Transform your kitchen into a Southern haven with this irresistibly delicious Day 1 Crock Pot Collard Greens recipe! Packed with tender greens, savory smoked turkey or ham hock, and a flavor-packed broth infused with onions, garlic, apple cider vinegar, and a touch of sweetness from brown sugar, this slow-cooked masterpiece is pure comfort food. Easy to prepare, this dish simmers low and slow in a crock pot for six hours, allowing the flavors to meld into an unforgettable combination of earthy, smoky, and tangy notes. Perfect as a hearty side dish or a soul-warming main paired with cornbread, this recipe is your go-to for a stress-free, wholesome meal with only 20 minutes of prep time. Whether you're serving it at a family gathering or enjoying it on a quiet evening, these collard greens are guaranteed to steal the show!
Rinse the collard greens thoroughly to remove grit and dirt. Trim the tough stems and chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces.
Peel and dice the onion. Peel and mince the garlic cloves.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and sauté for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
Place the smoked turkey leg or ham hock in the bottom of a 6-quart crock pot.
Add the chopped collard greens on top of the turkey leg or ham hock, pressing them down to fit as needed.
Pour in the chicken broth and apple cider vinegar.
Add the sautéed onion and garlic, salt, black pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, and brown sugar. Stir gently to combine.
Cover the crock pot with the lid and set it to cook on low for 6 hours or until the collard greens are tender and infused with flavor.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed before serving.
Serve hot as a side dish or a standalone meal with cornbread or your choice of accompaniments.
Calories |
940 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 43.0 g | 55% | |
| Saturated Fat | 7.4 g | 37% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 80 mg | 27% | |
| Sodium | 5626 mg | 245% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 85.0 g | 31% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 39.5 g | 141% | |
| Total Sugars | 21.7 g | ||
| Protein | 68.8 g | 138% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 1449 mg | 111% | |
| Iron | 15.8 mg | 88% | |
| Potassium | 2492 mg | 53% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.