Southern Instant Pot Collard Greens

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it offers all the classic Southern flavor without spending hours at the stove. The Instant Pot makes the greens perfectly tender while locking in moisture and flavor. I also appreciate how easy it is to prepare with simple ingredients, making it an excellent choice for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• collard greens, washed, trimmed, and chopped
• bacon, chopped or smoked turkey, diced
• onion, diced
• garlic, minced
• chicken broth
• apple cider vinegar
• brown sugar
• butter
• smoked paprika
• crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• salt
• black pepper

Directions

1. I set the Instant Pot to the sauté function and cook the bacon until it becomes crispy, or lightly brown the smoked turkey if I am using it.
2. I add the onion and cook until it becomes soft and translucent.
3. I stir in the garlic and cook for about one minute until fragrant.
4. I pour in the chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, and brown sugar, stirring to combine.
5. I add the chopped collard greens to the Instant Pot, pressing them down gently as they begin to wilt.
6. I season the greens with smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if I want a little heat.
7. I add the butter, secure the lid, and cook on high pressure for about 25 minutes.
8. I allow the pressure to release naturally for about 10 minutes before carefully releasing any remaining pressure.
9. I stir the greens well and serve them warm with some of the flavorful cooking broth.

Servings and Timing

I usually prepare this recipe in about 50 minutes.

• Servings: 6
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Natural Release: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes

Variations

I sometimes use smoked ham hocks instead of bacon for a more traditional Southern flavor. When I want a vegetarian version, I replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the meat while adding a little liquid smoke for smoky flavor. I also enjoy adding sliced smoked sausage or extra crushed red pepper flakes for additional richness and heat.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftover Southern Instant Pot Collard Greens in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When I reheat them, I warm them gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through. I add a splash of broth if needed to keep the greens moist. I can also freeze the cooked greens for up to 3 months and thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use frozen collard greens?

Yes. I often use frozen collard greens when fresh ones are unavailable. I simply reduce the preparation time since they are already cleaned and chopped.

How long should I cook collard greens in the Instant Pot?

I find that about 25 minutes on high pressure with a 10-minute natural release produces tender greens with excellent flavor.

Can I make this recipe without meat?

Yes. I prepare a vegetarian version by using vegetable broth and omitting the bacon or smoked turkey. I sometimes add smoked paprika or liquid smoke for extra depth.

Why do I add apple cider vinegar?

I add apple cider vinegar because it brightens the rich flavors of the greens and balances the savory broth beautifully.

What dishes pair well with Southern Instant Pot Collard Greens?

I enjoy serving them with cornbread, fried chicken, pulled pork, baked ham, barbecue ribs, black-eyed peas, or macaroni and cheese.

Conclusion

I always enjoy making Southern Instant Pot Collard Greens because they offer all the comforting flavors of traditional Southern cooking in much less time. The tender greens, smoky seasonings, and flavorful broth create a side dish that pairs perfectly with a wide variety of meals. Whether I prepare them for a holiday gathering or a simple family dinner, they always bring warmth and classic Southern flavor to the table.

Southern Instant Pot Collard Greens

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Southern Instant Pot Collard Greens are a comforting side dish with tender greens cooked in a smoky, savory broth in a fraction of the traditional time. Perfect for weeknight dinners or holiday meals, they pair beautifully with classic Southern favorites.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Pressure Cook
• Cuisine: Southern
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

• 2 lbs collard greens, washed, trimmed, and chopped
• 6 slices bacon, chopped, or 1 cup diced smoked turkey
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

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Instructions

1. Set the Instant Pot to the sauté function and cook the bacon until crispy, or lightly brown the smoked turkey if using.
2. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 4 to 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Pour in the chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, and brown sugar, stirring to combine.
5. Add the chopped collard greens, pressing them down gently as they begin to wilt.
6. Season with smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Add the butter.
7. Secure the lid, set the Instant Pot to High Pressure, and cook for 25 minutes.
8. Allow a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then carefully release any remaining pressure.
9. Stir the greens well and serve warm with some of the flavorful cooking broth.

Notes

• Use smoked ham hocks for a traditional Southern flavor.
• For a vegetarian version, substitute vegetable broth, omit the meat, and add a little liquid smoke.
• Add sliced smoked sausage for a heartier dish.
• Increase the crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freeze for up to 3 months and thaw overnight before reheating.
• Add a splash of broth when reheating to keep the greens moist.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 170 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 640 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg