If you’re craving a bowl of tender, smoky, soul-warming greens, this recipe will show you exactly how to make the best collard greens recipe ever! Southern-style collard greens are rich, savory, and slow-simmered until melt-in-your-mouth perfect. Whether you’re cooking for a holiday, Sunday dinner, or just want a nourishing comfort dish, this recipe delivers incredible flavor every single time.
Below, you’ll find the classic ingredients, easy step-by-step instructions, flavor variations, and tips to help you master collard greens like a pro.
🥬 Ingredients You’ll Need
For Classic Southern Collard Greens
2 lbs fresh collard greens
1 large smoked turkey leg (or ham hock, bacon, or vegan substitute)
1 large onion, diced
4 garlic cloves, minced
6 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
1 tbsp olive oil or butter
1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp smoked paprika (optional but amazing)
1–2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tsp sugar (balances the bitterness—optional)
🥣 How to Make the Best Collard Greens Recipe Ever — Step By Step
1. Clean the Collards Thoroughly
Collards grow low to the ground and collect dirt easily.
Do this:
Remove stems (optional, but they take longer to soften).
Roll up the leaves and slice into strips.
Wash them in a large bowl of water 2–3 times.
2. Start the Flavor Base
In a large pot:
Heat olive oil or butter.
Add the diced onion and cook until soft (about 5 minutes).
Add garlic and cook 1 more minute.
3. Add the Meat (or Meat Substitute)
Smoked turkey or ham hock adds rich Southern flavor.
Place it in the pot and let it cook with the onions for a couple of minutes.
4. Add Broth and Simmer
Pour in your chicken or vegetable broth.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 20 minutes to release flavor.
5. Add the Collard Greens
Add the greens in handfuls. They will wilt as they cook.
Stir them into the broth.
6. Season + Slow Cook
Add:
Salt
Black pepper
Smoked paprika
Apple cider vinegar
Optional sugar
Cover and simmer for 1 to 1½ hours, stirring occasionally.
You’ll know they’re ready when they’re silky soft but not mushy.
7. Taste + Adjust
If it needs brightness → add more vinegar.
If it needs richness → add a pat of butter.
If it needs salt → sprinkle lightly.
⭐ Why This Is the Best Collard Greens Recipe Ever
✔ Deep smoky Southern flavor
✔ Perfectly tender greens
✔ Balanced seasoning with vinegar + spices
✔ Easy to make, ideal for beginners
✔ Works with turkey, ham, bacon, or kept completely vegan
🍽️ What to Serve With Collard Greens
These greens pair beautifully with:
Cornbread
Fried chicken
Mashed potatoes
BBQ ribs
Black-eyed peas
Rice
Pork chops
And don’t forget the pot liquor (the flavorful broth). It’s liquid gold!
🌱 How to Make Vegan Collard Greens
Swap smoked turkey with:
Smoked paprika + liquid smoke
Smoked salt
Mushrooms
Vegan sausage
Use vegetable broth and olive oil.
Still SO good!
🔥 Flavor Variations
Spicy Collard Greens
Add:
½ tsp red pepper flakes
1 diced jalapeño
A splash of hot sauce
Sweet & Tangy Greens
Add:
1 tbsp brown sugar
Extra apple cider vinegar
Garlic Lover’s Version
Add 6–8 garlic cloves instead of 4.
🧂 Pro Tips for Making the Best Collard Greens
1. Use smoked meat for real depth
Smoked turkey leg is a superstar—it adds intense flavor without excessive fat.
2. Cook low and slow
This is key to getting that silky, tender texture.
3. Don’t skip the vinegar
It cuts bitterness and makes the greens taste bright and clean.
4. Make them ahead
Collard greens taste even better the next day as the flavors blend.
5. Save the pot liquor
Dip cornbread in it. Thank me later.
🥄 Printable-Style Full Recipe
Ingredients
2 lbs collard greens
1 smoked turkey leg
1 onion (diced)
4 garlic cloves (minced)
6 cups broth
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
1 tsp smoked paprika
1–2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tsp sugar (optional)
Instructions
Clean and slice the greens.
Sauté onion + garlic in oil.
Add smoked turkey and broth. Simmer 20 mins.
Add collards.
Season.
Cover and simmer 1–1.5 hours.
Taste and adjust. Serve warm.
🎉 Conclusion
If you want a comforting, flavorful dish that captures true Southern cooking, this method will help you make the best collard greens recipe ever—every time. Whether you enjoy them traditional, spicy, sweet, or vegan, these greens bring warmth, tradition, and bold flavor to any meal.