Slow-Simmered Collard Greens with Smoked Ham Hock
Tender greens braised with smoky ham hock for a deeply flavorful Southern side dish. This southern-inspired slow cooker ready in about 105 minutes pairs washed and chopped collard greens, (8 oz) piece smoked ham hock, chopped onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 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 washed and chopped collard greens
- 1 (8 oz) piece smoked ham hock
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Place 2 lbs chopped collard greens, 1 smoked ham hock, 1/2 cup chopped onion, and 2 minced garlic cloves in a large pot. Add 3 cups chicken broth and 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, then bring to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat.
- Step 2: Cover and cook for 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally, until greens are tender and ham hock is very soft.
- Step 3: Remove ham hock, shred the meat from the bone, and return to the pot. Stir in 1/2 tsp black pepper, then simmer uncovered for 10 minutes to thicken slightly.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow-Simmered 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 Slow-Simmered 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 (8 oz) piece smoked ham hock from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Simmered 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 Slow-Simmered Collard Greens with Smoked Ham Hock 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-Simmered Collard Greens with Smoked Ham Hock?
Southern 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
- ★★★★★
Best recipe I've made this month.
- ★★★★☆
Really good but took about 10 minutes longer than stated.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
