When my daughter first asked me for a Southern turnip greens recipe, I have to admit, I was a bit surprised. Turnip greens weren’t always the star of our dinner table, but once I got this Southern turnip greens recipe right, it quickly became a favorite. She wanted that deep, soulful flavor you taste in traditional southern greens, cooked slowly with a smoky ham hock, just like her grandmother’s old soul food turnip greens. Seeing her eyes light up when she took her first bite reminded me why I love making recipes that bring the family together.
At first, I struggled to get the balance of savory and tender right in this Southern turnip greens recipe. Too bitter, and my picky eaters would turn away; not cooked long enough, and it missed that comforting softness that makes slow cooked greens southern style so special. But once I learned the little tricks—like rinsing the greens well and using smoked ham hocks for that perfect smoky depth—I started making this dish with confidence.
This Southern turnip greens recipe is one of those meals that invites conversation and connection around the table. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or weekend family dinners when everyone slows down to savor a home-cooked meal. If you’ve ever missed having a traditional southern greens dish that tastes just like the ones you remember, I invite you to try this recipe now. It’s straightforward, forgiving, and delicious enough to become a family favorite in your home, too.
What’s even better is this Southern turnip greens recipe reminds me of other greens classics you might like, like a Southern collard or mustard greens recipes that’s just as comforting and flavorful. For more recipe ideas that pair well, you might also enjoy checking out this southern fried cabbage, or a southern maple sweet potato casserole when you want to round out the meal beautifully.
What You’ll Need
For this Southern turnip greens recipe, you want to keep the ingredient list simple but flavorful. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 pounds fresh turnip greens, thoroughly washed and chopped
- 1 smoked ham hock (about 1 pound) – this is key for that rich smoky flavor
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar for a little tang to balance the greens
- 1 teaspoon sugar to cut bitterness
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for some heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or bacon grease for sautéing
For the best Southern turnip greens recipe, I recommend always starting with fresh greens. You’ll find everything for this Southern turnip greens recipe right at your regular grocery store or farmer’s market. When you pick your turnip greens, look for deep green leaves with firm stems—this ensures they’ll hold up well during slow cooking.
This Southern turnip greens recipe is forgiving if you need to swap the smoked ham hock for smoked turkey necks or even a pork shoulder bone. These alternatives still offer that smoky, meaty base that makes traditional southern greens so delicious. My family prefers when I use bacon grease for sautéing because it adds a little extra depth, but olive oil works great for a lighter version.
Before cooking, washing the greens well is a must. Turnip greens can have a bit of grit, so rinse them in several changes of cold water or soak them briefly. Then chop them roughly—no need for perfection here.
Trust me, this Southern turnip greens recipe ingredient list keeps things simple without sacrificing flavor. With these staple ingredients on hand, you’re all set for a slow-cooked flavor-packed meal everyone will love.
How to Make It
Making this Southern turnip greens recipe is easier than you might think. Here’s a straightforward process that’ll have you feeling confident in the kitchen.
- Prep your greens. After washing and chopping, set them aside. Making sure your greens are clean is key to a tasty Southern turnip greens recipe.
- Sauté onion and garlic. In a large pot, heat the olive oil or bacon grease over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
- Add ham hock. Toss your smoked ham hock into the pot and pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. This base is what gives your Southern turnip greens recipe that signature smoky richness.
- Simmer the greens. Add your chopped turnip greens in batches as they wilt down. Stir each batch until all the greens are in the pot.
- Season. Stir in the apple cider vinegar, sugar, red pepper flakes if you’re using them, and add salt and pepper to taste.
- Cover and cook low and slow. Let the pot simmer on low heat for about 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally. This slow cooked greens southern style method really softens the greens and lets the flavors blend beautifully.
- Check for tenderness. You’ll know your Southern turnip greens recipe is ready when the leaves are tender and the liquid has a deep, smoky flavor. If the broth reduces too much, add a splash of water or broth as needed.
- Remove the ham hock. Pick out the smoked ham hock, shred off any meat, and stir it back into the greens for extra goodness.
Here’s where I used to mess up my Southern turnip greens recipe—I’d rush the cooking time or not rinse the greens well, ending up with a bitter or tough dish. Now I always remember to go slow and low for the best results.
While your Southern turnip greens recipe is cooking, your kitchen will smell amazing, and you’ll have time to get the table ready or start another side. If you like, this recipe works well with other traditional southern greens staples. You might want to try a mustard greens recipe or southern style collard greens recipe next time for variety—they each bring their own unique twist on this southern-style slow cooking.
Serving Ideas
This Southern turnip greens recipe is such a crowd-pleaser at my table. My family loves when it comes out alongside cornbread to soak up every bit of that flavorful broth. For a classic southern meal, pair these greens with fried chicken or even something easy like baked ham.
Everyone reaches for seconds when this Southern turnip greens recipe comes out with juicy smoked ham bits folded in. It’s perfect for family gatherings, Sunday dinners, or even a comforting weekday meal when you want something hearty and satisfying.
Presentation-wise, serving the turnip greens in a rustic bowl with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce on the side makes it inviting. If you have leftovers, which sometimes happens (though rarely!), they reheat beautifully. Just warm them gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of broth or water to keep them moist.
I’ve also tried this Southern turnip greens recipe with a splash of apple cider vinegar on top before serving for a little extra zing. Another variation was swapping the smoked ham hock for smoked turkey necks—equally delicious, just a different smoky note.
If your family loves this turnip greens recipe, they might also enjoy some southern fried cabbage for a change of pace. Or round out the meal with a sweet, comforting southern maple sweet potato casserole for a perfect balance of savory and sweet.
Your Questions Answered
Here are some of the common questions I get about my Southern turnip greens recipe, answered like I would for a kitchen friend.
Can I make this Southern turnip greens recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, many say the flavors deepen after sitting overnight. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat gently.
What if I don’t have a smoked ham hock?
No worries! You can use smoked turkey necks, leftovers from ham bone, or even add a bit of smoked sausage. It keeps that smoky flavor essential to traditional southern greens dishes.
How do I store leftover Southern turnip greens recipe?
Keep them in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze in portions, then thaw and reheat as needed.
Can I use frozen turnip greens?
Yes, but I recommend thawing and rinsing them well first. Frozen greens cook faster, so adjust cooking time to avoid overcooking.
Is it okay to add vinegar at the end instead of the beginning?
I’ve tried both ways. Adding vinegar early during cooking mellows it out, while adding it at the end gives a sharper tang. Choose based on what your family prefers.
What’s the best way to reduce bitterness in turnip greens?
Rinsing well, adding a pinch of sugar, and cooking slow and low helps balance out bitterness.
Are there other greens I can use this recipe with?
Definitely! Collard greens, mustard greens, or even kale can follow the same Southern turnip greens recipe method with delicious results.
If you want to see more recipe variations or try different traditional southern greens, check out these other favorites: southern collard or mustard greens recipes shared by home cooks, or this great southern style collard greens recipe that complements the turnip greens perfectly.
The Final Word
This Southern turnip greens recipe holds a special place in my recipe collection because it’s simple and adaptable but always delivers comfort and connection. I love how it brings my family together around the table, whether for a quick weeknight supper or a leisurely weekend dinner.
My Southern turnip greens recipe tips:
- Always rinse and chop your greens well to avoid grit and bitterness.
- Cook slow and low to get that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Don’t skip the smoked ham hock—it’s key for authentic flavor.
I’ve made variations using smoked turkey necks, added a splash of hot sauce for heat, and swapped out chicken broth for vegetable broth when needed. My husband loves it spicy, while my kids appreciate it milder with just a little vinegar tang.
I encourage you to make this Southern turnip greens recipe your own. Add family preferences, try different smoked meats, or play with seasoning until it feels like your favorite. I hope your family enjoys this dish as much as mine does. Sharing these flavors makes any meal a celebration.
For more inspiration, try pairing your Southern turnip greens recipe with other classic meals like southern fried cabbage or this delicious southern maple sweet potato casserole for that perfect southern soul food spread. To explore more traditional greens recipes, you’ll find plenty of ideas on sites sharing southern collard or mustard greens recipes that fit right alongside this one.
Here’s to many happy meals and cherished memories with your Southern turnip greens recipe!
Southern turnip greens recipe
A classic Southern dish featuring tender, slow-cooked turnip greens seasoned with smoky ham for a flavorful and nutritious side.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 pounds fresh turnip greens, washed and chopped
- 1 smoked ham hock or 4 ounces smoked turkey neck
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or bacon drippings
Instructions
- Rinse the turnip greens thoroughly and chop them into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil or bacon drippings over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and garlic, sauté until soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the ham hock or smoked turkey neck, then pour in the chicken broth.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer covered for 1 hour to infuse flavor.
- Add the turnip greens, red pepper flakes (if using), and apple cider vinegar to the pot.
- Simmer uncovered for an additional 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until greens are tender.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Remove the ham hock before serving, shred the meat and return to the pot if desired.
- Serve warm as a flavorful side dish.
Notes
For extra smoky flavor, add a few strips of cooked bacon on top before serving, or pair with cornbread for a classic Southern meal.