat than pasta. And not only does this recipe taste good, but it looks good, too. (via A Spicy Perspective)

Coconut Rice

Vikalinka

For a sweeter rice to pair with Indian or Thai dishes, this coconut rice steps in with the perfect flavor. (via Vikalinka)

Thai Chicken Rice Bowl

Wondermom Wannabe

Put that sauté function on your Instant Pot to good use with this Thai-inspired rice bowl. Counteract the soft-cooked texture with crunchy peanuts and raw carrots to serve. We're obsessed. (via Wondermom Wannabe)

Bang Bang Pasta

Kirbie's Cravings

If this Thai-American dish is a household favorite for delivery nights, then this beginner Instant Pot recipe will be invaluable. It'll be good to your taste buds and your wallet! (via Kirbie’s Cravings)

Pressure Cooker Beef Bourguignon

Savory Tooth

Your beef chuck roast will never come out tough or dry when you make it in the Instant Pot. Thank us later. (via Savory Tooth)

Instant Pot Chili Mac and Cheese

Averie Cooks

Chili + mac and cheese are two of our absolute favorite things, so this combo dish is a no-brainer. Especially since it's quick, too. (via Averie Cooks)

Instant Pot Thai Chicken Noodles

365 Days of Slow + Pressure Cooking

You don’t have to look much further for your perfect home-cooked meal. These restaurant-worthy Thai noodles are everything you’ve ever dreamed of, and they’ll be ready in just 15 minutes. (via 365 Days of Slow + Pressure Cooking)

Easy Mac and Cheese Instant Pot Recipe

365 Days of Slow + Pressure Cooking

Say goodbye to powdery boxed macaroni and cheese and take the guesswork out of making it at home with this simple Instant Pot version. They're still just as creamy as your go-to stovetop version. (via 365 Days of Slow + Pressure Cooking)

Instant Pot Brussels Sprouts

Savory Tooth

Thankfully, side dishes like these bacon-y Brussels sprouts aren’t immune to the power of the Instant Pot. Thank goodness! (via Savory Tooth)

Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo

No. 2 Pencil

This time- and money-saving one-pot chicken Alfredo uses only the Instant Pot so dirty dishes can be kept to a minimum. That way, it cuts your prep time and your cleanup time. (via No. 2 Pencil)

Sweet Potato Chili Instant Pot Recipe

Wondermom Wannabe

Now that you have an Instant Pot, you’ll finally be able to make chili with the press of a button. The best part? It takes only 10 minutes but still tastes phenomenal. (via Wondermom Wannabe)

Instant Pot Chicken Pad Thai

The Girl On Bloor

With the Instant Pot, all you need to do is throw handfuls of all the ingredients in, and wait for the magic to happen. This pad thai meal has *all* the magic, trust us. (via The Girl On Bloor)

Restaurant-Style Chicken Tortellini

365 Days of Slow + Pressure Cooking

Keep your homemade Italian seasoning on hand, and you can make this authentic dish whenever your heart desires. Serve the finished chicken on tortellini with a creamy sauce, diced tomatoes, and basil. (via 365 Days of Slow + Pressure Cooking)

Twice-Baked Sweet Potato Casserole

Sweet Peas and Saffron

This ultra-creamy sweet potato recipe only gets betters when you top it with pecan streusel. We'll take two please. (via Sweet Peas and Saffron)

Instant Pot Chana Masala

The First Mess

Every spoonful of this tender chana masala is packed with spicy flavor, all the more reason to try this recipe out. (via The First Mess)

Instant Pot Carnitas

The Roasted Root

Use the slow-cooker setting on your Instant Pot for succulent, beer-braised pork shoulder. Doesn’t it look dang good in the center of that burrito bowl? Top with avocados, black beans, and pico de gallo for a complex flavor + texture + temperature combo. (via The Roasted Root)

Instant Pot Whole Chicken

Savory Tooth

A healthy dose of dried herbs and garlic powder help brighten up this chicken dish. It takes just 40 minutes to get it from the Instant Pot to your table. (via Savory Tooth)

Instant Pot Spaghetti Sauce

365 Days of Slow + Pressure Cooking

In less than 15 minutes, you'll be able to sauté and pressure-cook your way to luscious tomato sauce. You'll never go back to the store-bought stuff again. (via 365 Days of Slow + Pressure Cooking)

Easy Instant Pot Tomato Soup

The Edgy Veg

When you're a tad under the weather, this beginner Instant Pot recipe comes to the rescue. It gets fully cooked in just 15 minutes! (via The Edgy Veg)

Italian Beef Stew

Vikalinka

When simmered in the Instant Pot, cuts of beef become super tender. You'll fall in love with this recipe as the meat falls off the fork! (via Vikalinka)

Instant Pot Bone Broth

The Real Food Dietitians

Make this Instant Pot bone broth to add to cozy soups and stews, or dip it on its own to reap the nutritional benefits. (via The Real Food Dietitians)

Instant Pot Pesto Zuppa Toscana

Half Baked Harvest

Italian chicken sausage, potatoes, and kale are simmered in a lemony pesto broth that gets a squeeze of lemon and a touch of Parmesan and cream at the end. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Instant Pot Stuffed Cabbage

Girl and The Kitchen

Sorry, Grandma, this stuffed cabbage is just as good as yours, but way easier. Bring it to all your family gatherings from here on out! (via Girl and The Kitchen)

Instant Pot Lo Mein

Kirbie's Cravings

The Instant Pot is basically a takeout food-lover’s best friend. Enjoy cooking everything from perfectly tender noodles to veggies and cut your spending down. (via Kirbie’s Cravings)

Pork Lettuce Wraps

Sidewalk Shoes

When all else fails, lettuce wraps are a great last-minute dinner that you can use to clean out your fridge. They also make for a great alternative to bread if you're on a low-carb or gluten-free diet. These happen to be full of nutrients and get a surprise texture from wheat berries. (via Sidewalk Shoes)

Instant Pot for Chicken Tortilla Soup

The Seasoned Mom

At once light and hearty, chicken tortilla soup is the meal you’ll crave when you want some comfort food that won’t make you need a nap afterward. (via The Seasoned Mom)

Vegan Curried Lentil Cauliflower Soup

Vegetarian Gastronomy

This cauliflower and potatoes soup tastes creamy but has none of the dairy of the usual recipe. Delicious lentils give this robust recipe plenty of texture and protein and a little bit of lemon juice makes the flavors really pop. (via Vegetarian Gastronomy)

Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan Meatballs

Whole And Heavenly Oven

Your next Italian night is on us. This Instant Pot makes pasta easy-breezy! (via Whole And Heavenly Oven)

Instant Pot Crispy Carnitas With Chipotle Peach Salsa

Half Baked Harvest

Beer-braised pork is shredded and broiled in this easy carnitas recipe. Stuff into warm tortillas and top with peach salsa for 30-minute tacos. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Instant Pot Coconut Lentil Curry

Well Plated

Serve this comforting curry with rice for an easy and absolutely delicious dinner, no matter which night of the week it is. (via Well Plated)

Vegan Instant Pot Butternut Squash Soup

Two Peas and Their Pod

This dairy-free recipe is the definition of healthy, comfort food. It tastes amazing and won't cause any flare-ups for anyone who has dietary restrictions. (via Two Peas and Their Pod)

Greek Chicken Recipe

Wholesomelicious

Add some peppers and onions to make this Greek chicken better than ever. You can cook them all together in the Instant Pot, or add them to the plate raw. Either way, you're in for a treat. (via Wholesomelicious)

Which instant pot recipes will you be making this week? Let us know in the comments and follow us on Pinterest for more food content.

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Lead image via Two Peas & Their Pod.

This post has been updated.

There's no other place I'd rather vacation than Disney. I know, that might be a controversial statement, but I love visiting the Disney theme parks on my own, with family, friends, and basically anyone else who will join me. As an annual pass holder and self-proclaimed Disney adult, I seriously frequent Walt Disney World multiple times a week — and it's absolutely on my bucket list to visit all of the other parks around the world in my lifetime.

I've been to Disneyland and Disney's California Adventure — and I'll be able to check Disneyland Paris off my list soon — but until then, I've come up with a list of the parks I've already visited (and want to visit) in order of priority. Here are all Disney theme parks around the world you should visit, ranked.

TL;DR

  1. Magic Kingdom
  2. Epcot
  3. Hollywood Studios
  4. Animal Kingdom
  5. Disneyland
  6. Disney California Adventure Park
  7. Disneyland Paris
  8. Walt Disney Studios Park
  9. Tokyo Disneyland
  10. Tokyo DisneySea
  11. Shanghai Disneyland
  12. Hong Kong Disneyland

All The Disney Theme Parks, Ranked

Disney World

1. Magic Kingdom

Magic Kingdom is quintessential Disney for both the young and young-at-heart. Located in Central Florida, when you think of Disney, this is usually what comes to mind. It's most notable for the larger-than-life castle where Cinderella and her princess friends get together to meet guests everyday.

I especially love Magic Kingdom because it has a bit of everything for those classic fairytale lovers and thrill seekers. You'll find coasters such as Space Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, as well as more classic attractions like It's A Small World and Peter Pan's Flight that are suitable for the whole family. Plus, the entertainment is top notch with a daytime parade, evening fireworks, and a show on the castle stage.

(A word to the wise, though: there really isn't any alcohol in this park, so don't expect to have that Epcot-esque experience here)

Disney World

2. Epcot

Speaking of Epcot, it's genuinely unlike any other theme park in the world. The park somehow brings together futuristic concepts (Space 220 is out of this world) and cultural diversity (hello, World Showcase!) in such a unique way! Not only can you explore 11 different international pavilions, eating and drinking to your heart's content, but you can also enjoy incredible rides like Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind.

And while Epcot has rides and character meet and greets, this park really stands out for its festivals. Every few months, guests can experience different themed festivals filled with varying entertainment, food, and beverage offerings. Epcot's International Food and Wine Festival is arguably the most popular — I mean who doesn't love to celebrate that?! Other incredible celebrations include the International Flower & Garden Festival, International Festival of the Arts, and Festival of the Holidays. I highly recommend scheduling your trip to Epcot during one of these festivals periods because it truly shows the park at its best capacity.

(And if you're feeling a silly, you can "Drink Around The World" in Epcot's World Showcase any time of year 😉)

Disney World

3. Hollywood Studios

Hollywood Studios is flashy and fun, featuring larger than life productions to high-tech attractions and rides. You'll find a bit of everything at Hollywood Studios, but Galaxy's Edge and Toy Story Land are the park's newest developments with attractions including Rise of the Resistance, Millennium Falcon, and Slinky Dog Dash. Oh, and I can't forget about Tower of Terror — the icon of the park that can be seen from multiple points across the Disney property.

Lastly, you won't want to miss Fantasmic, the parks nighttime spectacular that combines water, characters, fireworks, and more into a breathtaking show for guests each night. Content Editor Haley Sprankle constantly has the theme song stuck in her head — it really is THAT good.

Disney World

4. Animal Kingdom

No trip to Disney World is complete without a visit to Disney's Animal Kingdom. Whether you're looking to be in tune with nature or see wildlife in action, you can experience it all at DAK.

For starters, you can go on the Kilimanjaro Safaris where you'll be guided around an African savannah right in the heart of Florida to see animals like giraffes and hippos in their natural habitats while learning facts about the park and their conservation efforts. Outside of the rides, you can't miss the Festival of the Lion King which is a 30-minute Broadway-style show that features acrobats, live music, puppetry, and fire throwing — all in celebration of the beloved film!

The only downside to DAK is that it can get extremely hot, and there aren't a lot of places to find relief from the brutal Florida sun. I'd definitely be sure to wear protective hats and hydrate, whenever possible!

Disneyland

5. Disneyland

A visit to the original Disney park is a must-do at some point in your lifetime. Disneyland is home to Sleeping Beauty's castle and has a quaint, old-school feel that instantly transports you back in time. Unlike Disney World, characters at Disneyland roam and meet guests as they interact with their environment — almost as if they just hopped off a page from a storybook.

In terms of rides, there's no shortage of them at Disneyland, from Indiana Jones Adventure to Pinocchio's Journey. Lastly, no trip to Disneyland is complete without paying homage to Walt outside of his apartment on the top of Main Street U.S.A. Don't forget to grab a churro too — they're delicious!

Disney California Adventure Park

6. Disney California Adventure Park

Directly across from Disneyland is Disney California Adventure — here you'll find a mix of Disney, Pixar and Marvel characters and rides for the whole family. DCA is home to the beloved Cars Land, AKA where you can visit Radiator Springs Racers and Flo's V8 Cafe. Other highlights of the park include Pixar Pier, San Fransokyo Square (inspired by Big Hero 6), and Avenger's Campus. If you get hungry at DCA, there are plenty of dining options, from Carthay Circle to Lamplight Lounge. Plus, who doesn't love that iconic Mickey Mouse ferris wheel?!

Joan Costa

7. Disneyland Paris

Making your way to Europe? Be sure to make a stop at Disneyland Paris — located only 40 minutes away from the downtown area — to get your fix of Disney magic. Disneyland Paris is centered around Sleeping Beauty's Castle and is home to four lands — Fantasyland, Frontierland, Adventureland, and Discoveryland.

Like any Disney theme park there are so many rides, characters, and fun to get into. Step foot into Phantom Manor or Star Wars: Hyperspace Mountain to immerse yourself in Disney's iconic storytelling whether by yourself or with family members.

Walt Disney Studios Park

8. Walt Disney Studios Park

Next to Disneyland Paris, you'll want to head over to Walt Disney Studios Park to find attractions and characters inspired by Disney, Pixar and Marvel. Some of the most exciting elements? Crush's Coaster, Cars Road Trip, and Ratatouille — because of course we couldn't exclude Paris's favorite rat. It's definitely a slower paced park with less offerings, however, you'll still feel the magic as soon as you step foot onto the property.

Tokyo Disneyland

9. Tokyo Disneyland

If you find yourself in Tokyo, then you'll absolutely wanna do yourself a favor and head over to Tokyo Disneyland. While it's completely it's own park, Tokyo Disneyland seems most similar to Magic Kingdom with its seven different "lands" throughout. You'll find the World Bazaar, Adventureland, Westernland, Critter Country, Fantasyland, Toontown, and Tomorrowland.

You'll find some classic Disney attractions, like the Enchanted Tale of Beauty and The Beast alongside other family-friendly options like Pooh’s Hunny Hunt and Monsters Inc Ride and Go Seek. Plus, you'll be able to see lots of characters throughout — not to mention the exciting entertainment offerings from Jamboree Mickey to Harmony in Color!

Lastly, this park has SO much great merchandise options, so you can bring home something unique with you to remember your trip!

Tokyo DisneySea

10. Tokyo DisneySea

Head on over to Tokyo DisneySea where you'll find a plethora of rides and characters from beloved Disney movies. Aside from Mickey and Minnie, you can meet lots of princesses alongside Duffy and friends (the cutest little animal characters!) to fill up your autograph book and camera roll to the max.

This park is self-described as the "only Disney park themed to the myths and legends of the sea," adding extra intrigue to the experience. You'll find the Mediterranean Harbor, American Waterfront, Port Discovery, Fantasy Springs, Lost River Delta, Arabian Coast, Mermaid Lagoon, and Mysterious Island.

Tokyo DisneySea's latest expansion is Fantasy Springs where you'll be immersed into the worlds of Peter Pan, Tangled, and Frozen. Plus, you can get on Journey to the Center of the Earth and 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea — which you also won't find at any other Disney park!

Disney

11. Shanghai Disneyland

Shanghai Disneyland features the Enchanted Storybook Castle right in the center of the park, where guests can take pictures and get immersed in the magic. The park has eight different themed areas — Mickey Avenue, Gardens of Imagination, Fantasyland, Treasure Cove, Adventure Isle, Tomorrowland, Toy Story Land, and Zootopia — with each offering it's own unique vibe. Some popular attractions include Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure, Tron Lightcycle Power Run, and Peter Pan’s Flight.

According to their website, this park is also the most "technologically innovative" Disney theme park, so I'm sure you'll be in for some really exciting features! Plus, the Enchanted Storybook Castle is "the tallest, biggest and most interactive of all Disney castles the world over." Okay, sign me up!

Hong Kong Disneyland

12. Hong Kong Disneyland

Hong Kong Disneyland may be last on this list, but the park definitely has some incredible standout options for guests! (Plus, you know I'm never mad to be at any Disney theme park ever!)

For starters, no other Disney park has a Mystic Manor, an alternative take on the Haunted Mansion where guests are ushered inside as Henry Mystic shows visitors inside his home that's filled with antiques. Other highlights include the Iron Man Experience, Slinky Dog Spin, and Big Grizzly Mountain Runaway Mine Cars.

Plus, this park has stunning views throughout. The main castle is surrounded by lush, green mountains that are totally breathtaking — and totally different than anything you'd see in Orlando!

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In case you missed it, a new rom-com following a pair that bears a great resemblance to the internet's favorite “It” couple is coming to Lifetime for the holidays! Although the film isn’t technically inspired by Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s love story per se, the story line is quite uncanny to their high profile romance (but more on that later). From the release date to the plot, here's everything we know about Lifetime’s Christmas in the Spotlight. Read up on Hallmark's Holiday Touchdown — and the Kelce who joined the cast!

  • Lifetime's Christmas in the Spotlight is a new holiday movie premiering this November.
  • The movie follows a popstar who starts dating a pro football player after they meet at one of her concerts.
  • The film stars Jessica Lord, Laith Wallschleger, Jeannie Mai, and Haley Kalil.

What is Christmas in the Spotlight about?

Lifetime/A&E

Christmas in the Spotlight Plot

Set to be a part of the network's “It’s a Wonderful Lifetime” lineup, which officially starts November 16, Christmas in the Spotlight follows a famous pop star named Bowyn (Jessica Lord), who always sings about falling in love, but has yet to find The One. Right when she's given up on finding Prince Charming, sparks fly when she meets a handsome professional football player named Drew (Laith Wallschleger) after one of her shows. However, they don’t start dating until after Drew publicly declares his feelings for Bowyn. Sound familiar?

The movie synopsis continues, “With each passing day they spend together, their feelings grow stronger…but can it last in the limelight, especially when they both have such hectic schedules? With people questioning if their feelings for each other are real or just for show, the pressure mounts from the press, paparazzi, their fans and even their family.” I need this on my screen now!!!

Is there a trailer for Christmas in the Spotlight?

Well, no. (At least, not yet). But there is a preview teaser for Lifetime’s “It’s a Wonderful Lifetime” lineup, which features numerous clips from the upcoming Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce-esque holiday film Christmas in the Spotlight. In the first few seconds of the teaser, co-stars Jessica Lord and Laith Wallschleger can be seen gleefully walking side by side while surrounded by holiday decor. Meanwhile, another clip shows Lord’s Bowyn wearing a blue football jersey. Now, if that’s not TayVis-coded, then I don’t know what is.

When is Christmas in the Spotlight coming out?

Christmas in the Spotlight Release Date

Be sure to mark your calendars because Christmas in the Spotlight is scheduled to debut on Lifetime November 23, 2024, at 8 PM ET/PT. Let the countdown begin!

Where can I watch Christmas in the Spotlight?

Lifetime/A&E

If you can’t catch the premiere on Lifetime, then don’t worry because we have you covered! After the movie premieres on the Lifetime channel, Christmas in the Spotlight will be available to watch on TVE/VOD in addition to the Lifetime Movie Club.

Who’s in the cast of Christmas in the Spotlight?

Lifetime/A&E

Christmas in the Spotlight Cast

Aside from Lord and Wallschleger, Christmas in the Spotlight stars former The Real talk show host Jeannie Mai, who will portray Bowyn’s manager. But she won’t be the only familiar face in the ensemble cast. And if you’re constantly on TikTok, then you may recognize TikTok influencer Haley Kalil, who, according to People, is set to make her onscreen debut as Drew’s sister-in-law, Nicole.

Stay tuned for more updates about Christmas in the Spotlight and 2024 Christmas movies — & follow us on Facebook and Instagram!