Collard greens with ham is a comforting, soulful dish that brings deep flavor and satisfying richness to the table. It is a classic for a reason. Slow cooked greens become tender and silky, while smoky ham infuses every bite with savory depth. Whether you serve it as a holiday side, a Sunday dinner staple, or a cozy weekday meal, this dish always delivers warmth and nostalgia.
The base of the recipe starts with fresh collard greens. Their sturdy leaves hold up beautifully to long cooking, softening into a tender texture without losing their body. After rinsing and removing the tough stems, the leaves are sliced into ribbons and set aside. In a large pot, onions and garlic are sautéed in a bit of oil until they turn fragrant. Then comes the star ingredient: ham. Some cooks use leftover holiday ham, others prefer smoked ham hocks or diced country ham. Any option works well because the ham provides saltiness, richness, and plenty of flavor.
Once the ham begins to simmer with broth, the collard greens are added in batches, wilting down as they absorb the savory liquid. A splash of apple cider vinegar or a squeeze of lemon brightens the pot and balances the richness. A pinch of sugar can soften the greens’ natural bitterness, while black pepper and crushed red pepper flakes add a gentle kick. As everything cooks slowly, the broth transforms into what many call pot liquor, a deeply seasoned liquid that tastes incredible soaked up with cornbread.
After simmering for about an hour, the greens turn silky and flavorful, and the ham becomes tender enough to mix throughout. Each serving brings a combination of smoky meat, soft greens, and savory broth that feels both hearty and nourishing.
Collard greens with ham pair beautifully with roasted meats, fried chicken, mashed potatoes, or cornbread. They also work as a standalone meal when served over rice or alongside sweet potatoes. Leftovers taste even better the next day because the flavors continue to develop.
This dish is simple to prepare but full of comfort. It is the kind of recipe that reminds people of family kitchens, slow afternoons, and meals cooked with care. Whether you are making it for a celebration or an everyday dinner, collard greens with ham always feel like home.
Ingredients
- 2 bunches collard greens washed and chopped
- 1 pound ham hocks smoked
- 1 large onion chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 4 cups chicken broth or water
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- In a large pot, combine the ham hocks and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot and simmer for another 5 minutes.
- Stir in the collard greens, a handful at a time, until all are added and begin to wilt.
- Add apple cider vinegar and continue to simmer for another 20 minutes until greens are tender.
- Remove the ham hocks, shred the meat, and return to the pot. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.
Nutrition
Made this last night, and it was delicious!! I added some hot sauce for a kick. Yumm!
Isn’t this just boiled grass with meat? Not impressed. Won’t make again.
I added bacon instead of ham hocks & it was lit! Give that a try.
Bacon sounds awesome! I’ll give it a whirl next time!
Honestly, I don’t get why people love collard greens. They’re just leafy greens 😒.
Yum!!! I love greens! ❤️ Can’t wait to have this with cornbread.
My grandma made collards like this, brings back memories. Thank you for sharing this recipe!
I’ve always cooked greens differently, but I gave this a shot. They turned out way better than expected!
That’s awesome! I’ve never thought of adding vinegar to greens. Might have to try it your way next time!
This is the best collard greens recipe I’ve ever tried! So flavorful and the ham adds a great touch.
I totally agree! The ham really does elevate the flavors. I’ve never been a big greens fan, but this recipe changed my mind!
Collard greens taste stink! But husband loves it.
I don’t think ham hocks are necessary. You could use turkey or just skip them altogether!
I tried it, and it was okay, but my daughter didn’t like it. So mixed feeling.
This is just like my grandma used to make! Delicious!
I followed it exactly and it came out kinda bland. I had to add more black pepper and a pinch of chili flakes. Maybe my ham hocks weren’t flavorful enough?
Yeah, I’ve had that happen too. Ham hocks can vary a lot—some are smokier/saltier than others. I usually bump the black pepper early and add a bit more vinegar at the end so it doesn’t taste flat.
Wait… no salt in the instructions? I think that’s why it tastes bland. My ham hocks were fine, but I had to add salt (and more pepper) once it was simmering. Also chili flakes—nice call.
This is the best way to cook greens! Simple and tasty, thanks!
Yum! I love collard greens like this! My grandma made em all the time, this brings back memories. Thanks for sharing!
I have to disagree, this way is just too basic! Greens need more flavor, ya know? Like some spices or something.
Mmm, tasty!
what kinda greens are this? collard? never heard of it
Wow, this was a hit with the family. They loved it! Thanks!
Isn’t this the same as kale? I tried it but didn’t think it was anything special.
I think it needs more vinegar. Not tangy enough for me. 🤔
Lol, I burnt mine. Should’ve watched it more carefully, but the flavor was good.
Burnt food happens to the best of us! Glad the flavor was still good. Next time, maybe set a timer? 😂
Yum, I added some hot sauce for a kick!!!🔥
1st time cooking collard greens. Turned out pretty good!
Hmm, I’m not sure about this. Are collard greens really supposed to taste this way?
Greens + ham = amazing combo! But yeah, kinda salty.
I don’t know, this seems too complicated for collard greens. I usually just boil them. Is it really worth it?
Nah, this recipe is too over the top. Ham hocks? Really? I think I’m sticking to my boiled greens.
I get what you mean, boiling is easier! But adding those flavors makes a big difference. You might be surprised!
I don’t understand why someone would want to put vinegar in greens. Seems wrong.
No way! Vinegar in greens? That just don’t sound right. Seems like it would ruin it!
Vinegar helps balance the flavors! It adds a nice tang. You might want to give it a try before judging!
Collard greens? Never heard of it before this. Sounds weird, but might try it. 👍
Collard greens are super tasty! They taste a bit like kale, but better! Give it a shot, you won’t regret it! 😊
Is this collard greens recipe healthy? I dunno, I guess it’s not very low-calorie with all that ham.
I think it’s still healthy! Collard greens are packed with vitamins, and you can always use less ham if you’re worried about calories.
Not bad, but ham hocks were gross to me. Might try the recipe without them next time.
Instructions are simple which I love, but I wish it said how much water to use if you choose water. I eyeballed 4 cups and it was okay.
Totally agree—love that it’s straightforward. I also wish it clarified the water amount if using water instead of broth. I used 4 cups like you and it came out solid!
Good recipe overall, but the water/broth switch is a little vague. If someone uses plain water, they really need salt guidance too. Otherwise it’s gonna taste bland.
Collard greens are so healthy, but I think Ham hocks are not good for health? IDK.
I don’t really like collard greens, but my family loved this recipe.
Collard greens are pretty good if cooked right! Glad your family liked it!
Very tasty! I added a little cayenne for kick. Will make again!
This was so delicious! The ham hocks really added flavor. Will make again!
Delicious! I added some hot sauce for a kick, and it was so good! I’m making it again next week!
Ham hocks make everything better, but I’m skeptical about needing both onion + garlic when the broth already has flavor. Could be just my taste buds though.
I tried this and it tasted weirdly bitter—like I added the vinegar too soon. Also, my greens were chopped too big so they didn’t cook evenly.
Yum! My kids even ate the greens! I feel like a superhero mom right now.
I’m not usually a collard greens person, but this recipe actually made me want more. The vinegar at the end is a game changer.
This recipe is fantastic! I made it just like you wrote, and my family loved it. A real comfort food.
Pretty simple recipe, but I’m skeptical about the apple cider vinegar. Isn’t that too sour?
Not bad. I followed it exactly, but the greens felt kinda flat to me. Maybe I needed more garlic or smoked paprika or something.
I get what you mean—collards can taste a little “green” if they’re not cooked down enough. I usually add a pinch more garlic (or even a dash of red pepper flakes) right after the onion and ham start simmering.
My grandma used to make this all the time! Brings back so many memories. Thanks for sharing!
I just can’t. What’s the deal with greens? My mom used to make them but I think they taste like dirt. 🤷♂️
Why do people love collard greens? I did not enjoy this at all, it was too bitter for my taste. Maybe I did something wrong?
This is exactly the kind of pot meal my grandma used to make. Simple ingredients, big flavor. I served it with cornbread and everyone went back for seconds.
Honestly, I don’t get the hype. My collard greens turned out too salty and mushy. Maybe I just did something wrong. Can’t say I’ll try it again.
Took me longer than I thought to prep everything, but worth it! Flavor was nice and robust.
Pretty good, but mine took longer than 20 minutes for the collards to get tender. Next time I’ll simmer longer or chop smaller. Still worth it.
Collard greens? I thought those were just for people trying to be healthy. Tastes good tho. 😄
I made these for my family and they all loved it! Who knew greens could be so good? Thanks for sharing!
Really? Greens are good? I don’t get how people can like that stuff. But if your family liked it, I guess that’s cool.
That sounds delicious! I never thought I would enjoy collard greens until I tried them this way. Thanks for sharing your experience!
This is the best collard greens recipe I’ve ever tried! The ham hocks really add so much flavor. Will definitely make again!
Pretty good, but mine was a little too salty from the ham hocks even after rinsing. Next time I’ll use a low-sodium broth or reduce the ham.
Interesting—mine wasn’t salty at all, but I didn’t rinse the ham hocks like you did. Maybe your ham brand is extra salty. Next time: either use less ham hock or skip adding salt at the end.
Good catch! Ham hocks can vary a lot in saltiness—using low-sodium broth (or even half broth/half water) should help. I also sometimes simmer the hocks and then dump some liquid before continuing.
Meh, I’d rather eat spinach. Not my fave.
Honestly, I don’t think spinach can even compare to collard greens, but hey, to each their own.
Collard greens are way better than spinach! You gotta give it another try with this recipe. My family loves it!
Not sure about putting vinegar in while it simmers—felt like it would make the greens tough, but nope! They were tender and flavorful. Nice trick.
Yum! I added a pinch of cayenne because I like it spicy. Delicious! 👌
Dude! These collard greens are legit! My grandma would be proud!
I followed the recipe but my collards turned out bitter. What went wrong?
I used water instead of broth and it was still okay, but I think broth would’ve made it richer. Also I forgot to shred the meat at first—oops. Tasted fine anyway.
Tried this for the first time and wow! I am no chef, but this was easy and super tasty. Perfect comfort food!
I’m glad you enjoyed it! Collard greens are the best, especially with ham. It’s so comforting, right?
This recipe is absolutely amazing! The collard greens were perfectly cooked and the ham hocks added a ton of flavor. My family loved it!
I don’t really measure salt/pepper, so I ruined it (kinda). Tasted like a salty ham soup until I added more greens. Lesson learned: season later.
So delicious! The ham adds a nice smoky flavor, loved it!
This turned out so comforting. The ham flavor really soaks into the greens—tender but still a little bite. I added extra black pepper and it was perfect.
Easy to make, but I think I used too much vinegar. Next time, less!
Made this last night—super comforting. The vinegar at the end really brightens the greens, and the ham hock flavor is legit. I salted lightly because the ham was already salty.
Yes!! I love the vinegar at the end—makes it taste way fresher, like it’s not just “boiled greens.” And ham hock flavor is the whole point. Glad you liked it!
I tried something similar but I think I might’ve added the vinegar too early 😅 Mine tasted a little sour. How much salt did you end up needing after the ham? Also do you think water vs chicken broth changes it a lot?
Yum! I used turkey instead of ham hocks and it still tasted great. Who knew healthy could be so delicious?
That’s awesome! Turkey is a great alternative and I bet it made it healthier. Gotta try it like that!
Mine took longer than 20 minutes to get tender. I simmered closer to 40 and it was way better. Still, good flavor.
Amazing! Collards finally don’t taste bitter when cooked like this. I’ll be making it again for sure.
So glad it worked for you! The vinegar + the longer simmer really helps cut the bitterness. I usually use the ham hock broth too—so good.
Terrible. Collards should be sweeter—vinegar ruined it 😩