These Slow Cooker Collard Greens with Ham Hocks are the ultimate Southern comfort food. Simmered for hours, the greens become meltingly tender, soaking up every bit of smoky flavor from the ham hocks and aromatics. It’s a dish that warms you from the inside out familiar, savory, and incredibly satisfying. Perfect for family dinners, holiday spreads, or anytime you’re craving a taste of tradition, this dish brings back the essence of Sunday suppers and family gatherings. Plus, using a slow cooker makes it effortless to enjoy deep, authentic flavors with minimal fuss. Just set it and let the aroma fill your kitchen.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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2 pounds fresh collard greens, stems removed and leaves chopped
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2 smoked ham hocks
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1 large onion, chopped
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4 cups chicken broth
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3 cups water
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1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
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1 teaspoon sugar
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1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
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Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Directions:
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Rinse the collard greens thoroughly under cold water to remove any grit or dirt. Drain well.
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Place the ham hocks in the bottom of a large slow cooker.
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Add the chopped onion, chicken broth, and water. Cover and cook on high for 2 hours.
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Carefully remove the ham hocks, shred the meat, and discard the bones and any excess fat. Return the meat to the slow cooker.
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Add the collard greens, apple cider vinegar, sugar, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine.
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Cover and continue cooking on high for another 4 hours, or until the greens are tender and infused with smoky flavor.
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Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 6 hours | Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
Kcal: 180 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
The Soul of Southern Cooking: Slow Cooker Collard Greens with Ham Hocks
When it comes to Southern cuisine, few dishes evoke the same sense of tradition, comfort, and home as collard greens with ham hocks. This beloved classic, slow-cooked to perfection, speaks volumes of a culinary legacy steeped in resilience, creativity, and flavor. Whether served at Sunday suppers, holiday tables, or everyday family dinners, collard greens remain an enduring favorite across generations.
In this article, we’ll explore the history, cultural significance, health benefits, flavor profiles, and practical tips for making this soul-satisfying dish using a slow cooker one of today’s most convenient kitchen tools.
A Deep-Rooted Tradition in Southern Cuisine
Collard greens have been a staple of Southern cooking for centuries, with origins tracing back to African, European, and Native American culinary traditions. Brought to America by enslaved Africans, greens such as collards, mustard, and turnip became integral to the diet of African American communities across the South. These greens were often paired with smoked meats like ham hocks or turkey necks to impart a rich, savory depth without the need for expensive ingredients.
In many Southern households, a pot of collard greens is much more than just food. It’s a symbol of heritage, nourishment, and familial love. Traditionally simmered low and slow on the stove for hours, the dish has evolved with the times but has never lost its soul.
Why Use a Slow Cooker?
Traditionally, cooking collard greens could take hours over the stove, demanding careful attention and stirring. But the slow cooker (or crockpot) has revolutionized how we prepare many slow-simmering recipes, offering the same rich results with much less hassle.
By using a slow cooker, you allow the greens to gradually break down and absorb all the flavor from the broth and smoked meat. This method also frees up stovetop space during busy cooking days like Thanksgiving or Sunday brunch. Plus, it’s an excellent “set-it-and-forget-it” option for anyone with a packed schedule who still wants to serve hearty, home-cooked meals.
The Magic of Ham Hocks
Ham hocks, also known as pork knuckles, come from the joint between a pig’s foot and leg. While they contain very little meat compared to other cuts, what they lack in flesh they more than make up for in flavor. When simmered over several hours, ham hocks release a deeply smoky, salty, and umami-rich essence that infuses every bite of the greens.
You’ll often find them smoked and cured, which adds complexity to the dish without needing additional seasoning. The collagen and fat slowly melt into the broth, creating a velvety mouthfeel that makes collard greens so comforting and satisfying.
For those who avoid pork, smoked turkey wings or legs can be a delicious alternative without sacrificing the smoky undertones that define this dish.
Flavor Layers and Customization
One of the most appealing aspects of this dish is its versatility. The basic structure greens, smoked meat, and broth serves as a canvas that welcomes a variety of flavors and additions:
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Acid: A splash of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice at the end brightens the dish and cuts through the richness.
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Heat: Red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce adds a Southern-style kick that many home cooks swear by.
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Sweetness: A pinch of sugar balances bitterness, especially if the greens are very fresh and strong.
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Aromatics: Onions, garlic, and sometimes even bell peppers help create a foundational depth of flavor.
You can also adjust the saltiness based on personal preference, especially since smoked meats naturally contain sodium. Many cooks prefer to season minimally until the end to avoid over-salting.
Nutritional Benefits of Collard Greens
Often overlooked in favor of trendier superfoods, collard greens are a nutritional powerhouse. They are low in calories but high in essential nutrients, including:
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Vitamins A, C, and K: Essential for immune function, skin health, and bone density.
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Calcium: Supports bone health, especially important in dairy-free diets.
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Fiber: Promotes digestion and a healthy gut.
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Antioxidants: Help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress.
When combined with lean protein from ham hocks (especially if trimmed of excess fat), collard greens make for a balanced dish that’s as good for the body as it is for the soul.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Collard Greens Every Time
Whether you’re new to Southern cooking or a seasoned pro, here are some tips for perfecting your slow cooker collard greens:
1. Wash the Greens Thoroughly
Collard greens are known for trapping dirt and sand. Wash them multiple times in a large bowl or sink full of cold water, lifting the greens out rather than draining to avoid re-depositing sediment.
2. Remove the Tough Stems
The stems are fibrous and take longer to cook than the leaves. Strip the leaves from the stems, then chop to desired size for more uniform cooking.
3. Layer for Flavor
Start your slow cooker with the ham hocks and aromatics at the bottom. Let those cook for a couple of hours before adding the greens to build up the flavor base.
4. Cook Low and Slow
While high heat can be used, cooking on low for 8 hours yields the most tender greens and richest flavor.
5. Adjust Seasoning Last
Smoked meats are salty, so wait until the end of cooking to taste and adjust seasonings accordingly.
What to Serve with Collard Greens
In the South, collard greens are more than a side they’re an event. While they’re delicious on their own, here are some traditional and complementary pairings:
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Cornbread: A sweet or savory slice of cornbread soaks up the flavorful “pot liquor” (the seasoned broth left in the pot).
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Fried Chicken or Catfish: For a complete soul food plate.
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Macaroni and Cheese: A rich and creamy counterpoint to the greens’ earthy flavor.
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Black-Eyed Peas: Especially popular during New Year’s for good luck and prosperity.
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Rice or Grits: Helps turn the dish into a more substantial main.
Slow Cooker Convenience for Modern Lives
One of the biggest benefits of making this dish in a slow cooker is the freedom it gives you. Imagine prepping everything in the morning, going about your day, and coming home to the comforting aroma of dinner already cooked. It’s a modern method that preserves the authenticity and depth of traditional cooking while making life a bit easier.
For meal preppers, this recipe also holds up beautifully in the fridge and freezer. The flavor even deepens over time, making leftovers arguably even better the next day.
Conclusion:
Slow Cooker Collard Greens with Ham Hocks is more than a recipe it’s a celebration of Southern culture, history, and hospitality. It’s a humble yet powerful reminder that the best meals often come from simple ingredients cooked with care. Whether you’re introducing it to a new audience or continuing a cherished family tradition, this dish deserves a regular place at your table.
By embracing modern tools like the slow cooker, you can carry forward a time-honored recipe without losing an ounce of its soul. The combination of tender greens, smoky meat, and aromatic broth creates a bowl of comfort that transcends generations.
