2-Minutes Instant Pot Creamy Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

I am going to let you in on a little secret: these are not your average Brussels sprouts.

Tender, creamy, cheesy, with salty crisp bacon in every bite, this recipe transforms the veggie most people hate into something they crave.

And the best part? It only takes 2 minutes in the Instant Pot.

If you’ve ever wished for a side dish that steals the show but doesn’t steal your whole evening, this is that recipe.

Let’s just say, once you make these, those boring roasted sprouts on the dinner table might become a thing of the past. 😋

Why You Will Love This Recipe

Brussels sprouts have a bit of a reputation. Overcooked, mushy, bitter, blah… you know the stories.

But when you cook them quickly under pressure, they turn tender, bright, and full of flavor.

And when you combine that with a silky cream sauce and crispy bacon? Magic happens.

This recipe is for:

• Busy weeknights when you want something impressive with minimal effort.

• Holiday dinners that need a vegetable side that actually gets eaten.

• People who love flavor and want veggies that feel indulgent.

• Anyone who owns an Instant Pot and wants to use it for more than tough cuts of meat.

Whether you’re feeding picky eaters, hosting guests, or just cooking for one, this dish delivers comfort and flavor in every bite.

What Makes This Recipe Special

There are a few things that elevate this from “just another vegetable recipe”:

🌱 Quick Pressure-Cooking

Using the Instant Pot means perfect texture, not mushy, not dry, but tender and vibrant. Pressure cooking breaks down the toughness in sprouts without overcooking them.

🧈 Creamy Cheese Sauce

Cream cheese and Parmesan melt into a dreamy sauce that coats every sprout. No watery pan juices here, just rich, silky goodness.

🥓 Crisp Bacon Folding

Cook the bacon first to render out the flavor and crisp it up, then fold it back in. That contrast between creamy and crunchy? Yes please.

🕒 Super Fast & Low Fuss

From trimming to the table in about 15 minutes? Yes. And only 2 minutes under pressure. If you can push a few buttons, you’ve got this.

Ingredient Notes and Tips

Here’s everything you need for this dish, with notes to help you get the best results:

🛒 Ingredients

• Brussels sprouts (1.5 pounds / ~700 g)
  Trimmed and halved. Fresh gives the best texture and color.

• Bacon (6–8 slices)
  Thick-cut if you can find it — it crisps up better.

• Garlic (2 cloves, minced)
  Adds savory depth. Fresh is best here.

• Chicken or vegetable broth (1/3 cup / 80 ml)
  Just enough liquid to build pressure in the Instant Pot.

• Cream cheese (4 oz / 115 g)
  Full fat makes for the richest sauce.

• Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup / 50 g)
  Freshly grated melts better than pre-grated.

• Butter (2 tablespoons)
  Helps create a smooth sauce.

• Black pepper (to taste)
  Fresh cracked adds brightness.

• Salt (optional)
  This dish gets plenty of salt from the bacon and Parmesan. Taste before adding more.

Equipment You’ll Need

• Instant Pot or similar electric pressure cooker
  This method relies on pressure for that perfect texture.

• Cutting board and sharp knife
  For trimming the Brussels sprouts.

• Tongs or slotted spoon
  To transfer the bacon.

• Mixing spoon
  To bring it all together.

If you hate prepping vegetables, don’t worry, trimming sprouts gets faster once you find your rhythm.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Below is your friendly guide to making this recipe. I walk you through each stage so you feel confident, and I share little tips to help it go smoothly.

1) Prepare the Brussels Sprouts

Start by trimming the sprouts. Trim off the tough stem end, then slice each sprout in half from top to bottom. This helps them cook evenly and lets the sauce cling to every surface.

💡 Tip: If some are much larger than others, quarter the bigger ones so everything finishes at the same time.

Place the trimmed sprouts into a bowl and set them aside while you cook the bacon.

2) Cook the Bacon in the Instant Pot

Turn the Instant Pot to Sauté mode. Once hot, add the bacon pieces in a single layer if possible.

Cook until crispy and golden, stirring occasionally so they cook evenly. This should take about 5–7 minutes.

Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate.

💡 Tip: Save the bacon fat in the pot — that flavor is going straight into your sprouts.

3) Add the Brussels Sprouts and Garlic

With the bacon fat still in the pot, add the trimmed sprouts. Sprinkle the minced garlic on top, then add a generous crack of black pepper.

Pour in the broth, just enough to cover the bottom. You don’t need a lot of liquid because the pressure cooker generates steam.

💡 Tip: Don’t stir at this stage. Let the pressure build and work its magic.

4) Add Cream Cheese and Butter

Drop in the cream cheese cubes and add the butter on top of the sprouts.

These will melt under pressure and create the silky sauce that clings to your veggies.

5) Pressure Cook for 2 Minutes

Close the lid and ensure the vent valve is set to Sealing.

Press Manual / Pressure Cook and set the time for 2 minutes.

It will take a few minutes for the Instant Pot to reach pressure. Once it hits the time, perform a quick release, just be careful of the steam!

💡 Variation: If you prefer softer sprouts, set the time to 3 minutes.

6) Finish the Creamy Sauce

Open the pot and stir everything gently. The cream cheese and butter will melt into a smooth, creamy coating. If any large chunks of cheese remain, keep stirring — they’ll melt beautifully into the sauce.

Sprinkle in the Parmesan and stir until it’s fully incorporated.

Fold in the crispy bacon pieces so every bite gets some crunch.

What the Texture and Flavor Should Be Like

Here’s what you’re aiming for:

✨ Texture:
Tender sprouts with a slight bite, not mushy. The sauce should be smooth and cling to each piece.

✨ Flavor:
Creamy, savory, salty, and smoky with that bright pop from the pepper.

This dish doesn’t need a lot of extra salt, taste before adding any. The bacon and Parmesan bring plenty!

Serving Suggestions

This side dish is super versatile. Here’s where it shines:

🍗 Dinner Pairings

• Roasted chicken – the creamy sprouts make a perfect partner.

• Steak dinner – hearty meat meets rich greens.

• Pork loin – salty bacon vibes with savory pork.

• Holiday turkey or ham – makes every holiday meal feel elevated.

🥗 Add Some Extra Color

Serve with:

• Sliced cherry tomatoes

• A squeeze of lemon for brightness

• Toasted almonds on top for crunch

🥓 Make It a Meal

If you love bacon and cheese (who doesn’t?), serve it with:

• Crispy fried potatoes

• Garlic mashed potatoes

• Crusty bread to mop up sauce

Variations to Try

Want to switch things up? Here are some fun and easy variations:

🧀 Extra Cheesy

Stir in shredded Gruyere or cheddar along with the Parmesan.

🌶 Spicy Kick

Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes when you add the pepper.

🍋 Bright & Fresh

Grate some lemon zest over the finished dish.

🥜 Crunchy Twist

Sprinkle toasted pine nuts or walnuts on top for texture.

🌿 Herby Boost

Chopped fresh parsley or chives added at the end adds freshness.

Storage and Reheating

This is a great make-ahead side dish.

✅ Fridge:
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

✅ Freezer:
You can freeze it, but the texture is best fresh. If freezing, store sauce and sprouts separately if possible.

Reheating Tips

• Microwave with a sprinkle of broth to loosen the sauce.

• Heat gently on the stove with a splash of broth or cream.

Cream sauces tend to thicken when chilled — adding a little liquid helps it loosen up beautifully.

Final Thoughts

This Instant Pot Creamy Brussels Sprouts with Bacon recipe takes a misunderstood vegetable and turns it into something deliciously irresistible. It’s creamy, comforting, and full of flavor — with crispy bacon making every bite better.

This isn’t just a side dish, it’s the side dish that might start showing up at all your meals. Easy to make, weeknight friendly, crowd pleasing, and perfect for holidays too.

Give it a try tonight, then tell me how it went! Did your family ask for seconds? Did you sneak a plate while no one was looking? I want to know.

Save the recipe to Pinterest, share your photos if you try it, and definitely come back for more kitchen inspiration. 🍽️

Happy cooking and enjoy every bite!

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