Collard greens are a Southern staple, a comfort food passed down through generations. The traditional method of cooking them low and slow on the stovetop can take hours.
But what if you could get that same deep, rich flavor and fork-tender texture with almost no effort? Enter the slow cooker!
This collard greens crock pot recipe is the answer for busy weeknights or when you want to set it and forget it. Plus, collard greens are thought to bring wealth and prosperity, especially when eaten on New Year’s Day!
Understanding collard greens
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk a little bit about collard greens.
What are collard greens?
Collard greens are leafy green vegetables in the Brassica family, along with kale, cabbage, and mustard greens. They have a slightly bitter taste that mellows out when they’re cooked for a long time, like in the slow cooker.
Collard greens are a nutritional powerhouse, packed with vitamins (K, A, and C), minerals (calcium and iron), and fiber.
Preparing collard greens: Washing and cutting
Be sure to wash your collard greens thoroughly to get rid of all the dirt and grit. Soaking the greens in cold water and rinsing them until the water runs clear is a good way to do it.
When you’re ready to cut your collard greens, remove the tough stems and center ribs. Stack the leaves, fold them up, and slice them into 1- to 2-inch pieces.
Key Ingredients for Slow Cooker Collard Greens
Here’s what you’ll need to make a great batch of slow-cooked collard greens:
The Greens: Fresh vs. Frozen
For this recipe, you can use fresh collard greens or frozen collard greens. If you’re using fresh, plan on about 2 bunches, which will give you approximately 8 cups of chopped greens. I don’t recommend using the pre-cut fresh collard greens, because they often contain tough stems that are hard to chew, even after slow cooking.
If you’re using frozen collard greens, make sure you thaw and drain them completely before adding them to the slow cooker.
Smoked Meat: The Flavor Base
To get that authentic Southern flavor, you’ll want to add some smoked meat to your collard greens. Ham hock is a traditional choice, and I suggest using 1 to 2 ham hocks, totaling about 1 1/4 pounds. If you’re not a fan of ham hock, you can use smoked turkey wings or legs, cooked bacon (about 1 pound), or kielbasa sausage (again, about 1 pound).
Broth and Seasonings
Chicken broth is the primary liquid in this recipe, and I recommend using two 14-ounce cans. For a vegetarian option, substitute vegetable broth.
Other essential seasonings include a chopped sweet onion, brown sugar (either light or dark), apple cider vinegar, salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper or hot sauce.
The Ultimate Slow Cooker Collard Greens Recipe: Step-by-Step
Here’s how to make the most flavorful, tender collard greens using your slow cooker. This recipe works best with a 5-6 quart slow cooker.
Layering Ingredients
The order you add the ingredients matters! Here’s the technique:
- Place the ham hock (or whatever smoked meat you’re using) at the bottom of the slow cooker. This will infuse the greens with flavor as it cooks.
- Add the chopped collard greens on top of the ham hock.
- Sprinkle the chopped onion, brown sugar, vinegar, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes evenly over the greens.
- Pour the chicken broth over everything, making sure the greens are mostly submerged.
Cooking Time and Temperature
Now, for the slow cooking magic:
- Cook on low for 8-9 hours, or on high for 4 hours.
- Resist the urge to remove the lid during cooking! This will let heat escape and could affect the cooking time and tenderness.
Checking for Tenderness
The collard greens are ready when they are very tender. You should be able to easily pierce them with a fork. If they’re still tough, cook them a little longer.
Removing the Ham Hock and Adding Meat
Almost there!
- Remove the ham hock from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board.
- Let it cool slightly so you can handle it without burning yourself.
- Shred the meat from the ham hock, discarding the skin and bone. Be careful to check for any small bone fragments and remove them.
- Add the shredded ham hock meat back to the slow cooker with the collard greens. This adds extra flavor and texture.
Tips and tricks for perfect slow cooker collard greens
Like any recipe, this one can be tweaked to your liking.
Adjusting the seasoning
Taste your collard greens about halfway through the cooking time, and then adjust the salt, pepper, and hot sauce to your liking.
Adding depth of flavor
If you’re not using smoked meat, consider adding a few drops of liquid smoke for extra smokiness. You can find liquid smoke in the spice aisle of most grocery stores.
Make-ahead and storage
You can chop the collard greens and prep the other ingredients up to three days in advance. Just store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to toss everything into the slow cooker.
Leftover collard greens can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Reheating
You can reheat leftover collard greens on the stovetop over medium heat until they’re heated through. You can also reheat them in the slow cooker on low for 30 to 60 minutes.
Pot likker: The soul of the greens
One of the best things about cooking greens is the amazing pot likker that’s left in the pot after you’ve taken the greens out.
What is pot likker?
Pot likker is the flavorful, nutrient-dense broth that’s left after you’ve cooked collard greens. It has a rich, smoky flavor from the greens, the seasonings, and whatever meat you’ve chosen to cook with the greens.
Uses for pot likker
Some people enjoy drinking pot likker as a broth, straight from the pot. Others like to use it in cooking.
You can use pot likker as a base for soups and stews or to cook rice or beans. It’s also a great addition to sauces for a boost of flavor.
Serving Suggestions and Side Dishes
Collard greens are a Southern classic, and they go well with several popular dishes.
You can’t go wrong with:
- Cornbread. A slice of sweet cornbread is the perfect counterpoint to the savory, slightly bitter greens.
- Hot Sauce. A dash of hot sauce adds a welcome kick. Offer a variety for people to choose from.
- Black-Eyed Peas. Another Southern staple, often eaten on New Year’s Day for good luck.
- Macaroni and Cheese. Creamy, cheesy goodness.
- Fried Chicken. Crispy, juicy, and always a crowd-pleaser.
Enjoy!
Key Takeaways
This easy slow cooker collard greens recipe delivers a flavorful, comforting side dish with very little effort. And since it’s so simple, don’t be afraid to experiment! Use different smoked meats or play around with the seasonings to create your own signature version of this Southern classic.