If you’re craving a soul-warming Southern classic bursting with deep, comforting flavors, this Instant Pot Hoppin’ John Recipe is the answer you’ve been searching for. It combines tender black-eyed peas, smoky bacon, and vibrant veggies all infused with rich chicken broth, making a hearty and satisfying dish perfect for any day. The Instant Pot makes cooking this beloved staple effortless and quick, yet results in a dish full of flavor and tradition that feels like a hug in a bowl.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Instant Pot Hoppin’ John Recipe keeps things wonderfully simple with a handful of essential ingredients that each play a vital role. From the creamy black-eyed peas to the smoky bacon, fresh veggies, and fragrant spices, every component builds layers of flavor and gives the dish its classic character.
- Olive oil: Helps to soften the vegetables and adds a subtle richness.
- Onion (small dice): Brings a sweet, aromatic base that enhances every bite.
- Green pepper (small dice): Adds a fresh, slightly grassy note and color contrast.
- Red pepper (small dice): Provides a sweet fruitiness and vibrant tone.
- Black-eyed peas (dried): The star ingredient, delivering tender creaminess and earthy flavor.
- Bacon (uncooked and cut into bite-sized pieces): Lends smoky, savory depth that makes the dish unforgettable.
- Chicken broth: Infuses a warm, savory liquid base essential for cooking the peas perfectly.
- Bay leaves: Impart subtle herbal notes to elevate the taste profile.
- Garlic cloves: Add fragrant, pungent aroma and flavor.
- Salt: Essential for balancing and bringing out all the natural flavors.
- Cooked rice: The traditional serving base that soaks up all the delicious juices.
How to Make Instant Pot Hoppin’ John Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Start by setting your pressure cooker to SAUTE mode and heating the olive oil. Add the diced onions, green pepper, and red pepper, and cook them gently until they soften up and become lightly fragrant. This step releases the natural sweetness and brings beautiful color to your dish. Once tender, set the veggies aside for later.
Step 2: Combine the Main Ingredients
Next, add the dried black-eyed peas, bacon pieces, chicken broth, bay leaves, garlic cloves, and salt directly into the Instant Pot. Give everything a good stir so all the flavors start mingling together before sealing the pot. This mix will cook down into the rich heart of your Hoppin’ John.
Step 3: Pressure Cook the Peas
Secure the lid on your pressure cooker and lock it in place. Turn the pressure release valve to the sealing position. Set the pot to cook on HIGH pressure for exactly 20 minutes. This will make your black-eyed peas perfectly tender, while the bacon infuses its smokiness into every bite.
Step 4: Natural Pressure Release
When the cooking finishes, allow the pot to naturally release pressure for 15 minutes — this slow release keeps the peas from toughening and helps all the flavors settle beautifully. After 15 minutes, carefully vent the remaining steam and unlock the lid.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Stir the softened onions and bell peppers back into the cooked peas and bacon. The mixture will be bursting with color and flavor at this point. Serve your Instant Pot Hoppin’ John Recipe piping hot over a bed of fluffy cooked rice for the perfect comforting meal.
Step 6: Enjoy!
Now comes the best part — digging into a warm, satisfying bowl of this classic dish. Every spoonful delivers that wonderful mix of creamy peas, smoky bacon, tender veggies, and perfectly seasoned broth. It’s simply irresistible.
How to Serve Instant Pot Hoppin’ John Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your presentation and flavor, consider sprinkling fresh chopped parsley or green onions on top. A dash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper adds a delightful kick for spice lovers. A wedge of lemon on the side can brighten the entire dish with a hint of acidity.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with simple, classic Southern sides. Creamy cornbread or warm buttermilk biscuits balance the savoriness perfectly. A crisp green salad or sautéed leafy greens bring lightness and texture contrasts making your meal wholesome and well-rounded.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving this Instant Pot Hoppin’ John Recipe stuffed inside bell pepper halves or dolloped on top of baked sweet potatoes. For gatherings, serve it buffet-style alongside a toppings bar featuring shredded cheese, sour cream, and diced tomatoes. It’s as versatile as it is delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Hoppin’ John is easy to store and actually tastes even better the next day after all the flavors have had time to meld. Transfer cooled leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to four days.
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion. It will keep well for up to three months — perfect for quick meals later on.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in short bursts with a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Avoid overcooking to maintain the peas’ texture and vibrant flavor.
FAQs
Can I use canned black-eyed peas instead of dried?
Yes, but the texture and flavor will be slightly different. If you use canned peas, reduce the cooking time and adjust the liquid accordingly to prevent the dish from becoming too soft or soupy.
Is it necessary to use bacon in the Instant Pot Hoppin’ John Recipe?
Bacon adds incredible smoky depth, but if you prefer a vegetarian version, you can omit it and use smoked paprika or liquid smoke for flavor instead. The dish will still be delicious.
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Just soak dried black-eyed peas overnight and cook everything on low for 6 to 8 hours. The Instant Pot just speeds things up without sacrificing taste.
What kind of rice works best to serve with Hoppin’ John?
Traditional long-grain white rice is classic, but you can swap in brown rice or even cauliflower rice for a healthier twist. Just make sure the rice is cooked separately and served fresh.
Why is it called Hoppin’ John?
The name has many legends, but it’s widely believed to bring luck and prosperity when eaten on New Year’s Day. This vibrant dish has been a beloved Southern tradition for generations.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about how this Instant Pot Hoppin’ John Recipe turns humble ingredients into a soulful feast that feels like home. Once you try it, I’m sure it will become a cherished staple in your kitchen too. So gather your ingredients, set your Instant Pot, and enjoy every savory spoonful of this heartwarming classic.
Print
Instant Pot Hoppin’ John Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes (including pressure build-up and natural release)
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: Southern United States
Description
A flavorful and hearty Instant Pot Hoppin’ John recipe that combines black-eyed peas, smoky bacon, and aromatic vegetables, cooked quickly under pressure for a delicious Southern classic served over rice.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil
- 1 cup Onion (small dice)
- 1 Green pepper (small dice)
- 1 Red pepper (small dice)
- 1 pound Black eyed peas (dried)
- ½ pound Bacon (uncooked and cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 5.5 cups Chicken broth
- 2 Bay leaves
- 2 cloves Garlic
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- 4 cups Cooked rice
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Turn your pressure cooker to SAUTE mode. Add the olive oil and once heated, add the diced onions and bell peppers. Cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes, then set aside.
- Add Ingredients to Pot: Place the dried black-eyed peas, bacon pieces, chicken broth, bay leaves, garlic cloves, and salt into the pressure cooker pot. Stir to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Pressure Cook: Place the lid on the pressure cooker and lock it in place. Set the pressure release valve to the sealed position. Select HIGH pressure cooking and set the timer for 20 minutes.
- Natural Release: After cooking, allow the pressure cooker to naturally release pressure for 15 minutes. Then carefully vent any remaining steam and open the lid.
- Combine and Serve: Stir the previously cooked onions and bell peppers back into the pot. Serve the hoppin’ john mixture hot over the cooked rice.
- Enjoy: Serve immediately and enjoy this comforting Southern dish!
Notes
- Using dried black-eyed peas gives a better texture than canned.
- You can substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth to make it vegetarian, but omit bacon.
- If you prefer less salt, adjust accordingly since bacon and broth add saltiness.
- Ensure to naturally release the pressure to keep the peas from breaking down too much.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
