Southern-Style Collard Greens with Smoked Pork and Garlic

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

Hearty collard greens slow-cooked with smoked pork and garlic, offering a classic soul food side bursting with smoky flavor. This southern american-inspired comfort food ready in about 140 minutes pairs fresh collard greens, smoked pork neck bones, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 120 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: 120 min Serves 6 Southern American cuisine 120 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Thoroughly wash and chop 2 lbs fresh collard greens into 1-inch wide strips, discarding thick stems.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 diced medium yellow onion and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent.
  3. Step 3: Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 lb smoked pork neck bones, cooking for 2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 4 cups chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Add the chopped collard greens, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, and 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes.
  5. Step 5: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer gently for 1.5 to 2 hours until the greens are tender and infused with smoky flavor.
  6. Step 6: Season with salt and black pepper to taste before serving as a savory southern side dish.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Southern-Style Collard Greens with Smoked Pork and Garlic take to make?

Total time is about 140 minutes (20 min prep + 120 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 Pork and Garlic?

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 fresh collard greens from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Southern-Style Collard Greens with Smoked Pork and Garlic?

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 Pork and Garlic 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 Pork and Garlic?

Southern American comfort food 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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