Slow Cooker Collard Greens Recipe

Name: Slow Cooker Collard Greens Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 pounds smoked ham hocks or smoked turkey drumsticks; 5 pounds collard greens (about 6 bunches); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 medium yellow onions, medium dice; 4 medium garlic cloves, finely chopped; 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth or stock; 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon cider vinegar; 1 tablespoon granulated sugar; 2 teaspoons kosher salt, plus more as needed; 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more as needed; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Servings: persons

2 pounds smoked ham hocks or smoked turkey drumsticks
5 pounds collard greens (about 6 bunches)
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 medium yellow onions, medium dice
4 medium garlic cloves, finely chopped
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth or stock
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon cider vinegar
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
2 teaspoons kosher salt, plus more as needed
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more as needed
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1
Place the ham hocks or turkey drumsticks in a 3-quart or larger slow cooker; set aside.
2
Using your hands, remove the collard leaves from the tough stems and discard the stems.
3
Tear the leaves into bite-sized pieces, then wash and dry them; set aside.
4
Heat the oil in a large, wide-bottomed pot over medium heat until shimmering.
5
Add the onion and garlic, season with salt and pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion has softened, about 5 minutes.
6
Increase the heat to high, add the broth or stock, stir to combine, and bring to a boil.
7
Stir in the greens a handful at a time, adding more as they wilt, until theyre all in the pot.
8
Turn off the heat and add 1 tablespoon of the vinegar, the sugar, measured salt, measured pepper, and cayenne and stir to combine.
9
Transfer to the slow cooker.
10
Cover and cook until the greens are very tender, about 4 to 5 hours on high or 5 to 6 hours on low.
11
Remove the ham hocks or turkey drumsticks to a cutting board.
12
When theyre cool enough to handle, remove the meat from the bones (discard the skin and bones), shred it into bite-sized pieces, and stir it back into the greens.
13
Add the remaining teaspoon of vinegar and stir to combine.
14
Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.

844

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

108

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Brown sugar instead of white sugar adds a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 11 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 2 pounds smoked ham hocks or smoked turkey drumsticks, 5 pounds collard greens (about 6 bunches), 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 medium yellow onions, medium dice, and more.

Yes, Slow Cooker Collard Greens Recipe falls under the Soups & Stews category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!