There are some dishes that are more than just food; they’re a warm embrace, a taste of heritage, and a symbol of gathering. Collard Greens and Ham Hocks are deeply rooted in Southern culinary tradition, synonymous with soulful flavors and comforting nourishment. This Crock Pot version brings all that rich, smoky goodness to your table with minimal fuss. Long, slow cooking transforms tough greens and humble ham hocks into a tender, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying dish, perfect for family dinners or a comforting meal on any day.
Why I Love This Recipe
As someone who cherishes hearty, flavorful food that doesn’t demand constant attention, this Crock Pot Collard Greens & Ham Hocks recipe is a true gem. What I absolutely love about it is how the slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, allowing the flavors to meld and deepen over hours. The ham hocks infuse the greens with an incredible smoky, savory “pot liquor” that’s liquid gold, while the greens themselves become melt-in-your-mouth tender. It’s a dish that feels incredibly special and traditional, yet it’s surprisingly simple to prepare. It’s the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it comfort food, and it fills your home with the most inviting aroma!
List of Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create these tender and flavorful Crock Pot Collard Greens & Ham Hocks:
- 3 lb collard greens, fresh (about 2-3 large bunches), thoroughly washed
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 2 ham hocks (smoked or cured)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 3 Tablespoons lard (or bacon grease)
- Garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes to taste
- 2 teaspoons vinegar (apple cider or white vinegar)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups water
Swaps and Notes
- Collard Greens: Fresh collard greens are essential for this recipe. If you can only find pre-bagged chopped greens, ensure they are thoroughly washed as they can sometimes contain grit.
- Ham Hocks: Smoked or cured ham hocks are traditional and provide an unparalleled depth of smoky, savory flavor to the “pot liquor.” You can also use smoked turkey wings or a piece of smoked ham for a similar, though slightly different, flavor profile.
- Lard: Lard contributes significantly to the richness and authentic flavor of Southern greens. If you don’t have lard, bacon grease is an excellent substitute. Olive oil can be used, but the flavor won’t be as deep.
- Seasoning: The recipe provides a good starting point for salt, pepper, sugar, and the powders. Taste and adjust as needed. The sugar helps cut the bitterness of the collards, and red pepper flakes add a nice kick.
- Vinegar: The vinegar (often apple cider vinegar) is crucial for balancing the richness and bitterness of the greens. Don’t skip it! It brightens the whole dish.
- Liquid: Using a mix of chicken broth and water creates a flavorful base. You can use all chicken broth for a richer flavor.
List of Steps for the Recipe
Follow these simple steps to make your incredibly tender Crock Pot Collard Greens & Ham Hocks:
- Clean and Prep Collard Greens: This is a crucial step! Remove the tough, fibrous stems from the collard greens. The easiest way is to hold the leafy part in one hand and strip the leaf down the stem with the other. Once destemmed, wash the collard greens thoroughly under cold running water, inspecting for any dirt or grit. Stack the leaves on top of each other, roll them tightly, and then roughly chop them into 1-inch ribbons.
- Layer in Crock Pot: Add the chopped collard greens to your large crock pot (slow cooker). They will seem like a lot, but they cook down significantly. Add the chopped large yellow onion and the 2 ham hocks on top of the greens.
- Add Seasonings & Liquids: Sprinkle the ½ teaspoon black pepper, 2 teaspoons salt, 1 teaspoon sugar, and the 3 Tablespoons lard over the ingredients in the crock pot. Add garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes to taste. Finally, pour in the 2 teaspoons vinegar, 2 cups chicken broth, and 2 cups water. Ensure the liquids mostly cover the ingredients; add a bit more water if needed.
- Slow Cook: Cover the crock pot with its lid. Cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 ½ hours, until the collard greens are incredibly tender and the meat from the ham hocks is falling off the bone. The long cooking time is essential for softening the greens and extracting all the flavor from the ham hocks.
- Serve: Carefully remove the ham hocks from the crock pot. You can shred the meat from the ham hocks and return it to the greens, discarding any bones or excess fat. Roughly chop some of the cooked collards a bit more if desired, right in the crock pot. Taste the “pot liquor” and greens and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve warm, soaking up that delicious pot liquor!
Tips for Success
- Thorough Washing: Collard greens can be very gritty. Wash them meticulously, even if pre-bagged. A salad spinner can help dry them.
- Don’t Skimp on Ham Hocks: The ham hocks are where much of the smoky, savory flavor comes from. They create the rich “pot liquor” that makes the greens so delicious.
- Patience with Slow Cooking: The long cooking time is critical for tenderizing collard greens, which are quite fibrous. Don’t rush it!
- The Power of Pot Liquor: The liquid remaining after the greens cook is called “pot liquor” and it’s highly prized. It’s packed with nutrients and flavor, perfect for soaking up with cornbread.
- Taste and Adjust: Always taste the greens before serving and adjust the salt, pepper, or a splash more vinegar as needed.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Crock Pot Collard Greens & Ham Hocks are the epitome of Southern comfort food. They are traditionally served alongside hot, buttered cornbread for soaking up all that incredible pot liquor. They also make a fantastic side dish for roasted meats like pork loin, fried chicken, or even for a holiday feast. For a complete Southern meal, pair them with a side of creamy mashed potatoes or rice. A simple glass of sweet tea would be the perfect beverage.
Storage and Leftover Tips
Leftover Crock Pot Collard Greens & Ham Hocks store beautifully! Transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4-5 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making them even better the next day. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth if needed to maintain moisture. They also freeze exceptionally well in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you enjoyed the rich, soulful flavors and comforting nature of these Collard Greens, you’ll definitely want to try these other fantastic savory and hearty recipes:
- For another fantastic bowl of Southern comfort, be sure to try my recipe for This Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo Is My Favorite Bowl Of Southern Comfort.
- If you’re looking for a quick and flavorful skillet meal packed with savory goodness, check out This Tomato Skillet With Okra And Sausage Is My Favorite Quick Dinner Packed With Southern Flavor.
- For a convenient, crowd-pleasing, one-pan meal that’s always a hit, my This Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole Is My Favorite One-Pan Dinner That’s Always a Hit is a fantastic choice.
- You can never go wrong with a classic, and my Classic Spaghetti Recipe With Homemade Sauce is perfect for a cozy night in.
- And for another fall-off-the-bone comfort food that’s ideal for lazy Sundays, explore These Easy Turkey Wings Are My Favorite Comfort Food For Lazy Sundays.
Final Thoughts
This Crock Pot Collard Greens & Ham Hocks recipe is a celebration of classic Southern cooking—simple ingredients, slow cooking, and incredible flavor. It’s the perfect dish to bring warmth and comfort to your table, whether it’s a quiet weeknight or a lively gathering. The rich pot liquor and tender greens are a match made in culinary heaven, promising a truly satisfying meal.
What are your favorite Southern comfort food traditions? I’d love to hear about them in the comments below! And don’t forget to follow Chef Maniac for more delicious and inspiring recipes.
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