Southern Collard Greens slow cooker

Collard greens are the dish at every Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter dinner and sometimes Sunday dinner just because it's collard greens. My mother used ham hocks in her recipe, but as I got older I wanted to change the dish up with a smoked turkey neck, leg, or wing it didn't matter to me. Sometimes I don't use meat at all just because. This is my southern version so meat it is.

I love for my collard greens to melt in your mouth. Everybody's collards don't melt. I find that the vinegar tenderizes the greens and the slow and long helps with the process too. Hot pepper flakes for a little heat and of course garlic make everything taste good.

I remember my first time trying to cook collards I didn't know what my mother used but I knew it was a lump of meat so I used bacon and just placed it in the pot and a lot of salt. I had the nerve to give that tip to my cousin's wife and oh my God my mom and aunt laughed so hard. Sorry Carla, lol.

Did You Know!

Collard greens have been cooked for centuries. Although collard greens didn't originate from Africa, southern style cooking of collard greens came from the arrival of African slaves and their need to satisfy their hunger with the leftover food slaves were forced to create meals. This is how the famous southern greens was created.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze cooked collard greens?

you can freeze collard greens that have been cooked up to 12 months. Always date your freezer zip lock bags or use an airtight container.

How long can I keep collard greens in the fridge?

Using an airtight container or a zip lock bag, collard greens can be kept in the fridge for 3-4 days.

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

Jump To Recipe

Ingredients Southern Collard Greens Slow Cooker

• Collard greens- buy the bunch, or bagged nicely cut but still wash them

• Smoked Turkey- you can use necks, wings, or legs. In this recipe I used necks. provide that smokey flavor

• Roasted Garlic Bouillon- better than bouillon roasted garlic for the deeper flavor to the greens

• White Vinegar- tenderizes the leafy greens and provides the acidity it needs

• Onions & Garlic clove- provides a sweet, nutty, and savory flavor

• Seasoning- Onion powder, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and hot pepper flakes enhances the flavor and wakes up the flavor of the collard greens

Let's Cook!

• Collard Greens- Whether you purchase collards by the bunch on pre-cut in a bag, wash your greens thoroughly. You want to make sure to remove any critters and dirt. Roll the leaves and cut them into strips, removing the thick stems. (Pre-cut saves this step)

• Smoke turkey- placing the necks in the slow cooker with the roasted garlic broth

• Onions & Garlic- Finely chop the onion and the garlic cloves to simmer with the smoked turkey

• Seasonings- are added after the collards are in the slow cooker along with the vinegar.

Bon Appetit, ENJOY!