Bacon and brussel sprouts are made for each other and in the Instant Pot, they can be made in just minutes! Instant Pot Brussel Sprouts and Bacon is a simple and easy side dish that's full of flavor and greens. Yum!
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We are huge fans of brussel sprouts in this house. It's one of the veggies we can all agree on (including the picky eaters). While my daughter prefers hers cooked softer, the rest of us enjoy it to still have a nice crunch. With the Instant Pot, both options are easily attainable.
Flavoring brussel sprouts with bacon, onions, and garlic is what has us always asking for more. Next to my Bacon Ranch Brussel Sprouts, I think these ones might just be the group favorite.
With perfectly cooked brussels and some cooked bacon, every bite Instant Pot brussels and bacon side dish is flavorful and wonderful. But the best part is that it's 100% made in the Instant Pot, including the cooked bacon.
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💛 Why You'll Love This Recipe
- It's convenient. One pot to do it all. From the crispy chewy bacon to the perfectly cooked brussel sprouts, this recipe is perfect for stove-free cooking.
- Goes great with anything. Serve this dish up with your next Garlic Brown Sugar Pork Tenderloin or Crispy Baked Chicken Quarters, and you're sure to have a hit on your hands.
- Simple ingredients. Brussel sprouts, bacon, some oil, and seasonings, this recipe is very simple and easy to throw together. Minimal shopping, maximum flavor.
🛒 Ingredients
Fresh brussels sprouts. Use fresh sprouts that are washed and trimmed. If you have extras, try our Roasted Brussel Sprouts and Carrots or Sheet Pan Chicken, Brussel Sprouts and Potatoes.
Water. Needed to bring the Instant Pot up to pressure for cooking.
Minced garlic. Fresh or jarred minced garlic both work well.
Bacon. Adds a salty, smoky flavor to the dish.
See the recipe card below for full ingredients and instructions.
💰 Budget-Friendly Tips
Buy Brussels sprouts in season: They're usually cheapest in late fall and winter, and prices drop around holidays.
Use just a little bacon: A small amount adds plenty of flavor, so you don't need a full package.
Swap the onion if needed: Yellow or white onions are usually the most affordable and work perfectly here.
🥄 Instructions for Instant Pot Brussel Sprouts and Bacon
Step 1: Wash your brussel sprouts and slice in half if using large ones, keep smaller ones whole.
Step 2: Place the brussels and water in your Instant Pot. (Image 1). Close the Instant Pot and set the seal.
Step 3: Set it to High Pressure for 1-3 minutes. 3 is tender and 1 is more crisp. (Image 2).
Step 4: When the timer goes off and the cooking has finished, Manually Release the Pressure.
Step 5: Remove the brussel sprouts and drain the water. Set the brussels aside in the steamer basket or colander. (Image 3).
Step 6: In the Instant Pot, set it to Saute mode and set the timer for 10 minutes. Alternatively, you can use a skillet on the stove while waiting for the brussels to finish.
Step 7: Lay your bacon strips down and let them cook, flipping when needed. (Image 4). Then remove bacon, chop, and add back into the pot. Alternatively, you can chop your bacon raw and add it straight in with the onions.
Step 8: Add olive oil, onions to the pot and cook until soft. (Image 5). Add bacon and mix well. (Image 6).
Step 9: Add in brussel sprouts, garlic and seasonings. (Image 7).
Step 10: Stir to combine. (Image 8).
Step 11: Turn off Instant Pot.
Serve warm. Enjoy!
👩🏻🍳 Expert Tips
- Adjust cook time. Increase the cooking time by 1 to 2 minutes if you prefer softer brussels sprouts.
- Size matters. Small sprouts are best left whole to avoid mushiness. Larger sprouts should be sliced in half vertically for even cooking and better texture.
❄️ Storage, Reheating & Make Ahead
Storage: Store leftover Instant Pot Brussel Sprouts and Bacon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or roast at 400°F for about 5 minutes to refresh texture. Microwaving works but will soften them more.
Make Ahead: Brussels sprouts can be prepped and pressure-cooked a day in advance. Finish with the bacon and onion just before serving for best flavor.
🥗 Side Dishes or Pairing Ideas
Serve Instant Pot Brussel Sprouts and Bacon alongside roasted chicken, pork chops, or steak. These Brussels sprouts also pair well with mashed potatoes, rice, or holiday dishes like stuffing and gravy.
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❓ Recipe FAQs
Just about anything! We really enjoy serving it up with pork roasts, chicken, or creamy pasta dishes but the possibilities are endless.
Start by washing and trimming off the hard bottom ends. Then peel away any loose/yellow/discolored leaves on the outside. As a general rule of thumb, I always remove the outermost 2 leaves.
Then rinse again in a colander to remove any dirt that may have been trapped underneath the leaves. Slice and use as directed in recipe.
Yes, you can slice, wash, and prep the brussel sprouts the day before and keep them in an airtight container or make this side dish the day before and reheat before eating.
To reheat just lay the brussel sprouts and bacon on a foil lined baking sheet and roast for about 5 minutes at 400 degrees F.
🍽️ More Recipes You'll Love
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🐝 If you tried these Instant Pot Brussel Sprouts and Bacon, please leave a ⭐️ star rating and share your buzz in the 💬 comments below. I'd truly appreciate it!
📖 Recipe
Instant Pot Brussel Sprouts and Bacon
Equipment
- Steamer Basket or trivet
Ingredients
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts - ($2.98)
- 1 cup water - ($0.00)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil - ($0.14)
- ½ cup onion, diced - ($0.46)
- ½ cup bacon, chopped, about 3 strips - ($0.30)
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced - ($0.10)
- ½ teaspoon salt - ($0.01)
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper - ($0.02)
Instructions
- Prep sprouts. Wash the Brussels sprouts and trim the ends. Slice larger sprouts in half if needed. Smaller sprouts can be left whole.
- Pressure cook. Add the Brussels sprouts and water to the Instant Pot. Close the lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on High Pressure for 2 minutes for firmer sprouts or 3 minutes for very tender sprouts.
- Release and drain. Manually release the pressure, remove the Brussels sprouts, and drain the remaining water.
- Sauté bacon and onion. Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode for about 10 minutes. Add the olive oil, diced onion, and chopped bacon. Cook until the bacon is done and the onion is softened or crisped to your preference.
- Season and combine. Stir in the garlic, salt, and black pepper. Add the Brussels sprouts back to the pot and toss to coat evenly.
- Serve. Turn off the Instant Pot and transfer the Brussels sprouts to a serving dish. Serve warm.
Notes
- Sprout size. Small Brussels sprouts cook best whole. Larger sprouts can be halved for even cooking without becoming mushy.
- Prep ahead. Brussels sprouts can be washed, trimmed, and stored in an airtight container up to 1 day in advance.
- Reheating. Reheat leftovers by roasting at 400°F for about 5 minutes for the best texture.
Nutritional Information
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