Name: Collard Greens with Ham Hocks
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 95 min
Total time: 110 min
Ingredients: 3 lbs collard greens, cleaned and chopped; 2 ham hocks; 9 cups chicken stock; 3 cups water; 1/2 cup onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 4 tbsp white vinegar; 1 tsp red pepper flakes; 1 tsp black pepper; 2 tsp salt

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Last Updated on September 1, 2026 by Barbara

Collard Greens with Ham Hocks is old-school soul food comfort at its best. Ham hocks give the pot that deep, salty, slow-cooked pork flavor my mom made for every Sunday dinner and every holiday I can remember. They simmer on the stove with onion, garlic, red pepper flakes, and a splash of vinegar until the leaves are tender and the pot likker is so good you’ll want to sip it straight from the ladle. If you love a rich, meaty pot of greens, this one’s for you.

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Which collard greens recipe is right for you?

Prefer smoked turkey instead of pork? Try our Southern Collard Greens with Smoked Turkey. Want to set it and forget it? See our Slow Cooker Collard Greens.

Table of Contents

What is a Ham Hock?

When it comes to a great pot of collard greens, the secret for me is in seasoning and the smoked meat used to give the greens its rich flavor. I often make collard greens with smoked turkey or collard greens with bacon, but when I want the taste of my childhood and home I opt for ham hocks.

So what is a ham hock? A ham hock is simply the pig knuckle. It is positioned at the lower part of a pig’s leg, connecting the pig’s foot to its leg. It’s a tough cut of meat that includes bone, fat, connective tissue, and some meat.

For generations in Soul Food and Southern cooking, Ham hocks in particular smoked ham hocks, have been used to add rich flavor to dishes such as greens, soups and stews. When cooked slowly, the collagen and fat in the ham hock break down, adding richness and depth to the dish. They are often used to flavor beans, greens, and broths, lending a smoky, savory taste.

Watch Video Tutorial for Collard Greens with Ham Hocks

Ingredients

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.
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.

What You Will Need

Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Broth

In a large pot, combine 9 cups of chicken stock and 3 cups of water. Add the chopped onions, minced garlic, and ham hocks to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, cover the pot and let it cook for 15 minutes.

Step 2: Cooking the Collard Greens

cooking the collard greens and ham hocks

After 15 minutes, remove the lid and add half of the collard greens to the pot.

Cover the pot again and continue cooking for 10 minutes. This will allow the first batch of greens to begin to wilt and cook down.

After 10 minutes, add the remaining collard greens to the pot. Cover and cook for another 10 minutes.

Step 3: Seasoning the Collard Greens

Once the greens have cooked down, season with the salt, black pepper and red pepper flakes. Pour in the white vinegar. Stir everything well to ensure the greens are evenly coated with the seasonings.

Step 4: Final Cook of the Collard Greens

Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Allow the collard greens to simmer for 1 hour. This slow cooking process will ensure the greens are tender and infused with flavor.

If you’re building a full soul food menu, browse Authentic Soul Food Recipes Hub.

What to Eat With Collard Greens and Ham Hock

This soul food classic side dish is expected on every soul food dinner plate. Collard Greens and Ham Hocks pairs well with Fried Chicken, Smothered Chicken, Pork Chops or Smothered Turkey Wings just to name a few. These main proteins are all enhanced by the tasty, comforting flavor of collard greens. In addition to your main meat, cornbread, candied yams and potato salad can round off your soul food plate and leave everyone feeling satisfied.

What to Do With Leftovers Collard Greens and Ham Hocks

Leftover collard greens can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 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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