Bacon Instant Pot: The Ultimate Guide to Delicious and Easy Cooking

Oleh Tara Smitham June 16, 2023 Post a Comment

If you're a fan of bacon, then you know how delicious it can be when it's cooked just right. But what if we told you that there's a way to cook bacon that's even better? Enter the Instant Pot - a kitchen appliance that has taken the cooking world by storm. In this blog post, we'll explore everything you need to know about cooking bacon in an Instant Pot, including tips, tricks, and some mouth-watering recipes.

The Instant Pot is a versatile kitchen appliance that can do just about anything. It can pressure cook, slow cook, sauté, steam, and even make yogurt. But did you know that it can also cook bacon? That's right - no more splattering grease on your stovetop or waiting for your oven to preheat. With the Instant Pot, you can cook perfect bacon every time, with minimal mess and fuss.

In this guide, we'll take a deep dive into the world of bacon Instant Pot cooking. We'll cover everything from choosing the right bacon to cooking times and techniques. We'll also share some of our favorite bacon recipes that are sure to become staples in your household. So let's get ed!

Choosing the Right Bacon

When it comes to cooking bacon in an Instant Pot, not all bacon is created equal. Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing the right bacon:

Thickness: Thicker bacon tends to work better in the Instant Pot, as it holds up better during the cooking process.
Quality: Look for high-quality bacon that is free of additives and preservatives. This will give you the best flavor and texture.
Cut: Some people prefer to use bacon that is pre-cut into smaller pieces, while others prefer to use whole slices. It's really a matter of personal preference, but keep in mind that smaller pieces will cook faster.

Cooking Times and Techniques

Now that you've chosen the right bacon, it's time to cooking. Here are a few tips and techniques to keep in mind:

Use the trivet: The trivet that came with your Instant Pot is your best friend when it comes to cooking bacon. It will keep the bacon off the bottom of the pot, which will help prevent burning and sticking.
Add water: Adding a little bit of water to the Instant Pot before cooking can help prevent burning and splattering. Simply add about 1/2 cup of water to the bottom of the pot before adding the bacon.
Cook on high pressure: Set your Instant Pot to cook on high pressure for 5 minutes. This should be enough time to cook the bacon through without making it too crispy or burnt.
Quick release: Once the cooking time is up, use the quick release method to release the pressure. This will help prevent overcooking and ensure that your bacon is cooked to perfection.

Delicious Bacon Recipes

Now that you know how to cook bacon in an Instant Pot, let's take a look at some delicious recipes that you can try at home:

Bacon-Wrapped Chicken

This recipe combines two of our favorite things - bacon and chicken! Here's what you'll need:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
8 slices of bacon
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 garlic clove, minced

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 400°F.
Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
Wrap each chicken breast with 2 slices of bacon.
Place the chicken breasts on the trivet in your Instant Pot.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and garlic.
Pour the mixture over the chicken breasts.
Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
Use the quick release method to release the pressure.
Transfer the chicken breasts to a baking sheet and broil in the oven for 3-5 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy.

Bacon Mac and Cheese

Who doesn't love mac and cheese? Add some bacon to the mix and you've got yourself a winning combination. Here's what you'll need:

1 pound elbow macaroni
4 cups water
4 tablespoons butter
4 tablespoons flour
2 cups milk
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon paprika
8 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled

Instructions:

Add the macaroni and water to your Instant Pot.
Cook on high pressure for 5 minutes.
Use the quick release method to release the pressure.
Drain the water from the Instant Pot.
In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes.
Slowly whisk in the milk and continue cooking until the mixture thickens.
Stir in the shredded cheese, salt, pepper, and paprika.
Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to combine.
Serve the mac and cheese topped with crumbled bacon.

Cooking bacon in an Instant Pot is a game-changer. It's quick, easy, and virtually mess-free. By following the tips and techniques outlined in this guide, you'll be able to cook perfect bacon every time. And with our delicious recipes, you'll never run out of ideas for how to use your Instant Pot to create mouth-watering meals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Can you cook bacon in an Instant Pot without water?

Technically, yes - you can cook bacon in an Instant Pot without water. However, adding a little bit of water to the bottom of the pot can help prevent burning and splattering, which can make for a messier clean-up.

Q2. How much bacon can you cook in an Instant Pot at once?

This really depends on the size of your Instant Pot and the thickness of your bacon. As a general rule, you should be able to fit around 8-10 slices of bacon in a 6-quart Instant Pot.

Q3. Can you cook frozen bacon in an Instant Pot?

Yes, you can cook frozen bacon in an Instant Pot. However, you may need to increase the cooking time by a few minutes to ensure that the bacon is cooked through.

Q4. Can you cook bacon and eggs together in an Instant Pot?

Yes, you can cook bacon and eggs together in an Instant Pot. One popular method is to cook the bacon first, then use the leftover grease to cook scrambled eggs.

Q5. Can you make crispy bacon in an Instant Pot?

It's possible to make crispy bacon in an Instant Pot, but it can be tricky. To get crispy bacon, you may need to broil it in the oven for a few minutes after pressure cooking.

Q6. Can you cook turkey bacon in an Instant Pot?

Yes, you can cook turkey bacon in an Instant Pot. However, keep in mind that turkey bacon tends to be thinner than regular bacon, so you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Q7. Can you cook bacon in an Instant Pot without a trivet?

Technically, yes - you can cook bacon in an Instant Pot without a trivet. However, using a trivet will help prevent burning and sticking, so we recommend using one if possible.

Q8. How long does it take to cook bacon in an Instant Pot?

Cooking times can vary depending on the thickness of the bacon and your personal preferences. As a general rule, you should cook bacon on high pressure for 5 minutes.