Prepare this easy Slow Cooker Collard Greens recipe for a delicious side. These collards have a smoky ham flavor and a great broth!

Collard greens are a southern style recipe with amazing smoke flavor. These greens go amazing with Slow Cooker New Years Day Black Eyed Peas, Slow Cooker Pork Chops and much more!

Collard greens need quite a bit of time to soften up and that’s why making them in the crockpot is the best! While they cook, a wonderful broth (pot liquor) is formed from the flavors of the bacon, ham, and spices. This broth is wonderful with the greens and some people even drink what’s left in their bowl. Also, try my slow cooker creamed spinach recipe.

What are collard greens?

• Collard greens are a leafy dark green vegetable.
• Have a very tough stem that travels up the entire leaf and needs to be removed before cooking.
• Collard greens are in the same family as cabbage, kale, mustard and turnips.

How to make the best collards greens:

• Fresh Collard Greens – These should be dark and vibrant green. Trim off the stem and tear into strips.
• Crumbled Bacon and Bacon Grease – Yes! I add a touch of bacon drippings to my collard greens. My mom would always cook with bacon fat and it really steps up a recipe.
• Ham Hocks or Shanks – This is where the smoky element comes in and I shred the meat off the bone and put it into the finished collard greens.
• Apple Cider Vinegar – Just a touch of vinegar adds tanginess and depth of flavor.
• Brown Sugar – This gives the greens a slightly sweet flavor and the helps flavor the broth.
• Seasonings – Salt, pepper and red pepper flakes.
• Chicken Broth – This is the moisture for this recipe. You can use water here but be sure to add more salt to taste if needed at the end of the cooking time.

How long do I cook collard greens in the slow cooker?

• 4 hours on HIGH
• or 7 hours on LOW

Can I use mustard, turnip or kale greens in this recipe?

Yes! It is sometimes hard to track down collard greens. Use the same amount of these greens instead.

I can’t find a ham hock or shanks, what can I use instead?

• Smoked turkey wings, drumsticks or necks
• Kielbasa
• Diced or sliced ham

Can I use bagged greens?

Yes, about two pounds is just the right amount for this recipe.

Can I use canned collard greens?

• You can but will need to alter the recipe.
• Canned collard greens are fulled cooked and sometimes already seasoned. You can add bacon, brown sugar, vinegar, and red pepper flakes to them to make them even better. I would skip the ham hock for it needs more time than canned greens to cook.
• To heat canned collard greens in the crockpot: Add 2-3 cans to a slow cooker (add any extra seasonings if desired) and heat on HIGH for 1.5 – 2 hours.

What goes good with Collard Greens?

• Slow Cooker Black Eyed Peas – Brings good luck in the new year.
• Slow Cooker Cornbread – or you can bake mini muffin cornbread
• Pinto Beans – A great alternative if you don’t like black-eyed peas.
• Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese – My recipe is made with cream cheese
• Crockpot Smothered Pork Chops – Plenty of gravy on these
• Steamed White Rice – the easiest side dish ever

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More slow cooker sides

• Slow Cooker Peas and Carrots
• Slow Cooker Grits
• Slow Cooker Stuffing
• Slow Cooker Caramelized Onions
• Slow Cooker Creamed Corn
• Slow Cooker Baked Beans