Slow Cooker Southern Collard Greens Soup
A hearty and flavorful Southern-style collard greens soup slow-cooked to perfection with smoked turkey, aromatic vegetables, and spices. This comforting side dish brings classic Southern flavors in a rich broth, perfect for a cozy dinner.
Ingredients
Check ingredients as you go.
- Soup Base
- Vegetables
- Liquids
- Seasonings
- Vegetables
Let’s make it
Vegetables
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion, celery, and carrots, sauté until softened about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook 1 minute more.
Soup Base
Transfer the sautéed vegetables to the slow cooker. Add chopped collard greens and place the smoked turkey neck on top.
Liquids and Seasonings
Pour chicken broth over ingredients in the slow cooker. Stir in apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper.
Cooking
Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until collard greens are tender and turkey meat falls off the bone.
Finishing
Remove the smoked turkey neck, shred the meat, discard the bones, and return the meat to the soup. Stir well and adjust seasoning if needed.
Serving
Serve hot as a nutritious and flavorful Southern side dish.
Tips & notes
For extra smoky flavor, you can add a small smoked ham hock if desired. Always taste before adding salt, as smoked turkey may add saltiness. Use fresh collard greens and remove tough stems for best texture.
Saving it for later
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking. Consume within 3 to 4 days for best quality and safety.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of broth or water if needed to loosen the soup. Heat until steaming hot throughout, about 5–7 minutes.
