Learn how to make slow cooker collard greens, a classic Southern dish, cooking the greens low and slow will develop that deep flavor and wonderful pot liquor (broth) of a classic collard greens recipe. This recipe is simply delicious and tried and true comfort food.
You may also, enjoy my slow cooker cabbage recipe. Greens go great with my New Year’s Day Black Eyed Peas recipe or an easy black bean recipe.
Whats Special About this Recipe
The combination of simple ingredients cooked low and slow in your slow cooker creates an amazingly flavorful meal.
Ingredients and Substitutions
- Collard Greens – Use fresh collards with a dark green color and trim off the stem and tear them or chop them into bite-size strips. If you can’t find the collard greens then use mustard or turnip greens. A combination is also very tasty.
- Apple Cider Vinegar – Add a bit to add a little tangy flavor to the greens.
- Bacon – Having parents from the south, bacon fat was a staple ingredient in our house. A little bit goes a long way in adding that bacon flavor to the greens. The crumbled bacon gives each bite a nice crunch.
- Brown Sugar – This gives the greens a slightly sweet flavor.
- Seasonings – Add red pepper flakes, onion powder, and garlic powder for a touch of heat and spice.
- Chicken Broth – The chicken broth is the main liquid to cook the greens, and I suggest a lower sodium version or even homemade if you have it available.
- Optional Tomatoes, Onions, and Garlic – Make the meal meatless by leaving out the bacon quick sauté in some onions, tomatoes, and garlic a little butter to add wonderful flavor depth to your greens.
Variations
I used packaged bacon bits, however if yu have the time, cook up the bacon fresh and reserve the bacon grease to add into the crockpot for a wonderful old fashioned flavor.
How To Chop Collards and Prepare for Cooking
Step One: Start by cutting off the stems below the leaf.
Step Two: Once the stems are removed, roll them up and slice them as thick or thin as you like.
Step Three: Place the cut greens in a bowl of cold water and let them soak for 10-15 minutes to lose up any dirt that might be stuck to the leaves. Transfer to a colander and rinse.
Cooking Directions
One Step: Add the ingredients and prepared collards into a 2-quart slow cooker. Cook on low for about 6 hours, until the greens are tender.
Tools Used
A 2-quart slow cooker is great for making small batches of collard greens. Here is an Amazon link to the 2-quart model I use often. 2-Quart Crock Pot.
How to store leftovers
Refrigerate any leftovers within 2 hours; remember the recipe includes bacon and bacon fat. Store the greens in a covered bowl in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Gently reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
FAQ’s
Absolutely yes! Collards do take a long time to cook down into a tender state. If you are looking for a suitable alternative, try Cabbage, Mustard Greens, or Turnip Greens. All of these options are very tasty.
Pot liquor refers to the cooked-down liquid left in the pot after cooking meats or vegetables.
Yes, but you must alter the cooking time, and canned collards might be pre-seasoned. Put the canned greens into the slow cooker, add a little seasoning like brown sugar and red pepper flakes, and cook on low for about an hour to give the extra seasoning time to blend.
Ham hocks are typically cured or smoked and often used as a flavoring ingredient in soups, stews, and other dishes. They can also be roasted or braised, but they are not typically eaten as a standalone cut of meat due to their toughness and high-fat content.
What to Serve with Collards
Serve your collard greens with homemade cornbread to soak up the delicious pot liquor (the cooking broth), or alongside other comfort foods like pan fried chicken. One of my favorite ways to serve greens is over garlic butter rice.
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Slow Cooker Collard Greens
Ingredients
- 5 leaves collard greens washed, remove stems and cut into 1/2 strips
- ¾ cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons bacon bits
- ⅛ teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Rinse the greens and remove the tough stem and chop into smaller strips about 1/2 inch wide.
- Add the chopped collard greens, chicken broth, salt, pepper, bacon bits, apple cider vinegar and brown sugar into a small 2-quart slow cooker slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours.
Notes
- Cook your collard greens on the low setting of your slow cooker for about 6 to 8 hours. This gentle cooking method makes them incredibly tender.
- Depending on your slow cooker, the greens might need more or less time. Check for the desired tenderness and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Collard greens will release water as they cook. You don’t need to completely submerge the greens in liquid; just enough to cook them without drying out.
- Before serving, taste the collard greens and adjust the seasonings as needed. This might include more salt, pepper, vinegar, or a hint of sugar to balance the flavors.
Nutrition
See more guidelines at USDA.gov.