Old Southern Smoked Pork Chops with Collard Greens
Tender smoked pork chops paired with slow-cooked collard greens, a Southern staple infused with smoky paprika and vinegar. This southern-inspired one pot (vegetarian-friendly) ready in about 210 minutes pairs pork chops, smoked paprika, applewood smoke chips for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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
- 4 lbs bone-in pork chops
- 2 tbsp smoked paprika
- 2 tbsp applewood smoke chips
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 lbs collard greens
- 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 large diced onion
- 3 cloves minced garlic
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat smoker to 225°F (107°C). Season pork chops with smoked paprika, 1 tbsp salt, and 1 tsp pepper. Place on smoker with smoke chips and cook for 2.5-3 hours until internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
- Step 2: For collard greens, sauté onion and garlic in olive oil until translucent. Add collard greens, vinegar, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp pepper. Simmer 30-40 minutes until tender, mashing with a fork for a creamy texture.
- Step 3: Let pork rest 10 minutes before serving with greens.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Old Southern Smoked Pork Chops with Collard Greens take to make?
Total time is about 210 minutes (30 min prep + 180 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 Old Southern Smoked Pork Chops with Collard Greens?
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 pork chops from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Old Southern Smoked Pork Chops with Collard Greens?
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 Old Southern Smoked Pork Chops with Collard Greens 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.
Is Old Southern Smoked Pork Chops with Collard Greens vegetarian-friendly?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian-friendly based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Doubled the garlic (as one does) and it was amazing.
- ★★★★★
Love how the Southern come through in every bite.
- ★★★★★
Simple and delicious.







