10 Delicious Slow Cooker Collard Greens Recipes

Kickstart your journey to soulful, hearty meals with our roundup of 10 Delicious Slow Cooker Collard Greens Recipes. Perfect for busy home cooks craving that slow-cooked comfort without the fuss, these recipes promise to deliver flavor-packed greens that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re a collard greens connoisseur or new to this Southern staple, there’s a recipe here to warm your heart and belly. Let’s dig in!

Southern Style Slow Cooker Collard Greens

Now, let’s dive into making a comforting bowl of Southern Style Slow Cooker Collard Greens, a dish that’s as nourishing as it is flavorful. This recipe is perfect for those who appreciate the slow-cooked, tender greens that melt in your mouth, infused with a smoky depth.

Ingredients

• 1 bunch collard greens
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 smoked turkey leg
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes

Instructions

1. Rinse the collard greens under cold water, then remove the stems and chop the leaves into 2-inch pieces.
2. Place the smoked turkey leg, diced onion, and minced garlic into the slow cooker.
3. Add the chopped collard greens on top of the turkey leg and aromatics.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and apple cider vinegar, then sprinkle with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
5. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours, or until the collard greens are tender. Tip: Stir the greens halfway through cooking to ensure even tenderness.
6. After cooking, remove the turkey leg, shred the meat, and return it to the slow cooker. Tip: The meat should easily fall off the bone when done.
7. Give the collard greens a final stir, taste, and adjust seasoning if necessary. Tip: If the greens are too bitter, a pinch of sugar can balance the flavors.

Here, the collard greens are luxuriously tender, with a smoky richness from the turkey leg that’s perfectly balanced by the slight tang of apple cider vinegar. Serve them over a bed of creamy grits or alongside cornbread for a truly Southern experience.

Vegan Slow Cooker Collard Greens

For those looking to add a hearty, plant-based side to their meal, this vegan slow cooker collard greens recipe is a must-try. It’s simple, flavorful, and requires minimal hands-on time, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

– 1 large bunch collard greens
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup vegetable broth
– 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
– 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
– 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
– 1/2 tsp salt

Instructions

1. Rinse the collard greens under cold water, then remove the stems and chop the leaves into 1-inch pieces.
2. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 3-5 minutes until the onion is translucent.
3. Transfer the sautéed onion and garlic to the slow cooker, then add the chopped collard greens, vegetable broth, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, and salt.
4. Stir all the ingredients together until well combined, then cover and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours.
5. After cooking, give the collard greens a good stir to distribute the flavors evenly.
6. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary before serving.
Great texture and deep flavors make these vegan collard greens a standout dish. Serve them over a bed of quinoa or alongside cornbread for a complete meal.

Slow Cooker Collard Greens with Smoked Turkey

Unlock the flavors of the South with this easy-to-follow recipe for Slow Cooker Collard Greens with Smoked Turkey. Perfect for beginners, this dish combines tender greens with the rich, smoky taste of turkey, all cooked to perfection in your slow cooker.

Ingredients

• 1 lb collard greens, stems removed and leaves chopped
• 1 smoked turkey leg
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced

Instructions

1. Rinse the collard greens under cold water and drain thoroughly.
2. Place the smoked turkey leg, chopped onion, and minced garlic in the slow cooker.
3. Add the collard greens on top of the turkey and vegetables.
4. Pour the chicken broth and apple cider vinegar over the greens.
5. Sprinkle the salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes evenly over the top.
6. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or until the greens are tender and the turkey is falling off the bone.
7. Remove the turkey leg from the slow cooker and shred the meat, discarding the bone.
8. Return the shredded turkey to the slow cooker and stir to combine with the greens.
9. Let the dish sit for 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Lusciously tender and packed with smoky, savory flavors, these collard greens are a comforting side or main dish. Serve them over a bed of creamy grits for a truly Southern experience.

Spicy Slow Cooker Collard Greens

Slow cookers transform tough collard greens into tender, flavorful greens with minimal effort, making them perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.

Ingredients

• 1 lb collard greens, stems removed and leaves chopped
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

Instructions

1. Rinse the collard greens under cold water to remove any dirt or grit.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat for 1 minute.
3. Add the collard greens to the skillet and sauté for 2 minutes to slightly wilt them.
4. Transfer the wilted collard greens to the slow cooker.
5. Pour the chicken broth over the collard greens in the slow cooker.
6. Sprinkle the crushed red pepper flakes, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper over the greens.
7. Stir the ingredients gently to combine.
8. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours.
9. After cooking, stir in the apple cider vinegar to brighten the flavors.

After slow cooking, the collard greens will be incredibly tender with a slight bite, infused with a spicy, savory broth. Serve them over a bowl of creamy grits or alongside cornbread for a comforting Southern meal.

Slow Cooker Collard Greens with Bacon

Great for those who love a hearty, flavorful side dish that practically cooks itself, this recipe transforms simple collard greens into a tender, smoky delight with the help of your slow cooker and a few key ingredients.

Ingredients

• 1 lb collard greens, stems removed and leaves chopped
• 6 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• 1/2 tsp salt

Instructions

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy, about 5 minutes. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the drippings in the skillet.
2. Add the diced onion to the skillet with the bacon drippings and sauté until translucent, about 3 minutes. Tip: Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Tip: Garlic burns easily, so keep the heat medium and watch it closely.
4. Transfer the onion and garlic mixture to the slow cooker. Add the chopped collard greens, chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, sugar, crushed red pepper flakes, and salt. Stir to combine.
5. Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 3 hours, until the collard greens are tender. Tip: Stir once halfway through cooking to ensure even tenderness.
6. Stir in the reserved crispy bacon before serving.

Perfectly tender with a smoky depth from the bacon, these collard greens have a slight tang and a hint of heat. Serve them alongside cornbread or over a bowl of creamy grits for a comforting Southern-inspired meal.

Healthy Slow Cooker Collard Greens

Discover how to make Healthy Slow Cooker Collard Greens with ease, perfect for anyone looking to add more greens to their diet without sacrificing flavor or spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

• 1 bunch collard greens
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/4 tsp salt

Instructions

1. Wash the collard greens thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or grit.
2. Remove the stems from the collard greens by folding each leaf in half and slicing along the stem.
3. Stack the leaves, roll them tightly, and slice into 1-inch strips for even cooking.
4. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat for about 1 minute until warm.
5. Add the collard greens to the skillet and sauté for 2 minutes to slightly wilt them.
6. Transfer the wilted collard greens to the slow cooker.
7. Pour the chicken broth over the collard greens in the slow cooker.
8. Add the apple cider vinegar, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt to the slow cooker.
9. Stir all the ingredients together to ensure the collard greens are evenly coated with the seasonings.
10. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours, until the collard greens are tender.
11. Once cooked, give the collard greens a final stir to redistribute the flavors before serving.

Mouthwatering and tender, these Healthy Slow Cooker Collard Greens boast a perfect balance of savory and slightly spicy flavors. Serve them as a hearty side dish or mix into your favorite grain bowl for a nutritious meal.

Slow Cooker Collard Greens with Ham Hocks

Here’s a classic Southern dish that brings comfort and flavor to any table, perfect for those who appreciate the simplicity of slow-cooked meals. Slow Cooker Collard Greens with Ham Hocks is a hearty, flavorful dish that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum taste.

Ingredients

• 1 lb collard greens
• 1 smoked ham hock
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes

Instructions

1. Rinse the collard greens under cold water, then remove the stems and chop the leaves into 2-inch pieces.
2. Place the ham hock in the bottom of the slow cooker, then add the chopped collard greens on top.
3. Pour the chicken broth over the collard greens and ham hock, ensuring the greens are mostly submerged.
4. Add the apple cider vinegar, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to the slow cooker.
5. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours, or until the collard greens are tender and the ham hock meat is falling off the bone.
6. Remove the ham hock from the slow cooker, shred the meat, and return it to the greens. Discard the bone and any excess fat.
7. Stir the greens and meat together, then let sit for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

When done, the collard greens should be tender but not mushy, with a smoky flavor from the ham hock that’s balanced by the slight tang of apple cider vinegar. Serve this dish over a bed of creamy grits or alongside cornbread for a truly Southern experience.

Slow Cooker Collard Greens with Garlic and Onions

Preparing a hearty side dish doesn’t have to be complicated, especially when you have a slow cooker to do most of the work. This recipe for collard greens with garlic and onions is a testament to how simple ingredients can transform into something deeply flavorful with just a bit of patience.

Ingredients

• 1 large bunch collard greens
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1/2 tsp salt

Instructions

1. Wash the collard greens thoroughly under cold water, then remove the stems and chop the leaves into 2-inch pieces.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
4. Transfer the onion and garlic mixture to the slow cooker. Add the chopped collard greens, chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, red pepper flakes, and salt.
5. Stir all the ingredients together to ensure the collard greens are well coated with the mixture.
6. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 hours, or until the collard greens are tender.
7. Once cooked, taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary before serving.

Now, these slow cooker collard greens emerge tender with a slight bite, infused with the sweetness of onions and the sharpness of garlic. Serve them alongside cornbread or over a bowl of creamy grits for a comforting meal that celebrates Southern flavors.

Slow Cooker Collard Greens with Apple Cider Vinegar

When the craving for something hearty and comforting hits, slow cooker collard greens with apple cider vinegar is a dish that delivers both nutrition and flavor with minimal fuss.

Ingredients

• 1 bunch collard greens
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Instructions

1. Wash the collard greens thoroughly under cold water, then remove the stems and chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces.
2. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Transfer the sautéed onion and garlic to the slow cooker, then add the chopped collard greens, chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes.
4. Stir all the ingredients together to ensure the collard greens are evenly coated and submerged in the liquid.
5. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours, until the collard greens are tender.
6. Once cooked, taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary before serving.

Mouthwatering and tender, these collard greens have a perfect balance of tanginess from the apple cider vinegar and a slight kick from the red pepper flakes. Serve them alongside cornbread or over a bed of rice for a complete meal.

Slow Cooker Collard Greens with Coconut Milk

Delving into the heart of Southern cuisine with a twist, this recipe transforms traditional collard greens into a creamy, dreamy side dish that’s both nutritious and comforting. Perfect for beginners, the slow cooker does most of the work, infusing the greens with rich flavors while keeping them tender.

Ingredients

• 1 bunch collard greens
• 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1/2 tsp salt

Instructions

1. Wash the collard greens thoroughly under cold water, then pat dry with a clean towel.
2. Remove the stems from the collard greens by folding each leaf in half and slicing along the stem. Discard the stems or save for another use.
3. Stack the leaves, roll them tightly, and slice into 1-inch strips for even cooking.
4. Place the sliced collard greens into the slow cooker.
5. Pour in the coconut milk and vegetable broth, ensuring the greens are fully submerged.
6. Add the apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, and salt to the slow cooker.
7. Stir the mixture gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
8. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours, or until the greens are tender but not mushy. Tip: Resist the urge to stir too often to maintain the greens’ texture.
9. After cooking, taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Tip: A splash of lemon juice can brighten the flavors if desired.
10. Serve warm. Tip: For a heartier meal, top with crispy tofu or serve alongside cornbread.

These Slow Cooker Collard Greens with Coconut Milk emerge silky and rich, with a subtle heat from the red pepper flakes. The coconut milk adds a luxurious creaminess that balances the greens’ natural bitterness. Try serving them over a bed of quinoa for a complete, protein-packed meal.

Conclusion

Great news for collard greens lovers! This roundup offers a treasure trove of 10 slow cooker recipes that promise ease and flavor in every bite. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen newbie, there’s something here to delight your taste buds. Don’t forget to try these recipes, share your favorites in the comments, and pin this article to your Pinterest board for your next cooking adventure!