Southern Style Instant Pot Black Eyed Peas : Comfort Food at Its Finest

Name: Southern Style Instant Pot Black Eyed Peas
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 1 lb dried black-eyed peas; 1 lb pork sausage (or turkey sausage/vegetarian option); 4 slices bacon (or turkey bacon); 1 onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 4 cups chicken broth; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/2 tsp salt; 1 bay leaf

Posted on December 25, 2025

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You know those weeknights when you’re just worn out? This Southern Style Instant Pot Black Eyed Peas comes together in about 30 minutes and makes for a delicious one-pot dinner your family will love! Seriously, it’s a crowd-pleaser, packed with flavor, and I promise you, it’s super versatile. You can switch up the ingredients based on what you have in your kitchen or even use it as the perfect “clean out the fridge” meal for those odd leftover ingredients!

Ingredient Breakdown

Here’s what you’ll need for these tasty black-eyed peas:

1 lb dried black-eyed peas: These legumes are not only tasty but also quick-cooking. If you can find canned, those can work too, just adjust your cooking time.
1 lb pork sausage: This gives our dish a lovely, savory kick. But hey, feel free to swap for turkey sausage, or make it vegetarian with some mushrooms or tempeh.
4 slices bacon: Crispy bacon adds incredible flavor, but if you’re looking for a lighter version, you can omit it or use turkey bacon.
1 onion, chopped: Onions are essential for building that flavor base. They add sweetness when sautéed and make everything so aromatic.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Can’t have Southern food without garlic, right?
4 cups chicken broth: You can go for low-sodium if you like. This really enriches the flavor of your black-eyed peas.
1 tsp smoked paprika: This is a game-changer, it brings that smoky goodness that just enhances everything.
1/2 tsp black pepper and 1/2 tsp salt: Just a couple of pinches to season everything to perfection.
1 bay leaf: This is optional but super recommended for that extra layer of depth.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s Get Cooking!

First things first: Rinse the black-eyed peas under cold water, then set them aside. (We want to get rid of any dirt or impurities.)
Next, in your Instant Pot, select the ‘Sauté’ function and cook the bacon until it’s crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Oh, and can we talk about how divine the smell is? Remove the bacon and set it aside on a paper towel.
In that yummy bacon fat, add the pork sausage and cook it until it’s browned, should take about 5 minutes. Then toss in the onions and garlic, cooking until they’re softened and fragrant around 3-4 minutes. You want those onions translucent and full of flavor!
Now, add the rinsed black-eyed peas, chicken broth, smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, and the bay leaf. Give it a good stir to combine everything. Don’t skip this part; it really blends all those flavors!
Close the lid and set the pot to ‘Manual’ for 30 minutes. Let it work its magic!
Once that timer goes off, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then do a quick release for any remaining pressure.
Remove the bay leaf and crumble the bacon back into the dish. Stir it in gently. For real, gather all that magic!
Serve warm, and voilà! You’ve got yourself a wonderful, hearty meal.

Why I Love This Recipe

This is my go-to recipe when I have a busy week ahead and need something that hits the spot, comfort food at its best! I’m a real sucker for black-eyed peas; they make me think of family gatherings and holiday dinners. Plus, what’s not to love? You can use whatever you’ve got in your pantry! Trust me, once you give this a try, it’ll become one of your go-to recipes as well.

If you loved this delicious black-eyed peas dish, be sure to check out my Chicken and Sweet Potato Bowls, my Flavorful Ground Turkey Rice Bowls, or my Slow Cooker Louisiana Style Potato Soup!

Why This Recipe Works

Quick & Easy

This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes. Like, is there a better feeling than knowing a flavorful dinner is just a flick of a switch away?

One Pot

One pot means minimal cleanup. You’ve got enough to deal with on a weeknight, right? Just toss it all in the Instant Pot, and you’re set!

Budget-Friendly

Using everyday ingredients like black-eyed peas, onions, and sausage makes this dish as easy on your wallet as it is on your taste buds. Seriously, you probably have most of these ingredients at home already!

Make-Ahead Friendly

This dish is fantastic for meal prep. You can make it ahead of time and reheat it for lunch or dinner throughout the week! I love diving into the fridge and spotting a hearty meal just waiting for me.

Comfort Food

The secret to a delicious southern-style black-eyed peas dish? Tons of flavor! You’ve got that smoky bacon, savory sausage, and the earthiness of the peas trust me, it’s a hug on a plate!

Serving & Storage

How to Serve This Dish

Serve your amazing black-eyed peas with some cornbread, over rice, or alongside fried chicken. Need more suggestions? Oh, try it with a fresh salad or some buttery biscuits!

Storage

If there are leftovers (which, let’s be real, there might not be because everyone’s going to love this), you can store it in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for about 4-5 days.

Reheating Instructions

The best way to reheat this is on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth if it looks a bit thick, nobody likes dried-out beans!

Freezer Friendly

Yes! This recipe is freezer-friendly. Just let the dish cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 3 months.

Final Thoughts

Isn’t it amazing how a few humble ingredients can become something so tasty? I hope you enjoy making my Easy Southern Style Instant Pot Black Eyed Peas as much as I do. Every time I whip it up, I’m reminded that you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to create something incredible that your family will love. Happy cooking, y’all!

And remember, food is all about bringing people together. So, melt-in-your-mouth peas, warm bread, and laughter around the table? That’s what it’s all about.

Keep it soul-satisfying, my dear friends, and don’t forget to come back and let me know how your family enjoyed this dish!

Now go on and make this today! Your weeknight dinner just got a delicious upgrade with my Quick and Easy Southern Style Instant Pot Black Eyed Peas trust me, you won’t regret it! For more Recipes Follow Us in our Pinterest.