34 Best Southern Instant Pot Recipes For Beginners

The Soul Food Pot Southern-style Instant Pot recipe roundup for beginners.

Why have I chosen these 34 Instant Pot Southern recipes for beginners?

I wish everyone knew how easy Instant Pot cooking is for busy households – one-pot… straight to plate!

The Instant Pot recipes below were chosen not by me but by YOU as some of my posts most-read, most popular, and shared the most! – Thank you!

Each one is unique in that the cooking time is cut almost in half by using the Instant Pot cooking method. And they’re all Southern-cooking or soul food Instant Pot recipes!

But let’s take a moment before you dive into this yummy roundup of favorite Southern-style dishes.

First, I’ll fill you in on everything you need to know about getting started with these easy Instant Pot recipes for beginners.

What can you make in your Instant Pot?

So what exactly is an Instant Pot? 

Instant Pot pressure cooking is a much healthier way to prepare all kinds of yummy meals quicker and easier without sacrificing nutrition, quality or taste.

Great for Southern soul food recipes!

It slow cooks, sautés, makes rice, steams vegetables, and cooks chicken, meat, and other food items. It also has soup and yogurt maker settings!

What are the best things to cook in an Instant Pot?

People new to Instant Pot often ask, what are the best things to cook in a pressure cooker?

I love this question, and my answer is always the same:

Everything is the best thing to cook in an Instant Pot! 

This unique product can make everyday meals faster than your typical cooking appliance!

I’ve listed a few ideas for meals you can make in this great electric pressure cooker!

• beef
• chicken
• fish
• seafood
• rice
• grains
• vegetables
• beans
• soups
• stews
• cake
• bread
• chili
• porridge
• yogurt
• Plus more!

What are the perks of using Instant Pot?

I’ve been asked before, what is the point of an Instant Pot?

This unique and versatile multi-cooker replaces several appliances and rolls them all into one pot! 

Rice cooker, crockpot, yogurt maker, slow cooker, pressure cooker – Instant Pot is a fantastic all-in-one device!

How do you know which Instant Pot button you should use?

Utilizing an Instant Pot is relatively simple because of its all-in-one device design. 

In addition, there are easy Instant Pot buttons that indicate which cooking method to select! 

One-touch Smart Program settings are what these buttons are called.

The buttons are familiar and as easy. Just press a button for soup, broth, beans, chili, poultry, slow cooking, sautéing, rice, multigrain, porridge, steaming, yogurt, pressure cooking, or keeping warm.

Also, Instant Pot recipes will tell you exactly which cooking method to select and which button to use in the recipe instructions.

Which Instant Pot is right for you?

If you’re ready to save time, money and eat well with high-quality meals that don’t require stewing over a hot pot all day, then instant Pot is right for you! 

I’m breaking down which Instant Pot is best for you with my Instant Pot comparison guide (below) to help you choose the best product for you. 

Instant Pot is delicious convenience cooking for easy magical meals in minutes!  

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1. Instant Pot Southern-style whole chicken recipe

🎙 Listen to The Soul Food Pod episode: Is An Instant Pot Worth Having?

Keep the podcast conversation going about is an Instant Pot worth having HERE!

Are you tired of cooking the same old chicken every week? 

Looking for a new way to prepare your next chicken dish? 

It’s time to Instant Pot chicken with this recipe. One of the easiest and tastiest recipes for beginners!

The Instant Pot electric pressure cooker lets you cook healthy, delicious meals without spending hours in front of your stove or oven.

With the right ingredients and a little bit of time, you can have Instant Pot chicken on your table that tastes like it took hours to prepare. That’s because it’s so tender and juicy, with crispy skin that tastes amazing!

And because the Instant Pot cooks so quickly, you don’t have to spend all day in the kitchen – which means more free time for yourself (A win-win, mama)! 

Plus, this recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can use the leftovers all week long to create delicious dishes like tacos or salads.

No matter the occasion, everyone will enjoy this mouthwatering Instant Pot chicken recipe. It’s always a winner-winner chicken dinner!

Ingredients

• one 4-5 ½ pound whole chicken, thawed 
• 1 tablespoon of salt
• 2 ½ quarts of water
• 2 tablespoons of Famous Dave’s Country Roast Chicken Seasoning (Contains soulful flavors such as paprika, mustard seed, garlic powder, onion powder, bell pepper, and lemon zest all in one!)
• 2 tablespoons of Weber Seasoning, Roasted Garlic & Herb
• ½ a cup of chicken broth
• Optional – garnish with ¼ cup of chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

1. Place the Instant Pot steamer rack/trivet rack on the kitchen counter and put the chicken on top.
2. Using the trivet rack handles, place the chicken inside the Instant Pot stainless steel inner pot. 
3. Pour the water and salt into the inner pot with the chicken.
4. Turn on the Instant Pot sauté setting for 30 minutes. You’ll need to add an additional 15 minutes immediately when the first 30 minutes finishes for a total of 45 minutes on sauté. (This is because the max amount of time using the sauté setting is 30 minutes.)
5. With the Instant Pot lid off, allow the chicken to come to a boil on the sauté setting. (It will take approx 18-20 minutes for the pot with chicken to get to a state of slow boil/slow simmer.)
6. When the cooking time is finished (after 45 minutes), drain the water by gently sliding the chicken from the inner pot into a colander. (Caution: Do not grab or use the trivet rack’s handles while inside the inner pot of boiling water! Allow the rack to fall on top of the chicken as you slide the chicken out into the colander.)
7. Place the inner pot trivet rack on the kitchen counter.
8. Now gently slide the cooked chicken from the colander onto the trivet rack with the chicken’s breast side down. (The rack’s handles will make placing in and removing the whole chicken from the pot A LOT easier!)
9. Allow the chicken to cool for about 10 minutes so you can rub on the seasoning.
10. While the chicken is cooling, mix the Famous Dave’s seasoning and the roasted garlic & herb spice in a small bowl to create the Southern spice rub.
11. Rub on and coat the whole chicken with the seasoning mixture.
12. Pour the chicken broth into the inner pot.
13. Using the trivet rack handles, place the chicken inside the pot with the broth.
14. Close the Instant Pot lid (make sure the valve is up – in the position for sealing) and pressure cook on high for 25 minutes.
15. When the cooking time is finished, allow a natural pressure release for at least 15 minutes.
16. To open the Instant Pot lid, move the valve to ‘venting’ and manually release any remaining pressure, if applicable.
17. Baste the chicken by using a large spoon to scoop the broth from the inner pot over the top of the chicken.
18. Use the trivet rack’s handles to easily remove the chicken from the inner pot.
19. Place the whole chicken on a cutting board to carve, and slide out the trivet rack underneath.
20. Optionally, reserve the remaining chicken broth in the inner pot to pour over the chicken as your serve it, and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. I also like to pour the broth over rice.
21. Serve and enjoy!

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2. Black folks Southern cabbage recipe

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3. Caribbean soul food coconut rice recipe

Coconut rice is white rice that has been flavored with coconut milk and salt and then sweetened with some sugar. Sprinkle on some fresh cilantro, and there’s your ticket to paradise!

Coconut rice is a healthier, more flavorful alternative to plain white rice. The perfect choice for anyone looking for an alternative to white or brown rice that’s much lighter than other options. You can’t go wrong with a side of chicken or fish when you serve coconut rice. 

Move over rice cooker – Coconut rice is a super easy recipe for Instant Pot beginners and pros alike – only 4 minutes in the Instant Pot!

This dish is a blend of exotic flavors that everyone knows and loves, with just a few subtle adjustments to make it taste healthier. Cooked to perfection, this rice has a creamy taste that’s sure to please even the pickiest of eaters at your table! 

Unlike many other varieties of rice, coconut milk lends this dish richness and sweetness with fewer calories. The result? A mellow yet indulgent side dish for your next get-together or weeknight meal! 

From mild curries to spicy stir-fry, there are plenty of dishes that will pair well with your fluffy white rice dish! 

Serve warm in a bowl topped with cilantro for a fantastic side dish that can pair well with rice sauce, fried vegetables, or mild curries from another menu.

Ingredients

• 2 cups of jasmine rice
• 1 cup of coconut milk
• 1 cup of water
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped (optional for garnish) 

Instructions

1. Add the jasmine rice, water, coconut milk, salt, and sugar to the Instant Pot stainless steel inner pot.

2. Stir to mix the ingredients and make sure the rice is covered in the liquid.

3. Close the Instant Pot lid (make sure the valve is in the sealing position – up) and pressure cook on high for 4 minutes.

4. When the cooking time is finished, allow a natural release of pressure for at least 2 minutes.

5. To open the Instant Pot lid, move the valve to ‘venting’ and manually release any remaining pressure, if applicable.

6. Fluff the coconut rice with a fork.

7. Optionally, garnish with fresh, chopped cilantro.

8. Serve and enjoy!

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4. Black folks pineapple glazed ham

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5. Southern green beans recipe

Southern-style cooking is all about simplicity and letting the natural flavor of the ingredients shine through. So we use only salt, pepper, thyme, and garlic powder to season our green beans before sautéing them in the Instant Pot. They’re usually served alongside fried chicken (or air fryer fried chicken), but they’re also great with steak.

I love beans, and these southern green beans are a great way to enjoy them. 

This dish is perfect for summertime grilling and goes well with any meal. The best part about this dish is that it takes less than half an hour from start to finish – can’t beat that! Perfect as an Instant Pot for beginners recipe.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound of green beans
• 1 cup of chicken stock
• 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter
• 1 scallion chopped
• ½ teaspoon of dry thyme
• ¼ teaspoon of salt
• ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon of black pepper
• 5-6 sprigs of fresh thyme

Instructions

1. Add chicken stock, green beans, butter, scallions, fresh thyme, and seasonings (dry thyme, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper) in the Instant Pot.
2. Turn on the sauté setting and cook for 10 minutes with the lid off.
3. Stir occasionally during the sautéing to evenly cook, and so the green beans don’t stick to the pot.
4. When the cooking time is finished, serve right away and enjoy!

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6. Soul food Southern black eyed peas

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7. Southern brown sugar-glazed carrots recipe

Carrots are a healthy vegetable that contain antioxidants that can protect your eyesight, regulate blood sugar levels, and boost your immune system. 

With so many benefits to eating carrots, it’s no wonder they’ve become a staple vegetable in kitchens worldwide. 

But what if you could make them even better? 

Brown sugar-glazed carrots are an easy way to add color and flavor to your holiday dinner table without breaking too much sweat in the kitchen!

These are cooked to perfection using ingredients you are likely to have on hand. For example, brown sugar is often a sweetener when cooking or baking because it adds flavor without extra calories. 

This simple glazed carrot recipe satisfies both the carrot eater’s desire for sweetness (thanks to brown sugar) and their craving for something savory (thanks to butter). This dish is an especially great side for Thanksgiving. And another easy Instant Pot recipe for beginners.

Ingredients

• 6-8 whole organic carrots or 4-5 large carrots, skin on 
• ½ cup of chicken stock (replace with ½ cup of water to make vegan friendly)
• ½ cup of brown sugar (replace with 1 teaspoon of cinnamon for keto)
• ¼ teaspoon of salt
• ¼ teaspoon of black pepper 
• ½ teaspoon of dry thyme 
• 4-5 sprigs of fresh thyme 
• 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter

Instructions

1. Cut off the carrot tops and save them to make an easy, yummy carrot greens chimichurri!
2. Lightly score the skin of the carrots, being careful not to cut the carrots into chunks.
3. Add the carrots to the Instant Pot stainless steel inner pot.
4. Pour the chicken stock over the carrots.
5. Add the seasonings (brown sugar, salt, black pepper, dry thyme, fresh thyme sprigs) and butter on top of the wet carrots.
6. Close the Instant Pot lid (make sure the valve is in the sealing position – up) and pressure cook on high for 4 minutes.
7. When the cooking time is finished, allow a natural release of pressure for at least 2 minutes.
8. To open the Instant Pot lid, move the valve to ‘venting’ and manually release any remaining pressure, if applicable.
9. Serve and enjoy!

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8. Southern mac and cheese

 

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9. Jamaican oxtail recipe

You might be wondering why you should want to eat something called “oxtails.” 

Jamaican oxtail is both delicious and nutritious. Jamaican oxtail is a dish known for its rich flavor and tender meat. But it also has significant health benefits. Oxtails are an excellent source of protein – yes, keto! The meat is flavorful and tender because it takes so long to cook – 4 hours in the Instant Pot! Half the time of 8 hours if you were cooking oxtail on the stove!

It’s the perfect dish to serve at your next dinner party or family gathering. With only a few ingredients needed (oxtails, seasonings, oxtail sauce, beef broth, onion, and thyme). This dish is quick and easy. And perfect for Instant Pot beginners while still being healthy and tasty at the same time.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds oxtail
• 1 yellow onion chopped
• 1 tablespoon seasoning salt oxtail seasoning
• 2 cups beef broth or 2 cups of water & 1 beef bouillon
• 8 oz sauce 1 bottle of oxtail sauce
• 1/4 teaspoon thyme 10-15 sprigs of fresh thyme

Instructions

1. Season the oxtail generously with Jamaican oxtail seasoning (or your favorite all-purpose seasoning).
2. Add 2 cups of beef broth (or 2 cups of water and 1 beef bouillon) to the Instant Pot stainless steel inner pot.
3. Place the oxtail in the inner pot, trying not to place any tails on top of the other.
4. Pour the bottle of Jamaican oxtail sauce over the oxtail in the inner pot.
5. Use a rubber spatula or a basting brush to smother the oxtail in the sauce marinade.
6. Add the chopped onions to the inner pot onto the sauced oxtails.
7. Top with the fresh sprigs of thyme.
8. Close the Instant Pot lid (make sure the valve is in the sealing position – up) and pressure cook on high for 4 hours.
9. When the cooking time is finished, allow a natural release of pressure for at least 1 hour.
10. To open the Instant Pot lid, move the valve to ‘venting’ and manually release any remaining pressure, if applicable.
11. Use a large spoon to baste the oxtails with the broth in the inner pot.
12. Your easy Jamaican oxtail recipe is now ready to serve!

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10. Southern Living chocolate lava cake in the Instant Pot

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11. Southern-cooking crispy drumsticks recipe

Have you ever made air fryer chicken drumsticks? It is no secret that chicken drumsticks are a favorite of many people. They can be baked, fried, or roasted and still taste great. But what if you could make them in the air fryer? Would they still be as good? 

Chicken drumsticks and thighs are the perfect cut of meat for air frying. They’re easy, and they taste legit when prepared in the air fryer! 

This recipe requires only eight ingredients and will leave your house smelling like fried chicken without the guilt! 

Whether you’re looking to serve them with a side or enjoy them all by themselves, making these chicken drumsticks taste great every time is easy with an Instant Pot.

Ingredients

• 8-10 chicken drumsticks
• 1 ½ teaspoon of your favorite all-purpose seasoning (I use this oxtail seasoning HERE.)
• 1 ½ teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1 ½ teaspoon of onion powder
• 1 ½ teaspoon of paprika
• 1 ½ teaspoon of salt
• ¾ teaspoon of ground red pepper
• 1 cup of buttermilk (or 1 cup of whole milk + 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to yield 1 cup of buttermilk)

Instructions

1. To make buttermilk marinated air fryer chicken drumsticks using the Instant Pot: To make homemade buttermilk use 1 cup of milk and 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar. Stir the two ingredients together and let them sit for 5 minutes. 
2. Combine the all-purpose seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and red pepper in a small bowl.
3. Evenly distribute the seasoning mix as a rub all over the chicken. You may choose to add the drumsticks and seasonings in a 1-gallon resealable food storage bag to shake and evenly coat the chicken.
4. Open the Instant Pot lid and pour the buttermilk into the stainless-steel inner pot.
5. Add the seasoned chicken legs to the pot with the buttermilk, skin-side up.
6. Close the Instant Pot lid (make sure the valve is in the sealing position – up) and pressure cook on high for 20 minutes.
7. When the cooking time is finished, allow a natural release of pressure for at least 10 minutes.
8. To open the Instant Pot lid, move the valve to ‘venting’ and manually release any remaining pressure, if applicable.
9. To give your chicken drumsticks a fried chicken-like/air-fryer crisp, pour out the buttermilk from the inner pot. Then return the stainless-steel inner pot to the Instant Pot to use the Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid. 
10. If using an air fryer basket or Instant Pot Air Fryer Oven, remove the chicken from the Instant Pot and spray the air fryer basket with olive oil or coconut oil. Then place the chicken in the air fryer basket. 
11. Make sure the drumsticks are skin-side up. It’s ok if they touch; just don’t overcrowd them.
12. Air fry at 350 degrees for 20 minutes.
13. Halfway through, after about 10 minutes have passed, flip the chicken over in the air fryer and return to cooking.
14. Air fry at 350 degrees for the remaining 10 minutes.
15. Serve right away and enjoy your healthy, air fryer chicken drumsticks!

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12. Southern chicken and dumplings the Black way

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13. Instant Pot banana bread recipe

Are you looking for a dessert that’s quick and easy to make with a few simple ingredients? 

Then I have the perfect recipe for you!

Of course, I’m talking about the Instant Pot banana bread that will please anyone who loves a slice of sweet and healthy goodness with their dinner.

It’s not always easy to make banana bread. It can be time-consuming – but it doesn’t have to be. 

That’s where the Instant Pot comes in! The Instant Pot is a revolutionary appliance that speeds up cooking time while also cooking things like cakes and bread. The perfect appliance for beginners and pros in the kitchen.

This Instant pot banana bread recipe is easy to impress your guests or enjoy with your family. 

This wonderful kitchen appliance does all the work for you so that you can enjoy this delicious dessert without having to do any of the hard work! 

The best part about this recipe is that it can be made in only 45 minutes!

Ingredients

• 2 ripe bananas
• 1 teaspoon of baking soda
• 1 cup of granulated sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon of baking powder (or 1 teaspoon of lemon juice as a substitute)
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups of water
• ½ cup of nuts (optional)

Instructions

1. Mix the baking soda and sour cream in a medium-size bowl and set aside.
2. Spray the Bundt pan with non-stick spray.
3. Add the sugar and butter to the large mixing bowl.
4. Mix until the sugar and butter are well combined.
5. Add the two eggs one by one while mixing in the large mixing bowl.
6. Add the baking powder, mashed bananas and vanilla extract to the medium bowl.
7. Stir all ingredients in the medium mixing bowl until combined (*optional- add in nuts).
8. Fold contents of the medium bowl into the large bowl.
9. Add the all-purpose flour to the large mixing bowl.
10. Stir until combined.
11. Pour the batter into the Bundt pan.
12. Cover the pan loosely with foil.
13. Add the water to the Instant Pot stainless steel inner pot.
14. Place the Bundt pan on the inner pot trivet rack.
15. Using the Instant Pot baking sling, slowly and carefully lower the Bundt pan into the inner pot. (The baking sling will remain in the pot while pressure cooking.)
16. Close the Instant Pot lid (make sure the valve is up in the position for sealing) and pressure cook on high for 45 minutes.
17. When the cooking time is finished, allow a natural pressure release for at least 30 minutes.
18. To open the Instant Pot lid, move the valve to ‘venting’ and manually release any remaining pressure, if applicable.
19. Remove the Bundt pan carefully from the inner pot using the baking sling handles to lift the pan out.
20. Let the banana bread cool for approximately 10 minutes.
21. Slice, serve warm and enjoy!

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14. Instant Pot corned beef the Southern soul food way

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15. Instant Pot Southern banana pudding from scratch recipe

So you’re looking for a dessert to serve at your next big event? Well, this recipe is for you! 

Everyone loves this mouthwatering soul food Southern banana pudding – especially prepared the Black way! 

It’s so easy to make and has a fantastic flavor that will please any palate. 

As a child, I remember sitting around the table, eagerly waiting for my grandma to dish out pieces of this sweet treat made just for us. Its flavor will take you back to simpler times when everything was homemade and delicious –

just like grandma would make it! 

Soul food banana pudding is rich, decadent, and delicious; the perfect dessert to end any holiday meal! 

This recipe is super easy to make, even for novice cooks and Instant Pot beginners! 

The best part is that it only takes about 30 minutes to whip up this delicious sweet delight. So what are you waiting for?! 

Ingredients for homemade whipped cream

• ½ a cup of cold heavy whipping cream
• 1 tablespoon of granulated white sugar
• ¼ teaspoon of vanilla
• Yields 1 cup of homemade whipped cream

Pro tips:

• Ensure that your heavy whipping cream is as cold as possible for the best results when making whipped cream. 
• Prep this recipe by placing a medium-sized stainless steel mixing bowl and whisk in the freezer for about 20 minutes. This includes handheld or electric mixer whisks.

Instructions for homemade whipped cream

1. Place a medium-sized stainless steel mixing bowl and the whisks for your electric mixer in the freezer for 20 minutes to chill.
2. Pour the heavy whipping cream, sugar, and vanilla into the cold bowl and mix with an electric mixer on high speed for 1 minute until medium to stiff peaks form.
3. Be careful not to overbeat.
4. Set aside the prepared whipped cream in the refrigerator. 

• Pro tip: This recipe makes 1 cup of whipped topping. You’ll need only ½ a cup for this recipe. Enjoy the leftover whipped cream with other desserts like Instant Pot cheesecake, refreshing Dole Whip, or soul food banana pudding the Black way!

Ingredients for homemade banana pudding

• 3 ripe fresh bananas, sliced into 1″ discs
• 11 oz. box of Nilla Wafer cookies (and ¼ cup of crumbled cookies)
• 2 egg yolks
• 2 ½ cups of milk
• ¼ teaspoon of salt
• 1 cup of granulated sugar
• ¾ cups of flour
• 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
• 7 oz. of condensed milk (½ a can)
• 2 tablespoons of butter
• ½ cup of whipped cream

Instructions for making banana pudding from scratch 

Instant Pot banana pudding

1. In a smaller pot that can fit inside your Instant Pot’s stainless steel inner pot (3-qt. pot-in-pot), whisk together the egg yolks and milk. (I used a stainless steel mixing bowl that fit into the Instant Pot inner pot.)
2. Then add the salt, sugar, and flour until smooth and without lumps.
3. Transfer the mixture into a blender or use an electric mixer to combine the ingredients thoroughly. (I used the Instant Pot Ace blender on the pulse setting for 40 seconds.)
4. Pour 1 cup of water into the Instant Pot stainless steel inner pot. 
5. Pour the pudding mixture back into the 3-qt. smaller pot and place it in the Instant Pot baking sling. 
6. Using the sling, lower the smaller pot into the stainless steel inner pot. Alternately, place the inner rack trivet into the Instant Pot inner pot – then put the pot-in-pot pudding on top of the trivet.
7. Close the Instant Pot lid (make sure the valve is in the sealing position – up) and pressure cook on high for 12 minutes.
8. When the cooking time is finished, allow a natural release of pressure for at least 10 minutes.
9. To open the Instant Pot lid, move the valve to ‘venting’ and manually release any remaining pressure, if applicable.
10. Open the Instant Pot and remove the smaller pot with the handles of the baking sling. (Use oven mitts to remove the smaller pot if it’s sitting on the inner trivet rack and not in a baking sling.)
11. Whisk the pudding mixture until smooth and creamy. 
12. Stir in the vanilla extract, butter, and condensed milk until smooth.
13. Set aside the homemade pudding mixture.
14. How to assemble banana pudding: Line the bottom and sides of a 9×13 baking pan with Nilla Wafer cookies.
15. Add a layer of sliced bananas over the Nilla Wafers.
16. Using a small spatula, spread the warm vanilla pudding evenly over the layer of bananas.
17. Add a layer of whipped cream over the layer of pudding.
18. Sprinkle the ¼ cup of crumbled cookies all over the top layer of whipped cream.
19. Allow the banana pudding to chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
20. Serve and enjoy!

How do you adjust Instant Pot recipes for 3-qt Instant Pot? 

Instant Pot sizes range from the 3 qt.-size for meals for one or two. All the way up to the 10 qt. pot!

• Small Instant Pot 3 quart size is HERE.
• Standard-size Instant Pot 6 quart size is HERE.
• Large Instant Pot 8 quart size is HERE.
• X-large Instant Pot 10 quart size is HERE.

When scaling a recipe, it’s important to note that cook times may vary – not necessarily by half. 

If you’re preparing larger or smaller portions, it’s likely to alter the original recipe cooking time. 

Allow more time for a larger portion, and for smaller portions, check the dish at least 10 minutes early to see if it’s done to avoid overcooking or burning the food.

You can also use the dynamic recipe cards here on The Soul Food Pot. Our recipe cards allow you to adjust the serving size for the proportionate amount of ingredients for making more or less of a recipe!

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16. Black folks soul food Southern deviled eggs recipe

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17. Black folks Southern red velvet cake recipe

Do you want to make a delicious cake for your next event? 

Then why not wow the crowd with a classic Southern dessert– Black folks red velvet cake!

It’s the best way to celebrate a special occasion, from anniversaries, birthdays, graduations. Or for holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Valentine’s Day.

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18. Black folks Southern bread pudding

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19. Low country shrimp boil recipe

You’re hosting a summer party and want to serve something different. A low country boil is a perfect way to bring people together for an unforgettable meal. 

It’s a southern tradition of boiling seafood (crabs, shrimp) with vegetables (corn on the cob and potatoes). It’s perfect for any occasion – from family gatherings to tailgating parties.

It’s easy, fun, and delicious! And it tastes great with my signature seasoning blend that perfectly brings out all of the flavors in your seafood. 

Follow the below recipe to make your low country boil at home!

Game on for Instant Pot for beginners!

Ingredients

• 1 ½ pound of small-medium red or golden potatoes
• 13-oz. package of smoked sausage, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 3 ears of corn, cut into thirds (fresh or frozen corn)
• 1 tablespoon of liquid shrimp & crab boil seasoning
• 4 teaspoons of Old Bay seasoning, divided – 3½ teaspoons and ½ teaspoon
• ½ teaspoon of garlic powder
• 6-8 sprigs of fresh thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 pound of large or jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined (thawed or frozen shrimp)
• ½ cup of butter, melted
• 4 cups of water

Instructions

1. Place the potatoes, sausage, and corn in the Instant Pot stainless steel inner pot. 
2. Add the 4 cups of water into the inner pot.
3. Add the liquid shrimp & crab boil seasoning, thyme, bay leaf, and 3 ½ teaspoons of Old Bay seasoning.
4. Make sure the potatoes are submerged in the water.
5. Close the Instant Pot lid (make sure the vent is in the sealing position – up) and pressure cook on high for 8 minutes.
6. When the 8 minutes is up, open the Instant Pot lid with a manual/quick release of the remaining pressure.
7. Remove lid and add the shrimp. If needed, you can take the corn out to make room for the shrimp. 
8. Sprinkle the remaining ½ teaspoon of Old Bay seasoning on the shrimp and stir in the shrimp. 
9. Replace the Instant Pot lid and keep the Instant Pot on the ‘keep warm’ setting. 
10. Let the residual heat inside the pot cook the shrimp for about 5 minutes.
11. Open the Instant Pot lid, and sprinkle the remaining ½ a teaspoon of Old Bay seasoning onto the shrimp boil.
12. Place the butter and garlic powder in a microwave-safe bowl.
13. Microwave for about 45 seconds or until the butter melts. 
14. Pour the melted garlic butter over the shrimp boil, or use it on the side for dipping!
15. I like to serve low country boil directly from the Instant Pot inner pot, but you can also use a large spoon to transfer to a large serving bowl or dish to enjoy!

Pro tips: 

• If adding crawfish, crab, crab claws, lobster, or other shellfish like mussels or clams, you can take the corn out to make room and pressure cook on high for an additional 2 minutes.  
• You may also add coarsely chopped onion to this recipe.
• You may include lemon wedges on the side, as they’re always good pallet cleansers and fingertip cleaners when enjoying seafood and a seafood boil!

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20. Southern potato salad recipe

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21. Tuna steak Southern seasoning 

Got 3 minutes? That’s how short the cooking time is for these Instant Pot easy tuna steaks!

A simple dish that takes almost no time to prepare, and the seasoning flavor is rich and delicious!

If you’re looking for an easy dinner that does not require much clean-up, Instant Pot tuna steaks will do the trick!

This recipe uses Southern pickling spice for flavorful tuna steak, and it only takes minutes to make!

Ingredients

• 3-4 3-oz. tuna steaks
• sea salt to taste (approx. ½ a teaspoon)

For the pickling seasoning:

• approx. ½ a teaspoon of sea salt, sprinkled
• ½ a teaspoon of yellow teaspoon mustard seeds
• ½ a teaspoon of coriander seeds
• ½ a teaspoon of cloves
• ½ a teaspoon of ground allspice 
• ½ a teaspoon of black pepper
• ½ a teaspoon of chili powder
• 1 crumbled bay leaf
• ½ a cup of water

Instructions

1. Prep the fish with a generous sprinkling of sea salt on the top and bottom of the tuna steaks and set aside.
2. Mix the mustard seeds, coriander, cloves, ground allspice, black pepper, chili powder, and the crumbled bay leaf in a small bowl to make the pickling season.
3.  Rub the pickling season mixture on top of the tuna steaks.
4. Open the Instant Pot lid and pour ½ a cup of water into the bottom of the Instant Pot stainless steel inner pot.
5. Place the tuna steaks on the Instant Pot inner pot trivet rack.
6. Using the trivet handles, lower the rack with the steaks on it into the inner Pot.
7. Close the Instant Pot lid (make sure the valve is up – in the position for sealing) and turn on the ‘steam’ setting for 3 minutes.
8. When the cooking time is finished, allow a natural pressure release for at least 3 minutes.
9. To open the Instant Pot lid, move the valve to ‘venting’ and manually release any remaining pressure, if applicable.
10. Use the trivet rack’s handles to easily remove the tuna steaks from the inner pot.
11. Serve the pickling seasoning tuna steaks right away and enjoy!

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22. Southern sweet tea

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23. Creamed corn recipe in the Instant Pot

This homemade creamed corn recipe is sure to be the hit of your next get-together.

What’s the best thing about this recipe other than the Southern soul food flavors?

The taste is fresh and vibrant because it’s made easily from scratch!

Ingredients

• 3 cups of corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
• 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter
• ¼ cup yellow onion, finely chopped
• 1 clove of garlic, minced
• 1 cup of heavy whipping cream
• ¼ cup of parmesan cheese, shredded
• ½ teaspoon of salt
• ¼ teaspoon of black pepper
• ¼ cup of fresh parsley, finely chopped

Instructions

1. Turn on the Instant Pot to the sauté setting for 10 minutes (although you’ll not likely need all of this time).
2. Add the butter, onion, garlic, salt, and pepper and sauté with the Instant Pot lid off for 1-2 minutes until the onion softens.
3. Add the corn to the sauté. 
4. Then pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. 
5. Allow the corn mixture to simmer until the mixture comes to a boil.
6. Let it boil for 3 minutes.
7. Cancel the Instant Pot sauté setting and change it to the ‘keep warm’ setting.
8. Leave the creamed corn mixture on this setting for 10 minutes with the Instant Pot lid on.
9. To open the Instant Pot lid, make sure the valve is in the ‘venting’ position and manually release any remaining pressure, if applicable.
10. Turn off the Instant Pot and remove the stainless steel inner pot with the creamed corn.
11. Stir in the parmesan to melt into the corn.
12. Top with fresh chopped parsley.
13. Serve this creamed corn recipe warm, and enjoy! 

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24. Southern soul food meatloaf recipe

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25. Steve Harvey’s Southern BBQ sauce recipe

Steve Harvey shares his easy homemade Southern BBQ sauce recipe.

This Southern soul food BBQ sauce is perfect for slathering your favorite meats for Memorial Day, Juneteenth, 4th of July, Labor Day, or any other holiday.

Ingredients

• ½ a cup of apple cider vinegar
• 6 tablespoons of garlic powder
• 7 tablespoons of pure cane sugar 
• 1 bottle of Rufus Teague Honey Sweet BBQ Sauce
• 1 bottle of Rufus Teague Touch O’ Heat BBQ Sauce

Instructions

1. Place all ingredients (apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, sugar, and 2 Rufus Teague BBQ sauces) inside the Instant Pot stainless steel inner pot.
2. Fill an empty 15.25 oz. Rufus Teague bottle with water 1 ½ times, and add the water to the mixture in the pot.
3. Stir to combine the ingredients.
4. Close the Instant Pot lid and turn on the ‘slow cook’ setting for one hour.
5. This recipe makes 4 ¾ cups of BBQ sauce. 
6. Approx 2 ¾ cups will sauce a whole chicken or a rack of ribs. You’ll have approx 2 cups (a 16 oz. mason jar amount) to save for later.
7. Use approx 2 ¾ cups of BBQ sauce to coat your desired meat (Steve Harvey slathers his sauce on ribs). 
8. Store the remaining sauce in a mason jar or an airtight container.
9. Cook your BBQ sauced meat, serve, and enjoy!

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26. Soul food Southern homemade Hamburger Helper recipe

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27. Black folks creamy mashed potatoes recipe

Ingredients for Black folks creamy mashed potatoes

• 3 pounds of small red potatoes or gold potatoes
• 1 cup of chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarians)
• ½ cup of milk
• ¼ cup of heavy whipping cream
• 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon of Weber garlic and herb seasoning (or similar)
• 1 teaspoon of salt 
• ½ a teaspoon of black pepper 
• ¼ cup of fresh parsley

Instructions Black folks creamy mashed potatoes in the Instant Pot

1. Wash and scrub the potatoes. I like to use this handy vegetable scrubber HERE.
2. Open the Instant Pot lid and place the Instant Pot trivet rack inside the stainless-steel inner pot. (The trivet rack isn’t required – but it keeps the potatoes above the liquid in the pot, so they’re steaming instead of boiling.) 
3. Add the potatoes inside the pot.  
4. Pour the chicken broth over the potatoes.
5. Close the Instant Pot lid (make sure the valve is up – in the position for sealing) and pressure cook on high for 10 minutes.
6. When the cooking time is finished, allow a natural pressure release for at least 10 minutes.
7. To open the Instant Pot lid, move the valve to ‘venting’ and manually release any remaining pressure, if applicable.
8. Use an oven mitt to remove the trivet rack from under the potatoes.
9. Mash the potatoes inside the inner pot mash until you reach the desired consistency. Be careful not to overwork the potatoes, so they don’t lose their fluffy texture.
10. Add the milk, whipping cream, butter, seasoning, salt, pepper, and parsley to the mashed potatoes.
11. Use a rubber spatula to fold in and combine all the ingredients carefully.
12. Serve Black folks creamy mashed potatoes from inside the Instant Pot inner pot or transfer to a serving dish, and enjoy!

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28. Soul food Southern pasta with Italian dressing

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29. Soul food red beans and rice

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30. Southern pulled BBQ chicken

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31. Southern soul food BBQ ribs

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32. Southern soul food baked beans

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33. Instant Pot sweet potato pie

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33. Instant Pot Southern fried chicken

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