These Instant Pot Black-Eyed Peas are rich, smoky, hearty, and packed with classic Southern comfort food flavor. Made with crispy bacon, onion, garlic, and tender black-eyed peas, this easy recipe delivers slow-cooked taste in a fraction of the time thanks to the Instant Pot.
Whether you’re making them for New Year’s Day, serving them alongside barbecue, or building a full Southern dinner spread, these black-eyed peas are simple, comforting, and loaded with flavor.
They pair perfectly with Southern Cornbread, Southern Style Green Beans, and Southern Smothered Pork Chops for a classic Southern meal.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
This Instant Pot Black Eyed Peas recipe gives you rich, slow-cooked Southern flavor without spending all day in the kitchen. The bacon adds smoky depth while the onion, garlic, and chicken bouillon create a savory broth that perfectly seasons the peas as they cook.
Unlike stovetop versions that require constant monitoring, the Instant Pot makes this recipe easy, hands-off, and consistently delicious.
Ingredients
For the Black-Eyed Peas
- Olive Oil – Helps sauté the bacon and vegetables while building flavor.
- Onion – Adds sweetness and savory depth to the peas.
- Fresh Minced Garlic – Brings bold flavor and aroma to the dish.
- Dry Black-Eyed Peas – The star of the recipe, cooked until tender and creamy.
- Thick Cut Bacon – Adds smoky richness and classic Southern flavor.
- Water – Slowly cooks the peas while creating a flavorful broth.
- Chicken Bouillon Powder – Adds rich savory flavor throughout the dish.
- Salt and Pepper – Used to balance and finish the peas.
See the recipe card below for full ingredient amounts and instructions.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prep the Onions and Bacon
Begin by dicing the onions, then set them aside.
Next, slice the cooked bacon into smaller pieces and set those aside as well.
Step 2. Build the Black-Eyed Pea Base
Now set the Instant Pot to sauté on high.
I usually set the timer for about 15 minutes just so I’ve got plenty of time to build the flavor before pressure cooking.
Pour the olive oil into the Instant Pot and let it heat for about 4 to 5 minutes.
Once the oil is hot, add the onions and sauté them just until they begin to soften.
This step helps build the flavor base for the black-eyed peas before everything pressure cooks together.
Next, add the fresh minced garlic and bacon grease.
Continue sautéing for another couple of minutes, just until the garlic becomes fragrant.
At this point, the bacon grease starts coating everything and adds a lot of that classic Southern flavor.
Now stir in the chopped bacon and let it heat through for another minute or two.
As the bacon warms up, it releases even more flavor into the pot.
Step 3. Add the Peas and Water
Once everything is combined, stir in the chicken bouillon powder.
Then pour in the water, followed by the dry black-eyed peas.
Give everything a really good stir to fully combine.
One thing I like about using the Instant Pot here is that you don’t have to soak the peas overnight.
The pressure cooker handles all the work for you.
Step 4. Cook the Black-Eyed Peas
Now press the cancel button, secure the lid, and set the Instant Pot to Pressure Cook on high for 16 minutes.
Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow for a 15-minute natural pressure release.
That extra time helps the peas continue softening gradually and keeps them from splitting apart too aggressively.
After the natural release, carefully release any remaining pressure and remove the lid.
At this point, the black-eyed peas should be tender, flavorful, and surrounded by a rich broth.
Give everything a good stir before serving.
If you’d like them a little thicker, you can mash a few of the peas directly into the broth to help tighten everything up.
Serve the black-eyed peas immediately, or place the lid back on and leave the Instant Pot on the keep warm setting until you’re ready to eat.
Expert Tips
- Rinse the peas well before cooking to remove any debris.
- Thick-cut bacon adds the best smoky flavor and texture.
- Natural pressure release helps keep the peas tender without splitting too much.
- Add extra water if you prefer a soupier consistency.
- Taste before serving and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
What to Serve with Black-Eyed Peas
Black-eyed peas pair perfectly with classic Southern comfort food dishes like Southern Cornbread, Southern Smothered Pork Chops, and Southern Style Green Beans. They’re also excellent served alongside barbecue, smoked meats, or holiday meals.
For a traditional Southern New Year’s meal, serve these black-eyed peas with cornbread and greens for a comforting and flavorful dinner.
Recipe FAQs
No. This recipe is designed for dry black-eyed peas without soaking.
Dry black-eyed peas typically cook in about 35 minutes under high pressure with a natural release.
In Southern tradition, black-eyed peas are believed to bring good luck and prosperity in the new year.
Yes. The flavor often gets even better after sitting overnight in the refrigerator.
Bacon, ham hocks, smoked turkey, sausage, and other smoked meats all pair beautifully with black-eyed peas.
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📖 Recipe
Instant pot Black-Eyed Peas
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1 Onion Chopped
- 2 tablespoon Fresh Minced Garlic
- 1 Lb Dry Black-Eyed Peas Rinsed
- 1 Lb Thick Cut Smoked Bacon Chopped
- 5 Cups Water
- 1 tablespoon Chicken Bouillon Powder
- Salt and Pepper to Taste
Instructions
- Dice the onions, then set them aside.
- Slice the cooked bacon into smaller pieces and set those aside as well.
- Set the Instant Pot to sauté on high.
- Pour the olive oil into the Instant Pot and let it heat for about 4 to 5 minutes.
- Add the onions and sauté them just until they begin to soften.
- Add the fresh minced garlic and bacon grease.
- Continue sautéing for another couple of minutes, just until the garlic becomes fragrant.
- Stir in the chopped bacon and let it heat through for another minute or two.
- Stir in the chicken bouillon powder.
- Pour in the water, followed by the dry black-eyed peas. Give everything a really good stir to fully combine.
- Press the cancel button, secure the lid, and set the Instant Pot to Pressure Cook on high for 16 minutes.
- Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow for a 15-minute natural pressure release.
- After the natural release, carefully release any remaining pressure and remove the lid.
- Give everything a good stir before serving.
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