Southern Braised Collard Greens with Ham Hocks
Southern Braised Collard Greens with Ham Hocks is a classic dish that brings comfort and warmth to the dining table. This recipe combines tender collard greens with rich flavors from ham hocks and spices, making it a perfect side dish or main meal. It’s hearty, nutritious, and packed with flavor, offering a taste of Southern tradition that everyone can appreciate. Plus, it’s an excellent way to enjoy greens, which are known for their health benefits.
Braised collard greens are a Southern soul food staple—slow-simmered until melt-in-your-mouth tender with bold, smoky flavor in every bite. This recipe takes humble greens and turns them into something deeply comforting and downright craveable.
Whether you’re serving them with fried chicken, ribs, or a warm slice of cornbread, these collard greens are guaranteed to steal the show.
Jump to Section
- Why You’ll Love This Braised Collard Greens Recipe
- Ingredients for Braised Collard Greens Recipe
- How to Make Braised Collard Greens Step by Step
- Tips for Perfect Braised Collard Greens
- Serving Suggestions and Recipe Variations
- Storage and Reheating Instructions
- Frequently Asked Questions
- More Soul Food Recipes to Try
Why You’ll Love This Braised Collard Greens Recipe
Bold, rich, and smoky flavor with minimal ingredients
Traditional Southern comfort food made easy
Can be prepped ahead and tastes even better the next day
Freezer-friendly and perfect for big family meals
Packed with nutrients and fiber
Easy to customize based on your pantry and preferences
Ingredients for Braised Collard Greens Recipe
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Fresh collard greens
The star of the show. Washed, trimmed, and chopped into manageable pieces. The longer they cook, the more flavorful they become.
Smoked turkey leg or wings
Provides that deep, smoky backbone to the dish. You can also use ham hocks or bacon.
Onion and garlic
Aromatics that build a flavorful base. Slice the onion thin for best results.
Chicken broth
The braising liquid that softens the greens and infuses them with savory flavor. Use low-sodium if possible.
Apple cider vinegar
Brightens the flavor and balances the richness. A splash goes a long way.
Crushed red pepper flakes
Optional, but adds a gentle heat to balance the smokiness.
Salt and pepper
Essential seasoning. Adjust at the end depending on how salty your broth or meat is.
How to Make Braised Collard Greens Step by Step
(Note: please see the recipe card directly below for the complete written instructions.)
Prep the greens
Wash collards well to remove any grit. Remove stems and chop leaves into bite-size pieces.Sauté aromatics
In a large pot, sauté onions in a bit of oil until soft. Add garlic and cook for one more minute.Add smoked meat and broth
Nestle in the smoked turkey and pour in chicken broth. Bring to a simmer.Add greens and season
Stir in the collards, vinegar, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt and pepper.Braise low and slow
Cover and simmer for 45–60 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the greens are super tender.Adjust and serve
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot with hot sauce, vinegar, or cornbread.
Tips for Perfect Braised Collard Greens
Wash the greens thoroughly to avoid grit
Cook low and slow for best texture and flavor
Smoked meat = depth of flavor—don’t skip it
Add a squeeze of lemon or vinegar at the end to brighten
They taste even better the next day—make extra
Serving Suggestions and Recipe Variations
Serve with cornbread or over white rice for a classic combo
Add diced tomatoes or a dash of hot sauce to mix things up
Make it vegetarian by omitting meat and using smoked paprika
Swap collards for kale, mustard greens, or turnip greens
Add a spoonful of brown sugar for subtle sweetness
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Fridge: Up to 5 days in airtight containers
Freezer: Up to 3 months
Reheat: On stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make braised collard greens ahead of time?
Yes! These greens actually improve with time. Store in the fridge and reheat when ready.
Can I freeze cooked collard greens?
Absolutely. Let them cool completely, then store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
Do I have to use smoked meat?
It’s traditional and adds great flavor, but you can substitute with veggie broth and smoked spices for a vegetarian version.
Why are my collard greens bitter?
Make sure to cook them long enough, and add vinegar or a pinch of sugar to balance the flavor.
More Soul Food Recipes to Try
Southern Braised Collard Greens with Ham Hocks
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 pound bunch collard greens Fresh collard greens for best flavor and texture
- 2 tablespoons olive oil Use more or less based on preference
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt Season to taste
- 0.5 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper Season to taste
- 6 cups chicken broth For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar Can adjust to taste
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar Can adjust to taste
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce Plus more for serving
- 1 pound smoked ham hock
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Instructions
Preparation
- Thoroughly wash the collard greens and remove the tough center rib and stem from each leaf.
- Stack several leaves on top of each other, roll them up tightly, and cut into bite-size pieces.
Cooking
- Heat the olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat and add the onion, cooking until tender, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the garlic, salt, and pepper, cooking for 30 seconds or until fragrant.
- Add the collard greens and toss to coat.
- Pour in the chicken broth, brown sugar, vinegar, hot sauce, and add the ham hock. Bring to a boil.
- Cover, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 1 hour and 30 minutes or until tender.
- Remove the ham hock, chop, shred the meat, discard any skin, cartilage, and bones, and return the meat to the pot.
- Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
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