Get ready to experience the true taste of down-home Southern comfort with these incredible Crock Pot Collard Greens and Ham! Imagine tender, slow-cooked collard greens, infused with the rich, smoky flavor of ham hocks, and seasoned to perfection with garlic, onion, and a hint of spice. It’s a soulful, incredibly flavorful, and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd, a cozy family dinner, or any time you crave authentic Southern goodness without the fuss.
Why I Love This Recipe
This Crock Pot Collard Greens and Ham recipe is a cherished staple in my kitchen. What I love most is how it takes a traditional dish, known for its long simmering, and makes it almost entirely hands-off using the slow cooker. The ham hocks slowly render their smoky flavor and tender meat, infusing every leaf of the collards with unparalleled richness. The addition of apple cider vinegar and a touch of sugar perfectly balances the greens’ slight bitterness, while the smoked paprika and red pepper flakes add warmth and depth. It’s truly a “set-it-and-forget-it” meal that delivers maximum comfort and flavor, making your house smell amazing all day long!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create these soulful Crock Pot Collard Greens and Ham:
- 2 large ham hocks or ham pieces (smoked ham hocks are traditional)
- 2 lbs collard greens, cleaned, stems removed and leaves roughly chopped
- 4 cups chicken broth (low-sodium recommended)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance bitterness)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for additional richness)
Swaps and Notes
- Ham Hocks/Ham Pieces: Smoked ham hocks are traditional and provide deep smoky flavor and gelatinous richness. Smoked turkey legs or wings can be used for a lighter option, or a leftover ham bone with some meat attached. If using plain ham pieces, you might add a dash of liquid smoke.
- Collard Greens: Fresh collard greens are best. Ensure they are thoroughly washed, de-stemmed, and chopped. You can also use pre-bagged chopped collards for convenience.
- Chicken Broth: Low-sodium chicken broth is recommended to control saltiness, as ham can be very salty.
- Onion & Garlic: Essential aromatics for building the flavor base.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: This is crucial! It brightens the greens and cuts through the richness, balancing any bitterness.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Add a subtle kick of heat. Adjust to your preference.
- Smoked Paprika: Adds a lovely smoky depth that complements the ham.
- Sugar: Optional, but often used to balance any bitterness in the greens. Adjust to your taste.
- Salt & Black Pepper: Season to taste, keeping in mind the saltiness of the ham and broth.
- Olive Oil: An optional drizzle for extra richness and flavor, especially if using leaner ham pieces.
Directions
Let’s get these soulful Crock Pot Collard Greens and Ham simmering!
- Prepare the Crock Pot: Place the 2 large ham hocks or ham pieces in the bottom of your slow cooker. Add the chopped large onion and minced 4 garlic cloves around the ham hocks.
- Add the Collard Greens: Layer the cleaned, de-stemmed, and roughly chopped collard greens on top of the ham hocks. Depending on the size of your slow cooker, you may need to add the greens in batches, pressing them down as they wilt slightly before adding more. They will cook down considerably.
- Add Liquid and Seasonings: Pour the 4 cups of chicken broth and 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar over the greens. Add the 1 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes (if using), 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, and 1 teaspoon of sugar (if using). Season with salt and black pepper to taste. You can also drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the top for added richness (optional).
- Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Cook on low for 8 hours, or on high for 4-5 hours, until the ham is incredibly tender and nearly falling off the bone, and the collard greens are wonderfully soft and flavorful.
- Serve: Once done, carefully remove the ham hocks from the crock pot. Shred the tender meat from the bones and discard the bones, skin, and any excess fat. Return the shredded ham meat to the collard greens in the slow cooker. Stir everything together. Taste the greens and adjust seasoning if needed (you might need a bit more salt, pepper, or vinegar/sugar to balance). Serve hot and enjoy this incredibly comforting Southern dish!
Tips for Success
- Clean Greens Thoroughly: Collard greens can be gritty. Wash them very well, even soaking in water for a bit, to remove all grit.
- Remove Tough Stems: Always remove the thick, tough stems from the collard greens before chopping.
- Don’t Rush Slow Cook: The long, slow cooking time is essential for tenderizing the greens and infusing them with the ham hock flavor.
- Balance Flavors: Collard greens can be slightly bitter. The apple cider vinegar and sugar (if using) help to balance this, along with the richness of the ham. Taste and adjust.
- Shred Ham Off Bone: The ham hocks will yield tender meat that shreds easily. Discard any tough skin or excess fat.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Crock Pot Collard Greens and Ham is a hearty and flavorful side dish, often substantial enough to be a main:
- Cornbread: A classic pairing! Serve with warm cornbread (like our Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers) for soaking up the delicious pot liquor.
- Fried Chicken or Fish: Pairs perfectly with fried chicken or our Fried Catfish.
- Rice: A small side of plain white rice to absorb the flavorful broth.
- Hot Sauce: A dash of your favorite hot sauce on the side for an extra kick.
- For other incredibly flavorful Southern comfort foods, you might also love our This Tomato Skillet with Okra and Sausage Is My Favorite Quick Dinner Packed with Southern Flavor or Shrimp & Grits w/Bacon.
Storage and Leftover Tips
Collard greens are famously even better the next day, as the flavors deepen!
- Refrigeration: Store any cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat individual portions on the stovetop over medium-low heat until warmed through. You may need to add a splash of chicken broth or water if it has thickened too much.
- Freezing: Collard greens with ham freeze exceptionally well. Cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 3-4 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you loved the soulful, comforting, and easy nature of these Crock Pot Collard Greens and Ham, you’ll definitely want to explore some of our other fantastic hearty and flavorful Southern-inspired recipes:
- For another comforting, hearty bowl, check out our This Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo Is My Favorite Bowl of Southern Comfort.
- If you’re a fan of tender, slow-cooked meat, our These Easy Turkey Wings Are My Favorite Comfort Food for Lazy Sundays are a must-try.
- And for a complete one-pan chicken and sausage meal with rice, don’t miss our One-Pan Cajun Chicken, Sausage, and Rice Recipe!
- Finally, for another amazing rice dish with tender meat and vegetables, check out our Afghani Kabuli Pulao Recipe (with Lamb Shanks) for a taste of the Middle East.
Final Thoughts
This Crock Pot Collard Greens and Ham recipe is a brilliant solution for bringing the true essence of Southern comfort food to your table with minimal effort. It’s perfect for family gatherings, holiday meals, or simply enjoying a deeply flavorful and satisfying dish that will warm you from the inside out.
Give this recipe a try and let the delicious aromas fill your kitchen! What’s your favorite Southern vegetable dish? Share your ideas in the comments below! And for more amazing, easy-to-follow recipes that bring joy to your kitchen, be sure to visit Chefmaniac.com. Happy cooking!
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