Southern-Style Collard Greens

A Taste of Tradition in Every Bite

If you’ve ever had the pleasure of enjoying a hearty bowl of Southern-style collard greens, you know it’s more than just a dish—it’s an experience. These greens are the epitome of comfort food, tender and flavorful, with just the right balance of savory, smoky, and a touch of sweetness. Cooked low and slow to perfection, they soak up all the rich flavors from the seasonings and ham hock, making each bite a soul-satisfying treat. Whether it’s a Sunday family meal or a holiday gathering, these collard greens will steal the show. Trust me, they’re the kind of dish that makes everyone at the table go, “Mmm, this is the real deal!”

Why You’ll Love Southern-Style Collard Greens

Rich, Smoky Flavor: The slow-cooking process allows the collard greens to absorb all the flavor from the ham hock and seasonings. It’s the kind of flavor that sticks with you long after the meal is over.
Hearty and Comforting: These greens are packed with nutrients, and when cooked right, they are a comforting, satisfying side that’s perfect with cornbread or your favorite main dish.
Simple Ingredients: No need for fancy ingredients—this dish is all about using what you’ve got to create something truly delicious.
Easy to Make: Despite their deep, complex flavors, these collard greens are incredibly simple to make. Just a bit of patience, and you’re good to go!
Classic Southern Comfort: Collard greens are an essential part of Southern cuisine, and this recipe will bring the authentic, home-cooked taste straight to your table.

Ingredients in Southern-Style Collard Greens

Let’s break down the magic of these greens:

Collard Greens

The star of the dish! These dark, leafy greens are packed with nutrients and have a slightly bitter flavor that becomes wonderfully mellow when cooked with the right seasonings.

Ham Hock

The key to adding that signature smoky, savory depth. The ham hock imparts a rich flavor to the greens as they cook, making them extra tasty.

Onion

A touch of sweetness and savory flavor that balances out the bitterness of the greens. It forms the perfect base for the braising liquid.

Garlic

Garlic brings in that extra layer of fragrance and flavor, complementing the other seasonings beautifully.

Chicken Broth

The braising liquid that gives the greens a nice, rich flavor. It helps soften the greens while infusing them with all that delicious seasoning.

Apple Cider Vinegar

A splash of apple cider vinegar brightens the dish and helps cut through the richness, adding just the right amount of tang.

Sugar

A pinch of sugar to balance the bitterness of the collard greens and enhance the other flavors.

Salt & Pepper

To taste—these seasonings are essential for bringing out the flavors and ensuring everything is perfectly seasoned.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Prepare the Greens

Start by washing the collard greens thoroughly to remove any dirt. Cut out the tough stems and tear the leaves into bite-sized pieces.

Sauté the Aromatics

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat some oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent. Add the garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Add the Ham Hock & Broth

Add the ham hock to the pot and pour in the chicken broth. Stir everything together and bring it to a simmer.

Season the Dish

Add the apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and taste—adjust the seasoning as needed.

Add the Greens

Carefully add the collard greens to the pot, stirring them in gently. The greens will likely overflow the pot at first, but they will shrink down as they cook.

Simmer Low & Slow

Cover the pot and let the greens simmer on low heat for about 1 to 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally. The longer you cook them, the more tender and flavorful they will become. If you prefer them softer, feel free to let them cook even longer.

Final Adjustments

Once the greens are tender and the flavors have melded together, remove the ham hock. You can shred the meat from the bone and stir it back into the greens for extra flavor, or discard it if you prefer.

Serve & Enjoy

Serve the collard greens hot, and enjoy the deep, savory, smoky goodness. These greens are perfect alongside cornbread or any Southern-inspired meal.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 120

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1.5 hours
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes

How to Serve Southern-Style Collard Greens

• With Cornbread: You can’t go wrong pairing these collard greens with a hot, buttery piece of cornbread. They’re a match made in Southern comfort food heaven!
• As a Side: These greens are a perfect side dish for fried chicken, pulled pork, or roasted meats. They’ll add a healthy and flavorful balance to your meal.
• With Rice: Spoon some of the greens over a bed of rice to make it even heartier. The rich juices from the greens soak into the rice, making every bite even more delicious.
• With Hot Sauce: If you like a little heat, drizzle some hot sauce over the greens for an added kick.

Additional Tips

• Make Ahead: Collard greens actually taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld together. You can make them ahead and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Adjust the Tang: If you prefer a tangier flavor, you can add a bit more apple cider vinegar to taste.
• Add Smoked Turkey: If you don’t have a ham hock or prefer a leaner option, smoked turkey necks or wings are a great substitute.
• Use Bacon: For extra flavor, you can crisp up some bacon and stir it into the greens toward the end of cooking.
• Leftover Ham Hock: If you have leftover ham hock, shred the meat and stir it back into the greens for a richer, heartier dish.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make these collard greens vegetarian?
A1: Yes! Simply skip the ham hock and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can add some smoked paprika or liquid smoke for that smoky flavor.

Q2: Can I freeze leftover collard greens?
A2: Yes, collard greens freeze beautifully. Allow them to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat them on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Q3: Can I use frozen collard greens?
A3: Yes! Frozen collard greens are a convenient alternative if fresh ones are hard to find. Simply skip the washing and stem-removal steps, and cook them in the same way.

Q4: How can I make these greens spicier?
A4: If you like spice, add some red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños to the pot while sautéing the onions and garlic. This will infuse the greens with a little heat.

Q5: Can I make these collard greens in a slow cooker?
A5: Absolutely! Simply add all the ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the greens are tender. The slow cooker will allow the flavors to develop even more.

Q6: What’s the best way to store leftovers?
A6: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to bring back some moisture.

Q7: Can I add other greens?
A7: Yes! You can mix collard greens with other hearty greens like kale, mustard greens, or turnip greens for a more varied flavor.

Q8: Can I use bacon instead of ham hock?
A8: Yes! Bacon can be a great alternative for adding that smoky flavor. Just fry up the bacon first, crumble it, and stir it into the greens at the end.

Q9: Can I double the recipe?
A9: Of course! Just make sure you use a large enough pot to accommodate the extra greens. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly for the larger batch.

Q10: Can I make this recipe spicier?
A10: Absolutely! Add some red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño during the cooking process to give these collard greens a little extra heat.

In Conclusion

These Southern-Style Collard Greens are the perfect dish to bring that soulful, comforting Southern taste to your table. With their smoky, tender, and flavorful goodness, they’re a must-have for any Southern-inspired meal. Easy to make, packed with flavor, and a total crowd-pleaser, these collard greens will become your go-to side dish for any occasion. Grab your pot, get ready to simmer, and enjoy the magic of Southern cooking!

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