Slow Cooker Collard Greens with Smoked Turkey is a timeless dish that embraces the warmth and hospitality of Southern cooking. This comforting recipe is easy to prepare and fills your home with the best aroma of simmering greens and smoky turkey.
Collard greens are even better when served with something hearty. Try them with this Southern Meatloaf Recipe or pair them with crispy Cajun Fried Chicken.
Collard greens are a staple in Southern cuisine, often served as a side dish during family gatherings and holiday feasts. Believed to have originated from Africa, collard greens were brought to America and families adapted their cooking methods to utilize local ingredients.
Cooked with ham hocks or smoked turkey, this dish is celebrated for its deep, savory flavors, and prosperity and wealth for the New Year in Southern U.S. traditions.
If you like this southern recipe, you may also love our Instant Pot Black-Eyed Peas, Southern Hoecakes with Honey Butter, or our Old Fashioned Skillet Cornbread.
Why We Love This Recipe
- Flavorful and Comforting: The combination of smoky turkey, savory spices, and tender collard greens creates a dish that warms the soul. For the ultimate comfort meal, serve with Smothered Southern Potatoes on the side.
- Easy Preparation: With just a few simple steps and a slow cooker, you can prepare a hearty meal without the fuss.
- Wholesome: Collard greens are wholesome, making this dish a perfect choice for any meal.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This recipe yields plenty of servings, making it ideal for leftovers or meal prepping for the week.
Key Ingredients
- Smoked Turkey Leg or Wing and Bacon: Adds a rich, smoky flavor to the greens.
- Large Onion: Provides a sweet and savory base.
- Garlic: Enhances the overall flavor profile.
- Low-Sodium Chicken Broth: Keeps the dish flavorful without excess salt.
- Seasonings: Crushed red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, Cajun seasoning to add depth and heat.
- Fresh Collard Greens: The star of the dish, providing texture and nutrients.
- Vinegar: A splash of acidity that brightens the flavors.
- Brown Sugar: Optional for sweetness.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste
A full ingredient list with exact measurements can be found in the recipe card below.
Substitutions & Variations
- Smoked Turkey: If you don't have smoked turkey, try using ham hocks or smoked sausage for a similar flavor.
- Chicken Broth: Vegetable broth can be used for a vegetarian option if you omit the turkey.
- Vinegar: White vinegar can be substituted for apple cider vinegar for a slightly different taste.
How To Make Slow Cooker Collard Greens with Smoked Turkey
STEP 1: Prepare the Bacon and Slow Cooker
Cook ½ pound of chopped bacon according to package instructions, reserving two teaspoons of bacon fat.
In the slow cooker, place the cooked bacon, smoked turkey leg or wing, and reserved bacon fat at the bottom.
STEP 2: Add Aromatics
Layer the chopped onion and minced garlic on top of the turkey.
STEP 3: Pour in Broth and Add Collards
Add the low-sodium chicken broth, then sprinkle in the crushed red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, brown sugar (if using), and Cajun seasoning.
Layer the chopped collard greens on top, cover, and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the greens are tender.
STEP 4: Shred the Turkey
Before serving, shred the turkey meat and mix it back into the greens. Stir in vinegar and adjust seasoning as desired.
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Expert Tips for Success
👩🍳Jami's Pro Tips: Want to take this recipe to the next level? Check out my expert tips below for the best flavor, texture, and meal prep hacks!
✔️ DO Allow the collard greens to simmer on low for 6 hours. This slow cooking process allows the flavors to blend.
✔️ DO Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce before serving if you prefer a spicier flavor.
Storage
Store any leftover slow cooker collard greens in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze the dish in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through, adding a splash of broth if necessary to maintain moisture.
Recipe FAQs
Cooking collard greens in a crockpot typically takes 4-6 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high, depending on the tenderness you prefer.
Both smoked turkey and ham hocks work well for collard greens, but smoked turkey is a leaner option that still adds a deep, smoky flavor to the dish.
To reduce bitterness in collard greens, cook them with savory ingredients like smoked turkey and season with apple cider vinegar or lemon juice for a balanced flavor.
Did You Like These Slow Cooker Collard Greens?
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📖 Recipe
Slow Cooker Collard Greens with Smoked Turkey
Equipment
- Standard 7 Quart Slow cooker
- Chopping board
- Knife
- Measuring Spoons
- Mixing spoon
Ingredients
- 2 bunches collard greens cleaned and chopped (approximately 1 ½ pounds)
- 1 smoked turkey leg or wing
- ½ pound bacon chopped
- 1 large onion chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 4 cups low sodium chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cajun seasoning
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar optional
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook ½ pound of chopped bacon according to package instructions, reserving two teaspoons of bacon fat.
- In the slow cooker, place the cooked bacon, smoked turkey leg or wing, and reserved bacon fat at the bottom. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic on top of the turkey.
- Pour in the low sodium chicken broth. Sprinkle in the crushed red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, brown sugar (if using), and cajun seasoning.
- Layer the chopped collard greens on top of the mixture. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the collard greens are tender and the flavors blend together.
- Before serving, remove the smoked turkey, shred the meat, and mix it back into the greens. Stir in the vinegar and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Add hot sauce if desired. Serve warm.
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Notes
- Smoked Turkey: If you don't have smoked turkey, try using ham hocks or smoked sausage for a similar flavor.
- Chicken Broth: Vegetable broth can be used for a vegetarian option if you omit the turkey.
- Vinegar: White vinegar can be substituted for apple cider vinegar for a slightly different taste.
Vanie says
What size slow cooker should I use?
Jami Powell says
Hi Vanie, We used a standard 7 quart slow cooker.