Slow Cooker Collard Greens and Ham Hocks Recipe

This Slow Cooker Collard Greens and Ham Hocks Recipe is a Southern classic. They are a nutritious and tasty side dish to complement any meal. This recipe is a traditional one and is sure to please both the taste buds and the soul.

Table of Contents

This easy-to-prepare dish has a short ingredient list, consisting mainly of smoked ham hocks for a savory flavor, collard greens (fresh or frozen), and spices.

This robust side dish is the perfect accompaniment to Southern classics like fried chicken, barbecue, or catfish. For a hearty meal, pair it with cornbread to soak up the savory broth, or serve it over white or brown rice for a satisfying, well-rounded dinner.

Cast iron skillet cornbread and collard greens pair well with any meal!

Main Ingredients Needed

white onions chopped on cutting board — White Onion

Collard Greens With Ham Hocks Recipe
served with cast iron skillet corn bread

Slow Cooker Collard Greens and Ham Hocks Recipe

Serving Size:

1 cup

Time:

3 hours

Difficulty:

Easy

Ingredients

2 pounds of ham hocks
8 cups of water
3 pounds of collard greens
½ cup white onion, finely chopped
1 tablespoon garlic, minced.
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Directions

Add 2 pounds of ham hocks into a large pot with 8 cups of water and bring to a boil. Once water is boiling, reduce the heat and simmer for 2 hours.
Take ham hocks from the pot. Remove skin and bone from ham hocks, and chop up the remaining meat. Return chopped meat to pot.
Increase the heat to medium and add onion, garlic, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Optional, add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes for a spicy flavor.
Stir and slowly add 3 pounds of collard greens into your pot. They will quickly cook down as you add them to the hot water.
Cover and reduce the heat to simmer for 1 hour.
Remove from heat and serve.

FAQ

What are collard greens and where can I find them?

Collard greens are a type of leafy green vegetable that is popular in Southern cuisine. They can usually be found in the produce section of your local supermarket, especially during the cooler months of the year.

Can I substitute the ham hocks with something else in this recipe?

Yes, if ham hocks aren’t available or if you prefer another protein, you can substitute them with smoked turkey, bacon, or even sausage. Just remember, the type of meat you use will slightly alter the flavor of the dish.

What if my slow cooker is smaller or larger than the one used in the recipe?

If your slow cooker is smaller, you may need to adjust the recipe accordingly, perhaps by reducing the quantity of ingredients. If it’s larger, you might have room to increase the quantities. Regardless, make sure not to overfill your slow cooker to prevent spillage and ensure even cooking.

How can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?

To make this recipe vegetarian or vegan, you can omit the ham hocks and use smoked paprika or liquid smoke for that smoky flavor. Also, make sure to use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

What should I serve with slow cooker collard greens and ham hocks?

This dish pairs wonderfully with cornbread, white or brown rice, or even grits. It’s also common to serve it with other Southern-style dishes like fried chicken or barbecue.

Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Absolutely, one of the great things about slow cooker recipes is that they can be prepared in advance. You can either assemble all the ingredients in the slow cooker and store it in the fridge overnight, or you can fully cook the dish and simply reheat it when you’re ready to serve.

How long can I store the leftovers?

You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It’s also possible to freeze this dish for longer storage, and then reheat in a pot over low heat when ready to serve.