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    Home » Side Dishes » Keto Collard Greens - Instant Pot or Stovetop

    Keto Collard Greens - Instant Pot or Stovetop

    Published: Mar 22, 2021 by Wendy Polisi Modified: Jun 16, 2021 · 956 words. · About 5 minutes to read this article.

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Think it is hard to get your greens in? These Keto Collard Greens with Bacon will convince you otherwise. You start by cooking the onion and garlic in bacon fat and then add in seasonings and a touch of vinegar to build a flavor profile that will have you wondering why you ever thought greens were boring or bland. This recipe is surprisingly delicious!

    Overhead photo of a rustic bowl of Keto Collard Greens with Bacon.

    As a proud Southerner, collard greens have long been one of my favorite side dishes.

    For years I’ve made them on Sunday afternoons so that I could enjoy them throughout the week.

    It is a relatively hands-off recipe, but it isn’t quick.

    The Instant Pot shaves some time off the traditional Southern slow cooking method for collard greens, but keep in mind you will be allowing the pressure to release naturally, so it isn’t a dish that you can throw together in minutes.

    Trust me - it is worth the extra time for the flavor and delicious juices - called pot “liquor” or “likker”- that comes from cooking dark leafy greens.  

    Enjoy the liquid with the collards and sop it up with my Keto Biscuits. Then save any that you have leftover and use it to make a second batch of collard greens.

    Ingredients for Making Instant Pot Collard Greens

    Bacon:  Use nitrate-free bacon if possible.

    Onion: White or yellow onion works best here.

    Garlic:  Fresh garlic makes these collard greens with bacon pop. If you don’t have it on hand, feel free to use garlic powder.

    Chicken Broth:  I make my own using my Instant Pot Chicken Bone Broth recipe.  

    Apple Cider Vinegar:  You may substitute white vinegar.

    Old Bay Seasoning: Old Bay Seasoning is a seasoning blend that includes crushed red pepper flakes, paprika, celery salt, ground bay leaves, dry mustard, black pepper, and other seasonings. If you prefer to make your own, here is a recipe.  

    Celery Salt: Celery salt is a blend of ground celery seeds and often includes parsley and/or dill. Use celery salt fairly quickly because old ground celery seeds can become bitter over time.

    Crushed Red Pepper:  This adds a hint of heat, but it is not at all overpowering. If you aren’t a fan of heat, feel free to omit it.

    Collard Greens:  Collard greens are technically a cabbage and have a mild flavor.

    Variations

    • I used bacon for added seasoning in this collard greens recipe, but country ham or ham hocks would work as well.
    • Collard Greens are a staple and Southern cooking, and most Southern cooks agree with me - they are best cooked for a long time. If you prefer them less tender, feel free to shorten the cooking time.
    • For a peppery flavor, feel free to substitute mustard greens for part of the collard greens.

    Tip

    • If you are short on time, pre-washed collard greens can save you the time and effort of washing and trimming away the stalk.
    • Bacon cooking in an Instant Pot.
    • Seasonings and vinegar for collard greens.
    • Collard greens that have been added to an instant Pot.
    • Collard Greens that have been allowed to wilt in an Instant Pot.
      Your collards should be wilted before you seal and set your Instant Pot to pressure.

    Serving Suggestions

    For a traditional Southern meal, serve Keto Collard Greens with Bacon with Keto Fried Chicken, Mashed Cauliflower, and Biscuits. If you are looking for a simple side for most any meal, this recipe is a good bet.

    Frequently Asked Questions 

    Are Collard Greens Keto?


    Collard greens are an excellent option on a keto diet. One cup of raw collards as 11.5 calories, 2 grams of Carbohydrates, and 1.4 grams of fiber. This means the net carbs are just .6 grams per cup.

    How Do I Prep Collard Greens?


    Start by cutting the leafy proportion from either side of the stem. I find that a chef’s knife works best for this.

    Make a stick of the leaves, and slice them crosswise.

    Place in a large bowl of water, and wash until the water is clear.

    Dry the collards with a salad spinner.

    Tools Needed to Make Collard Greens Keto

    As an amazon associate, I earn from qualifying sales.

    • Instant Pot or Large Stock Pot
    • Chef’s Knife

    More Keto Vegetable Recipes

    • Air Fryer Broccoli
    • Keto Cabbage Noodles
    • Keto Jicama Fries
    Southern Keto Collard Greens next to fried chicken and a jar of hot pepper sauce.
    Photo of a keto quickstart guide with the description of the guide on the right.
    If you like this recipe don't forget to leave a 5 star rating and let me know how it went in the below comments, I love hearing from you! You can also FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, and PINTEREST to see all my delicious recipes.
    Square overhead photo of a rustic bowl of Keto Collard Greens with Bacon.
    Print Recipe

    Keto Collard Greens

    Keto Collard Greens are a delicious way to work greens into your diet.
    Prep Time15 mins
    Cook Time2 hrs 15 mins
    Total Time2 hrs 30 mins
    Course: Side Dish
    Cuisine: American, Southern
    Keyword: Instant Pot
    Servings: 8
    Calories: 133.34kcal
    Author: Wendy Polisi
    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualified sales.

    Equipment

    • Instant Pot
    • or Large Stockpot

    Ingredients

    • 8 ounces bacon chopped
    • ⅓ cup chopped onion
    • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
    • 8 cups chicken broth
    • ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
    • 2 teaspoons Old Bay seasoning
    • 1 ½ teaspoons celery salt
    • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
    • ¼ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
    • 12 ounces collard greens washed, trimmed, and chopped

    Instructions

    Instant Pot Collard Greens

    • Set your Instant Pot to saute and spray with cooking spray.
    • Once the pot is heated, add the bacon. Cook for 5 minutes. Add the onion and cook for another 8 minutes.
    • Next, stir in the garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.
    • Add 1 cup of the broth to the pot, and use a wooden spoon to scrape up anything stuck to the bottom of the pot.
    • Add the remaining chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, Old Bay seasoning, celery salt, crushed red pepper flakes, and pepper to the pot. Stir to combine.
    • Add the collard greens to the pot.
    • Hit cancel/warm and place the lid on the pot.
    • Let it sit for 5 minutes or until the collard greens begin to wilt.
    • After checking to ensure that the collard greens have wilted down, replace the lid and set to seal.
    • Set the Instant Pot to high pressure for 5 minutes.
    • Once the time is up, allow the pressure to release naturally.
    • Season to taste and serve warm with hot pepper sauce.

    Stovetop

    • Spray a large stockpot with cooking spray.
    • Add the bacon and cook for 5 minutes. Stir in the onion and cook until tender, about 8 more minutes.
    • Next, stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
    • Add the chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, Old Bay seasoning, celery salt, crushed red pepper flakes and black pepper to the pot.
    • Stir to combine, and add the collard greens.
    • Cook over medium heat for at least 2 hours.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 133.34kcal | Carbohydrates: 3.55g | Protein: 17.91g | Fat: 4.83g | Saturated Fat: 2.05g | Sodium: 535.46mg | Potassium: 114.05mg | Fiber: 1.94g | Sugar: 0.53g | Vitamin A: 2185.03IU | Vitamin C: 15.68mg | Calcium: 107.33mg | Iron: 0.44mg
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Lori

      March 26, 2021 at 2:51 pm

      With the IP version, do you strain it or serve it in liquid?

      Reply
      • Wendy Polisi

        March 26, 2021 at 2:54 pm

        That is entirely a matter of personal preference. I serve it with the liquid personally because it is loaded with nutrition and so good!

        Reply

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    Welcome

    I'm Wendy and I'm here to show you just how delicious a low carb, gluten free and keto diet can be! You are just as likely to find me obsessing over all things cheesy as you are getting excited by a full produce drawer. I'm a mom to three, obsessive planner and roller coasters are my happy place. Let's dig deeper →

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