Let’s keep this short and simple: These Pressure Cooker Collard Greens with Smoked Ham Hock are tasty, easy, and belong on your table as soon as possible. Thankfully, with 5 minutes of prep + some pressure cooker magic, they can be. According to my fella, these Pressure Cooker Collard Greens are “delicious and porky and spicy and vinegary.” Is vinegary a word? It doesn’t matter – he’s spot on.
Pressure Cooker Collard Greens with minimal effort
Collard Greens are surprisingly easy to prep. After washing, a quick rough chop is all they need. I don’t ever bother separating the stem (the firm middle part) like I generally do with other leafy greens because the pressure cooker should tenderize everything. The ham hock pops right in with the collards and should fall apart from the bone with minimal effort, post-pressure-cooking.
Let’s talk about ham hock for a moment
Smoked ham hocks are surprisingly easy to find, wrapped in plastic and tucked in with the other pork products, at most grocery stores. In my experience, these pre-packaged ham hocks are usually sub-par and if you buy them I feel confident you’ll want to chuck them straight from your pressure cooker into the trash. Do yourself a favor and buy a ham hock from a reputable butcher and ask them to split it in half for you so you can better access all the meaty goodness, once cooked. For those who are strict Paleo, make sure to ask your butcher how the meat has been cured as pork products sometimes contain added sugar.
Which pressure cooker do I use?
I personally use an Instant Pot Ultra 6qt, but these Collard Greens with Smoked Ham Hock can easily be made in other electric pressure cookers as well. The reason I mention this is because there are often small variations in machine cooking times. When I first developed this recipe, I utilized a Cuisinart electric pressure cooker and found that this collard greens recipe cooked perfectly with only 15-minutes of high-pressure cooking time. That sounds great at first, however, it also meant that more tender greens and vegetables that I used in that machine were easily overcooked in mere minutes. I actually prefer that my Instant Pot cooks things slightly slower as I find that I am able to cook a wider variety of food in it to my liking.
An update to this recipe
When I switched over to an Instant Pot, I realized that a 15-minute high=pressure cook time from my original recipe was not enough to adequately tenderize the greens and ham hock, so I’ve redeveloped this recipe to suit my new machine.
What does this mean for you?
As with all pressure cooker recipes, you’ll want to take into account how quickly and intensely your own machine cooks when determining how long to cook collard greens. If you were making this with the same Cuisinart model (CPD-600) electric pressure cooker I used to use, I stand behind a 15 minute cook time, as that has consistently worked well for me. If you’re using an Instant Pot electric pressure cooker, then based on my experience, your collard greens will likely take longer to cook. I find that 35-minutes of high-pressure cooking, followed by 15-minutes of natural pressure release in my Instant Pot is spot on for perfectly tender collard greens and fall-off-the-bone ham hock.
What should I serve these Collard Greens with?
- As a side to these Pressure Cooker Boneless Beef Ribs with Carolina Gold Mustard BBQ Sauce or this Spicy Red BBQ Sauce
- As a side to this Crispy Oven-Fried Fish — Don’t forget a side of Brown Butter Buttermilk Skillet Cornbread too!
- As a side to this Grilled Skirt Steak with Avocado Chimichurri Sauce
What tools do I need to make this recipe?
- An electric pressure cooker
- A cutting board
- A chef’s knife for chopping the collard greens
- A small knife for separating the meat once cooked
- Measuring cups and measuring spoons
- A meat thermometer
- A fork to assist you in shredding the meat
Are you looking to upgrade to your cooking tools or replenish your pantry? Check out my kitchen tools shop page and pantry staples shop page to find my must-have kitchen tools, pantry items, and other Whip & Wander favorites.
A note for special diets
These Pressure Cooker Collard Greens with Smoked Ham Hock are gluten-free, grain-free, and fit Keto, Paleo, and SIBO diets.
Pressure-Cooker Collard Greens with Smoked Ham Hock
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 portions 1x
- Category: Side Dishes
- Method: Pressure Cooker
- Cuisine: Southern
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Pressure Cooker Collard Greens with Smoked Ham Hock take only 5 minutes of prep time before cooking in your Instant Pot to tender perfection.
Ingredients
- 1 lb collard greens, roughly chopped
- 1 1/2 lbs smoked ham hock (around 1/2 lb meat after discarded bones, tendon, skin)
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth (refer to the recommended minimum liquid for your machine and adjust if necessary)
- 1 1/2 tbsp sriracha (PaleoChef makes a Paleo version)
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp garlic oil (may sub 2 garlic cloves, minced)
- 1/2 tsp cracked black pepper
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to your electric pressure cooker, taking care that the ingredients do not surpass your fill line. If your machine is smaller, you may need to adjust the amount you cook at once.
- Cook on high pressure for 35 minutes (see notes below).
- Once the cooking time has completed, natural release the pressure for 15 minutes. Then safely quick-release the remaining pressure.
- Test the temperature of the ham hock with a meat thermometer. It should have reached a minimum of 165 degrees F, but will likely end up around 200 degrees F.
- Separate the meat from bone on your ham hock. This can usually be done easily with a small knife. Discard bones, tendons, and excess skin. Shred the meat and combine back into the pot with the collard greens. Serve hot.
Notes
From September 10, 2020: This recipe was originally created using a Cuisinart Electric Pressure Cooker (CPC-600), which in my experience, cooks at a slightly faster rate than some Instant Pot models. The revised recipe (above) takes into account a longer cooking time (35 minutes + 15 minutes natural release) required for the Instant Pot Ultra 6qt model. Please note this difference in cooking power when considering an adjustment of cooking time for your particular machine.
Nutrition note: Only the meat from the ham hock is used in the final result of this collard greens recipe, discarding any bones, tendons, and excess skin. Most ham hocks that I purchase are around 1/3 meat to 2/3 discarded pieces, so I have estimated that 1/2 lb of meat is used in the final result of this recipe for nutrition purposes below.
Nutritional information on Whip & Wander is provided as a courtesy and is approximate only. We cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information given for any recipe on this site.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180
- Sodium: 311 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 13 g
- Cholesterol: 43 mg
Keywords: Collard Greens
Ham hock is so yummy but it definitely has to come from a good butcher as you say. It’s recipes like this that make me think I really need to get a pressure cooker.
I get a ton of use out of mine in the chillier months for roasts and heavy dishes, but still find use for it in the summer for dishes like this that pair well with whatever we’ve grilled that night. I hope you give pressure-cooking a go!
MMM! I love love loooove ham hock and this looks SO good. I need a pressure cooker in my life!
★★★★★
I really love mine – especially in chillier months when I want something hearty.
I love collard greens and never thought to cook them in a pressure cooker. I usually use smoked turkey pieces and will try it this way the next time I make them.
Yum, smoked turkey sounds great too! I hope you love these.
This dish looks amazing. I love my greens and I love mixing things up. I will have to try this and let you know how it goes. Thanks for sharing!
Yummy! I love collard greens with ham hocks. What a great idea to make it in a pressure cooker. Thanks for your tips on where to get a great ham hock.
★★★★★
This looks so delicious ? it’s beens years I have eaten collard greens and I loved the combination of ham with it.
I love how healthy this looks! I actually don’t know how to cook collard greens, other than sauteeing, them, so this is helpful!
xoxo
Annie
What a delicious healthy dinner! I’m looking forward to making this when my parents come to visit. Thank you so much for sharing this recipe.
Awesome! I hope you all love it. Have fun
I’ve never had ham hock before, what an interesting recipe!
I love everything ham! Now, collards are something I don’t do too often. Will have to give them another go!
I hope you do. They’re so easy and tasty!
What a great idea to use pressure cooker for the greens! My other half loves ham hock, so this recipe will be perfect for him! Thanks for sharing!
★★★★★
Thanks! My other half does too, which is why he goes crazy for this dish.
My boss bought Collard greens and asked if I could cook them. I said sure what do you want me to cook them with?
He is lucky I am in a small town with one store or I could have had SO much fun with that. I think your recipe will serve quite well. Thank you
” Whatever your southern Ancestors whisper to you”
Wonderful! I hope you enjoyed this recipe, Sam!
I still have ham leftovers! I was going to do bean soup, but I think I might have to make this.
★★★★★
That’s an awesome way to use up ham leftovers!
I don’t eat collard greens often but I did Enjoy them the few times I did. I’m liking the addition of sriracha in these. Will have to give that a try!
★★★★★
I am obsessed with my Instant Pot right now… and I have ham in my fridge. I think I will pick up some greens and give these a try!
★★★★★
I hope you do! Such a great way to use up leftover ham if you want to sub for the ham hock.
I’ve always been too scared to try collard greens, but I love smoked ham so I may give this a go!
I thought the same thing before I tried making them the first time, but I love them. So quick, easy, and tasty! I hope you give them a go!
hack hock is so good! and the older I get, the more I start to like eating collard greens! looks great, is there an option for non pressure cookers?
★★★★★
You can definitely cook them in a large pot of water on the stove, but they take considerably longer this way. I would bring the ham hocks and seasonings to a boil in water and then lower the heat to medium and simmer for a good hour or more before adding the greens. I’ve heard the slow cooker is a great way to make these as well, though I haven’t tried that yet.
I simply adore ham hocks!! And I really like collard greens. It’s so nice to see that you can cook them in a pressure cooker and not make them mushy. Your dish looks so delicious and flavorful!!
★★★★★
This looks delicious! Definitely a recipe worth a try
★★★★★
Looks like a great dish to warm up on cold spring days! Collard greens have to be prepared & seasoned well for me to enjoy them and I bet they are delicious with smoked ham hock!
★★★★★
Yum! We haven’t had ham hock in forever! This looks like such a tasty recipe!
Oh my gosh this looks awesome! I love collard greens and this preparation method with the ham hock is right up my alley.
I absolutely love my pressure cooker. I’m not too sure about whether or not my kiddos will eat the greens, but It’s totally worth a try. This looks delicious.
‘
★★★★★
This recipe speaks to my heart! I love, love, love the combination of ham and collard greens. The thick greens are so well complemented by the slightly salty ham and just the right amount of fattiness. A pressure cooker recipe is genius, normally they take SO long to cook down!
People don’t appreciate collard greens nearly enough. I grew up in the south and my grandma made the BEST collard greens. I’m pretty excited to try making them in my pressure cooker!
★★★★★
Thanks for showing me another way to cook collard greens.
★★★★★
Another reason I need a pressure cooker! I LOVE collards!
I love collard greens! What do you think would be a good substitution for ham in this recipe? I was wondering about salted almonds?
I think slivered almonds would be lovely in this! I would probably toss them in at the end though, after the greens were cooked.
going to make it this weekend! My husband loves mustard greens so I’m gonna see how he likes collard greens. thanks for the recipe
★★★★★
Oh, wow. Happy to have this! My hubs and I love making collard greens, and it looks like the pressure cooker/IP will be great for this! Thanks!
★★★★
this is such a classic combo…and using pressure cooker is such a great idea to preserve all the nutrients.
Mmm mmm! This looks so yummy. Great job!
Such a different dish I have never tried, it looks really good. Saving your recipe to make one day next week !!
★★★★★
This looks amazing! I’m always looking for new things to try in my pressure cooker
Just pinned these! Such a great use for a pressure cooker, a ham hock, AND collards! Winner x3 b/c a lot of people don’t know how to approach them. Thanks for the recipe inspiration!
★★★★★
I see these greens always in the produce and never tried them I am an escarole girl. The recipe sounds great and I will try it !
Is good food and this looks like one of the BEST!! I am definitely making this! looks delish and beautiful presentation! Thanks for the great recipe!
★★★★★
Isn’t ham hock just the most delicious thing in the world! This recipe looks so good, will have to give it a go. Thanks so much for sharing!
★★★★★
Lovely! It looks so fresh and yummy
Thanks for sharing this recipe.
Would you believe that I had two pressure cookers at one time? Those were my canning days and I used them a lot!! Once we moved from the country I gave them up — I don’t know where they are now. I wish I had one. I don’t have an Insta-pot and I don’t think I’ll be getting one anytime soon. But as far a s ham hocks go, we are true believers in the power of their seasoning. We use them in green beans and ham and beans. The ones we purchase are smoked. i’ll have to try them with collard greens.
★★★★★
This sounds delicious! Every summer I get collard greens in my CSA share and I’m always looking for ideas of what to do with them. Thanks!
★★★★★
Yum! Pinning this one for later! I haven’t had collard greens in a minute and I love the idea of being able to make it in my Instant Pot. Thanks for sharing!
★★★★★
I’ve been dying to get a instant pot for awhile now and just last week, the hubs surprised me with one! I haven’t tried anything really in it yet because I’m still getting used to the setting but I’ll be adding this one to the list to make when my mom comes to visit in the next few weeks!
★★★★★
I made this for dinner, and took some for lunch the next day. I shared with my co-worker. Everyone who tasted this, loved it. I used garlic cloves because I didn’t have the garlic oil. It was amazing. Definitely plan to make this again.
★★★★★
I love to hear that you enjoyed it and would make it again! Garlic cloves are an awesome and easy swap for the oil. I always make sure to include that as a swap because I know most people won’t have garlic oil in their pantries already. I unfortunately can’t tolerate the whole cloves anymore, but I love garlic flavor!
I don’t usually buy collard greens, but I need to. This recipe looks great!
Love finding new healthy and yummy recipes! It’s great that it’s in the instant pot, too!
Yum! I love ham and collard greens. This recipe looks so good!
This recipe sure does bring me back to thoughts of growing up in the South. My mother made collard greens often and I loved them, especially when there were many chunks of salty ham throughout. Lovely recipe, thank you.
Looks so delicious and healthy! I eat ham quite often and I’m always looking for new weeks to cook it so thanks for this!
I got a Mealthy pressure cooker a few days ago and made this my second recipe. I love collard greens, but had never tried making them. My first recipe was beans – and I found I had to cook them a bit longer to get the softness I like, so I did the same on these, as a hunch. I cooked them for 25mins which made them tender but not at all mushy. I also used minced garlic (heaping teaspoon full) and cayenne instead of sriracha. THEY TURNED OUT SOOOO AMAZING!!! As in, I made my own dream of the best collards come true. First time using a ham hock, too!
I’m so glad you loved them! They are a favorite of ours and I think the ham hock makes them even better because it gives you just the right amount off saltiness to balance out the heat from the sriracha or cayenne. I’m glad you’re first few times using your pressure cooker are going so successfully! My goal is to get a few more pressure cooker recipes up on the blog this year. If you’re looking for another really versatile pressure cooker recipe, you should check out this one for Barbacoa Beef. It’s a favorite of mine!
My husband loves greens but I stink at making them. Trying this with a pressure cooker this weekend!
I love everything about this recipe and am planning to try it, but I’m worried that 15 minutes is not enough time to fully cook the ham hock. I’ve seen other recipes that suggest a 2-step process, cooking the ham hock first and then adding the greens and cooking further. Can I trust that if I follow your instruction everything will be fully cooked and ready to eat in 15 minutes? My ham hock and greens await your reply!!! Thank you!
Pam,
Thanks for the question!
When I first created this recipe (back in April 2018), I used a Cuisinart Electric Pressure Cooker (CPC-600) and 15-minutes on high was the perfect amount of time to cook my ham hock fully through to a safe temperature (165 degrees F) and have the meat be tender enough to shred. However, I have since upgraded to an Instant Pot 6qt Ultra model and I feel that it takes a bit longer to cook things in general compared to my old Cuisinart model. I actually like that my Instant Pot cooks at a slightly lower rate because it allows me to better control the cooking level of things like vegetables (no more soggy carrots!), but it also means that heartier food items like meat may take a bit longer than my previous machine.
So my best answer is: It depends on the cooking power of your particular machine model and how large your ham hock is. I don’t know what model of pressure cooker you use, however –
If you are using an Instant Pot, I would consider upping the time that the ham hock spends in the machine. By my estimation of how my IP Ultra cooks, I believe that it will need an increased cooking time of 10-20 minutes to reach the most ideal result. I have bookmarked this recipe for retesting in my Instant Pot as soon as possible, and will note the differences in cooking time in the post when it is updated.
If I were cooking this in the Cuisinart machine I mentioned, I solidly stand behind the 15-minute cook time as it consistently produced great results.
I hope your ham hock and greens are a success!
Thanks so much! I look forward to seeing your retest results. (I’m using a 6-qt Instant Pot Duo Plus.)
This is so creative! I also love the addition of the sriracha – it’s my fav!
★★★★★
I love collards, but I haven’t made them in forever! These look fabulous and I’m going to add this recipe to my weekly line up!
★★★★★
This looks so savory! What a perfect way to eat collard greens – so much flavor!
★★★★★
I was so nervous about my collards coming out right for Thanksgiving. Covid made it so we couldn’t get them from where we gotten them for 30+ years. This recipe was a perfect base recipe and easy to change up for lack of ingredients. I subbed seasoning salt for the Sriracha and minced garlic for the garlic oil. They came out melt in your mouth amazing and were SO EASY to make!! The last time I tried making collards, I failed miserably. Not any more!
★★★★★
Cate, Thank you so much for your review! Seeing this made my day! I’m thrilled that the collards came out melt in your mouth amazing and glad that they were a part of your Thanksgiving holiday.
Has anyone ever subbed kale for collard greens? I just happen to have a bunch of kale in my fridge at the moment and was wondering if they would work with this recipe…