Delicious Instant Pot Bacon & Brussels Sprouts Recipe: Your New Favorite Side Dish

Get ready to transform your perception of Brussels sprouts! This Instant Pot Bacon & Brussels Sprouts recipe is a game-changer, proving that this often-maligned vegetable can be incredibly delicious when prepared correctly. We’ve purposely put “bacon” first in the title because, let’s be honest, who doesn’t love bacon? But trust us, once you try these perfectly cooked, tender-crisp Brussels sprouts tossed with savory bacon, rich butter, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, they might just become your new favorite side dish.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the speed of the Instant Pot. Forget mushy, bitter sprouts; our method ensures they come out tender yet firm, bursting with flavor, every single time. It’s an ideal addition to any meal, from a weeknight dinner to a holiday feast. Let’s dive into how to make this irresistible dish!

The Star Ingredient: Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts, often overlooked, are a nutritional powerhouse packed with vitamins C and K, fiber, and antioxidants. While they can sometimes get a bad rap for being bitter or mushy, the secret to truly delicious Brussels sprouts lies in their preparation and cooking method. When cooked right, they develop a fantastic nutty flavor with a slightly sweet undertone.

For this Instant Pot Bacon & Brussels Sprouts recipe, I typically opt for fresh Brussels sprouts, often found in two-pound bags at grocery stores. When you bring them home, the first step is always to give them a good rinse under cold water to remove any dirt. Next, it’s crucial to trim off the tough end of the stem and remove any discolored or loose outer leaves. This ensures a more pleasant texture.

A key tip for even cooking and better flavor absorption is to slice each Brussels sprout in half lengthwise. This allows the heat and steam to penetrate more effectively, leading to consistent tenderness. It also creates more surface area for that amazing bacon-butter coating to cling to. Don’t knock it until you try it! I truly believe that once you experience properly cooked Brussels sprouts, they’ll earn a permanent spot on your dinner rotation. Plus, it’s a great way to diversify your vegetable intake – broccoli has had its moment, right?

Mastering Your Instant Pot for Perfect Veggies

The Instant Pot is a game-changer for cooking vegetables. It drastically cuts down cooking time and helps retain nutrients, resulting in vibrant, flavorful, and perfectly cooked veggies every time. However, there are a few essential tips to ensure your Instant Pot Bacon & Brussels Sprouts (and any other Instant Pot veggies) turn out perfectly, never mushy!

1. Invest in a Steamer Basket: This is arguably the most critical tip for perfectly cooked Instant Pot vegetables. A steamer basket lifts your veggies out of the water, allowing them to steam rather than boil. Boiling vegetables directly in water can lead to them becoming waterlogged and mushy. Steaming, on the other hand, preserves their texture, color, and flavor. Steamer baskets are incredibly affordable and readily available on Amazon. My go-to steamer basket is linked HERE, making it easy for you to get started!
2. Always Use a Quick Release: When you cook vegetables in the Instant Pot, the cooker takes several minutes (typically 5-10) to come up to pressure before the actual cook time even begins to count down. During this ‘pre-pressure’ phase, the vegetables are already cooking and softening. If you allow a natural pressure release, they will continue to cook, often resulting in overcooked, mushy results. To prevent this, as soon as the Instant Pot’s timer goes off, indicating the cooking cycle is complete, immediately perform a quick release. Carefully turn the pressure release valve to the “venting” position to rapidly release the steam. Once the float valve drops, it’s safe to open the lid and remove your perfectly steamed Brussels sprouts.
3. Add the Right Amount of Water: For most Instant Pot steaming recipes, including these Brussels sprouts, you’ll need to add 1/2 cup of water to the bottom of the inner pot. This water is essential because it’s what creates the steam necessary to cook the vegetables. Without sufficient liquid, the Instant Pot won’t be able to come to pressure, and your vegetables simply won’t cook. This small amount of water is enough to generate plenty of steam without submerging your veggies.

By following these simple guidelines, you’ll consistently achieve perfectly cooked, vibrant, and delicious vegetables from your Instant Pot. You might also enjoy other Instant Pot veggie recipes like Instant Pot Spicy Green Beans for more quick and healthy side dish ideas!

Bacon: The Flavor Powerhouse

When it comes to elevating the flavor of almost any dish, bacon is a true superstar. In this Instant Pot Bacon & Brussels Sprouts recipe, it provides a crucial layer of savory, smoky, and slightly salty goodness that perfectly complements the earthy notes of the Brussels sprouts. You have flexibility here: feel free to use regular pork bacon or turkey bacon, depending on your dietary preferences and taste. Both will work wonderfully, offering their unique profiles.

To prepare the bacon, simply dice three slices into small pieces. While the Instant Pot is fantastic for steaming the Brussels sprouts, we’ll use its sauté function to crisp up the bacon. This ensures it’s perfectly crunchy and renders out some of its delicious fat, which will then be mixed with butter to create an incredibly flavorful coating for our cooked sprouts. If you’re looking for an alternative, pancetta or even a smoky tempeh for a vegetarian option could work, though the classic bacon is highly recommended for its unmatched flavor.

Finishing Touches and Flavor Boosters

Once your Brussels sprouts are perfectly steamed and the bacon is crispy, it’s time to bring all the flavors together. After removing the Brussels sprouts and draining any residual water, you’ll return the pot to sauté mode to melt a full stick of butter. This rich, golden butter will combine with the rendered bacon fat, creating an irresistible, glossy sauce.

Freshly squeezed lemon juice is a secret weapon here. Its bright, acidic notes cut through the richness of the bacon and butter, lifting the overall flavor and preventing the dish from feeling too heavy. A generous squeeze over the top before the final toss makes all the difference. Finally, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty, umami kick, while a simple seasoning of salt and pepper brings everything into perfect balance. Gently tossing ensures every sprout is coated in this delectable mixture.

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Serving Suggestions and Pairing Ideas

This versatile Instant Pot Bacon & Brussels Sprouts dish makes an incredible side for a wide array of main courses. Its savory, slightly tangy, and rich flavor profile pairs beautifully with many proteins. Consider serving it alongside roasted chicken or turkey for a classic combination. It’s also fantastic with grilled salmon or cod, where the acidity of the lemon in the sprouts cuts through the richness of the fish. For a heartier meal, enjoy it with a perfectly seared steak or pork tenderloin. It’s also an excellent addition to your holiday table, offering a fresh and flavorful alternative to traditional vegetable sides.

Don’t limit yourself to just main dishes, though! You can also serve these as part of a brunch spread, alongside eggs and toast, or even as a standalone light lunch for a flavorful and satisfying meal. For an extra touch, garnish with toasted pine nuts or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little heat.

Variations and Customization

While this recipe for Instant Pot Bacon & Brussels Sprouts is perfect as written, it’s also incredibly adaptable. Feel free to experiment with these ideas to suit your taste or what you have on hand:

• Add Garlic: Sauté a clove or two of minced garlic with the bacon for an extra layer of aromatic flavor.
• Herb Power: Fresh herbs like chopped thyme or rosemary can be added with the butter for an earthy note. Parsley or chives can be sprinkled on top for freshness.
• Different Cheeses: Instead of Parmesan, try crumbled feta for a tangy bite, or smoked Gouda for a deeper, more complex flavor.
• Balsamic Glaze: For a sweet and tangy finish, drizzle a tablespoon of balsamic glaze over the finished dish before serving.
• Spicy Kick: A pinch of red pepper flakes added with the bacon or at the end will give it a pleasant warmth.
• Nutty Crunch: Toasted pecans or walnuts can add a delightful textural contrast. Add them in during the final toss.
• Vegetarian Option: Omit the bacon and instead sauté some smoked paprika or nutritional yeast with a tablespoon of olive oil to mimic a smoky flavor.

Storage and Reheating

Have leftovers? Lucky you! Instant Pot Bacon & Brussels Sprouts store wonderfully. Simply transfer any cooled leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheat gently. For best results, warm them in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, which helps to crisp up the bacon bits again. Alternatively, you can microwave them, though they might be slightly less crispy. A quick squeeze of fresh lemon juice after reheating can brighten the flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts for this recipe?

Yes, you can! If using frozen Brussels sprouts, you won’t need to wash or trim them. Place them directly into the steamer basket. The cooking time might need a slight adjustment; you can keep it at 1 minute high pressure, but be sure to do a quick release. They might be a little softer than fresh ones, but will still be delicious with the bacon and butter.

What if I don’t have a steamer basket for my Instant Pot?

While a steamer basket is highly recommended for optimal texture, if you don’t have one, you can still make this recipe. You can try using a trivet (the metal rack that often comes with your Instant Pot) and place the Brussels sprouts directly on it. Alternatively, you can carefully place them directly into the 1/2 cup of water. Be extra diligent with the quick release, as they will be more prone to becoming mushy without the basket.

Can I prepare the Brussels sprouts ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can wash, trim, and halve the Brussels sprouts up to 2-3 days in advance. Store them in an airtight container or a sealed bag in the refrigerator. This makes the cooking process even quicker on busy weeknights.

Is this recipe healthy?

Brussels sprouts are packed with nutrients, fiber, and vitamins, making them a very healthy vegetable. While bacon and butter add flavor and richness, they are used in moderation across 8 servings. You can always reduce the amount of bacon or butter, or use turkey bacon, to make the dish lighter while still enjoying fantastic flavor.

Conclusion

There you have it – a foolproof recipe for delicious Instant Pot Bacon & Brussels Sprouts that will impress even the most skeptical eaters. This dish is a testament to how simple techniques and quality ingredients can elevate a humble vegetable into a star side dish. Quick, easy, and bursting with flavor from the tender sprouts, crispy bacon, rich butter, and bright lemon, it’s a recipe you’ll want to keep on hand. So, grab your Instant Pot and give these incredible Brussels sprouts a try tonight!