Slow Cooker Collard Green

Amethyst · November 9, 2025, 5:15pm

Slow Cooker Collard Green

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours
Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 6 people

Ingredients:

2 Tablespoons bacon grease*
2 Tablespoons unsalted butter
1 yellow onion chopped
1 lb collard greens rinsed, dried, and chopped into 1-inch pieces
2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
2 cups chicken broth
1-2 Tablespoons apple cider vinegar
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Add the bacon grease, unsalted butter, onion, collard greens, Cajun seasoning, and chicken broth to the slow Cooker.

Cover the slow Cooker and cook on low for about 6-7 hours, stirring once or twice during cooking, until the greens are tender.

Once done, add apple cider vinegar and season the greens with salt and pepper to taste. Serve and enjoy.

Notes:

If you don’t have bacon grease, you can substitute it with extra butter or a plant-based oil for a vegetarian alternative.

Sometimes collard greens can be bitter. If your collards are too bitter, add about 1-2 Tablespoons of sugar to tame the bitterness.

I usually add ½ teaspoon of kosher salt and ¼ black pepper to this dish before serving.

How to prep Collard Greens:

Wash: Start by soaking your collard greens in a tub or sink full of water. Allow it to sit for 10-15 minutes. Then, rinse the leaves to remove any dirt or grit. Repeat these steps 1-2 times until all dirt and grit is removed.
Remove stems: Lay the leaf flat, and cut along the sides of the central stem to remove. The stems have a tougher texture and require more cooking time than the leaves, so it is best to remove them.
Chop: Stack several leaves on top of each other, roll them up like a cigar, then slice the roll crosswise into strips. You can make these strips as wide or narrow as you like, depending on your preference.

How to Store Cooked Collard Greens:

Refrigerator Storage: Store the cooked collard greens in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 4-5 days. You can use a microwave or reheat gently on the stovetop until warmed through.

Freezer Storage: To freeze the cooked collard greens, let them cool completely before transferring them to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Be sure to leave some space for expansion. They can be stored for about three months. When ready to eat, thaw the greens overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat.

Make it your own:

Sub chicken broth for vegetable broth, and use olive oil or butter instead of bacon grease.

Add smoked meats, like ham hock, turkey, or cooked bacon, for a smoky flavor. Add large smoked meats, like ham hocks or smoked turkeys, at the beginning of the slow cooking cycle.

Use bagged collard greens for ease if you don’t feel like prepping the collard greens.

Add red pepper flakes for a bit of spice.

FAQs:

Can I use Mustard Greens, Turnip Greens, or Kale Greens?

Absolutely! This recipe works great with any hearty greens you have on hand. Use them alone or in combination with collard greens for a flavor-packed dish.

How do I know when the Collard Greens are done cooking?

The collard greens should be tender and flavorful after about 6 hours of cooking on low. If they’re still tough, you may need to cook them longer.

Can I make this recipe Vegan?

To make this recipe vegan, replace the bacon grease and butter with plant-based oil, like olive or avocado oil. Substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth.

Can I use frozen Collard Greens?

Frozen collard greens can be used if fresh ones aren’t available. Remember that the texture may be slightly different, and the cooking time may need to be adjusted.

Are Slow Cooker and Crockpot Collard Greens the same thing?

Yes, a crockpot is a slow cooker.

Nutrional Facts:

Recipe courtesy of My Forking Life.com