Slow-Cooked Collard Greens with Smoked Ham
A deeply flavorful Southern classic where tender greens meld with smoky ham in a slow-simmered pot. This southern-inspired one pot ready in about 500 minutes pairs collard greens, (8 oz) smoked ham hock, large onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 8, 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
- 2 lbs collard greens
- 1 (8 oz) smoked ham hock
- 1 large onion
- 3 cloves garlic
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 4 cups water
Instructions
- Step 1: Trim 2 lbs collard greens, removing tough stems. Stack leaves, roll tightly, and slice into 1/2-inch ribbons. Dice 1 large onion and mince 3 garlic cloves.
- Step 2: Place 1 smoked ham hock in a slow cooker. Add collard ribbons, diced onion, minced garlic, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Pour 4 cups water over the top.
- Step 3: Cook on low for 8 hours until collards are tender and ham hock is very tender. Remove ham hock, shred meat from bone, and return to pot.
- Step 4: Simmer uncovered for 30 minutes to reduce liquid slightly and deepen flavors. Taste and adjust salt or vinegar if needed. Discard any remaining bones before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow-Cooked Collard Greens with Smoked Ham take to make?
Total time is about 500 minutes (20 min prep + 480 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 Slow-Cooked Collard Greens with Smoked Ham?
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 Slow-Cooked Collard Greens with Smoked Ham?
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 Slow-Cooked Collard Greens with Smoked Ham for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). 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 Slow-Cooked Collard Greens with Smoked Ham?
Southern one pot 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
- ★★★★★
The slow cooking made the collards melt-in-your-mouth tender. My kids actually asked for seconds!
- ★★★★★
Served with cornbread and fried chicken – pure comfort food heaven. Will make this weekly now.
- ★★★★★
This recipe saved my weeknight meal. So simple yet packed with that authentic Southern depth.
