This Southern-Style Instant Pot Collard Greens recipe offers a quick and easy way to create this traditional dish without sacrificing the rich, savory taste that makes it a favorite. This pressure cooker method brings you tender, flavorful collard greens are seasoned with smoked turkey, ham hocks, or bacon in a fraction of the usual cooking time.
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Cooking collard greens in the Instant Pot is the new wave for us. The cook time is amazing and will save you a ton of extra time, especially around the holidays.
Collard greens are loaded with essential vitamins and minerals.
Table of Contents
Brandi's Key Ingredients
- Collard Greens
- Olive Oil
- Smoked Turkey or Ham Hock
- Broth
- Onions
- Garlic
- Spices
Are Collard Greens Healthy?
A serving of collards is lower in calories and higher in calcium and still has the same vitamins as kale. Many argue that collard greens are a healthier alternative to kale. Check out this post on Ditching Kale for Collard Greens.
What Type of Greens to Use and How to Shop for Them
I like to buy pre-washed and pre-cut collard greens. Glory Greens makes a batch that I love. You can visit their site and type in your zip code to find a location that carries them in your area. Pre-washed greens cuts down the prep time DRAMATICALLY and pairs well with the speedy time of cooking greens in an Instant Pot.
If you're buying whole, leafy greens, choose collard that are a deep, vibrant green with no yellowing or browning. Bright, fresh leaves indicate the greens were recently harvested and will have the best flavor. The leaves should be firm and crisp, not limp or wilting. Avoid bunches with holes or tears, as these may indicate pest damage.
How to Wash Greens
If you aren't using pre-washed and pre-cut you will have to clean and cut them yourself. It can be very time consuming, especially depending on how big your batch of greens is. If you’re using pre-washed, keep them refrigerated and consume them as soon as possible, as they tend to spoil faster than whole, unwashed greens.
Here’s how you wash full stem greens:
- Remove the Stems: Start by cutting or tearing the leaves away from the tough stems. You can fold the leaf in half and slice along the stem to remove it, or simply tear it away by hand.
- Rinse Each Leaf: Give each leaf a quick rinse under cold running water to remove loose dirt and debris before soaking them.
- Soak in Cold Water: Fill a large bowl, basin, or clean sink with cold water. Submerge the greens and gently swish them around. The dirt and grit will sink to the bottom of the bowl or sink. Let the greens sit for a few minutes to loosen any remaining dirt.
- Rinse and Repeat: Lift the greens out of the water (don’t pour the water out with the greens still in it, or you’ll dump the dirt back on them). Drain and discard the dirty water, then refill the bowl or sink with fresh cold water. Repeat the soaking and swishing process 2-3 times until the water is clear and free of dirt.
- Dry the Greens: After washing, shake off excess water from the leaves. Pat dry.
- Optional: For extra cleaning power, add a splash of white vinegar or a teaspoon of baking soda to the water. This can help remove bacteria and pesticide residues.
Check out this post for more helpful tips on How to Clean Collard Greens.
What Type of Meat to Use for Seasoning
My family switched from using salt pork and ham hocks to season our greens years ago. We now use either a smoked turkey leg or turkey wing. I love to use turkey wings, too, but sometimes they are harder to find.
You can of course still use ham hocks, salt pork, country ham, or even bacon to season the greens. If you are planning to use bacon I recommend that you cook the bacon in the Instant Pot on the Saute' function, and omit the olive oil used in this recipe. Cook the onions in the bacon fat.
Remove the bacon and crumble. Set aside until after the collards have cooked. Sprinkle the bacon throughout once cooked.
For spices I like to use my Homemade Collard Greens Seasoning or Creole Seasoning.
How to Make Instant Pot Southern Collard Greens
Detailed measurements and full instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
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- Add olive oil and onions to the pot on Saute mode. Cook until translucent and then add garlic.
- Add the collard greens, smoked turkey, chicken broth, and Creole Seasoning to the pot.
- Close the lid and seal.
- Pressure Cook.
Cook Time/How Long to Cook
Cook the collard greens for 25 minutes with a quick release of the steam.
How to Double the Collard Greens Recipe
Greens will wilt... A TON! When you first add them to the pot it will feel like a lot, but they will shrink a lot. I have fit 2 pounds of greens in my 6 quart Instant Pot, easily.
So you can double the recipe (I would opt for the same size smoked turkey, or no more than a half pound larger), but keep the cooking time the same.
If you have an 8 quart you can fit a ton more collards in the pot!
Collard Greens Storage and Freezing Tips
You can refrigerate collard greens for 3-4 days. I like to freeze collards in sealable plastic bags with the broth and juice. When you defrost the greens won't be dry and they will retain their flavor.
Vegetarian or Vegan Collard Greens
You can omit the smoked meat for meatless greens and add flavors like liquid smoke, paprika, red pepper flakes, or vegetable bouillon cubes for flavor.
No serving of collard greens would be complete without a nice slice of cornbread. Pair this with my Southern Style Homemade Cornbread.
More Recipes for Greens
Check out the Best Southern Soul Food Collard Greens Recipes here.
Southern Turnip Greens
Collard Greens and Ham Hocks
Southern Collard Greens with Smoked Turkey
Slow Cooker Crockpot Collard Greens
Mixed Greens with Collards and Turnips
Sauteed Collard Greens
More Southern Recipes
Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes
Instant Pot Southern Style Green Beans
Okra and Tomatoes
Instant Pot Cabbage
Southern Style Baked Mac and Cheese
Instant Pot Gumbo
Instant Pot Black Eyed Peas
Southern Potato Salad
Instant Pot Corn on the Cob
Air Fryer Corn on the Cob
Holiday Recipes
Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce
Instant Pot Turkey Breast
Air Fryer Turkey
Click here for a complete listing of Instant Pot Recipes and Southern Soul Food Recipes. Watch step by step video instructions on how to make this recipe here on Youtube.
Instant Pot Southern Collard Greens
Want to save this recipe for later?
I'll email it to you, so you can come back to it later! You will also get our free digital cookbook with 30-Minute One-Pot Recipes and weekly recipes and tips.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup chopped white onion
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 pound collard greens trimmed and washed, I buy pre-washed. You can also do a mix of greens. I often do ¾ths collards and ¼ mustard greens.
- 1 smoked turkey leg or turkey wing (about 1 pound to 1 ½ pounds) fully cooked, You can find turkey legs and wings at most grocers. You can also use ham hocks if you wish.
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- ½ tablespoon Creole Seasoning
Instructions
- Place the Instant Pot on the Sauté function. Add the olive oil and onions to the pot.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes until translucent and fragrant. Add the garlic or the pot and stir.
- Next, add half of the collard greens to the pot. Layer in the turkey leg and add the remaining greens to the pot. Don’t worry the greens will wilt down a ton.
- Add the chicken broth and Creole seasoning.
- Place the lid on the pot and seal.
- Cook for 25 minutes on Manual > High Pressure Cooking.
- When the pot indicates it has finished, quick release the steam.
- Open the pot and remove the turkey. Shred the meat from the bone and return the meat to the pot.
- Stir to combine and serve.
Video
Notes
- You can of course still use ham hocks, salt pork, country ham, or even bacon to season the greens. If you are planning to use bacon I recommend that you cook the bacon in the Instant Pot on the Saute' function, and omit the olive oil used in this recipe. Cook the onions in the bacon fat. Remove the bacon and crumble. Set aside until after the collards have cooked. Sprinkle the bacon throughout once cooked.
- Once the greens have cooked, taste repeatedly for flavor. I never add salt to the greens because the smoked turkey does the job, but I do taste to see if it needs more Creole Seasoning.
- If you like vinegar on your collard greens (my mom eats them this way!) add it in after the collard greens have been pressure cooked.
- I have fit 2 pounds of greens in my 6 quart Instant Pot, easily. So you can double the recipe (I would opt for the same size smoked turkey or no more than a half pound larger), but keep the cooking time the same. If you have an 8 quart you can fit a ton more collards in the pot!
- You can refrigerate collard greens for 5-7 days. I like to freeze collards in sealable plastic bags with the broth and juice. When you defrost the greens won't be dry and they will retain their flavor.
Nutrition
Nutrition Data
Macros are provided as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. This information is calculated using MyFitnessPal.com. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.
Martinez Dupaty says
I use smoked turkey butt .
staysnatched says
Thanks for sharing.
Shay says
I've always been nervous about making my own collard greens. Growing up, they were a staple-especially on Sundays. Today, I decided to face my fears armed with this recipe and oh my goodness! They exceeded my expectations! They are now in rotation for Sunday meals!
staysnatched says
Wonderful! I'm glad to hear it.
Jazmin C says
Hi,
Could I add cabbage to this recipe? If so, does anything change like time, flavor?
Thank you!
staysnatched says
I've never tried it. It will probably work.
Rochelle says
This is perfect! I’ve used it about 10 times already. It’s super easy and flavorful. Thank you!
staysnatched says
You're welcome. I'm glad you enjoyed it!
Adrienne says
These were great! Next Thanksgiving I’m going to have to double the recipe! Thank you!!!!
staysnatched says
Gotta have double!
Mikki says
Delicious. I made these before and came back to repeat the recipe - thanks for sharing!
staysnatched says
You're welcome. I'm glad you enjoy them.
Frances says
a favorite way to make collard greens. I cook it with the smoked turkey leg and then take off the meat and use it a anyone wants it, rather then stiring back into the collards. Made this with black eyed peas for a perfect New Years Eve dinner. I make these collards often, with or without the meat. Thank you.
staysnatched says
You're welcome. I'm glad you enjoyed them.
Kristi says
This recipe was excellent. I doubled the greens but kept the seasoning and onions/garlic the same. Perfect taste for everyone at the table. Of course I put hot sauce and chow chow on the table so folks could season to their taste. TY for a great recipe
staysnatched says
You're welcome! I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Aisha K. says
I love greens and especially in my instant pot! Ever since she dropped this recipe I haven’t looked back.
staysnatched says
haha same here!
Lee Ann Guynn says
Ys Mam! This is the one! I've been making collards for many years, but this is now my go-to recipe. They never disappoint , and save me hours of simmering! Tender and full of flavor.
staysnatched says
Yes! A favorite method!
Malika J. says
So many of my reviews say I’m making something for the first time and these collards are no exception. I was not big on cooking prior to finding your website! Now between your recipes, the instant pot, and air fryer you can’t tell me sh*t! I omitted the meat from the recipe, so did add a tad mole seasoning, but following your directions led to PERFECTLY textured greens. Buying the pre cut and pre washed bag was an excellent suggestion as well. Can’t wait to be off this fast so I can throw some ham hock in there to set it off!
staysnatched says
YUM!
MaryAnne says
Been on my list to make for a minute. These were great with the ham bone from Easter I had in my freezer. So easy in the IP. Perfect recipe to double and freeze in my souper cubes!
staysnatched says
Wonderful! I'm glad you enjoyed them.
Gracie A. says
Stay snatched instant pot collards are my go to ! So tender and flavorful and did I mention EASY recipe !?!
staysnatched says
So glad to hear this!
Lori says
This is the only way I prepare my greens now. I like to mix the greens, also. I don 't like
using the pre-washed greens. They have too many stems for me. I find myself picking through them to take a lot of the stems out. I buy them when there are no fresh greens.
A quick tip: I buy my smoked turkey legs, wings, or necks from H-Mart. They sell them already diced. So convenient when the turkey parts are too large for your pot.
Happy Thanksgiving!!
staysnatched says
So glad to hear it!
Tamika says
This recipe!!! The best greens I have had. I am so glad I tried these for Thanksgiving. They are a hit and will be a staple for me. You really do not miss with these recipes!
staysnatched says
Thank you!
Tye says
Made these for thanksgiving and they were a hit! I have some leftover bags so I’ll be making more before they expire.
staysnatched says
So glad to hear it!
Phil says
If I double the recipe (2 lbs collard greens) do I need to double the other ingredients, too?
staysnatched says
It’s depends. Check out the notes to this recipe. It outlines this for you.
Emily says
I didn't grow up eating collard greens, but the first time I tried them I was hooked! I have made these several times with bacon and they never disappoint. Thanks for giving this midwestern girl lots of amazing Southern recipes!
staysnatched says
Glad to hear it!
Ashley says
I’ve reviewed this recipe in the past but I have to leave another one because it’s been a while. I make these collard greens so much I have the recipe memorized. Every family get together I’m on duty for collards and I tell everyone I owe it all to Brandi!
staysnatched says
Thank you Ashley!
Elizabeth says
Back here again! Always my go to recipe!
staysnatched says
So glad to hear it!
TS says
Got my greens in for the New Year. So easy & so delicious.
staysnatched says
A must!
Christine Parthenay says
This recipe is so easy! Turns out awesome every time. We have used smoked turkey, hammocks and homemade smoked ham. Used whole sliced white onion.
staysnatched says
Yum!
Dwayne J says
Great recipe. Very flavorful. Family really enjoyed this.
staysnatched says
I'm so glad the family enjoyed it!