Instant Pot Black-Eyed Peas
This Black Eyed Peas Instant Pot recipe is the easiest way you’ll ever cook dried black-eyed peas. With bacon and seasonings added right to the pot, they cook up flavorful and tender, and are ready in a hurry. They’re the perfect solution for your New Year’s Day meal or any meal on any day. Bonus, you can also use frozen peas if that’s what you have on hand.
Instant Pot Black Eyed Peas
There’s nothing quite like delicious black-eyed peas to kick off the new year or bring a little Southern comfort to any meal, and this Instant Pot version is my favorite way to cook them!
These Instant Pot Black-Eyed Peas are the simplest way you’ll ever cook dried black-eyed peas, with savory bacon and seasonings all cooked together right in the pressure cooker.
No soaking, no babysitting the pot, and no guesswork. Just flavorful, fall-off-the-fork peas ready in a hurry, perfect for a New Years Day side dish or dinner any night of the week. We love to use up leftovers in Hoppin’ John!
Instant Pot Black-eyed Peas with Bacon
The first time I made this recipe was New Year’s Day 2017.
First, I woke up late for church. Not a great start to the day, And then I remembered we were supposed to eat pork, black eye peas, cornbread, and greens (turnip greens, mustard greens, collard greens or cabbage) for the holiday (as per Southern tradition for good luck).
But that wasn’t happening. We had already thawed ribeye steaks to cook and I had cornbread dressing thawed from the freezer (also not traditional).
To try and do at least a little bit of tradition, I had planned to soak black-eyed peas last night and simmer them all day today. But I forgot.
About 10 minutes before walking out the door for Sunday school, it crossed my mind that I might be able to cook dried peas in my Instant Pot. I was so excited to see I could!!
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Instant Pot Black-Eyed Peas Ingredients
I already had all the simple ingredients I needed on hand, and I set the Instant Pot to cook just before walking out the door. WIN!! Of course, you can also find all of these ingredients at any grocery store.
- Dried Black Eyed Peas
- Cold Water
- Better than Bouillon, Chicken Flavor*
- Crumbled Bacon – I love to buy these real bacon pieces. Or you can bake your bacon for another easy solution.
- *You could substitute chicken stock, beef stock, or vegetable stock for the water & Better than Bouillon.
Find the complete recipe with ingredient measurements in the recipe card below.
Can I use frozen black-eyed peas?
Yes! Nothing changes except the cook time. I cook frozen peas on high pressure for 15 minutes, then let them naturally release for 12-15 minutes, depending on how firm/soft you want your peas. I prefer softer peas and lean toward 15 minutes.
How to Cook Black Eyed Peas in Instant Pot
I’ve had friends tell me again and again that this no-soak recipe makes the perfect black-eyed peas for New Year’s Day (or any other meal). It’s a delicious recipe and our favorite recipe for cooking dry black-eyed peas.
- Add all ingredients to the Instant Pot.
- Close and lock the lid.
- Make sure the top knob is turned to sealing position.
- Press the Manual Button.
- Adjust “Pressure” to high (if not there already).
- Set for 30 minutes (using the + or – buttons) and you’re done!
- I let mine cook, then naturally release any remaining pressure (although it will keep warm until you turn it off).
- They were perfect – no other seasonings were needed!!
Notes
- We like really tender black-eyed peas. If you prefer them a little firmer, you might want to cook for 20 or 25 minutes rather than 30 minutes.
- It will take longer than 30 minutes for them to be ready to eat because you have to wait for them to pressurize and then depressurize, but it’s insanely faster than soaking them and then cooking them on the stove the traditional way. I put 50 minutes total “cook time”, assuming 10 minutes to reach pressure and 10 minutes to cool. Those times may vary.
Why aren’t my peas soft after cooking?
1. The peas are old
A handful of times over the years, I’ve had this Instant Pot Black Eyed Peas recipe fail and almost every time, it was because I used dry peas from the pantry that were old. Dried peas that have been sitting in the pantry for a long time can become very hard and take much longer to soften. Even pressure cooking won’t always fix significantly older beans.
Fix: Buy fresh dried peas when possible, or add extra cooking time and liquid.
2. Not enough cooking time
If the peas are still firm, they need more time. This is especially common if you skipped soaking or used very old peas.
Fix: Return them to the Instant Pot and pressure cook for another 5 to 10 minutes, then allow a natural release.
3. Acid added too early
Ingredients like tomatoes, vinegar, or even some seasonings can slow down softening when added at the beginning.
Fix: Add acidic ingredients after the peas are fully cooked and tender.
4. Hard water
Minerals in hard water can prevent beans and peas from softening properly.
Fix: Use filtered or bottled water when cooking dried peas.
5. Salt myths (what actually matters)
Salt does not prevent peas from softening, but heavily seasoned or cured meats can sometimes slow cooking slightly.
Fix: This usually isn’t the main issue, but extending cook time solves it.
6. Pressure not fully reached
If the Instant Pot didn’t fully come to pressure or was opened too soon, the peas may be undercooked.
Fix: Make sure the pot seals properly and allow a full natural pressure release when possible.
Quick fix:
For most all of these problems, cooking longer is the answer! If your peas are already cooked but still firm, add ½ to 1 cup of liquid and pressure cook again for 5 to 10 minutes until tender.
Variations
- Vegetarian Black Eyed Peas: If you want a vegetarian option, you can skip the bacon and use vegetable broth but you will be missing out on the delicious smoky flavor that makes this recipe the best.
- No Bacon? You could also throw a ham bone or leftover ham in with your dry beans for similar flavor.
- Other seasonings: This easy recipe is perfect as written, but if you prefer more or different flavors, you can certainly change it up. Here are some additional things you could add to your Instant Pot:
- Black Pepper
- Bay Leaves
- Diced Onion or Bell Pepper
- Smoked Paprika
- Cajun Seasoning, Creole Seasoning, or Cayenne Pepper (for heat)
Love this recipe? I bet you’ll also love Marry Me Butter Beans!
FAQ
While normally dried peas/beans do require soaking before cooking, it really doesn’t make a difference in this recipe. I’ve cooked them countless times without soaking and cannot tell a difference at all.
Can I use pre-packaged bacon pieces? YES! I have absolutely grabbed a bag of real bacon bits or pieces and used that when I didn’t want to fry fresh bacon and crumble it. Works like a charm!
Do I have to use bacon? While I believe the bacon provides a huge flavor boost, if you’re a vegetarian, or don’t eat pork, or don’t want bacon for any other reason, you can skip the bacon.
Can I use something other than bacon? Yes, if you don’t like bacon or don’t have any, you can use 1/2 cup cooked, crumbled sausage, 1/2 cup cubed ham or throw in a ham hock. Leftover ham is perfect for this recipe.
I am not an expert on vegan or vegetarian recipes, but I’m fairly certain you can substitute vegetable broth for the chicken broth, then use other seasonings that you love in place of the bacon. I recommend chopped onion, minced garlic, thyme, paprika, salt, and/or pepper.
Yes, a small amount of baking soda can help soften stubborn or older peas by raising the pH of the cooking liquid. However, it must be used sparingly. Too much baking soda can make peas mushy, give them an off taste, and dull their color. Tip: Use no more than ⅛ teaspoon of baking soda per pound of dried peas. Once tender, drain and rinse well before seasoning.
More delicious Instant Pot recipes:
- Hot Black Eyed Pea Dip
- Easy Crockpot Collard Greens
- Pressure Cooker Peperoncini Pot Roast Recipe (step by step)
- 25 Amazing Soup Recipes You’ll Love!
- Maple Candied Bacon (Million Dollar Bacon)
- Instant Pot Corn on the Cob (Fresh or Frozen!)
- Crockpot Funeral Potatoes (Cheesy Potato Casserole)
- Easy Crockpot Collard Greens
- Instant Pot Brown Rice
Instant Pot Black-Eyed Peas
- Total Time: 53 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
Description
These black-eyed peas are so easy in the Instant Pot! No worries about soaking, scorching, under-cooking, etc! They’re delicious!
Ingredients
- 1 pound dried black-eyed peas
- 6.5 cups water*
- 2 Tbsp. Better than Bouillon, chicken flavor*
- 1/2 cup cooked, crumbled bacon
- *You could substitute chicken, beef or vegetable broth for the water & Better than Bouillon.
Instructions
- Add all ingredients into the Instant Pot.
- Close and lock the lid.
- Make sure the top knob is turned to “Sealing”.
- Press the Manual Button.
- Adjust “Pressure” to high (if not there already).
- Set for 30 minutes (using the + or – buttons) and you’re done!
- I let mine cook, then naturally cool (although it will keep warm until you turn it off).
- They were perfect – no other seasonings were needed!!
Notes
- We like our black-eyed peas really soft. If you prefer them a little more firm, you might want to cook for 20 or 25 minutes vs. 30.
- It will take longer than 30 minutes for them to be ready to eat because you have to wait for it to pressurize and then wait for it to depressurize, but it’s insanely faster than soaking then cooking on the stove the traditional way. I put 50 minutes total “cook time” assuming 10 minutes to reach pressure and 10 minutes too cool. Those times may vary.
- Prep Time: 3 mins
- Cook Time: 50 mins
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Pressure Cook
Other New Year Day Side Dishes…
Old Fashioned Green Beans with Bacon & Brown Sugar
I have an Instant Pot Rose have you tried doing cheesecakes in there I made the custard cream one and it was fabulous love my Instant Pot so versatile love your recipes
I haven’t tried any desserts yet – I’ve truly only been using it for a couple of weeks. But cheesecake? I must check into that!
I am not a baker at all because of the precision that it takes. However, my IP cheesecake was one of the best I’ve ever had.
I am cooking this black eyed peas recipe today with a delayed start so it will be ready when I come home. Thanks for the recipe, Rose!
Dianne from FL
Pat Brook – could you post a link to your cheesecake recipe? I’d love to try it.
Thanks!
Anne
I guess I’m going to have to get one of these gadgets! I too use my crock pot constantly. I have seen people raving about the Instant Pot but couldn’t see why I would need it since I use the slow cooker all the time. I’ll put it on my birthday wishlist. 🙂
I think my favorite thing is that there’s no risk of me overcooking the beans, peas, pasta, rice, etc. (unless I set the wrong cook time). And the whole frozen to done thing is a big bonus too… I’m so bad about forgetting to thaw my meat early enough in the day!
Me too. Love my instant pot! We work 6 days a week, 12 hour shifts which doesn’t allow a lot of cook time when you get home.
I’m still learning with it.
Rose! This looks wonderful, I had never heard of an instant pot and now I want one to make this recipe!
I’m about to use your recipe- it looks wonderful! I got an Instant Pot for Christmas this year and have used it at least once daily since then. I’ve made steel cut oats for breakfast most mornings (3 min cook time!), black bean soup, refried beans, and will experiment with “real” (entree) recipes this week. I’m also intrigued by the idea of cooking desserts in it!
Just wanted to make sure….the 1/2 cup crumbled bacon is cooked before going into the IP, correct?
Yes! 🙂
I’m not sure if the saute function was available back when this recipe was posted, but I sauteed my smoked jowl before starting my recipe and I can’t wait to see how it turned out. I also added a can of diced tomatoes, an Anaheim chili, some onion and celery to the dish before pressure cooking.
How did it come out with the pork jowl?
we made these last week and I am sure will be on table a few more times this winter as well
come see us at http://shopannies.blogspot.com
We really have got to get an Instant Pot! I’m loving all the recipes I keep seeing. We do enjoy black eye peas for our New Year’s Dinner but we also eat them all year. So glad you party with us at Merry Monday.
Oh wow this sounds like the most perfect black-eyed-peas– if only I would pop a crisp through the screen and take a piece now!
I love, love, love my Instant Pot. My husband bought it for me earlier this summer from a recommendation from a neighbor friend, especially since we go camping (great for rv campng!!). Black eyed peas & cornbread, with some collard greens, are one of my favorite meals. Found your recipe & trying it now, except I sauteed some chopped onion & garlic & added some pepper & salt to the pot, using reduced sodium chicken broth though…hope it’s not too salty.
you might not know the answer to this – but do you think you can cook 2 lbs of black eyed peas in a 3 qt IP?
The general rule is to not fill your Instant Pot past halfway full. So if you can get 2 pounds of peas in the pot and cover them with sufficient water, then I don’t see why it wouldn’t work.
I have an 8 qt… how long would you cook two lbs of peas?
I think the coook time would be the same – you’d just need to adjust the water/broth.
no, use only 2 cups of the beans or you will go over the fill line and that is a huge no no its the mini I am refering to.
I just made this recipe today to go with our New Years Day lunch. They are wonderful! And, you are correct … no additional seasoning is needed! I love my Instant Pots! Today I made honey pork chops in my 8 qt, scalloped potatoes in my 6 qt and black eyed peas in my mini. @Adele Aiken, I made 1 lb peas in my 3-qt (mini) and it was filled to the max fill lin (with no problems), so you def can’t do 2 lbs in a mini. Just FYI.
should I adjust the cooking time if the beans I purchased are pre-soaked??
I’m sure it will be less cook time but I’ve never done that so I’m not 100% sure.
I was wondering about cooking from frozen peas? WhT is the length of time in the instant pot?
I think the last time I did frozen peas, I cooked them for 8 minutes.
Yay thank you so much
I did 8 min today on a package of frozen peas since our store was out of dry beans. Turned out perfect!!!! Very first instapot try!
How much water with frozen peas? Same as dry?
I usually do about 1 – 1.5 cups of water, depending on the amount of peas/beans.
Does the bacon need to be cooked beforehand?
It doesn’t have to be, but bacon is not very appealing when it’s cooked in the pot.
Thank you! We tried it at 27 minutes, quick release, with the cooked bacon and it was delicious.
Awesome! Happy New Year!
How much beef broth do u use with 2 lbs of peas
I’m not 100% sure. I’d make sure they’re covered at least with at least an inch of water above them.
Im new to using the instant pot. Is 1 lb of peas a lot?? If I cut the recipe in half, does the pressure cook time change as well?
No, cooking time would stay the same. Happy New Year!
If I want to make half this recipe, would I cook for same amount of time?
Yes 🙂
Isn’t the Instant Pot a real time saver! We gave our daughter one for Christmas and she loves it! Pinned this recipe. Thanks for sharing with us at Merry Monday.
Thanks Shirley! Happy New Year!
if you are using a breville pressure cooker, is it the same time?
Hi Heidi – I’m not familiar with that cooker so I can’t say for sure but I’d think it would be the same?!
I made these today, practicing for tomorrow just in case. The peas turned out perfect. Tender and tasty. I am in love with the instant pot!
Awesome Merritt! Happy 2018!
Thanks for the easy black eye pea recipe. Only used my ip one time. It intimidates me
The Instant Pot Black Eyed Peas were excellent!
Make this! It will not disappoint.
Note:
I did not precook my bacon. Just cut it into 1”pieces with the scissors. (It was about eight pieces) I also added an onion as I am obsessed with onions.
Good to know! Happy New Year 🙂
I usually make mine with a ham bone. Do you think you would need to adjust the time?
No – I think it would be great and no time adjustment needed!
Hello my tradition is black eyed peas cornbread greens an whatever meat I desire long as I got the greens for money an the black eye peas for good luck
I presoaked mine so would the time be the same?
I’m not sure – I’d probably cut the time by 10-12 minutes, but that’s just a guess. Sorry I don’t know for sure!
I found out. For prepared black eyed peas it’s 5-6 mins.
Good to know – thank you Marie! Happy New Year!
You’re not late at all. I just started using my instant pot a couple weeks ago. I’ve only made 3 meals thus far. I’m off to start my traditional meal now. Thank you for the recipe!
You’re welcome – Happy New Year!
What if i only have 12 oz of peas?? I am terrible with adjusting recipes
I’d do maybe 4.5 – 5 cups of water/broth. It doesn’t have to be exact!
This recipe for black eyed peas came out well. But you definitely need seasoning. I grew up eating black eyed peas for New Years. I knew by reading the recipe what it was missing. I used 4 cups chicken broth and 2.5 cups water. I sautéed 1 chopped onion with the bacon. I seasoned it with salt, black pepper and garlic powder.
Then I followed your cooking instructions. It turned out great.
About this black bean recipe. I uses it only for the cooking time!
For a more tasty, savory dish I sautéed a chopped onion, garlic, bacon, and ham. Add chicken stock and beans. Cook as directed.
Delish!
Oopsie, my post was for black eyed peas, not black beans!
Have these in my IP right now just waiting patiently for the pressure to come down so i can open the pot!! Easiest black eyed peas I’ve ever made. Super excited to try!
I just moved South. My sister always cooked black-eyed peas for New Years day while I was visiting, but this year she’s been overwhelmed by work and medical issues and I didn’t know if she would remember. So I decided to make black-eyed peas in my instant pot and bring them over to her house for New Years day.
I found two recipes I liked, but yours won because it was in the instant pot and I had everything I needed in the house! It was nice and easy to make too!
The hardest part was figuring out how many cups of peas in a pound, since I had a 5 pound bag of black eyed peas I had just bought! Turns out to be about 2½ cups!
When my sister heated them up, she thought it might be a little boring(since there were so few ingredients), so she added some crushed red peppers.
It was really tasty! My niece said that these were the best of all the New Years black-eyed peas she’s had!
So while you might have posted this recipe too late for 2017, it was great to have for 2018.
Thanks! And Happy New Year!
Thanks so much for your kind comments Joanne! Happy New Year to you as well!
I also bought an Instant Pot months ago and it is sitting off in a dark corner off the kitchen. I have been collecting recipes and cookbooks galore, but ever-hesitant to bust it open and give it a try. This black-eyed pea recipe showed up just in time. I fave all the ingredients except the bacon. Can I substitute a piece of smoked turkey?
Absolutely!
My first time using my new instant pot! Your recipe was great! Thanks so much for helping me get started coming with it and having a success first time. Looking forward to seeing more of your instant pot recipes!
Yay!! I really need to start sharing more recipes!
Hi. Thanks for the recipe. It’s a New Year’s thing for my husband’s family too. I basically followed your recipe except I added chunks of pork roast instead of bacon and used homemade chicken broth. I’m not a fan of black eyed peas but my husband is. (Texan). They were delicious and I will definitely make it again and not wait until next year. Lol
Any suggestions on how to add okra to the peas?
Nailed the time on this- thanks! The recipe is flexible if you want to add veggies (I added green peppers, onions, & carrots) or smoked sausage instead of bacon. There’s plenty of liquid in recipe for it all. Not only was this super fast & easy, it truly was superior to stovetop. Perfect tenderness.
Thanks for stopping by the blog and sharing your experience! Your additions sound delicious!
I love this recipe it is so yummy and simple to make. Thanks
We made this tonight and they were the softest we’ve ever made! We did add two small onions and a healing spoonful of roasted garlic. Very tasty and not to mention QUICK! Thank you!
Our tradition is Corned beef and cabbage. But now that I live in the South I can only find Corned beef for a few days prior to 3/17.
This may be a dumb question, but… You said you let it naturally cool… does that mean you did the natural release? Or did you do quick release & let it just cool off naturally?
Yes, I do the natural release 🙂 But it would also be okay to do the quick release and eat them HOT!
Thank you 🙂
I’ve made this recipe a few times now, and it’s great! I do add andouille sausage, and a little thyme and sage. I also sauté a chopped onion and garlic toe. Then add the rest and lock & load! Cook just a few minutes more, since we like our beans creamy. Yum! Thanks for the recipe! Oh yeah, my husband likes to add a little tobasco, too!
Thank you so much for posting this recipe. This is the inaugural use of my out-of-the-box-today Instant Pot. Looking forward to having yummy black eyed peas with the hot water cornbread I just learned to make yesterday. The only adjustment I made was to add a teaspoon of onion salt to the water. Hope that doesn’t make it too salty, but I wanted the onion flavor. Again, thank you!
Awesome – you’re very welcome!
MY IP was sitting in my bedroom for two months. I had some dry black eyed peas in the pantry which I bought a month ago at Sprouts. I found this recipe and since I have never, ever made black-peas(always eat canned) I set out to make these. WOW!! I followed the recipe exactly. Once I dished out a cup I added some jarred sliced jalapenos and some of the juice. Just out of the box delicious. Super tender and creamy.
Sounds great, I always put onions in mine can I put them in with the bacon and ham?
absolutely!
Glad I read this recipe. I’m fixing it tomorrow.
Thanks for sharing.
You’re very welcome – Happy New Year!
Love this recipe! I make this at least once a month, and my family loves it!
I received an IP-Duo instapot for Christmas and I do not see a Manual button on mine. Should I just use the Pressure cook button?
I would think yes, but I’m not 100% sure.
Making it for New Year’s Day 2019
Thanks for sharing
Happy New Years
I would have given this recipe a 5 if salt and pepper had been included in it. Add salt and pepper to taste and it’s just right!
Dried beans to table ready in 50 minutes! used veg broth and added onions, carrots, celery. Came out great!
Awesome! Happy 2019!
I got an insta-pot for Christmas. I made the black eyed pea recipe and it was AMAZING!!!! Thank you so much for sharing!! I am a teacher so these quick recipes really help a tired teacher after work.
That’s awesome to hear Lisa! Happy New Year!
This came out great! I left out the bacon and added a ham steak cut into one inch pieces.
Just made this! Amazing! The only way I’m doing it from now on!
Yay!!
We always gave blackeyed peas and collard greens for New Years, you can take the girl out of South but can’t take South out of the girl. We had ham and great ham bobe left over from the holidays used that instead of bacon, other then not using the bacon your recipe was so traditional, it’s how I have always made blackeyed peas. It awesome to see a traditional dish prepared like it should be, not changed to make healthier or to make it more I guess word would be complex or gourmet. Smoked chicken or turkey, instead of bacon or ham, or balsamic vinegar have no place in blackeyed peas. Instapots are awesome.
I made this recently and my husband advised me to stop looking for THE black eyed pea recipe for our family dinners – he declared “this is the one”! Thank you for sharing!
That’s awesome – thanks so much for your feedback!
I found this recipe last year, after getting an IP for Christmas. I made it for New Years Day dinner and they were perfect! No babysitting a pot on the stove top! I’m about to make them again, for probably the 10th time and it seems like it is about time I thanked you for the post. So, Thanks!
It makes me SO happy to hear this!!
30 minutes is way too long. My peas were soft and mushy.
I got my IP on black Friday sale at Amazon. Had not even opened the box yet. I forgot to do my Black-eyed peas for New years, so I decided to try the IP. I used this recipe as a guide.
Ingredients:
1 lb of dried black-eyed peas;
2 7 oz cans of Hatch green chilis, diced;
1 4 oz can of Hatch jalapenos, (I diced ’em)
1/2 of a large onion, diced
1/2 lb of bacon, cut into small strips
7 fl oz of water
pressure cook for 35 minutes.
Perfect New Year’s Day peas!! Thanks, Rose!
Hi there,
I want to make this but only have canned black eyed peas, how do I adjust liquid and cooking time!
There’s no need to cook black-eyed peas in an Instant Pot – they just need to be heated.
Came out mushy. 30 minutes is way to long. Trying 15 next time.
Mix with carrot also so fine! Thank for sharing!
Shocked that you list to serve this with rice or bread and NOT grits!!!! LOL
Looks delicious
I just made this and it’s the best back eyed peas my husband and I have ever had. And we’re from the south, and I’ve been making them for years. Kind of hurts my feelings but I’m thankful for the recipe just the same
You’re not late at all. I just started using my instant pot a couple weeks ago. I’ve only made 3 meals thus far. I’m off to start my traditional meal now. Thank you for the recipe!
Delicious! I am always a bit skeptical of these recipes. But It’s perfect when I tried. Thank you for recipe!
they’re delicious and ready in a hurry! They are the perfect solution for your New Years Day meal
I like the liquid in my black eyed peas to be a little thick. Is that how these turn out? I have seen other recipes that have shorter cooking times. Does the longer time provide the thickness?
I like to thicken them by taking out about a cup of cooked peas, smashing them up and mixing with a couple of teaspoons of cornstarch. Mix that back into the pot and let it cook a little longer to thicken.
I do black eyed peas for New Years, but I start with canned peas – Bush’s. Three cans with a large onions, a cup of short grain brown rice, a half pound of smoked sausage & two & a half cups of water. Cook about an hour. Works every time. I have an Instant Pot, but haven’t tried it yet. I also have very small kitchen & haven’t yet given it counter space. I enjoy your recipes & anecdotal way of presenting information.
I just came across your website and I absolutely love it. You answer every question I could think of. I also like you don’t chatter chatter chatter before getting to the point.
And I love that you stand and say I love Jesus. Thank you so much. I’m going to make this now after I do the smoked ham hock in the Instapot. I am from the south after all. Hee Hee!
Im made this and loved it! Thank you!