Southern-Style Collard Greens with Smoked Ham Hock

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Slow-simmered collard greens with a smoky ham hock and a touch of vinegar for a classic Southern side dish. This american-inspired vegetarian ready in about 105 minutes pairs washed and chopped fresh collard greens, (about 1 lb) smoked ham hock, medium, diced (1 cup) yellow onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 150 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: 15 min Cook: 90 min Serves 6 American cuisine 150 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 cup diced yellow onion and sauté for 5 minutes until softened and translucent.
  2. Step 2: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 smoked ham hock and 4 cups chicken broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook uncovered for 45 minutes to infuse the broth with smoky flavor.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 lb chopped fresh collard greens to the pot, stirring well to submerge them in the broth. Cover and simmer for 30 minutes until the greens are tender.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Remove the ham hock, shred any meat, and return meat to the pot. Adjust seasoning as needed and serve warm.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Southern-Style 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 Southern-Style 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 (about 1 lb) smoked ham hock from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Southern-Style 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 Southern-Style Collard Greens with Smoked Ham Hock 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 Southern-Style Collard Greens with Smoked Ham Hock?

American 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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