Effortless and Delicious: Your Guide to Instant Pot Spinach (with Optional Bacon!)

If you’re searching for an incredibly easy and remarkably flavorful vegetable side dish that can be prepared in your pressure cooker, look no further than this Instant Pot spinach recipe. It’s a game-changer for busy weeknights and a fantastic addition to any meal, providing a burst of nutrients and vibrant taste. And for those who love a little indulgence, adding crispy bacon or savory salted pork elevates this simple dish to an unforgettable culinary experience.

Are you, like so many others, completely enamored with your pressure cooker these days? I certainly am! Having explored over 101 easy Instant Pot recipes, I can confidently say that this one, focusing on a humble vegetable, stands out. This recipe offers incredible flexibility: prepare it the healthy, straightforward way, or infuse it with rich flavor by adding a touch of bacon or diced salted pork. Either approach results in a fabulous side dish – or even a light main course – that comes together in mere minutes.

I must confess, vegetables weren’t always my favorite when I was younger. However, after my mom consistently served her delicious easy spinach quiche, spinach quickly became a beloved ingredient. Since then, I’ve made a concerted effort to incorporate more vegetables into our family meals. It’s truly rewarding to see how our tastes evolve! What started as a struggle has transformed into a culinary journey where nutritious greens are eagerly embraced.

Interestingly, my own children now often prefer a heaping plate of vegetables over meat – quite a turn of events! Over the years, I’ve experimented with countless vegetable preparations to serve with our dinners, and surprisingly, this buttery, savory Instant Pot spinach has become an unexpected, yet firm, family favorite. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients, when cooked correctly, can truly shine.

Why Choose Instant Pot Spinach?

There are numerous advantages to preparing spinach in a pressure cooker like the Instant Pot:

• Speed and Efficiency: Fresh spinach wilts down incredibly fast under pressure, reducing cooking time to just a few minutes. This is ideal for busy individuals and families.
• Nutrient Retention: Pressure cooking helps to preserve more of spinach’s delicate vitamins and minerals compared to traditional boiling, where nutrients can leach into the cooking water.
• Intense Flavor: The sealed environment of the pressure cooker locks in moisture and infuses the spinach with the flavors of garlic, onion, broth, and any added meats or seasonings.
• Hands-Off Cooking: Once set, your Instant Pot handles the cooking, freeing you up to focus on other parts of your meal preparation.
• Consistent Results: Pressure cooking provides a consistent cooking environment, ensuring perfectly tender (but not mushy) spinach every time.

You shouldn’t encounter any difficulty finding fresh spinach at your local grocery store, and its incredible health benefits make it a fantastic staple to incorporate into your diet. As mentioned, if you’re aiming for a truly healthy side dish, feel free to omit the bacon or pork. However, I can attest that these additions impart a wonderful depth of flavor and a rich aroma that truly elevates the entire dish.

Ingredient Notes: Elevating Your Instant Pot Spinach

Every great recipe begins with quality ingredients. For this Instant Pot spinach, here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and some tips for selection:

Fresh Spinach Leaves

The star of our dish! You can find fresh spinach bagged, in loose bins, or in large plastic containers at most supermarkets. When selecting, look for brightly colored, deep green leaves without any signs of shriveling, yellowing, or browning. These indicators suggest freshness and optimal flavor. While you can use frozen spinach in a pinch, fresh spinach offers the best texture and vibrant taste for this particular recipe. Always wash your spinach thoroughly, even if it’s pre-washed, to ensure any dirt or grit is removed.

Onions

Diced yellow or white onions are a crucial aromatic element, adding a foundational layer of flavor and subtle texture without breaking the bank. Yellow onions offer a balanced sweetness when sautéed, while white onions provide a sharper, more pungent flavor. Choose whichever you prefer or have on hand. Ensure they are finely diced to meld seamlessly with the spinach.

Olive Oil or Avocado Oil

These oils are essential, especially if you plan to incorporate meat like bacon or salted pork. They provide the fat necessary to sauté the meat and aromatics before pressure cooking. Olive oil imparts a distinct fruity note, while avocado oil has a neutral flavor and a higher smoke point, making it versatile. Choose a good quality oil that you enjoy the taste of.

Bacon or Salted Pork (Optional)

This is where the magic happens for many! Diced bacon or salted pork pieces work wonderfully, rendering delicious fat that infuses the entire dish with savory, smoky notes. If you happen to be making this after the holidays, leftover ham bits would also be an excellent addition. For the best flavor and texture, make sure to sauté these until crispy before adding other ingredients. This step is key to developing a rich base for your spinach. If you’re vegetarian or prefer a lighter dish, simply skip this and proceed with the oil and aromatics.

Garlic

I truly believe garlic makes almost everything better! Freshly minced garlic adds an indispensable aromatic punch. It complements the spinach beautifully and enhances the savory depth of the dish. While garlic powder can be used in a pinch, fresh garlic offers superior flavor. Aim for about a tablespoon, but adjust to your personal preference.

Chicken Broth or Vegetable Broth

Broth is vital for two reasons: it provides the liquid needed for the pressure cooker to build steam, and it adds another layer of flavor. Chicken broth offers a richer taste, while vegetable broth keeps the dish vegetarian/vegan (if you omit the meat). It also plays a crucial role in deglazing the pot after sautéing, ensuring all those flavorful browned bits are incorporated into the sauce.

Seasonings

A simple combination of salt and pepper is often all you need to highlight the natural flavors of the spinach and other ingredients. However, don’t be afraid to experiment! A touch of chili powder or Cajun seasoning can introduce a delightful warmth and subtle spice, taking your Instant Pot spinach to the next level. Always season to taste, as the salt content of your broth and bacon can vary.

Ninja Foodi and Other Pressure Cooker Options

It’s important to remember that these instructions are highly adaptable and will work seamlessly across various pressure cooker brands. Whether you own a Crockpot Express, a Ninja Foodi, or another model, the high-pressure function operates similarly. The primary difference often lies in the lid mechanism, with some models like the Ninja Foodi having an unattached pressure lid, while others have integrated lids. Rest assured, the core principles of pressure cooking remain the same.

Moreover, the versatility of multi-cookers like the Ninja Foodi extends beyond pressure cooking. If you ever crave a different texture, you can also use your Foodi to make a batch of air fryer spinach, achieving a wonderfully crispy result. Having such choices in your kitchen truly makes meal preparation exciting and flexible.

Tips for the Perfect Instant Pot Spinach

While this recipe is incredibly simple, a few tips can ensure your Instant Pot spinach turns out perfectly every time:

• Don’t Overfill: While spinach wilts significantly, avoid packing your Instant Pot so tightly that there’s no room for steam circulation. The 8 cups suggested should be fine for most 6-quart pressure cookers.
• Proper Deglazing: This step is critical! If you skip deglazing after sautéing the bacon and onions, you risk getting a “Burn” warning. Ensure all browned bits are scraped from the bottom of the pot.
• Season to Taste: Broths and bacon can vary in their salt content. Always taste your spinach after cooking and adjust salt and pepper as needed. A squeeze of lemon juice at the end can also brighten the flavors.
• Quick Release is Key: For tender-crisp spinach, a quick release is essential to stop the cooking process promptly. A natural release would result in overcooked, mushy spinach.
• Storage: Leftover Instant Pot spinach can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Variations and Customizations

This recipe provides a fantastic base, but don’t hesitate to get creative with your Instant Pot spinach:

• Make it Vegetarian/Vegan: Omit the bacon/pork and use vegetable broth. You can also add a pinch of smoked paprika for a hint of smoky flavor without the meat.
• Cheesy Delight: Stir in a handful of grated Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast after cooking for a creamy, cheesy finish.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the other seasonings for an extra kick.
• A Touch of Creaminess: For a richer dish, stir in a tablespoon of cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream at the very end.
• Citrus Brightness: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving adds a wonderful zing that complements the spinach beautifully.
• Herbal Infusion: Experiment with fresh herbs like dill or a sprinkle of dried Italian seasoning.

Serving Suggestions

This versatile Instant Pot spinach can be served in many ways:

• As a classic side dish to grilled chicken, roasted fish, or steak.
• Mixed into pasta dishes for added greens and flavor.
• As a healthy base for poached or fried eggs.
• Stirred into risottos or grain bowls.
• A light, nutritious lunch on its own.

Other Instant Pot Vegetable Recipes You’ll Love

If you’re eager to explore more incredible Instant Pot vegetable recipes, we have a variety of other delicious options that are sure to become new family favorites:

• Learn how to cook spaghetti squash fast in your Instant Pot, perfect for a healthy pasta alternative.
• Making pressure cooker pumpkin is surprisingly easy and results in tender, flavorful pumpkin for purees or side dishes.
• These Instant Pot brussels sprouts are a fantastic way to enjoy this often-misunderstood vegetable, cooked to tender perfection.
  • For more leafy green goodness, discover how to cook Instant Pot greens or try this delightful easy creamed spinach recipe, which can also be adapted for stovetop cooking.

Final Thoughts on Instant Pot Spinach

Preparing spinach in your Instant Pot is more than just a quick cooking method; it’s a way to unlock deep flavors and nutrients with minimal effort. This recipe is a testament to how simple ingredients can create something truly special and satisfying. Whether you’re a seasoned pressure cooker enthusiast or just starting your journey, this Instant Pot spinach, with its optional bacon twist, offers a delicious, healthy, and versatile option for any meal.

From busy weeknight dinners to holiday feasts, this dish promises to be a vibrant and flavorful addition that even the most reluctant vegetable-eaters will enjoy. So, gather your fresh spinach, fire up your Instant Pot, and get ready to enjoy a surprisingly delightful side that proves healthy eating can be both easy and incredibly delicious!