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Authentic Slow-Cooked Southern Collard Greens with Ham Hocks

A close-up of rich, slow-cooked collard greens served in a white bowl with savory shredded meat and broth.
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Make tender, flavorful Southern Collard Greens using this traditional recipe. Slow-cooked with smoked ham hocks, these greens create a rich, savory broth that defines comfort food.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds fresh collard greens, tough stems removed and chopped
  • 1 smoked ham hock (or 4 ounces smoked turkey or bacon)
  • 6 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, balances bitterness)

Instructions

  1. Rinse the chopped collard greens thoroughly under cold water. Set aside.
  2. In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, combine the ham hock, water or broth, chopped onion, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
  3. Bring the liquid to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45 minutes to allow the ham hock flavor to develop.
  4. Add the minced garlic and the chopped collard greens to the pot. The greens will seem plentiful but will cook down significantly. Stir them into the liquid.
  5. Return the pot to a simmer, cover, and cook on low heat for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the greens are very tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  6. Once the greens are tender, remove the ham hock. Shred the meat from the bone, discard the bone, and return the shredded meat to the pot.
  7. Stir in the apple cider vinegar and sugar, if using. Taste the broth and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
  8. Simmer uncovered for 15 more minutes to allow the broth to slightly reduce and concentrate the flavor. Serve hot with the rich savory broth.

Notes

  • For the best flavor, use smoked ham hocks. If you prefer a lighter flavor, substitute with smoked turkey wings or bacon pieces.
  • The cooking time determines tenderness; cook longer for the melt-in-your-mouth texture associated with true Southern comfort food.
  • To make this a quick collard greens recipe, use an Instant Pot; cook on high pressure for 20 minutes after browning the aromatics.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookincorner.com/authentic-slow-cooked-southern-collard-greens/