Davis' Southern Collard Greens with Smoked Ham Hock
Slow-simmered collard greens infused with smoky ham hock and a hint of apple cider vinegar, a staple in African American Southern cuisine. This southern american-inspired slow cooker ready in about 90 minutes pairs collard greens, smoked ham hock, diced onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs collard greens
- 1 piece smoked ham hock
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 4 cups water
Instructions
- Step 1: Rinse 1.5 lbs collard greens thoroughly under cold water, removing tough stems and chopping leaves into 1-inch strips. Trim away any thick stems.
- Step 2: In a large pot over medium heat, combine 1 smoked ham hock, 1/2 cup diced onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, 4 cups water, 1 tbsp brown sugar, and 1/2 tsp black pepper, bringing to a gentle simmer.
- Step 3: Add 1.5 lbs chopped collard greens, stirring to submerge completely, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45 minutes until greens are tender and vibrant green.
- Step 4: Remove ham hock, shred meat from bone, and return to pot. Simmer uncovered for 15 minutes more, stirring occasionally.
- Step 5: Stir in 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar and simmer for 5 minutes to balance flavors. Discard any large ham bones before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Davis' Southern Collard Greens with Smoked Ham Hock take to make?
Total time is about 90 minutes (20 min prep + 70 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Davis' Southern Collard Greens with Smoked Ham Hock?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep collard greens from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Davis' Southern Collard Greens with Smoked Ham Hock?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Davis' Southern Collard Greens with Smoked Ham Hock for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Davis' Southern Collard Greens with Smoked Ham Hock?
Southern American slow cooker like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Almost perfect — just needed a squeeze of lemon at the end.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
- ★★★☆☆
Okay for a quick meal. I've had better slow cooker dishes though.
