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southern collard greens recipe on a serving plate
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Southern Collard Greens Recipe

Smoky, meaty Southern collard greens simmered with bacon, ham & ham hock—tender, flavorful, and straight from Grandma’s kitchen.
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Keyword collard greens recipes, ham hock recipes, southern recipes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours 20 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings 10 -12 servings
Calories 227kcal
Author Kathleen

Ingredients

  • 1/2 pound hickory-smoked bacon chopped
  • 2 medium onions finely chopped
  • 6 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/4 pound smoked ham chopped
  • 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 smoked ham hock
  • 2-2 1/2 pounds fresh collard greens, washed and trimmed
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 2 1/2 teaspoons brown sugar, packed
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • In a large, heavy bottom, 10-quart pot, cook bacon (1/2 pound) over medium-low heat until almost crispy.
    Step 2 how to make Southern collard greens with bacon, cook the bacon
  • Add the onion (2 medium) and sauté in drippings until translucent, about 8 minutes.
    Step 3 how to make southern collard greens with ham hocks, saute the onions
  • Stir garlic (6 cloves) and ham (1/4 pound) into pot and continue to sauté, stirring constantly so garlic doesn't burn, for about 1 minute, or until garlic is fragrant.
  • Stir in broth (3 cups), apple cider vinegar (1/4 cup), sugar (2 1/2 teaspoons), salt (1 teaspoon), black pepper (1/2 teaspoon), Cajun seasoning (1 teaspoon), and ham hock then simmer for about 10 minutes.
    Step 4 how to make old fashioned collard greens recipe, add liquids, seasonings
  • Stir in the collard greens (2-2 1/2 pounds) and cook over medium, stirring until the greens cook down. Partially cover and simmer until tender, about 2 hours. Shred the ham hock using a fork. Serve.
    Step 5 how to make southern collard greens recipe, cook the collard greens

Notes

  1. Can I use frozen collard greens? Fresh is best for flavor and texture, but frozen can work in a pinch. Just remember they’re often cut thinner, so reduce cooking time slightly.
  2. Cook way down! Collards are like spinach—you’ll start with a mountain of greens, but they shrink dramatically as they simmer.
  3. Switch up the greens: This same recipe works beautifully with turnip greens or mustard greens if you’d like a change.
  4. Red pepper flakes: My grandma always added a pinch, but my husband is sensitive to heat. I use Cajun seasoning for a gentler kick. If you like spice, add red pepper flakes to taste.
  5. Smoked turkey variation: Smoked turkey wings, legs, or even turkey bacon make an excellent substitute for pork-based meats. If you smoke your own turkey, save the wings and drumsticks for these greens—they add incredible depth of flavor.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 227kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 39mg | Sodium: 605mg | Potassium: 491mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 5799IU | Vitamin C: 42mg | Calcium: 282mg