Slow-Cooked Collard Greens with Smoked Ham Hocks

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Hearty collard greens slowly simmered with smoky ham hocks and aromatics for a rich and comforting Southern side dish. This american southern-inspired vegetarian ready in about 170 minutes pairs smoked ham hocks, large yellow onion, chopped, garlic cloves, minced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 140 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 150 min Serves 6 American Southern cuisine 140 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse and chop 2 pounds fresh collard greens by removing thick stems and slicing leaves into 1-inch wide pieces. Set aside.
  2. Step 2: In a large heavy pot, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 chopped large yellow onion and sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
  3. Step 3: Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Place 2 smoked ham hocks into the pot.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 6 cups chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer covered for 1 hour to infuse smoky flavor.
  5. Step 5: Add chopped collard greens, 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes. Stir well and cover.
  6. Step 6: Simmer on low heat for 1 to 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally, until greens are tender and flavors meld. Remove ham hocks, shred any meat, and stir back into the greens before serving.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Cooked Collard Greens with Smoked Ham Hocks take to make?

Total time is about 170 minutes (20 min prep + 150 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 Hocks?

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 smoked ham hocks from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Cooked Collard Greens with Smoked Ham Hocks?

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 Hocks 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 Slow-Cooked Collard Greens with Smoked Ham Hocks?

American Southern 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.

Related recipes