Slow Cooker Collard Greens

There is no better way to cook collard greens than low and slow. These Slow Cooker Collard Greens are a healthy classic Southern recipe. Tangy vinegar brightens the earthiness of the collards, and crushed red pepper adds the perfect amount of heat. The perfect side for a relaxed weekend dinner!

Slow Cooker Collard Greens Backstory

As a Southern girl, collard greens have always been a part of my diet.

I have early memories of sitting on a stool watching my mother cook a big batch of collards that we had just picked from my father's garden.

Although at the time I wasn't as enthusiastic about eating the greens as I am now, I always loved to help make anything we had grown.

There is something special about cooking food that you planted.

These days, I like to make my collards in the slow cooker.

Yes, I love my Instant Pot.  But there are a handful of recipes that are just better in the crockpot.

These Slow Cooker Collard Greens are the perfect example.

Cooking them low and slow is the perfect way to get perfectly tender collards, without a hint of the bitterness that can come with overcooking them.

Plus, I love not to have to babysit them the way that I would if I prepared them on the stove top.

This recipe is a fabulous way to add more green to your diet, without having yet another salad.

Nothing against salads, mind you.  You guys know that I love them.  But every now and then a big bowl of cooked greens are just what you need.

I like to make this recipe on the weekend when I know I am going to be home all day.  That way when dinner time rolls around I've already got part of it done.  It is also a recipe that I make anytime I get sick.  It always seems to give my immune system the boost it needs.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is the Best Way to Cook Collard Greens?

The slow cooker is the best way to cook collard greens! It is so easy to overcook them and when you do they can start to taste bitter. Additionally, they lose some of their nutrients when they are overcooked or cooked at too high of heat.

What Should I Serve with Collard Greens?

• Air Fried Chicken Breast
• Air Fried Chicken Legs
• Cauliflower Mash
• Black Eyed Peas
• Cornbread

Are Collard Greens Good for You?

Collard greens are one of the best dietary sources of vitamin K, which plays an essential role in strengthening bones and lowering inflammation. One study found that those who had the lowest levels of vitamin K intake from food has a significantly higher risk of developing diabetes. It is also rich in eye-protecting nutrients such as lutein, which can help protect your eyes from the blue light given off by your computer screen.

Variations

• For Vegetarian and Vegan Slow Cooker Collard Greens, omit the bacon. Prepare the recipe as directed and add in 1 tablespoon of smoked paprika and 1 teaspoon liquid smoke.
• If you eat pork, you can substitute pork bacon or a Ham hock for the turkey bacon.
• For an extra touch of sweetness, increase the honey to 2 tablespoons.

Tip:

Look for collard bunches that have sturdy vibrant leaves and stiff stems.

How Do You Cook Collard Greens in a Slow Cooker?

1. Gather all of your ingredients.

2. Spray your slow cooker with cooking spray, and set to sauté. If your slow cooker doesn’t have a saute function, use a skillet.
3. Cook the turkey bacon for 5 minutes.
4. Add the onion and cook 8 more minutes.
5. Add garlic and cook 1 more minute.

6. Change the mode to slow cooker. Add chicken broth, collard greens, apple cider vinegar, Old Bay seasoning, celery seeds, honey, crushed red pepper flakes, black pepper, and sea salt.

7. Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.

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• Slow Cooker
• Sharp Knife
• Skillet (if your crock pot does not have a saute' function)

Other Recipes You May Like:

• Garlic Roasted Broccoli
• Slow Cooker Ratatouille 
• Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Crispy Quinoa Crumbs
• Broiled Parmesan Tomatoes

Slow Cooker Collard Greens

Print Recipe

4.86 from 7 votes

Slow Cooker Collard Greens

These Slow Cooker Collard Greens with Bacon is one of those easy recipes that will have your reaching for your crock pot time and again.  A great Southern style side dish for the holidays or New Years.

Prep Time15 mins

Cook Time4 hrs 14 mins

Total Time4 hrs 29 mins

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American, Gluten Free, Healthy

Keyword: spicy

Servings: 8

Calories: 151kcal

Ingredients

• 8 ounces turkey bacon or bacon of choice, chopped
• 1 onion chopped
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 8 cups chicken broth
• 1 pound collard greens washed, trimmed and chopped
• ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 teaspoons Old Bay seasoning
• 1 teaspoon celery seeds
• 1 teaspoon honey or sweetener of choice
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• ½ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
• ½ teaspoon sea salt

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

• Spray your slow cooker with cooking spray and set to saute,  Cook bacon for 5 minutes. Add onion and cook 8 more minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
• Alternatively, if your slow cooker does not have a saute function, use a skillet and follow the directions as written.  Transfer to your slow cooker and proceed with the recipe.
• Change to slow cooker.  Add chicken broth, collard greens, apple cider vinegar, Old Bay seasoning, celery seeds, honey, crushed red pepper flakes, black pepper and sea salt. 
• Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.

Nutrition

Calories: 151kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 27mg | Sodium: 1666mg | Potassium: 446mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 2895IU | Vitamin C: 37.6mg | Calcium: 161mg | Iron: 1.7mg