Instant Pot Black Eyed Peas (No Soak Recipe)

Black-eyed peas are a staple southern side dish; however, they are also popular nationwide on New Year’s Day. And this is an Instant Pot Black Eye Peas recipe; you don’t have to worry about spending all day over the stove to help bring in the New Year.

Does your family enjoy beans and peas as much as mine does? If so, you may also enjoy this Easy Black Bean and Corn Mexican Salad. Or this Fresh Green Beans Casserole. They are both delicious!

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Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe

One of my favorite things about this dry beans recipe is that you don’t have to worry about soaking them! That saves so much time.
Also, the pressure cooker does all the work, so you get the perfect black-eyed peas every time that you make them.
This recipe is a great way to enjoy all of the flavors of this Southern tradition right in your kitchen.

Recipe Ingredients

See the recipe card below for a complete list of ingredients and measurements.

Ingredients for a dish laid out, including peas, ham, bacon, and spices.

Ingredient Notes:

Dried Black Eyed Peas – Rinse the peas and check them for rocks.
Chicken Broth
Cooked Cubed Ham – This is a great recipe to use leftover holiday ham.
Bacon – Save a little money at the store and buy the cheaper ends and pieces.
Yellow Onion – A sweet onion can also be used.
Salted Butter – Unsalted butter would also work.
Minced Garlic – I like to use fresh garlic, but the jarred kind is okay, too.
Minced Fresh Parsley – This is an optional garnish.

Substitutions and Additions

Seasonings: You can add bay leaves or cajun seasoning to these peas as well if you want some extra flavor.
Olive Oil: Out of butter? Olive oil or vegetable oil would also work for this black-eyed peas recipe.
Vegetables: If your family loves vegetables, you can add some carrots, celery, or even bell peppers to the bacon while it cooks.
Spice: Want to add a little extra spice to this delicious recipe? Add a dash of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the beans.
Pork Free: Don’t eat pork? Use turkey bacon and a turkey neck or turkey meat in your peas instead.

How to Make Instant Pot Black Eyed Peas (step-by-step directions)

Open Instant Pot with a cube of butter inside.

Step 1: Melt the butter in the instant pot on saute mode.

Bacon and onions cooking in an Instant Pot.

Step 2: Once the butter is fully melted, add the bacon, garlic, and onion and cook until the bacon has some color.

Broth being poured into an Instant Pot with ham and black-eyed peas.

Step 3: Then add the peas, ham, salt, pepper, and broth to the pot.

Instant Pot with cooked beans, meat, and herbs.

Step 4: Finally, cook on normal pressure for 15 minutes. Allow a 20-natural release. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Spoon serving black-eyed peas into a bowl.

Recipe Tips

Flavor: If you decide to add a bay leaf to your instant pot of eye peas, make sure that you remove it before you serve them.
Ham: Don’t have leftover ham on hand? You can use diced ham from the lunch meat section of your store or a ham steak from the meat department.
Broth: Out of chicken broth? You can use chicken stock, vegetable broth, or even water to make this recipe.
Water: If you use water instead of broth, make sure that you add extra salt to give these tender black-eyed peas extra flavor.
Creamy: Want creamy peas? Use a potato masher to crush some of them up to add a creamy texture.

Storing Tips

Refrigerator: Store any leftover black-eyed peas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.
Freezing: These black-eyed peas freeze well! Simply transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and store them for up to six months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating: To reheat, place the black-eyed peas in a pot or microwave-safe dish and warm it up. You may need to add a splash of broth or water to keep it from drying out.

Serving Suggestions

For a traditional New Year’s Day meal, I serve black eye peas alongside a pork entree like this Apple Feta Stuffed Pork Tenderloin, some leafy greens like collard greens, Garlic Mashed Potatoes, and Homemade Sweet Cornbread!

Ladle of black-eyed peas with ham and chopped herbs.

Recipe FAQs

Are hoppin’ John and black-eyed peas the same thing?

No, hoppin’ John is a traditional Southern dish made with black-eyed peas, rice, and pork. Whereas black-eyed peas typically do not have rice.

Why are black-eye peas served on this first day of the New Year?

Black-eyed peas are considered a symbol of good luck and prosperity in many cultures. So, many people like myself believe that eating them on New Year’s Day will bring good fortune for the rest of the year.

Do black-eyed peas need to be soaked before cooking?

When I am cooking them on the stovetop, then yes, I soak them. However, with this recipe, there is no need to soak them.

How do I know when the peas are done cooking?

The peas should be soft but not mushy. I check them by tasting a few, or I look to see if the water has been absorbed and the peas are tender.