Sharing is caring!

Instant Pot Collard Greens is a perfect southern dish that is full of flavor and is delicious that is ready in no time at all thanks to your Instant Pot. 

Instant Pot Collard Greens

If you have ever been to the south there is a good chance you have tasted collard greens. Normally they take several hours to become soft and tender and full of flavor, but thanks to the Instant Pot they are ready in less than 40 minutes. We love Instant Pot Collard greens in our house as much as we love Instant Pot Creamed Brussel Sprouts. 

Why are collard greens bitter?

Collard greens tend to be a little on the bitter side for some people. They produce a bitter oil naturally called glucosinolate. This is released as they cook and as you chew.

To remove the bitterness you want to add a good balance of sweetness, acid, and heat to combat it which this recipe has. 

How to make Instant Pot Collard Greens

• Prepare the electric pressure cooker by setting the “saute” function. When the pressure cooker reads “hot,” add the bacon, ham, and onion. Cook, stirring often, for 5 to 6 minutes or until the onion is softened.

• Deglaze the bottom of the electric pressure cooker pot by adding the chicken broth and scraping the bottom with a wooden spoon. 
• Add the vinegar, brown sugar, and seasonings to the meat and chicken broth. Stir to combine.

• Top the meat broth with the collard greens. Pack in tightly to fit. (If using a smaller electric pressure cooker, allow the collards to cook uncovered on the saute function until all of the collard greens fit.)

• Cover the electric pressure cooker, setting the valve to sealing, and program on the “manual” or “pressure cook” function for 6 minutes. 
• When the cook cycle is complete, allow the pressure cooker to naturally release the pressure for 5 minutes before using a quick release to allow the remaining pressure to escape.
• Remove the lid and stir the contents.

Tips Tricks and FAQs

• Be sure to remove the stems of the collard greens and set them aside. 
• You will want to wash your collard greens several times before cooking.  A salad spinner works great for this if you have one. 
• Use leftover ham, or a ham hock if available to make your Instant Pot Collard Greens if you want another option from bacon. 
• If collard greens aren’t your thing you can use mustard greens, chard, or kale to create this same recipe. You may need to adjust your cooking time. 
• Add the seasoning a little at a time and taste in between. 

Storage

Fridge

You will want to store your leftover collard greens in the fridge for up to 5 days in an airtight container. 

Freezer

To freeze, you will want to add collard greens in a freezer safe bag. Add it with the broth and juice. The greens will be super flavorful when you thaw them. 

They will last up to 2 months in the freezer.

What goes well with collard greens?

Collard greens are traditionally served with BBQ. I love serving them with mac and cheese and cheesy bread as well. 

Try these other Instant Pot favorites!

Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes

Instant Pot Bacon Jam

Instant Pot Mashed Cauliflower

Sharing is caring!