The moment you inhale the earthy aroma of collard greens simmering in your Instant Pot, your heart skips a beat. It’s as if you’re being transported to a Southern kitchen on a Sunday afternoon, where the warmth of family and laughter fills the air. Tender, vibrant greens swimming in a savory broth just waiting to be devoured—this is what comfort food dreams are made of. Now, imagine the joy of whipping up this dish in under an hour. Yes, please! For more inspiration, check out this cozy cabbage soup recipe recipe.
Picture this: You gather around the table with loved ones, the rich flavor of garlic and smoky bacon wafting through the room. As everyone digs into these succulent Instant Pot Collard Greens, laughter ensues, stories are shared, and memories are made. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a festive gathering, this dish promises to elevate any occasion to memorable heights.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Instant Pot Collard Greens recipe is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- The flavor profile boasts a delightful mix of savory and slightly sweet notes that will tantalize your taste buds.
- The vibrant green color adds visual appeal to your plate and brightens any meal.
- Versatile enough to pair with various proteins or serve as a standalone side dish, it’s sure to please everyone at the table.
Ingredients for Instant Pot Collard Greens
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Fresh Collard Greens: Choose tender leaves; they should be bright green without any yellowing for the best flavor.
- Bacon or Smoked Turkey: Adds a smoky richness; choose your favorite for that extra depth in flavor.
- Onion: A medium onion chopped finely will enhance sweetness and depth in your greens.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves minced will give that necessary kick and aromatic quality.
- Chicken Broth: Using low-sodium broth lets you control salt levels while adding rich flavor.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Just a pinch will add a slight heat; adjust according to your spice preference.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: A splash at the end brightens flavors and adds tanginess.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Instant Pot Collard Greens
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by washing the fresh collard greens thoroughly under cold water to remove any grit. Remove the tough stems and chop them into bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: Sauté the Bacon
Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode and add bacon or smoked turkey. Cook until crispy and browned—this usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Remove them from the pot but keep all those glorious drippings.
Step 3: Sauté Onion and Garlic
In those delicious drippings left behind, toss in the chopped onion and sauté until translucent (around 3-4 minutes). Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Add Collard Greens
Carefully add chopped collard greens into the pot. Don’t worry if they seem piled high—they’ll wilt down! Stir them with onion and garlic for an even distribution.
Step 5: Season and Add Liquid
Sprinkle red pepper flakes over the greens for heat (or skip if you’re not feeling spicy). Pour in chicken broth followed by apple cider vinegar. Stir everything gently.
Step 6: Cook Under Pressure
Seal your Instant Pot lid securely, ensuring it’s set to “sealing.” Cook on high pressure for about 30 minutes. Once done, let it naturally release pressure for about ten minutes before manually releasing any remaining steam.
Transfer to plates as an elegant yet comforting side dish or serve it as a hearty main by pairing with cornbread! Enjoy every last bite of these mouth-watering Instant Pot Collard Greens that are bound to become a family favorite!
You Must Know
- This delightful Instant Pot collard greens recipe not only packs a flavorful punch but also saves you time in the kitchen.
- With a vibrant mix of spices and a hint of smokiness, it’s sure to impress your family and friends while making mealtime easy and enjoyable.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by sautéing some aromatic onions and garlic in your Instant Pot. Next, add the collard greens along with your favorite broth and seasonings. Seal the lid, set the timer, and let the magic happen. Trust me, it’s simpler than making a peanut butter sandwich!
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out collard greens for kale or mustard greens if you’re feeling adventurous. You can also add a splash of hot sauce for a kick or some diced tomatoes for extra flavor. The possibilities are endless—just like my love for snacks!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover collard greens in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. To reheat, simply warm them on the stovetop or microwave until heated through. Just remember: nobody likes cold greens!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always rinse collard greens thoroughly to remove any grit before cooking.
- If you’re using smoked meat, add it early to infuse flavors throughout.
- Don’t forget to taste as you go; seasoning is key to perfection!
There was that unforgettable dinner party when I served these Instant Pot collard greens alongside cornbread. Everyone raved about how tender and flavorful they were! It felt like I had won a Michelin star right in my kitchen!
FAQs :
What are Instant Pot Collard Greens?
Instant Pot Collard Greens are a delicious and nutritious dish made using collard greens cooked in an electric pressure cooker. This method significantly reduces cooking time compared to traditional stovetop methods while preserving flavors and nutrients. The result is tender, flavorful greens that can be seasoned with various spices, meats, or broth. This dish pairs well with cornbread or as a side to a hearty meal. For more inspiration, check out this huevos rancheros recipe recipe.
How do you prepare collard greens for the Instant Pot?
To prepare collard greens for the Instant Pot, first wash the leaves thoroughly to remove any grit. Remove the tough stems and chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces. In your Instant Pot, sauté onions and garlic until fragrant, then add the chopped collard greens along with your choice of broth or seasoning. Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for about 15 minutes for perfectly tender greens.
Can I make Instant Pot Collard Greens vegetarian?
Yes! You can easily make Instant Pot Collard Greens vegetarian by omitting meat-based ingredients. Instead of using ham hocks or bacon for flavoring, opt for vegetable broth and add seasonings such as smoked paprika or liquid smoke to achieve a rich taste without meat. This way, you can enjoy a plant-based version that still packs plenty of flavor.
How long do Instant Pot Collard Greens last in the fridge?
Instant Pot Collard Greens can last in the fridge for up to five days when stored in an airtight container. To maintain their freshness, ensure the greens have cooled completely before refrigerating. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them in portions. When ready to eat, simply reheat them on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Conclusion for Instant Pot Collard Greens :
In summary, Instant Pot Collard Greens offer a quick and easy way to enjoy this nutritious green vegetable without sacrificing flavor or texture. By using your pressure cooker, you can prepare tender collards infused with rich seasonings in record time. creamy mashed potatoes recipe Whether you choose to enhance your dish with meat or keep it vegetarian, these collard greens serve as a versatile side that complements many meals beautifully. Enjoy experimenting with different flavors and make this recipe your own!
Instant Pot Collard Greens
Instant Pot Collard Greens are a quick and flavorful side dish that brings the essence of Southern cuisine to your table in under an hour. Tender collard greens are infused with the savory richness of smoky bacon and aromatic garlic, creating a comforting dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or festive gatherings. Serve these vibrant greens alongside cornbread or your favorite protein for a meal that’s sure to impress.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Pressure Cooking
- Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh collard greens, chopped
- 4 slices bacon or ½ cup smoked turkey
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Wash collard greens thoroughly under cold water, remove tough stems, and chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Set Instant Pot to sauté mode and cook bacon or smoked turkey until crispy (5-7 minutes). Remove and keep drippings.
- In the drippings, sauté onion until translucent (3-4 minutes), then add garlic and cook until fragrant (1 minute).
- Add collard greens to the pot, stirring to combine with onion and garlic.
- Sprinkle red pepper flakes over the greens, pour in chicken broth and apple cider vinegar; gently stir.
- Seal lid and cook on high pressure for 30 minutes. Allow for natural pressure release for 10 minutes before manually releasing remaining steam.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: For a vegetarian version, replace bacon with vegetable broth and use smoked paprika for flavor. Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to four days or frozen for longer storage.




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