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.
- 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
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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.
Shannon E says
This is my new go-to collard greens recipe. It's simple and sssooo good!
staysnatched says
I'm so glad you enjoyed them!
Orvina says
I’ve always been nervous to make collard greens because I want them to taste a certain way (like how I grew up) and I never thought I could achieve this flavor. But of course Stay Snatched got me covered! I tried this for quarantined Easter and it was soooooo good! I followed the recipe exactly how it’s written except I couldn’t find any turkey so I had to use bacon. But it still came out bomb AF! I took some to my neighbor for a second opinion and she started to do a happy dance! Nailed it! Lol!
staysnatched says
I love that you got a second opinion!
Keri says
These were fantastic! I made these for a Easter. My first time making greens and I had big shoes to fill. My BF LOVED them and I have been eating them non stop. Going to get more and meal prep them for lazy nights.
Thank you!
staysnatched says
These are great for meal prep!
Holly says
I have scrolled through a dozen times and can’t find the recipe card for the ingredients. Help please!!
staysnatched says
It’s directly above the comment box you used to type this comment.
Holly says
I might have to use my desktop cause it’s not there. I’ve had 3 people look at my phone. I’ve made these before and they are dynamite! Just didn’t memorize the recipe. I’ll keep looking! Thanks ?
Stephanie says
Do you cook the turkey leg first or does everything cook together in the instant pot.
staysnatched says
You buy the turkey leg already smoked.
C Carter says
I made collard greens today in my Instant Pot using this recipe. I will be honest. I was very skepticall. Listen, this recipe did NOT disappoint. It was super easy and the greens turned out moist and flavorful. I will also say this was my first time using our Instant Pot. I will be making this recipe again and trying more of the recipes on this site. Brandi, thank you for sharing this recipe. It is clutch!
staysnatched says
I’m glad you got to use your Instant Pot.
Crystal says
Once again you hit it out of the park! You make it so easy to eat good!! These were delicious.
staysnatched says
Yay! I'm so glad you enjoyed them!
Fantasia says
Do you use low sodium chicken broth and can you and a low carb sweetener?
staysnatched says
Sure if you want.
Eliscia says
First time making collard greens using this recipe. Couldn’t be easier. Loved the flavor. These recipes are giving me life and getting me back into the kitchen.
staysnatched says
I'm glad to get you back in the kitchen!
gloria randall says
hello brandi! I love your website and am a subscriber.
what can one use as a substitute for the southern collard greens if cannot find fresh or smoked turkey wings?
staysnatched says
Hi there. There's a list of substitutions in the Notes of the recipe.
Kelly C says
I do not have an instant pot. Is it possible to make this recipe without one?
staysnatched says
Yes. Follow the instructions here: https://www.staysnatched.com/mustard-greens/
Amanda says
I had tried a different recipe for greens a friend had given me in my first attempt at greens. They didn’t sure out that great and my fiancé was very underwhelmed. Then I found this recipe and he was blown away by them! He said they tasted like his mom’s, which is a huge compliment! This is the only recipe I’ll be using now. The instant pot made it so easy to make.
staysnatched says
Wonderful! That's so good to hear.
Stephanie Tate says
So good! Seriously, I’ll never make collards on the stove again. Easy, flavorful holiday staple! Can’t wait to make again for Thanksgiving!
staysnatched says
Yay! I hope you enjoy them for your holiday meal.
Gay Springfield says
HELP HELP
I bought raw turkey legs by mistake. What do I do? Three of them are thawed and need to be cooked. Please help me. I am having high anxiety.
staysnatched says
For flavor you would need to smoke them. If you can't do that you can substitute with something like bacon.
Monique Jones says
My mom passed away this year and that was a recipe I didn’t get from her. I tried this recipe for thanksgiving and I love it. You never disappoint! Thank you!
staysnatched says
This truly warms my heart. I'm glad you found a recipe that will work for you.
Lori says
After sauteeing the onion and garlic, I realized my gargantuan smoked turkey drumstick was too large to fit in my 6q Instant Pot. Into a regular pot on the stove it went, but I look forward to trying this with a smaller leg or perhaps a ham hock in the IP in the future!
staysnatched says
I like to grab turkey wings when I see really large legs. Can't wait for you to try it.
Hannah says
Let me start off by saying that I have yet to come across one of Brandi’s recipes that isn’t a hit, and this one is no exception. I love greens but have never once even considered making them myself until seeing this recipe.
This recipe was so simple- like, to the point that I kept rechecking the recipe out of concern that I had missed something- and so, so GOOD. Not only did I make these for Thanksgiving, but I made them without a test run. That’s how much I trust Brandi’s recipes. This one will definitely be a new staple in my rotation.
staysnatched says
This warms my heart! I'm glad you enjoyed them.
M.T. says
These instant pot greens are the business!! I used to always make them in the crockpot.. never again. Stay snatched recipe from here on out!
staysnatched says
haha love it! I'm glad you enjoyed.
Linda says
This was so simple to make, i added red pepper flakes besides it was awesome!
staysnatched says
That sounds so good! I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Melissa says
It was a hit at the Thanksgiving table! I used double the greens and used turkey necks because that’s what I could find but it still came out great.
staysnatched says
Yay! I'm sure it did!
Kurt says
Delicious recipe! I used fresh collards from the farmers market with smoked turkey leg from the butcher and this was by far my favorite version. A lot of collard greens I've had are bitter or sweet so I am in usually not a fan (maybe it's because I'm in California). I look forward to making it again soon!
staysnatched says
Yes! I'm so glad you enjoyed the recipe.
Shannon H says
This is the first time I made Greens. My niece usually makes them for Holidays. But since we weren’t together, and I needed them I used this recipe. So easy and effortless. This is going to be a regular rotation in my menus.
staysnatched says
I'm glad your first time was a success!
Rochelle Morgan says
Tried this on Thanksgiving! Greens in less than hour?! What?! Yep and good too! You are a life and holiday saver!!!
staysnatched says
Yes! These are definitely a life saver for the holidays.
Tiffani says
Ooohhhhhhhh BRANDI!!!!!! I actually have always hated greens. My mom would make me wash them, and she made sure I knew how to cook them, but, I very, very rarely ate them. But I wanted to try, so I could cook some for my grandmother regularly. These taste JUST like my mom's. But so much easier!!! I hate that I only got one bag!! I could only find salt pork, but, I can't wait to try with smoked turkey.
staysnatched says
Haha! I love that! I'm so glad you enjoyed the recipe.
Jessica says
Delicious and easy!
staysnatched says
Yes! easy and delish are key!
Monica Cole says
This one is literally a fan favorite! So fast and flavorful! My husband was so impressed, mostly at the short length of time, he told his entire group chat of nine other men who requested the recipe so he sent them the link and they are all looking forward to trying it!
staysnatched says
That's awesome! Thanks for sharing the link!
WILL GIBBONS says
Hey Brandi, I've tried making Collards like this in the instant pot, but my extended black family says they're not cooked enough. The women like to do 6 hrs or so of slow cooking. What's your take?
staysnatched says
They're cooked long enough for me. I've never cooked collards on the stove for 6 hours. So it sounds like your family likes to eat them a lot differently. You will have to keep experimenting with the times to see what will suit their needs.
Kate says
Easy, full of flavor and I appreciate the tips for freezing leftovers. Thank you!
staysnatched says
You're welcome! I'm glad you enjoyed the recipe.
Ashley says
These were a huge hit at Christmas! Lots of flavor in a short amount of time. Thanks so much for a delicious recipe.
staysnatched says
You're welcome! I'm so glad you enjoyed the recipe.
Natalie says
I’m pretty sure I make this AT LEAST once a week, and always buy out my store’s stock of packaged collards! I use bacon instead of the turkey leg because I always seem to have a few leftover slices in my fridge and it’s amazing!
staysnatched says
haha I buy out my store, too!
Christina Smith says
Brandi, Brandi, Brandi! Thanks to you I no longer stand over my slow cooker in anticipation for my collards to be done. Going the Instant Pot route is The Way! 25 minutes & DONE!
staysnatched says
Yes! So quick and easy.
Molly says
This is my first year making New Year greens without my dad giving me directions over my shoulder and this recipe made it so easy! Subbed the ham for bacon and added a little bit of vinegar, just like the recipe said I could. They had so much flavor and everything was perfectly cooked! Thank you for such an easy & delicious recipe!
staysnatched says
Yes! Vinegar is a nice touch!
Eunice says
These are good Brandi! I froze some for later.
staysnatched says
Awesome! I'm so glad you enjoyed them!
DeAdra says
This is a great way to cook greens! Fast and delicious. No changes needed followed exactly and they came out perfect.
staysnatched says
So glad to hear you didn't need to change the recipe!
Lanisha says
I used this recipe all the time for weekly meal prepping! Like, everyone else I wouldn’t make greens because I didn’t think they would taste as good as my mom’s and grandmas. So happy to have found your site, definitely my go to recipe! I even used the recipe for Thanksgiving! All of your recipes are amazing!
staysnatched says
Thank you so much! I'm glad you enjoyed them.
Tiffani says
Currently making these for the third time since Thanksgiving. Mainly because they were on sale. But now I've got to find room in my freezer. And I am determined to find a smoked turkey leg or wing for next time.
staysnatched says
Yes. I hope you find one!
Krazy Kapricorn says
Finally made this recipe & it was amazing! I added 1/2 tsp cayenne & crushed red pepper flakes for more heat. I paired it with her keto cornbread recipe & it did not disappoint!
staysnatched says
Yay! I'm so glad you enjoyed them.
Gracie says
Super easy recipe. These greens turned out sooo tender and flavorful. I used a smoked turkey thigh in mine. I will never make collard greens on stove top again !
staysnatched says
I'm with you! Instant Pot Collard Greens only!
Chloe Frew says
This recipe was amazing! We made it for Christmas. I used to work at a restaurant that has the best collard greens and I’ve been looking for a recipe that can match it. These don’t match it... they beat it! This will now be a holiday staple in our house.
staysnatched says
Yay! I'm so glad you enjoyed these.
Shunta says
These were SO delicious and so easy! And I didn't have to stand over a stove pouring more and more water in like I usually have to on the stove!
staysnatched says
That's a definite perk!
Darrell says
This is the best recipe by far for instant pot greens. The texture of the greens are just how I remember my mother slow cooking them for hours over a hot stove. Thanks to stay snatched, we all can make these greens in less time and still have the flavor of our ancestors! This recipe will be the only one I use from now on!
staysnatched says
I'm so glad you enjoy the texture.
Beeloved Acres says
Another winner! Using smoked turkey is a great alternative and the results=delicious. Thanks for the tip on freezing greens!
staysnatched says
You're welcome! I'm glad you enjoyed them.
Anna says
Brandi does no wrong. If you’re looking for a delicious collard greens recipe, this is the one. Everything she touches is gold.
staysnatched says
Thank you so much! I appreciate that.
Nancylynn says
I have never made Collard Greens before, but you have made it so simple for me! Cannot wait to try it - thank you, Brandi!
staysnatched says
You're welcome! I'm glad it was simple for you.
Fallon West says
Best collard greens recipe ever! My husband was very adamant that he would not like them because he's never liked them....he's obsessed with these now!
staysnatched says
Yay! Glad to hear it.
Cierra says
This recipe was amazing! I’m used to having to do a multi-step process that takes hours for collard greens so I wasn’t sure what to expect. I knew it would be good but had a slight question about flavor depth. Well let me tell you...there’s no question at all anymore. The finished product was delicious, even more so than cooking it for hours. Try this recipe!! You won’t be sorry!!
staysnatched says
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it.
Lesley says
My first time cooking collard greens and this recipe was amazing!!!!!
staysnatched says
I love to hear it!
Michelle J says
This is my ONLY go to recipe for greens.
OMG so flavorful and delicious! I used the bag mixed greens and the only other thing different is I add 1 tsp of sugar to the pot.
staysnatched says
Wow! I love to hear it.
Krystal Mitchell says
I’ve used this recipe with both collard and kale. I turned an anti-kale into a believer. My go to recipe for at least twice a month
staysnatched says
Wonderful! I'm so glad you enjoy them.
Terri M says
Amazing recipe. These are the best greens I have ever made. Thank you!!!!
staysnatched says
I'm so glad to hear it!