Easy Made Collard Greens with Smoked Turkey

The Backstory

Collard greens with smoked turkey are a Southern staple, celebrated for their rich, smoky flavor and tender, leafy texture. Traditionally slow-cooked with smoked meat, onions, garlic, and seasonings, this dish pairs perfectly with cornbread, fried chicken, or any hearty meal. It’s a comfort food classic that warms both the body and soul.

Why You’ll Love Collard Greens with Smoked Turkey

• Deep, smoky flavor from the smoked turkey.
• Tender, flavorful greens packed with seasoning.
• Perfect as a side dish for Southern meals.
• Easy to prepare in a slow cooker or on the stovetop.

Collard Greens with Smoked Turkey Recipe

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Calories: ~180 per serving
Estimated Cost: $12–15

Ingredients

• 2 lbs collard greens, washed, stems removed, and chopped
• 1 smoked turkey leg or 1 cup smoked turkey neck, chopped
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken or turkey broth
• 2 tbsp olive oil or bacon grease
• 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar

Instructions

1. Prepare greens: Wash collard greens thoroughly and remove tough stems. Chop into bite-sized pieces.
2. Sauté aromatics: In a large pot, heat olive oil or bacon grease over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; sauté until softened and fragrant, about 3–4 minutes.
3. Add smoked turkey: Stir in smoked turkey and cook 2–3 minutes to release flavor.
4. Simmer greens: Add collard greens, broth, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1–1.5 hours, stirring occasionally, until greens are tender.
5. Season: Stir in apple cider vinegar and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
6. Serve: Transfer to a serving dish and enjoy warm.

Tasty Twists

• Bacon Boost: Add chopped bacon with the onions for extra smoky flavor.
• Spicy Kick: Increase red pepper flakes or add diced jalapeño.
• Slow Cooker Version: Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 4–6 hours.
• Vinegar Variation: Use a splash of hot sauce or red wine vinegar instead of apple cider vinegar for a tangy twist.

Collard Greens with Smoked Turkey Recipe Card

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Servings: 6

Calories: 150

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 lbs collard greens washed, trimmed, and chopped
• 1 smoked turkey leg or wing about 1–1.5 lbs
• 1 large onion chopped
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 tbsp olive oil or bacon drippings
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes optional for heat
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tsp apple cider vinegar optional, for tang

Method

 

Prepare Smoked Turkey:

1. Rinse smoked turkey and set aside. If it’s very salty, soak in water for 30 minutes and pat dry.

Cook Aromatics:

1. n a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil or bacon drippings over medium heat. Sauté onions for 3–4 minutes until translucent. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.

Add Turkey & Greens:

1. Place smoked turkey in the pot. Add collard greens in batches, letting them wilt slightly as you add more.
2. Add Liquid & Seasoning: Pour in broth until greens are just covered. Stir in smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.

Simmer:

1. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 1–1.5 hours, stirring occasionally, until greens are tender and turkey is infused into the broth.

Finish & Serve:

1. Remove turkey, shred meat if desired, and return to the pot. Add apple cider vinegar for a touch of tang. Serve hot.

Notes

For extra smoky flavor, use a smoked ham hock instead of a turkey leg.

Collard greens shrink significantly when cooking — add them in batches to fit.

Leftovers taste even better the next day as the flavors deepen.

Serve with cornbread or rice for a classic Southern meal.

You Asked, We Answered

Southern Comfort on a Plate

Collard greens with smoked turkey are a true taste of Southern tradition—smoky, tender, and deeply flavorful. Perfect for family dinners, holidays, or whenever you crave hearty, soulful food.