Southern Collard Greens are a soul food staple that have been served at family dinners, Sunday suppers, holidays, and cookouts for generations. Slow-cooked with smoked turkey, onions, garlic, and savory seasonings, these greens become tender, flavorful, and packed with Southern comfort.
Serve them alongside cornbread, fried chicken, candied yams, or mac and cheese for the ultimate Southern meal.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
Classic Southern comfort food
Rich smoky flavor
Budget-friendly recipe
Perfect holiday side dish
Easy to make ahead
Packed with flavor
Ingredients
2 pounds collard greens, washed and chopped
1 smoked turkey leg or smoked turkey wing
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
6 cups chicken broth
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon sugar
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare The Greens
Wash collard greens thoroughly.
Remove thick stems and chop into bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: Cook The Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large stockpot over medium heat.
Add onions and cook for 4-5 minutes.
Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
Step 3: Build The Pot
Add:
Smoked turkey
Chicken broth
Salt
Pepper
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Red pepper flakes
Bring to a boil.
Step 4: Add Greens
Add collard greens a few handfuls at a time.
Stir until wilted.
Step 5: Simmer
Reduce heat to low.
Cover and simmer for 1½ to 2 hours until greens are tender.
Step 6: Finish
Remove smoked turkey.
Shred meat and return it to the pot.
Add:
Apple cider vinegar
Sugar
Stir and serve.
Tips For The Best Collard Greens
Wash greens thoroughly.
Smoked turkey adds incredible flavor.
Low and slow cooking creates the best texture.
Add hot sauce before serving if desired.
What To Serve With Collard Greens
Southern Cornbread
Candied Yams
Fried Chicken
Baked Mac and Cheese
Potato Salad
Southern Baked Beans
Storage
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
More Southern Recipes You'll Love
Southern Cornbread
Candied Yams
Fried Chicken
Chicken and Dumplings
Sweet Potato Pie
Corn Casserole
Final Thoughts
These Southern Collard Greens are tender, smoky, and packed with soul food flavor. They're the perfect side dish for holidays, Sunday dinners, and any Southern comfort food meal.