Crock Pot Collard Greens and Ham: A Comfort Classic That Cooks Itself!

Photo byAngie Bright

There's something deeply comforting about the aroma of slow-cooked collard greens and ham filling the house. It’s a dish that hails from southern kitchens, where tradition and flavor come together in perfect harmony. While this recipe might evoke memories of family gatherings or holiday meals, it’s also a convenient everyday dish when made in a crock pot, allowing the rich flavors to meld over hours without much effort. Whether you’re a fan of savory ham or the tender, slightly bitter greens, this Crock Pot Collard Greens and Ham recipe delivers.

The Soul of Southern Cooking

Collard greens and ham have long been staples in Southern cuisine. Their roots trace back to resourcefulness and simple, hearty ingredients that provided sustenance for generations. Today, this dish still holds a place of honor at the dinner table, often served alongside cornbread or mashed potatoes. The ham hocks not only provide a savory depth of flavor, but the greens soak up all of that delicious smoky richness, resulting in a meal that’s both nutritious and comforting.

By slow-cooking the collard greens with tender ham, the flavors have time to fully develop, producing a satisfying dish that is both easy to make and soul-warming.

Crock Pot Collard Greens and Ham Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 large ham hocks or ham pieces
• 2 lbs collard greens, cleaned, stems removed and leaves roughly chopped
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance bitterness)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for additional richness)

Directions:

1. Prepare the Crock Pot: Start by placing the ham hocks or ham pieces at the bottom of your slow cooker. Around the ham, add the chopped onion and minced garlic to infuse the dish with savory flavors as it cooks.

2. Add the Collard Greens: Next, layer the roughly chopped collard greens on top of the ham hocks. You may need to add the greens in batches if your slow cooker is smaller, allowing each batch to wilt slightly before adding more.

3. Add Liquid and Seasonings: Pour the chicken broth and apple cider vinegar over the greens, giving the dish a tangy kick. Sprinkle in the crushed red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, and sugar (if using). Season everything with salt and black pepper to taste. For a little extra richness, drizzle some olive oil over the top.

4. Slow Cook: Cover your slow cooker with the lid and cook on low for 8 hours, or on high for 4-5 hours. The ham will become tender, and the collard greens will soften, absorbing all of the delicious flavors.

5. Shred and Serve: Once the cooking is complete, remove the ham hocks from the crock pot and shred the meat. Return the shredded meat to the greens, stir everything together, and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve hot and savor the comforting flavors.

A Hearty, Flavor-Packed Meal

Crock Pot Collard Greens and Ham is a perfect way to bring a piece of Southern comfort food into your home with minimal effort. The long, slow cooking process allows the ham to become fall-apart tender, while the collard greens absorb all of the savory broth and seasonings. This dish is a great way to use up leftover ham or introduce yourself to the world of slow-cooked greens.

Pair it with cornbread or rice for a filling meal, or serve it alongside your favorite Southern dishes for a true feast. It’s simple to make, but the result is a rich, flavorful dish that tastes like it’s been passed down through generations.

Whether you’re craving a taste of the South or simply looking for a comforting dish to warm you up, this Crock Pot Collard Greens and Ham recipe won’t disappoint.

Here are some helpful sources for making Crock Pot Collard Greens and Ham:

1. I Heart Recipes offers a great version of this dish, emphasizing the traditional Southern flavors. They recommend cooking the ham hocks with collard greens, onion, and garlic for rich flavor, with options like adding apple cider vinegar and crushed red pepper to elevate the dish​(I Heart Recipes).
2. Southern Living provides a detailed guide, focusing on using ham hocks to infuse the collard greens with smoky, savory flavors. Their recipe includes chicken broth and the option to add sugar to balance any bitterness from the greens​(Southern Living).
3. Simply Happy Foodie features a recipe that highlights the importance of slow-cooking the greens to achieve the best texture and flavor. They suggest adding apple cider vinegar and sugar for balance, as well as garnishing with hot sauce​(Simply Happy Foodie).
4. Salty Side Dish emphasizes the importance of prepping the greens and ham hocks properly for optimal flavor, offering a slightly spicier take with red pepper flakes and garlic​(Salty Side Dish).

These sources should provide you with plenty of inspiration and variations to perfect your crock pot collard greens and ham dish!