Crock Pot Collard Greens Recipe

Crock Pot Collard Greens is a delicious side that is full of smoky flavor and a amazing broth. Serve this classic southern side dish for the holidays.

Crock Pot Collard Greens Recipe:

Collard Greens Crock Pot Recipe is a great way to cook collard greens. Combining the collard greens with the ham hock, chopped bacon and simple seasoning makes this side dish so flavorful.

A southern side dish that is perfect served during the holidays. This dish is easy to prepare. Cook the bacon, clean the collards and add everything to the slow cooker. We love to add in the bacon grease for added flavor.

If you love Collard Greens as much as we do, make life easier and make it in the slow cooker. You will be amazed how easy it is to make and the ingredients are simple too.

What are Collard Greens?

Collard Greens are a dark green vegetables that needs to be trimmed and cut before cooking. We recommend even cleaning them thoroughly to remove any dirt.

Collard Greens are in the same vegetable family as cabbage, kale, mustard, and turnips.

How to Make the Best Collard Greens:

These tips will help you make the best Collard Greens.

• Collard Greens – Picking the freshest collard greens with dark and vibrant leaves is the first step. Make sure to trim and clean before cooking.
• Bacon – When making bacon, make sure to save some of that bacon grease. It adds flavor to this side dish.
• Ham Hocks – Save your ham hock for this side dish. It really gives it that smoky flavor.
• Simple Seasoning and liquid – We like to add in a tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and simple seasoning to give tanginess and flavor. We even have added in crushed red pepper flakes.
• Brown Sugar – If you like a hint of sweetness, add a tablespoon of brown sugar.

Ingredients: 

• Smoked Ham Hock 
• Thick Cut Bacon (cooked and chopped)
• Bacon Grease (drippings) 
• Collard Greens (remove the ribs and stems then cut the greens into pieces) 
• Minced Garlic 
• Apple Cider Vinegar 
• Salt 
• Pepper 
• Water – You can also use chicken broth.

How to Cook Collard Greens in Crock Pot: 

• Step 1 – Place the collard greens in a 6 quart crock pot.  Then top the green with the ham hocks.  
• Step 2 – Then add in the bacon, bacon grease, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, salt, pepper and water to the crock pot. 

• Step 2 – Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 3.5-4 hours until the ham hocks are tender. 
• Step 3 – Remove the ham hocks from the crock pot, discard the skins and shred any meat off of them.  Stir the meat back into the crock pot with the greens. 
• Step 4 – Serve warm and enjoy.

How Long do I Cook Collard Greens in Slow Cooker:

Cooking Collard Greens is a simple side dish that is easy to make. If you prefer you can cook the collard greens on low for about 6-7 hours or on high for about 3-4 hours.

Can I Use Mustard, Turnip, or Kale Greens?

If you are unable to find collard greens, feel free to use Mustard greens, Turnip or Kale Greens. Since these green vegetables are in the same family, it will still be a delicious side dish.

Prepare the same amount as you would if you are using Collard Greens.

Can I Use Bagged Greens?

Yes, you can use bagged greens. You will need about 2 pounds of bagged greens.

Can I Use Canned Collard Greens?

Yes, you can use canned collard greens. Since these are fully cooked, you will need to adjust your cooking time. We recommend cooking on high for about 2 hours until the greens are tender.

We used the same seasoning but skipped on the ham hock since it will require longer cooking time.

What Can I Use instead of Ham Hock?

• Smoked Turkey Wings
• Drumsticks
• Kielbasa
• Diced Ham

What goes Good with Collard Greens?

• Black Eye Peas
• Cornbread
• Mac and Cheese
• Smothered Pork Chops

What Size of Crock Pot?

We recommend using a 5 quart crock pot. Our favorite crock pot is the Instant Pot Aura.

How to Store Leftovers:

Refrigerate the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.  

Print Recipe here for Crockpot Collard Greens:

More Slow Cooker Sides:

• Crock Pot Green Bean Casserole
• Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes
• Crockpot Stuffing
• CrockPot Glazed Carrots recipe