How to Make Collard Greens in a Slow Cooker

Last Updated on July 4, 2025 by Barbara

If you want to know How to Make real Southern Collard Greens, then you are in the right place. There is nothing more comforting than the smell of a pot of collard green simmering to perfection. Whether you cook stovetop or crockpot collard greens, this recipe will leave you satisfied.

Slow Cooking Collard Greens is an easy way to make this classic soul food staple. Slow cooking allow the flavor of the tender collard greens, smoked ham hocks and other ingredients to meld perfectly. Follow along with me as I show you how easy it is make a great tasting pot of greens.

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What is a Ham Hock?

Collard greens are delicious in and off themselves but what give it that added and unique flavor is the addition of the smoked meat. I often use ham hocks, bacon smoked turkey wings or smoked turkey legs to achieve that classic Southern pot of greens. Each one adding a delicious and unique flavor.

For this recipe I used Ham hock. Ham hock, if you don’t know is simply the pig knuckle. It has traditional been used to season greens, soups and stews for generations. It adds such a rich flavor and depth to many soul food dishes. I used it to flavor beans, greens, and broths to achieve that smoky, savory taste.

Ingredients for Collard Greens

• Collard Greens: Collard green are hearty and slightly bitter in taste. Make sure to thoroughly clean them before use.
• Ham Hocks: Smoked ham hocks adds a smoky flavor and depth to the dish, as well as a savory, meaty texture.
• Chicken Stock: Chicken Stock enhances adds a savory flavor, adding richness and depth to the broth.
• Water: Water is used to dilutes the chicken stock slightly to balance the intensity of the flavors.
• Butter: Butter is used to saute the onion and garlic.
• Onion: Onion adds an aromatic depth and sweetness that helps to balance the bitterness of the greens.
• Garlic: Garlic, another aromatic that complements the other ingredients and enhances the overall taste.
• White Vinegar: White Vinegar adds acidity to brighten and balance the flavors.
• Red Pepper Flakes: The Red Pepper Flakes add heat to give a slight kick to the collard greens.
• Black Pepper: Black Pepper adds a familiar earthy spice complementing the dish.
• Salt: The Salt enhances the natural flavors of all the ingredients and brings the dish together.

Substitutions

This recipe can easily be used for all greens. In addition to Collard Greens feel free to add or substitute with mustard greens, kale or turnip greens. All of these greens are delicious and unique in their own way. If you don’t want to use chicken broth for your liquid, it can be swapped out for vegetable broth. And if you don’t have white vinegar, apple cider vinegar will do just fine.

What You Will Need

• Slow Cooker
• Cooking Utensils

Watch Video Tutorial for Slow Cooker Collard Greens

Instructions for Slow Cooker Collard Greens

Step 1: Browning the Onion and Garlic

In preparation, remove the stems and make certain you rinse your greens and they are free of any dirt.

Turn your pot to the browning setting and add the butter. If your slow cooker does not have a browning setting you can do this step in a skillet. Add the onion and garlic and saute for 3 minutes or until your onion is just translucent. 

Step 2: Cooking the Collard Greens

Change the slow cooker setting to slow cook on high.

Add the ham hocks and half of your collard greens. Season with the red pepper flakes, black pepper and salt. Add the chicken broth and water then cover and allow it to cook until your greens begin to shrink.

Add the remaining collard greens and allow your green to cook for 3 and a half hours or until your greens have reached your desired tenderness.

Step 3: Finishing the Collard Greens

After 3 and half hours pour in the vinegar and mix well.

What to Eat With Collard Greens and Ham Hock

Collard Greens and Ham Hocks goes great with many other soul food staples. They pair well with Mac & Cheese, Black eyed peas, Fried Chicken, Smothered Chicken, Pork Chops or Smothered Turkey Wings just to name a few. All of these are enhanced by the rich hearty flavor of collard greens. Add a hearty slice of hot cornbread to round off this soul food plate. Cornbread is the ultimate way to enjoy that delicious pot likker that is as tasty as the collard greens itself.

What to Do With Leftovers Collard Greens and Ham Hocks

Leftover collard greens can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store them in an airtight container and consume them within this timeframe. Be mindful that after 4 days your collard greens should be discarded.

To freeze collard greens, again place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be store for up to 10 months but it is recommended to consume them within 6 month for the best flavor.

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