If you’re craving authentic Southern soul food, nothing hits the spot quite like a pot of perfectly cooked collard greens. Whether simmered on the stove, slow-cooked in a Crockpot to perfection, or infused with the smoky richness of ham hocks, smoked turkey, or bacon, collard greens are a staple in Southern kitchens. These flavorful greens, cooked low and slow with just the right seasonings, offer a hearty and comforting side dish for any occasion.
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This post outlines the best Southern greens recipes that are easy to make and packed with classic Southern flavor—no matter how you choose to prepare them.
Brandi's Collard Green Tips
- Wash Thoroughly: Collard greens can be sandy, so wash them thoroughly. Submerge them in cold water and swish around to remove dirt and grit, then rinse several times.
- Season with Smoked Meat: Traditional Southern collard greens often include smoked pork like ham hocks, bacon, or smoked turkey to infuse the greens with rich, smoky flavor.
- Cook Low and Slow: They need time to become tender. Simmer them in a flavorful broth, ensuring they soak up all the seasonings.
- Serve with Pot Likker: The rich cooking liquid, or "pot likker," is packed with nutrients and flavor. Serve the greens with a ladle of this broth on top or with cornbread to soak it up.
The Best Southern Soul Food Collard Greens Recipes
If you’re craving authentic Southern soul food, nothing hits the spot quite like a pot of perfectly cooked collard greens. Whether simmered on the stove, slow-cooked in a Crockpot to perfection, or infused with the smoky richness of ham hocks, smoked turkey, or bacon, collard greens are a staple in Southern kitchens. These flavorful greens, cooked low and slow with just the right seasonings, offer a hearty and comforting side dish for any occasion.
Southern Collard Greens with Smoked Turkey
These Easy Southern Collard Greens are the best, authentic soul food recipe using fresh collards, smoked turkey, ham hocks, or bacon. This signature dish is made from scratch and is typically served with Southern Cornbread for Sunday dinners, Thanksgiving, and the holiday season.
Collard Greens with Ham Hocks
If you’re craving a comforting, flavorful dish that embodies the heart of down-home cooking, look no further than Southern Soul Food Collard Greens with Ham Hocks. This beloved classic is a staple in Southern kitchens, known for its deep, smoky flavor and tender greens cooked to perfection. Braised in a rich broth with savory ham hocks, this is more than just a side dish. Greens are a symbol of family gatherings, Sunday dinners, and generations of culinary tradition.
Mixed Greens with Collards and Turnips
This Mixed Greens recipe features tender and hearty greens including collard greens, kale, turnip greens, and mustard greens. This dish is true to its Southern and soul food roots and combines aromatic spices and seasonings with smoked turkey or ham hocks. Pair this side dish with homemade cornbread and your favorite entrees.
Slow Cooker Crockpot Collard Greens
This Slow Cooker Crockpot Collard Greens recipe is easy to whip together, simply dump the ingredients in the pot and go. This Southern-style soul food dish is made with smoked turkey or ham hocks for delicious flavor.
Collard Greens Seasoning
This Homemade Collard Greens Seasoning is the best vibrant blend of spices designed to elevate your Southern greens to new heights of flavor. The blend is a fusion of the perfect spices, each contributing its own unique essence to the dish. With a balance of savory and smoky notes, this seasoning blend promises to transform your dish and make you forget about store-bought spice blends.
Sauteed Collard Greens
This Sautéed Collard Greens recipe offers a simple yet satisfying method that brings out the hearty and savory flavor of the greens, making them a flavorful addition to any meal. Combined with homemade Creole seasoning, aromatic garlic, onions, and a touch of olive oil, these tender greens are gently cooked to perfection, resulting in a dish that’s as wholesome as it is delicious.
Black Eyed Peas and Collard Greens
This Black Eyed Peas and Collard Greens recipe is cooked together in the same pot and is perfect for your first meal of the New Year. This dish clings to Southern soul food traditions and is seasoned with a touch of smokiness from smoked turkey or ham hocks and the best combo of spices and seasonings.
Instant Pot Southern Collard Greens
Instant Pot Southern Collard Greens is a quick and easy electric pressure cooker recipe seasoned with smoked turkey. You can also use mustard or turnip greens. These collards can be cooked with bacon, ham hocks, country ham, or vegetarian without any meat.
Southern Style Mustard Greens
Welcome to a taste of the South with our flavorful Southern Style Mustard Greens recipe, featuring the savory richness of smoked turkey or ham hocks. This traditional dish captures the essence of soul food and comfort, delivering classic delicious flavor with every bite. This is the best side dish for your holiday spreads and Sunday dinners.
Southern Turnip Greens Recipe
Experience the comforting flavors of the South with our Southern Turnip Greens recipe! Our tips will show you how to wash and cook tender greens simmered to perfection with smoked turkey, savory bacon or ham hocks, creating a rich, soul-warming dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether enjoyed as a side dish or a comforting meal on its own, this soul food classic is sure to become a family favorite!
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