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    Home » Method » Instant Pot

    Instant Pot Brussels Sprouts

    Published: Oct 7, 2020 by Wendy Polisi Modified: Oct 23, 2024 · 776 words. · About 4 minutes to read this article.

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    Photo of cheesy Brussels Sprouts with the text Instant Pot Brussels Sprouts above.
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    Instant Pot Brussels Sprouts are simple to make and the perfect side dish that doesn't require the oven. You will love the simple combination of Brussels sprouts, butter, lemon zest, and Parmesan cheese.

    Overhead photo of cheesy Instant Pot Brussels Sprouts on a white platter.

    If you like easy side dishes, you are going to love these Instant Pot Brussels Sprouts.

    Not only are they super-easy to make, but unless you decide you want to crisp them up after cooking, they don't require the oven.

    This makes them ideally suited to the holidays. (Though truth be told, this is a recipe a make throughout the year.)

    Ingredients for Pressure Cooker Brussel Sprouts

    Photo of broth, Brussels Sprouts, salt, pepper, lemon zest, butter and parmesan cheese on a cutting board.
    • Brussels Sprouts - Brussels sprouts that are no more than 1 ½ inches in diameter will have the best flavor. Trim larger sprouts of loose leaves. You want to buy sprouts that are pale green and free of yellowing or black spots.
    • Sea Salt - I used finely ground sea salt. If you use a different grind such as table salt, you may wish to adjust the amount. As always, season to taste.
    • Fresh Ground Black Pepper - You can use pre-ground in a pinch, but I love the flavor that fresh ground provides.
    • Chicken Broth - I almost always use homemade chicken broth because the flavor is superior. Use vegetable broth if you want to make this recipe vegetarian.
    • Butter - My go-to brand is Kerrygold. You could use olive oil if you prefer.
    • Lemon Zest - Wash the lemon well and choose organic if possible. When zesting, you should only go over the surface once to avoid getting bitter parts.
    • Parmesan Cheese - Freshly grated cheese always has the best flavor. I do not recommend using the shelf-stable kind in the can. Use a rennet-free parmesan to keep this recipe vegetarian if desired.

    Storing Brussels Sprouts

    Brussels sprouts can be stored in a produce bag in the refrigerator for up to one week. Don't wash them until you are ready to cook them.

    Recommended Tools

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn From Qualifying Sales

    • Steamer Basket
    • Instant Pot
    • Lemon Zester

    Step by Step Instructions

    First, start by seasoning the Brussels sprouts and placing them in a steamer basket.

    Photo of a red bowl with seasoned Brussels Sprouts.
    Photo of an Instant Pot with broth in the bottom.

    Place the broth in the bottom of the Instant Pot.

    After that, place the steamer basket on top.

    Photo of Brussels Sprouts in a steamer basket in an Instant Pot.
    Photo of cooked Brussels Sprouts in a steamer basket inserted into a Pressure Cooker.

    Pressure cook for 2 minutes, and then do a quick release.

    Remove the Brussels sprouts from the pot. Drain the water. Return the Brussels sprouts to the pot and toss with the butter and lemon zest. Return the lid to the pot until the butter melts.

    Photo of butter and lemon zest on top of cooked Brussels sprouts in an Instant Pot.
    Photo of an Instant Pot with cooked Brussels Sprouts sprinkled with cheese.

    Toss, and top with the cheese.

    Optional - For Crispier Brussels Sprouts with Melted Cheese

    Place the sprouts on a baking sheet and sprinkle with cheese. Place under the broiler for a couple of minutes.

    Photo of a white platter full of cheesy Instant Pot Brussels Sprouts.

    Tips & Tricks

    • Flavor Boosters: Consider adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or red pepper flakes for a bit of zing.
    • Perfect Texture: To avoid mushy sprouts, follow the 2-minute high-pressure cook time closely. An instant release is your best friend for keeping them just right—tender yet still a bit crunchy.
    • Cheesy Goodness: You could use a soft cheese like feta or goat cheese for a twist.
    • Garnish with Nuts: Pecans, walnuts, or pine nuts are all great additions.

    More Low Carb Instant Pot Recipes

    • Instant Pot Lemon Chicken is an easy to make dinner that is so full of flavor. You won't believe how deliciously easy this recipe is.
    • Prepare to do a little happy dance the first time you taste this Instant Pot Chicken. With mushrooms, olives, and feta, this recipe is like a party in your mouth.
    • Looking for more pressure cooker inspiration? Don't miss this round up of Keto Instant Pot Recipes. Also, check out my complete collection of Keto Recipes.
    If you like this recipe don't forget to leave a 5 star rating and let me know how it went in the below comments, I love hearing from you! You can also FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, and PINTEREST to see all my delicious recipes.
    Square photo of a white platter full of cheesy Instant Pot Brussels Sprouts.
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    Instant Pot Brussels Sprouts

    When you need an easy and delicious side, it doesn't get any better than these Instant Pot Brussels Sprouts.
    Prep Time10 minutes mins
    Cook Time2 minutes mins
    Total Time12 minutes mins
    Course: Side Dish
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: Instant Pot
    Servings: 6
    Calories: 101.48kcal
    Author: Wendy Polisi
    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualified sales.

    Equipment

    • Instant Pot

    Ingredients

    • 1 pound Brussels sprouts trimmed and halved
    • 1 teaspoon sea salt
    • ½ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
    • 1 cup broth or water
    • 3 tablespoons butter at room temperature
    • ½ teaspoon lemon zest
    • ¼ cup Parmesan cheese

    Instructions

    • Toss the Brussels sprouts with the salt and pepper and place in a steamer basket. Add the broth to the bottom of the Instant Pot and lower the steamer basket.
    • Close and lock the lid and set to seal. Cook at high pressure for 2 minutes and then do an instant release.
    • Drain the water and return the Brussels sprouts to the pot. Toss with the butter and lemon zest and return the lid to the pot to allow the butter to melt.
    • Toss and top with the Parmesan cheese. (If desired, you can place under the broiler for a minute or two to melt the cheese.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 101.48kcal | Carbohydrates: 7.21g | Protein: 4.29g | Fat: 7.07g | Saturated Fat: 4.34g | Cholesterol: 17.88mg | Sodium: 666.6mg | Potassium: 325.41mg | Fiber: 2.91g | Sugar: 1.71g | Vitamin A: 777.49IU | Vitamin C: 67.22mg | Calcium: 85.11mg | Iron: 1.17mg
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    About Wendy Polisi

    Wendy Polisi is the creator of Kicking Carbs, where she shares low-carb recipes that are full of flavor and made for real life. As a cookbook author and food blogger, she’s passionate about helping families enjoy satisfying meals without the sugar crash. Wendy lives in Florida with her three kids and loves experimenting in the kitchen—especially when it involves cheese.

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    Welcome!

    I'm Wendy and I'm here to show you just how delicious a low carb, gluten free and keto diet can be! You are just as likely to find me obsessing over all things cheesy as you are getting excited by a full produce drawer. I'm a mom to three, obsessive planner and roller coasters are my happy place.

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