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Home » Recipes » Soul Food Classics

Modified: May 6, 2025 · Published: Feb 10, 2023 by LaKita · This post may contain affiliate links.

Southern Collard Greens Recipe with Ham Hocks

Jump to Recipe
overhead view of finished white bowl of southern collard greens recipe with ham hocks
overhead view of finished collards in a large stockpot
close up of finished greens in a white bowl

Try making this authentic Southern Collard Greens Recipe with Ham Hocks for a classic southern side dish with tender collard greens, smoked ham hocks, plus a few more simple ingredients.

These southern-style collard greens are great on their own, but the best way to enjoy them is by pairing them with some Southern Cornbread or Sweet Potato Cornbread.

overhead view of greens in a bowl beside a fork on marble surface

So my childhood called and expressed concern that I had not yet shared a recipe for collard greens on the blog. I honestly cannot believe that as a southerner that has been eating collards her whole life, I haven’t shared my version with you. 

Well, I actually cannot take full credit for the recipe that I’ve been using all these years as it really belongs to my cousin Ruby. Although she was technically my ‘cousin’ she was also the oldest member of my family and transitioned from this world at the tender age of 99. 

She was a petite lady with a big personality and a wealth of wisdom that she didn’t shy away from sharing with her loved ones. I never will forget the day that I accidentally referred to her as Mrs Ruby and she sharply let me know that I was to call her ‘cousin Ruby’ in a thick southern drawl that made it sound more like cuzzin than cousin. 

I was about 7 years old at the time. So to say that she had a hand in the upbringing and care of me and so many other members of my family is an understatement. And of course, that meant feeding us the most comforting and soul-filling food ever. 

Including this collard green recipe that has served me so well through the years that I haven’t ever considered changing it or trying something different. I’m excited to share it with you today and I hope that you’ll give it a try and share it with your family and friends for Sunday dinner or any time. 

Let’s get started!

Ingredients You'll Need

overhead ingredients needed to make green in separate bowls and containers
  1. Collards - Now I’m in an area where a bundle of fresh collard greens is available and easy to find all year. You want to use fresh greens for this recipe, not frozen or canned. I prefer to use the whole green leaf and prepare them myself, but if you can’t find them at your local grocery store in the produce section, then you may also use the prepared bag version of collards that are already chopped. 
  2. Onion - Use a yellow onion or white onion and chop it into small pieces. You will need at least a cup for this recipe, a medium or large onion should be enough. 
  3. Garlic - Thinly slice or mince three cloves of garlic and feel free to add more if you prefer. May use garlic powder as a substitute.
  4. Chicken Broth - Opt to use low-sodium chicken broth since smoked ham hocks will provide most of the saltiness and smokiness. The liquid portion to create the pot liquor. May also substitute with chicken stock.
  5. Smoked Ham Hock - Be sure to use smoked ham hocks and not fresh. These can usually be located in the meat section of the grocery store with the rest of the smoked meats. If you have difficulty finding them, you can use smoked pork neck bones instead. If you prefer not to use pork, then you may substitute it with smoked turkey wings or smoked turkey legs. 
  6. Salt - Helps to break down the greens and make them tender. 
  7. Ground Black Pepper - Pairs with the salt to season the collard greens and prevent them from tasting flat. 
  8. Vinegar - Use apple cider vinegar or distilled white vinegar to help make the green tender. 
  9. Hot Sauce - Adds a nice dash of heat and tangy flavor. 

See the recipe card below for exact ingredient quantities and instructions.

How to Make Collard Greens

Begin this pot of greens recipe by separating the leafy greens from the bunch and removing the thick stems. Wash each collard leaf in cold water in a clean sink, remove the tough stems, and thoroughly pat them dry. Coarsely chop the leaves to equal about 10 cups. This may seem like a lot, but they will break down once cooked. 

overhead view of chopped fresh greens in large white bowl

Using a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, add in the water, chicken broth, chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, ground black pepper, and smoked ham hocks. Allow the mixture to come to a boil. 

broth, onion, garlic, and ham hocks added to large pot

Add the prepared collards, place a lid on the pot, and reduce the heat to medium-low. Allow the mixture to simmer for one hour cooking time, until the greens are tender. During this time carefully remove the lid and stir occasionally. 

prepared greens added to large pot with the other ingredients

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Carefully remove the pot from the heat and remove the ham hocks from the pot. Allow them to cool down for a few minutes before handling them. Then using a fork or gloved hands, remove the meat from the bones and discard them along with any fatty pieces. Cut the meaty ham hock into smaller pieces before returning back to the pot. Add the vinegar and hot sauce and stir to combine. 

overhead view of chopped ham hocks in bowl on marble surface
overhead view of cooked greens in large pot

Return the pot over medium heat and cook for an additional 20 to 30 minutes cook time. Serve these southern greens warm with some extra hot sauce and some cornbread. Enjoy!

close up side view of cooked greens in large pot

Recipe Tips & Tricks

  • If this is your first time preparing fresh greens, try removing the stem by folding the green leaf in half lengthwise to expose the stem. Use your hands to separate the stem from the leaf.
  • Washing greens can be done before cutting them or after. I prefer after cutting, washing them in a clean sink with water and some distilled vinegar. Be sure to really get in there and scrub the green and rinse them as many times as necessary to remove the debris.
  • A great way to cut the greens is to stack them on top of each other before rolling them into a roll and cut into slices.
  • If you have a hard time locating smoked ham hocks, try asking the local butcher at your grocery store for help locating them in the meat department.
overhead view of leaf of fresh collard green
green leaf folded in half with stem removed and beside it
collard green leaf with stem fully removed and stacked with others
collard greens bunch rolled beside a knife

Ham Hock Substitution

A ham hock is the pig's knuckle that connects the pig's foot to the pig's leg. They're often smoked or cured giving a smoky, salty, and rich flavor. If you're having trouble finding them or prefer to use something else, smoked neck bones, smoked turkey wings, or thick-cut pork bacon are great options.

Storage Tips

Storage. If you have any leftover collard greens, then you may store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating. When ready to serve again, heat them in a saucepan over medium heat until heated thoroughly. You may also reheat them in the microwave as well in a microwave-safe container. 

Freezing. Cooked and cooled prepared collard greens store well in the freezer in a freezer-safe container for 1 month. Try to thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating them to serve. If you’re short on time, no worries, you can heat them straight from frozen over medium-low heat.  

bowl of greens beside a fork on marble surface

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Have any comments, questions, or other delicious ideas and ways to enjoy this Collard Greens Recipe? Please share them in the comments below!

📖 Recipe

cooked greens in large pot on marble surface

Southern Collard Greens Recipe with Ham Hocks

LaKita Anderson
Try making this authentic Southern Collard Greens Recipe with Ham Hocks for a classic southern side dish with tender collard greens, smoked ham hocks, plus a few more simple ingredients.
4.95 from 17 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes mins
Cook Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 316 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 large pot or Dutch oven

Ingredients
  

  • 3 pounds fresh collard greens
  • 4 cups water
  • 32 ounces low sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 ¼ pounds smoked ham hocks
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce

Instructions
 

  • Begin this pot of greens recipe by separating the leafy greens from the bunch and removing the thick stems. Wash each collard leaf in cold water in a clean sink, remove the tough stems, and thoroughly pat them dry.
  • Coarsely chop the 3 pounds of collards to equal about 10 cups. This may seem like a lot, but they will break down once cooked.
  • Using a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, add in the 4 cups water, 32 ounces chicken broth, 1 cup chopped onion, 3 cloves minced garlic, ¼ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper and 1 ¼ pounds smoked ham hocks. Allow the mixture to come to a boil.
  • Add the prepared collards, place a lid on the pot, and reduce the heat to medium-low. Allow the mixture to simmer for one hour, until the greens are tender. During this time carefully remove the lid and stir occasionally.
  • Carefully remove the pot from the heat and remove the ham hocks from the pot. Allow them to cool down for a few minutes before handling them. Then using a fork or gloved hands, remove the meat from the bones and discard them along with any fatty pieces. Cut the meaty ham hock into smaller pieces before returning back to the pot. Add the 2 tablespoons vinegar and 1 teaspoon hot sauce and stir to combine.
  • Return the pot over medium heat and cook for an additional 20 to 30 minutes cook time. Serve these southern greens warm with some extra hot sauce and some cornbread. Enjoy!

Video

Notes

  • If this is your first time preparing fresh greens, try removing the stem by folding the green leaf in half lengthwise to expose the stem. Use your hands to separate the stem from the leaf.
  • Washing greens can be done before cutting them or after. I prefer after cutting, washing them in a clean sink with water and some distilled vinegar. Be sure to really get in there and scrub the green and rinse them as many times as necessary to remove the debris.
  • A great way to cut the greens is to stack them on top of each other before rolling them into a roll and cut into slices.
  • If you have a hard time locating smoked ham hocks, try asking the local butcher at your grocery store for help locating them in the meat department.
Calories: 316kcalCarbohydrates: 13gProtein: 27gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 77mgSodium: 333mgPotassium: 758mgFiber: 7gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 8539IUVitamin C: 62mgCalcium: 424mgIron: 2mg

The provided nutritional information is an estimate per serving. Accuracy is not guaranteed.

Keyword collard greens recipe
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Comments

    4.95 from 17 votes (4 ratings without comment)

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    Recipe Rating




  1. jennifer little says

    December 06, 2024 at 6:11 pm

    LaKita- this is the way to cook greens- OMG thank you for sharing!

    Reply
    • LaKita says

      December 07, 2024 at 11:32 am

      Thank you so much Jennifer!!

      Reply
  2. Danielle says

    August 09, 2024 at 10:40 pm

    This was amazing! My kids asked for seconds and thirds.

    Reply
    • LaKita says

      August 12, 2024 at 2:48 pm

      Thank you so much Danielle! Happy to hear that your family enjoyed the greens recipes, especially the kids 🙂

      Reply
      • Coach Mills says

        November 28, 2024 at 8:20 am

        5 stars
        This recipe is so good. The tips on cleaning and how to prepare and cut the greens was especially helpful. I doubled it and it is a favorite side dish at Thanksgiving dinner. Thankful to you for a great dish!

        Reply
        • LaKita says

          November 28, 2024 at 8:58 am

          Thank you so much for sharing Coach Mills! Happy to hear that you enjoyed the collards recipe! Happy Thanksgiving 🙂

          Reply
  3. rick waldron says

    August 04, 2024 at 11:00 pm

    5 stars
    Sooo yummy!!

    Reply
    • LaKita says

      August 05, 2024 at 1:41 pm

      Thank you Rick! Happy to hear you enjoyed the greens 🙂

      Reply
  4. Brian says

    May 26, 2024 at 3:26 pm

    Can I add yellow and/or red bell peppers to this recipe?
    What about jalapeños? Recipe is delicious looking to zest it up a bit.

    Reply
    • LaKita says

      July 05, 2024 at 7:26 pm

      Yes, you certainly can!

      Reply
  5. c ford says

    January 14, 2024 at 10:36 am

    can ham hocks be cooked before cooking greens?

    Reply
    • LaKita says

      January 17, 2024 at 10:03 pm

      Yes, the ham hocks certainly can be cooked (seared) before adding the greens!

      Reply
    • EJW says

      April 07, 2024 at 4:26 pm

      5 stars
      Doing this pm whilst smoking some ribs. Smoking a ham bone from a spiral cut ham and trying that out. Pot is on the side burner of my grill.

      Reply
      • LaKita says

        April 14, 2024 at 6:00 pm

        That sounds like the perfect pairing! Hope you enjoyed the ribs and collard greens!!

        Reply
  6. Mikayla says

    February 19, 2023 at 6:03 pm

    5 stars
    So much flavor in one dish, leftovers will be going to work this week as lunches!

    Reply
    • LaKita says

      February 20, 2023 at 12:55 pm

      Thank you so much Mikayla!!

      Reply
    • Ryan Do says

      October 18, 2024 at 1:49 pm

      5 stars
      Added more seasonings but the measurements for everything was perfect! First time doing collard greens and this recipe made it smooth sailing.

      Reply
      • LaKita says

        October 24, 2024 at 4:53 pm

        Thank you Ryan for sharing! Happy to hear that you enjoyed the greens recipe and adding seasonings to make it more your own is perfectly understandable. 🙂

        Reply
  7. Natalia says

    February 19, 2023 at 5:44 pm

    5 stars
    I made this collard greens recipe yesterday, so tasty and flavorful! I didn't have ham so I used smoked Turkey instead and it turned out great. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
    • LaKita says

      February 20, 2023 at 12:55 pm

      Thank you so much Natalia! Turkey works just as well!

      Reply
  8. Alex says

    February 19, 2023 at 2:45 pm

    5 stars
    Thanks for all the tips! It was indeed my first time preparing collard greens and your tips were a big help. And the result was delicious! Thanks.

    Reply
    • LaKita says

      February 20, 2023 at 12:59 pm

      Thank you Alex, glad to hear they were helpful!

      Reply
  9. Loreto and Nicoletta says

    February 19, 2023 at 11:27 am

    5 stars
    Wow, what took you so long! 😆 ❤️
    Love collard greens, and yours have us craving them so bad. Love the smoked pork. And the texture tells me every fork full will be just heavenly! So happy you finely decided to pist this amazing Southern recipe! ❤️ 😍 😋

    Reply
    • LaKita says

      February 20, 2023 at 1:00 pm

      Thank you so much!! I know, I had to correct that immediately and it was certainly past time to share 😉

      Reply
  10. Erin says

    February 18, 2023 at 8:22 am

    5 stars
    I had some ham hocks and had no clue what to do with them. I'm so glad I came across this recipe! We all loved these collard greens. Thank you!

    Reply
    • LaKita says

      February 20, 2023 at 12:59 pm

      Thank you Erin, perfect timing 🙂

      Reply
  11. Amanda says

    February 17, 2023 at 3:53 pm

    5 stars
    I made this for dinner last night, and it was perfect! The collard greens were nice and tender, and the ham added a nice smoky touch.

    Reply
    • LaKita says

      February 20, 2023 at 12:54 pm

      Thank you Amanda, happy to hear that you enjoyed the greens 🙂

      Reply
  12. Sandhya Ramakrishnan says

    February 17, 2023 at 12:58 pm

    5 stars
    Thank you so much for the detailed instructions on how to prepare collard greens. This is the first time I am using it and your pictorials are very helpful.

    Reply
    • LaKita says

      February 20, 2023 at 12:54 pm

      Thank you so much Sandhya!

      Reply
  13. Ann says

    February 15, 2023 at 11:23 am

    5 stars
    I am still a newbie with cooking collard greens, so this recipe sounds like the perfect one to give a try! Sounds delicious!

    Reply
    • LaKita says

      February 20, 2023 at 12:53 pm

      Thank you Ann, this is a great intro, really easy 😉

      Reply
  14. Gloria says

    February 13, 2023 at 10:13 am

    5 stars
    Sounds like the perfect comfort food. Here in Canada, we don't use collard greens often. I will pick some up and give this a try.

    Reply
    • LaKita says

      February 20, 2023 at 12:47 pm

      Thank you Gloria! It's comfort food for sure 🙂

      Reply
Head shot bio photo of LaKita in an orange shirt.

Hi, I'm LaKita. I'm a Lifelong home cook and self-taught baker. I've been sharing modern comfort food through food blogging, recipe development, and photography since 2013.

More about me →

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