Southern Style Collard Greens Dutch Oven Recipe

Southern Style Collard Greens Dutch Oven Recipe 

Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 1–1.5 hours
Servings: 6

Meta Description:
Learn how to make authentic Southern-style collard greens in a Dutch oven. Slow-cooked with smoked meat, onions, and spices, these greens are tender, flavorful, and perfect as a soul food side dish.

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What Are Southern Style Collard Greens?

Southern collard greens are a staple of classic soul food cuisine. Slow-cooked with smoked meat, onions, garlic, and seasonings, they are tender, flavorful, and slightly tangy. Using a Dutch oven ensures even heat distribution and allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Collard greens are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, making them a nutritious and delicious addition to any meal.

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Ingredients

• 2 lbs (900 g) collard greens, stems removed and leaves chopped

• 4 slices smoked bacon or 1 smoked ham hock

• 1 medium onion, chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth

• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

• 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, balances bitterness)

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Smoked Meat

1. Heat your Dutch oven over medium heat.

2. Add bacon or ham hock and cook until browned and fragrant. Remove excess fat if necessary.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

1. Add chopped onion and garlic to the Dutch oven.

2. Sauté for 3–5 minutes until onions are soft and translucent.

Step 3: Add Collard Greens

1. Add the chopped collard greens to the pot, stirring to combine with onions and smoked meat.

2. Pour in chicken broth and apple cider vinegar.

Step 4: Season and Simmer

1. Add salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and sugar (if using).

2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.

3. Cover and simmer for 45–60 minutes, stirring occasionally, until greens are tender.

Step 5: Serve

1. Remove the ham hock (if using) and shred any meat, returning it to the pot.

2. Serve hot as a side dish alongside fried chicken, cornbread, or black-eyed peas.

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Tips for Perfect Southern Collard Greens

• Tough stems: Remove stems before cooking—they can be bitter and tough.

• Adjust vinegar: Add vinegar gradually to achieve a perfect tang without overpowering the greens.

• Slow cooking: Low and slow is key for tender, flavorful greens.

• Smoked meat alternatives: Turkey legs or smoked sausage work well if ham hock isn’t available.

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Why Use a Dutch Oven

A Dutch oven ensures even heat distribution, retains moisture, and allows the greens to slowly absorb the smoky, savory flavors of the meat and spices. It’s a traditional method that elevates this Southern classic.

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Serving Suggestions:

• Serve with cornbread, fried chicken, collard greens soup, or roasted vegetables.

• Pair with black-eyed peas for a truly authentic Southern meal.

OTHER RECIPES

DUTCH OVEN RECIPE INGREDIENTS

• 2 cups of water or vegetable stock
• 1/4 - 1/2 cup of diced onion
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/2 tsp. ground allspice
• 2 minced cloves of garlic
• 1 Tablespoon of worcestershire sauce
• 2 tsps. of tamari, Braggs or lite soy sauce
• 1 tsp. of honey
• dash of Tabasco
• 4 cups of chopped fresh collard greens
• 1 Tablespoon of olive oil
• Salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper to taste

DUTCH OVEN RECIPE INGREDIENTS 

In large pot or Dutch Oven, combine water, onion, bay leaf, allspice, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, tamari and honey. 

Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer 5 minutes. 

Add collard greens and return to a boil. 

Reduce heat and simmer, covered, until greens are tender, about 30-35 minutes. 

 Remove pot from heat; cool slightly. 

Remove bay leaf. Stir in oil; season with salt and the peppers to taste. 

Serve hot. Cool. Enjoy the Southern Style Collard Greens Dutch Oven Recipe !!!

Southern Style Collard Greens Dutch Oven Recipe Video :