Lunch & Dinner

Southern Style Collard Greens Recipe – Easy Meals To Cook

Name: Southern Style Collard Greens Recipe – Easy Meals To Cook
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 2 h
Total time: 2 h 10 min
Yield: 6
Ingredients: 1 bay leaf; 2 garlic cloves, gently crushed; 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced lengthwise; 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes; 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth or stock; 2 tablespoons rendered bacon drippings, lard, or neutral oil; 1 smoked ham hock or smoked turkey leg; 8 to 10 cups of fresh collard greens, washed and chopped; Kosher salt, to taste; Splash of apple cider vinegar and your favorite hot sauce, to taste

Kelly Blackford June 30, 2025

Servings: 6 Total Time: 2 hrs 10 mins Difficulty: Intermediate

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Before we dive into the enticing world of Southern Style Collard Greens, let’s first talk about what goes best alongside this soul food staple. Trust me, collard greens are versatile and are ideal companions on the dinner table.

First up, cornbread is a classic pairing. Its slightly sweet, buttery goodness complements the savory greens perfectly. The contrast between the crunchy outside and moist inside of cornbread, paired with the leafy greens, creates a delightful mouthful.

Next, consider sizzling fried chicken. The crispy exterior and juicy interior of fried chicken bring out the rich flavors of collard greens. The marriage of textures elevates any meal, and the savory taste from the chicken enhances the overall experience.

If you’re in the mood for something hearty, smoked turkey leg or ham hock is an excellent choice. The subtle smokiness adds depth to the dish and makes every bite a flavor-packed delight.

And let’s not forget about macaroni and cheese. The creamy, cheesy goodness serves as a comforting counterbalance to the bitter notes of the greens. Together, they create a dinner that your taste buds will thank you for.

What are Southern Style Collard Greens?

Southern Style Collard Greens are a cooking staple, particularly in African American cuisine, and are often found on plates throughout the Southern United States. They belong to the cabbage family and have broad, dark green leaves that are packed with nutrients. Typically, collard greens are cooked low and slow, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

Cooking collard greens isn’t just about preparing a dish; it’s about honoring generations of culinary practices. The greens are tenderized by slow simmering, often alongside smoked meats or flavorful broths, resulting in a rich, savory flavor that you simply can’t get from uncooked or quickly steamed greens.

What Does It Taste Like?

If you’ve never tasted collard greens before, imagine a mix of mildly bitter and earthy flavors accompanied by smoky undertones depending on your cooking method.

Cooked correctly, collard greens should be tender but not mushy, maintaining a slight crunch and vibrant flavor that keeps your palate intrigued. The addition of spices, broth, and a splash of vinegar brings the flavors to life, balancing bitterness with acidity.

Why This Recipe Works

Rich Flavor Profile
This recipe combines smoked ham hocks with fresh collard greens, creating a deep, savory underpinning. The smoke from the ham adds complexity, enriching the overall flavor.

Nutritional Powerhouse
Collard greens are packed with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as calcium and iron. Cooking them with a low-sodium broth ensures you maintain their nutritional integrity while keeping the dish healthy.

Culinary Tradition
Cooking collard greens the Southern way honors tradition. Recipes passed down generations are not just about food; they carry stories and a sense of home.

Versatility
This recipe can stand alone or complement a variety of proteins. Whether you serve it alongside fried chicken or grilled sausages, it adapts beautifully to different meals without losing its unique essence.

Ingredients for Southern Style Collard Greens Recipe

Gather the following ingredients to get started on this flavorful dish:

1 bay leaf (adds earthy undertones)
2 garlic cloves, gently crushed
1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced lengthwise
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (for a subtle heat and depth)
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth or stock
2 tablespoons rendered bacon drippings, lard, or neutral oil
1 smoked ham hock or smoked turkey leg
8 to 10 cups of fresh collard greens, washed and chopped
Kosher salt, to taste
Splash of apple cider vinegar and your favorite hot sauce, to taste

Southern Style Collard Greens Copycat Recipe

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Collard Greens

Start by washing the collard greens thoroughly. Remove the stems and chop the leaves into manageable pieces—around 1 to 2 inches in size.

The trimming process helps ensure that you get the most tender parts.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large pot, heat your bacon drippings, lard, or neutral oil over medium heat. Once the fat is hot, add the thinly sliced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes or until it’s translucent.

Toss in the crushed garlic and crushed red pepper flakes, cooking for an additional minute. This step is crucial. It creates a base layer of flavor that weaves through the greens.

Step 3: Add the Ham Hock

Next, drop the smoked ham hock into the pot. This will impart a beautiful smokiness that permeates the greens. Pour in the chicken broth or stock and bring everything to a gentle simmer.

Step 4: Introduce the Greens

Once the broth is bubbling, add the chopped collard greens to the pot. Don’t be alarmed if it seems like too much; they will wilt down significantly. Stir them into the broth, making sure they’re submerged.

Step 5: Season and Simmer

Now it’s time to season. Sprinkle in a pinch of kosher salt, and add the bay leaf. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let your greens simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours. This slow cooking allows the flavors to meld together wonderfully.

Step 6: Final Touches

After the greens are tender, remove the ham hock. Shred any meat from the bone and return it to the pot if desired. Add a splash of apple cider vinegar and any preferred hot sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning. This step brightens the dish and adds a lovely balance to the flavors.

Notes

Choose Fresh Greens: Look for bright, dark green leaves. Avoid any yellow or wilting leaves.
Longer Cooking Equals Better Flavor: Don’t rush the cooking process. The longer you simmer, the deeper the flavor.
Experiment with Acidity: Try different types of vinegar. Each adds a unique twist.
Herbal Additions: If you have fresh thyme or parsley, consider adding it to the pot for an extra dimension of flavor.
Adjusting for Spice: If you’re not a fan of heat, reduce the crushed red pepper flakes or leave them out entirely.

Nutrition Information

Collard greens are not just delicious; they’re also incredibly nutritious. A serving of cooked collard greens contains approximately:

Calories: 60
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fat: 2g
Protein: 5g
Fiber: 6g
Vitamin A: 769% of Daily Value
Vitamin C: 58% of Daily Value
Calcium: 27% of Daily Value
Iron: 22% of Daily Value

How to Store the Leftovers

Got leftovers? No problem! Store any extra collard greens in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll last about three to five days. You can also freeze them for up to six months. Just be sure to cool the greens completely before freezing and pack them in a freezer-safe container.

Sides for Southern Style Collard Greens Recipe

1. Cornbread
A classic Southern staple, cornbread is slightly sweet and adds a nice texture to the meal. Bake it until golden brown and serve warm.

2. Fried Chicken
No Southern dinner is complete without fried chicken. The crispy skin and juicy meat offer a delightful contrast to the greens.

3. Potato Salad
Creamy potato salad provides a cool, rich side that balances the warmth of collard greens. The contrasting textures enhance the overall dining experience.

4. Macaroni and Cheese
Who can resist a bowl of creamy mac and cheese? It’s the ultimate comfort food. Pairing rich mac and cheese with collard greens is a winning combination.

Alternative Ingredient Choices

Not every pantry is stocked with the exact ingredients. Here are some substitutions you can make:

1. Ham Hock Substitute
If you don’t have a ham hock, try using diced smoked sausage or even a splash of liquid smoke for that smoky flavor.

2. Broth Option
Can’t find low-sodium chicken broth? Vegetable broth is a great alternative that will still add flavor without meat.

3. Olive Oil for Bacon Grease
If you’re vegetarian, swap the bacon fat for extra-virgin olive oil. It will coat the greens beautifully.

4. Sweet Vinegar Swap
Apple cider vinegar works wonders, but if you’re out, white wine vinegar or lemon juice can provide that needed acidity.

Best Southern Style Collard Greens Recipe

Conclusion

Southern Style Collard Greens aren’t just food; they’re a rich tapestry of culture, tradition, and flavor. This dish brings families together, sparks conversation, and warms the soul. With this recipe, you’re not just making a meal—you’re crafting an experience. Pair it with your favorite sides, and you’ve got a dinner that will be remembered.

So go ahead and give this recipe a try! Embrace the process, savor the flavors, and allow collard greens to take center stage on your dinner table tonight. Trust me; your taste buds will be singing!

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Southern Style Collard Greens Recipe – Easy Meals To Cook

Author: Kelly Blackford Cuisine: Southern Courses: Lunch & Dinner

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 2 hrs Total Time 2 hrs 10 mins

Servings: 6 Calories: 60 kcal

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Description

Ah, collard greens! To some, they may seem like just another leafy green, but to many in the South, they are much more than that.

Growing up, collard greens were a staple on our family dinner table. Each bite was filled with memories of laughter, stories, and the richness of tradition. There’s something heartwarming about a pot of simmering greens on a chilly evening. You can feel the love and heritage seeping through every leaf.

But what exactly are Southern Style Collard Greens? How do they taste, and why do they stand out among other greens? Let's uncover the magic behind this iconic side dish!