Skillet Braised Collard Greens with Smoked Ham Hock
Tender collard greens slowly braised with a smoked ham hock, onion, and garlic for a rich Southern side dish. This southern united states-inspired vegetarian ready in about 105 minutes pairs large (about 1 lb) smoked ham hock, medium, diced yellow onion, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 4, 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 lb, stems removed and leaves chopped collard greens
- 1 large (about 1 lb) smoked ham hock
- 1 medium, diced yellow onion
- 4 minced garlic cloves
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large heavy skillet over medium heat. Add 1 medium diced yellow onion and sauté for 5 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Step 2: Add 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 3: Place 1 large smoked ham hock in the skillet and add 4 cups chicken broth. Bring to a simmer.
- Step 4: Add 1 lb chopped collard greens, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes, and 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar to the skillet. Stir to combine.
- Step 5: Cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer gently for 1 to 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally, until collard greens are tender and infused with smoky flavor.
- Step 6: Remove the ham hock, shred any meat from the bone, and return meat to the greens. Discard the bone. Stir and adjust seasoning before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Skillet Braised Collard Greens with Smoked Ham Hock take to make?
Total time is about 105 minutes (15 min prep + 90 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 Skillet Braised 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 medium, diced yellow onion from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Skillet Braised 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 Skillet Braised Collard Greens with Smoked Ham Hock for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Skillet Braised Collard Greens with Smoked Ham Hock?
Southern United States vegetarian 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.
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