Welcome to the ultimate guide for crafting the most delectable **Slow Cooker Crockpot Collard Greens**! This recipe embodies the heart and soul of Southern cuisine, delivering rich flavors with minimal effort. Imagine tender, deeply seasoned collard greens, slow-cooked to perfection, creating a savory experience that warms the soul. Whether you’re preparing a cozy family dinner or a grand holiday feast, this foolproof method ensures a pot of greens so irresistible, it will become a cherished tradition in your home.
Our featured recipe utilizes **smoked turkey** for a healthier yet incredibly flavorful base, though traditional options like ham hocks are also discussed for those who prefer them. This “dump and go” approach to cooking collard greens in a slow cooker frees up your time, allowing the magic to happen while you focus on other tasks. Get ready to dive into the comforting world of **Southern-style soul food** with this easy-to-follow, comprehensive recipe.
Table of Contents
How to Season Collard Greens
The secret to truly outstanding collard greens lies in their seasoning. It’s the foundation of that signature **Southern soul food** flavor that makes these greens so beloved. My preferred method for infusing rich, smoky depth is using a quality **smoked turkey leg or turkey wing**. These can often be found at your local grocery store, or for premium quality, check with a specialized butcher.
Smoked turkey offers a fantastic balance: it imparts a deep, savory, smoky essence without the heavier fat content associated with some other options, making your **collard greens recipe** a healthier choice. However, for those who crave the classic, robust flavors of traditional Southern cooking, alternatives like **ham hocks**, **salt pork**, **country ham**, or even thick-cut **bacon** are excellent choices. Each of these imparts its own unique smokiness and a touch of savory richness that truly elevates the greens.
Beyond the smoked meat, the right blend of spices is crucial. I highly recommend using a well-balanced **Creole Seasoning** for an authentic Southern kick. You can also craft your own **Homemade Collard Greens Seasoning** to perfectly tailor the flavor to your preference, ensuring a harmonious blend of herbs and spices that complements the rich, smoky base.
The Art of Cleaning Collard Greens
Properly cleaning collard greens is a non-negotiable step for a truly enjoyable dish. These leafy greens are known for holding onto grit and sand, and nobody wants a crunchy surprise in their dinner! You have a couple of options when purchasing greens: pre-packaged, pre-washed bags or leafy unwashed bundles from the produce section.
While **pre-washed collards** might seem like a time-saver, they can sometimes be harder to find and often contain a higher proportion of stems to actual leaves. If convenience is your top priority, they’re certainly an option, but even these may benefit from a quick rinse. For the best flavor and texture, I always recommend opting for fresh, bundled greens.
When selecting bundled greens, look for vibrant, deep green leaves that are thick and robust. Avoid bundles with yellowing or wilted leaves. If you’re shopping last minute, you might find smaller bundles, so be prepared to buy a few extra to get your desired quantity, as collards shrink considerably during cooking.
Collard greens have thick stems and prominent veins on the back of their leaves, which are notorious for trapping dirt and sand. Thorough cleaning is essential. Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure your greens are sparkling clean:
- Initial Inspection and Stem Removal: Begin by sorting through your greens. As you go, fold each leaf lengthwise and rip or slice off the tough central stem. This is a common Southern practice that ensures more tender greens.
- Prepare Your Wash Basin: Fill a large bowl or a clean sink with cool water.
- Optional Cleaning Agents: While plain water is often sufficient, you can add a specialized produce vegetable cleaner or a splash of white vinegar to the water. These can help dislodge stubborn dirt and cleanse the leaves more effectively.
- Submerge and Swish: Load the destemmed leaves into your water-filled basin. Use your hands to thoroughly swish and agitate the greens, rubbing the leaves against each other to scrub away any dirt or sand. Pay extra attention to the textured surfaces.
- Rinse and Repeat: Carefully drain the dirty water, discarding any visible grit. Refill the bowl or sink with fresh, clean water. Repeat the swishing and scrubbing process. Continue this cycle of washing, draining, and refilling until the water remains clear and you no longer see any dirt at the bottom of the basin. This might take 3-5 repetitions, depending on how dirty your greens are.
- Final Rinse: Give the cleaned greens a final quick rinse under running water before proceeding with the recipe.
This meticulous cleaning process, while requiring a bit of time and effort, is well worth it for the peace of mind and the pure, unadulterated flavor of your **slow cooker collard greens**.
Removing Stems for Perfect Tenderness
In Southern culinary tradition, removing the tough central stems from collard greens is a widely accepted practice. While entirely optional, it’s highly recommended if you’re using fresh, bundled greens rather than the pre-washed, pre-bagged variety. The stems are significantly tougher and can be more fibrous than the leafy parts, potentially altering the desired tender texture of your finished **Crockpot collard greens**.
The process of destemming each leaf and then washing them repeatedly to eliminate all traces of dirt can be quite time-consuming. If you opt for bundled greens, it’s wise to set aside a good portion of your day for preparation. Many Southern cooks consider this an almost meditative process, a labor of love that contributes to the dish’s overall quality.
To remove the stem, simply fold the collard leaf in half lengthwise, bringing the two halves together along the central vein. Then, firmly slice or tear the stem away from the leafy portion. You’ll be left with two tender halves of the leaf, ready for cooking. While it adds a step, this ensures every bite of your slow-cooked greens is melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
Crafting Slow Cooker Crockpot Collard Greens
Making delicious **Slow Cooker Crockpot Collard Greens** is surprisingly straightforward, especially once your greens are prepped. The beauty of the slow cooker is its ability to tenderize the collards and meld the flavors over several hours with minimal supervision. Detailed measurements and full instructions can also be found in the comprehensive recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Combine Ingredients: Begin by adding your thoroughly washed and destemmed collard greens to the slow cooker insert. Don’t worry if it looks like a mountain – they will significantly wilt down as they cook. Next, nestle in your chosen smoked meat (smoked turkey leg or wing, ham hock, etc.). Sprinkle in the minced garlic, chopped onions, and your chosen Creole seasoning. Finally, pour in the chicken broth, ensuring all ingredients are well distributed.
- Slow Cook to Perfection: Secure the lid on your slow cooker. Set it to the ‘High’ setting for 3-4 hours or the ‘Low’ setting for 7-8 hours. The longer cooking time on ‘Low’ often results in even more tender greens and a deeper flavor integration.
- Shred and Serve: Once the cooking cycle is complete, carefully open the pot. The smoked meat should be falling off the bone. Remove the smoked turkey (or other meat) from the pot. Using two forks, shred the meat into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded meat back to the pot with the greens, stirring to combine. This allows the flavorful meat to be distributed throughout the dish.
- Taste and Adjust: This is a crucial step! Taste your greens. Southern cooking is all about adjusting to taste. You might find you want a little more seasoning, a pinch of salt, a grind of black pepper, or even a splash of apple cider vinegar for a bright, tangy finish. Continue tasting and adjusting until the flavors are perfectly balanced to your liking.
This simple, hands-off method ensures that every batch of your **slow cooker collard greens** is consistently delicious, deeply flavored, and wonderfully tender.
Scaling Your Collard Greens Recipe
One common observation when cooking collard greens is how dramatically they reduce in volume during the cooking process. A slow cooker initially filled to the brim with fresh greens will shrink down to a much smaller, more concentrated portion. This characteristic makes them surprisingly easy to scale up for larger gatherings without significantly altering the cook time.
You can effortlessly **double the recipe** to feed a bigger crowd. When doubling, consider keeping the smoked turkey portion roughly the same size, or increasing it by no more than half a pound. The goal is flavor infusion, not necessarily doubling the meat content itself, unless you specifically desire more meat in the finished dish. For the broth and seasonings, double them along with the greens. Your 7-8 quart slow cooker should comfortably accommodate a doubled batch of greens, as they will quickly wilt down to make space. The cooking time on both high and low settings should remain consistent, as the slow cooker’s gentle heat will eventually tenderize all the greens evenly.
For even larger quantities, you might need to use two slow cookers or a much larger pot. Always ensure there’s enough liquid to cover the greens as they cook, as this creates the delicious “pot liquor” that many consider the best part of the dish.
The Nutritional Powerhouse of Collard Greens
Beyond their incredible flavor, **collard greens** are celebrated as a true nutritional powerhouse and often lauded as a superfood. These vibrant leafy green vegetables are densely packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making them an excellent addition to any diet. They are particularly rich in Vitamin K, which is crucial for blood clotting and bone health. Furthermore, collard greens provide a significant amount of dietary fiber, promoting digestive health, and a good dose of iron, vital for energy and blood production. The array of antioxidants present helps combat oxidative stress and inflammation within the body.
According to health experts, regular consumption of collard greens can contribute to numerous health benefits. These include helping to lower cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of obesity, and potentially mitigating the risk factors associated with heart disease and diabetes. Their low-calorie, high-nutrient profile makes them a stellar choice for healthful eating.
A common concern is whether cooking affects the nutrient content. While boiling greens can cause some water-soluble nutrients to leach out, these precious elements aren’t lost entirely! Instead, they transfer into the cooking liquid, creating the highly prized “pot liquor.” This flavorful broth is a treasure trove of nutrients and can be enjoyed alongside the greens, used as a base for gravies, or even sipped on its own for a health boost. For tips on maximizing the health benefits, you can explore resources like How to Cook Healthier Greens.
It’s worth noting that while the greens themselves are incredibly healthy, the choice of seasoning meat can impact the dish’s overall nutritional profile. Cooking greens with fatty meats like ham hocks will undoubtedly add additional sodium, calories, and saturated fat. If you’re aiming for a lighter, healthier version of **Southern collard greens**, opting for smoked turkey or even a plant-based alternative is a much healthier choice without sacrificing that essential smoky flavor.
Mastering Spices and Flavor Profiles
The beauty of **Crockpot collard greens** is how a few simple ingredients can come together to create a complex and satisfying flavor. I prefer to keep the spice profile straightforward yet impactful, allowing the natural goodness of the greens and the smoky meat to shine through. My go-to aromatics are fresh onions and minced garlic, which provide a foundational savory depth that is indispensable in Southern cooking.
For seasoning, a good quality Creole Seasoning is a game-changer. Its blend of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, and various peppers adds a harmonious blend of spice, warmth, and a subtle kick. However, feel free to personalize your dish! If you have a preferred all-purpose seasoning or want to experiment with different spices, this recipe is incredibly adaptable.
As mentioned, my primary choice for the smoky flavor is a **smoked turkey leg or wing**. These cuts are readily available in the standard meat section of most grocery stores, but don’t hesitate to inquire with your local butcher for the best selection. Smoked turkey provides a clean, deep smokiness without excessive greasiness.
Should you desire a more traditional or richer flavor, feel free to use **ham hocks, bacon, or salt pork**. Each of these contributes a unique depth and fattiness that many connoisseurs of **soul food collard greens** swear by. If using these fattier options, be mindful of the added salt content and adjust your other seasonings accordingly. Some cooks also love to add a splash of apple cider vinegar at the end of cooking for a bright, tangy contrast that cuts through the richness and enhances the overall flavor. A pinch of red pepper flakes can also be added for an extra layer of heat if you enjoy a spicy kick.
Optimal Cook Time for Tender Greens
The ideal cook time for your **slow cooker collard greens** is largely a matter of personal preference, specifically concerning the desired texture of the greens. Some prefer their collards with a slight chew, while others insist on them being exceptionally tender, practically melting in your mouth. The slow cooker is incredibly forgiving, allowing you to achieve either with ease.
For greens that are pleasantly tender but still hold a bit of structure, aim to cook them on the ‘High’ setting for approximately 3-4 hours. This duration will ensure they are soft and infused with flavor. If you lean towards greens that are incredibly tender and have a deeper, more developed flavor, cooking them on the ‘Low’ setting for 7-8 hours is the way to go. The extended, gentle cooking allows the collards to break down beautifully and absorb every nuance of the smoky broth.
Remember that all slow cookers can vary in temperature and efficiency. It’s always a good idea to check your greens periodically, especially towards the end of the suggested cook time. Give them a taste and a feel to ensure they have reached your perfect level of tenderness. If they’re not quite there, simply extend the cooking time by another 30-60 minutes until they meet your expectations.
Choosing the Right Slow Cooker Size
Selecting the appropriate slow cooker size is key to ensuring your **Crockpot collard greens** cook evenly and efficiently. For a recipe yielding 8 servings, typically calling for 3-4 pounds of fresh collards, a 7-8 quart slow cooker is generally recommended. This size provides ample space for the initial volume of greens before they wilt down, as well as enough liquid for that essential “pot liquor.”
If you have a smaller slow cooker, say a 4-6 quart, you might need to adjust the recipe by reducing the quantity of greens to prevent overcrowding. Overfilling can lead to uneven cooking and may not allow the flavors to circulate properly. Conversely, if you plan to double the recipe, as discussed previously, a 7-8 quart model can still accommodate it due to the significant reduction in volume during cooking. However, for triple batches or more, you would likely need a larger unit or multiple slow cookers.
Always consider the raw volume of the greens, as they take up a surprising amount of space initially, even though they cook down dramatically. A slow cooker with a wider base can also be beneficial, allowing for better heat distribution.
Meal Prep and Storage Tips
One of the many advantages of making **slow cooker collard greens** is their fantastic ability to be prepared ahead of time, a crucial aspect for holiday meals or busy weeknights. The flavors of collard greens often deepen and meld beautifully overnight, making them taste even better the day after they’re cooked.
For holiday cooking, many experienced cooks prefer to make their greens a day in advance. This not only streamlines the cooking process on the main event day but also ensures a richer, more developed flavor. Once cooked, allow the greens to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, these delicious greens will remain fresh and flavorful for 3-4 days.
When you’re ready to reheat, you can gently warm them on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or return them to the slow cooker on a ‘Warm’ setting for a short period. A microwave can also be used for individual portions. Adding a splash of extra broth or water during reheating can help maintain their moisture and consistency.
Freezing Collard Greens for Future Enjoyment
Cooked **collard greens** freeze exceptionally well, making them an ideal candidate for meal prepping and enjoying homemade flavors on demand. I frequently freeze portions of my collard greens, and it’s a practice I highly recommend. Specialty freezer molds from Amazon or similar stores are perfect for this, as they allow you to freeze greens in convenient 1-cup portions. This is incredibly practical for pulling out just the right amount for a quick dinner side or adding to another dish.
To freeze, first ensure the cooked greens have cooled completely. Then, transfer them into freezer-safe containers, freezer bags, or the aforementioned molds. If using bags, squeeze out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. You can freeze collard greens for up to 6 months without a significant loss in quality or flavor. Labeling with the date is always a good practice.
When you’re ready to enjoy them, reheating frozen collard greens is simple. You can transfer them directly from the freezer to your slow cooker and warm on ‘Low’ for an hour or two until heated through. Alternatively, gently reheat them on the stovetop or in the microwave. Freezing ensures that the comforting taste of **Southern collard greens** is always just a short reheat away, perfect for impromptu cravings or busy schedules.
Vegetarian and Vegan Collard Greens Options
For those following a vegetarian or vegan diet, you don’t have to miss out on the incredible flavors of **slow cooker collard greens**. With a few simple substitutions, you can create a plant-based version that is equally rich, smoky, and satisfying. The key is to build flavor with aromatic vegetables and strategic spices.
To make this recipe **vegetarian or vegan**, first, omit the smoked turkey (or any other meat-based seasoning). Instead of chicken broth, opt for a good quality vegetable broth. This forms the liquid base of your greens. To replicate the smoky depth that meat usually provides, incorporate ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika. Smoked paprika offers a wonderful, earthy smokiness that is essential for this dish. Additionally, for a touch of heat and another layer of flavor, add ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes. You can adjust these amounts to suit your personal preference for smokiness and spice.
Further enhancing the vegan flavor can include: adding a dash of liquid smoke for an intense smoky note, incorporating umami-rich ingredients like nutritional yeast or a tablespoon of soy sauce/tamari (for gluten-free), or even using vegan bacon bits for texture and flavor. Sautéing your onions and garlic before adding them to the slow cooker can also deepen their flavor, contributing more to the overall profile of your delicious **vegan collard greens**.
Perfect Pairings: Cornbread Recipes
No plate of **Southern collard greens** is truly complete without a generous piece of cornbread. The sweet or savory notes of cornbread perfectly complement the robust, savory flavor of the greens, and it’s essential for soaking up every last drop of that delectable “pot liquor.” Here are some fantastic cornbread recipes to pair with your slow cooker collard greens:
- Homemade Cornbread Muffins
- Honey Cornbread
- Homemade Southern Style Cornbread
- Air Fryer Cornbread
- Jalapeno Cheddar Cornbread
- Keto Low Carb Cornbread
- Chicken and Dressing (a perfect holiday combination!)
- Sweet Potato Biscuits
- Homemade Blueberry Cornbread
- Pumpkin Cornbread
- Sweet Potato Cornbread
Choose your favorite, or try a new one each time to find your ultimate pairing!
Explore More Greens and Vegetable Recipes
If you’ve fallen in love with these **slow cooker collard greens**, you’ll surely enjoy exploring a wider variety of greens and other vegetable dishes that bring comfort and flavor to your table. Southern cuisine, in particular, celebrates vegetables, transforming them into stars of the meal. Here are more delightful recipes to expand your culinary repertoire:
- Southern Turnip Greens
- Mixed Greens
- Quick Sautéed Collard Greens
- Southern Collard Greens with Smoked Turkey
- Southern Mustard Greens
- Instant Pot Collard Greens
- Slow Cooker Crockpot Glazed Carrots
- Collard Greens with Ham Hocks
For an extra indulgent side, you will love our Slow Cooker Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes recipe with these greens! Don’t forget to check out our Youtube channel and Tiktok for step-by-step video instructions and more recipe inspiration.
Slow Cooker Crockpot Collard Greens with Smoked Turkey
Brandi Crawford
Pin Recipe
30
4
4 30
8 cups
140 kcal
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Equipment
- Slow Cooker
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups chopped white onions
- 2 garlic cloves Minced.
- 3 pounds fresh collard greens This is usually 3-4 bundles. Weigh for accuracy. Weight includes the stems.
- 1 smoked turkey leg or wing See notes.
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth You can also use water.
- 1 tablespoon Creole Seasoning Adjust to taste.
Instructions
- Add all of the ingredients to the slow cooker.
- Cook on High for 3-4 hours or on Low for 7-8 hours.
- Open the pot. Remove the smoked turkey and shred the meat using 2 forks. Return the meat back to the pot with the greens (if you like to eat your greens with the meat). Taste the greens repeatedly and adjust the spices/add salt and pepper if necessary to suit your taste.
- Cool before serving.
Notes
- Cook time will vary based on how tender you like your greens. Add additional cook time if necessary.
- Every slow cooker cooks at varying speeds. Be sure to check the greens to ensure they reach your desired texture.
- Start with ½ tablespoon of Creole seasoning and adjust to taste.
- Feel free to season the greens with whatever you like and substitute Creole seasoning for your favorite spices.
- It’s also common to serve collard greens with vinegar. Feel free to add it if you wish.
- You can substitute smoked turkey for ham hocks, bacon, salt pork, or whatever you wish.
- My turkey wing weighed about 1 ½ pounds.
- If doubling the recipe or making more for a crowd you can double, triple the ingredients. If doubling, you can likely still use one turkey leg. For anything larger, you may consider using an additional smaller smoked turkey wing.
Nutrition
Calories: 140kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 4g
Nutrition Data
Macros are provided as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. This information is calculated using MyFitnessPal.com. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.