Here’s a rich, flavorful, Southern-style Collard Greens recipe with smoked ham hocks—slow-cooked until tender with a broth so good you’ll want to drink it!

🥬 Collard Greens with Smoked Ham Hocks

Serves: 6–8
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1½–3 hours (depending on tenderness & ham hock size)

⭐ What Makes This Version Great

• Uses smoked ham hocks to create an ultra-savory broth
• Balanced with vinegar, spices, and aromatics
• Greens become silky, tender, and deeply seasoned (no bitterness)

🧂 Ingredients

For the Pot Liquor (Broth)

• 2 smoked ham hocks (1–1.5 lbs total)
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 4–5 cloves garlic, crushed
• 6 cups chicken broth (or water + bouillon)
• 1–2 bay leaves
• 1 tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1–2 tsp sugar (balances bitterness)

Greens

• 2–3 lbs collard greens (3–4 large bundles), stems removed, leaves chopped
• 1–2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• Salt to taste (add at the end—ham hocks add salt)

Optional Add-ins

• 2 tbsp butter (for richness)
• Dash of hot sauce
• A splash of Worcestershire
• Sliced smoked sausage (for a heartier pot)

🔥 Instructions

1. Prepare the Collards

• Remove thick stems.
• Stack leaves, roll them up, and slice into thick ribbons.
• Wash greens VERY well (grit hides everywhere).
• Set aside.

2. Make the Broth

In a large pot or Dutch oven:

1. Add ham hocks, onion, garlic, bay leaves, pepper, and broth.
2. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
3. Simmer 45–60 minutes, until hocks start to tenderize.

This step develops the smoky base.

3. Add the Collard Greens

• Add greens in handfuls (they’ll wilt quickly).
• Add sugar and red pepper flakes if using.

Stir until all greens fit in the pot.

4. Slow-Simmer Until Tender

Simmer 1–1½ hours, partially covered, stirring occasionally.

They’re done when:

• Liquid is rich and flavorful
• Greens are tender but not mushy
• Meat easily pulls off ham hocks

5. Finish

Remove ham hocks:

• Pull off meat and chop; return to pot.
• Discard bones and fat.

Taste broth, then add:

• 1–2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• Salt (only if needed)
• Optional butter for richness

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Serve with:

• Cornbread (a must!)
• Hot sauce (Texas Pete or Crystal)
• Black-eyed peas
• Smoked turkey or fried chicken

🔄 Variations

With Smoked Turkey

Swap ham hocks for smoked turkey wings or legs—lighter but still smoky.

Spicy Version

Add sliced jalapeño or a spoon of chili crisp at the end.

Sweet Heat Version

Add 1 tbsp honey and extra red pepper flakes.

If you want, I can also create:
✅ A 30-minute collard greens recipe
✅ A pressure cooker / Instant Pot version
✅ A low-sodium version
Just tell me!