Last Updated on April 2, 2025 by Karen
Learn how to cook smoked ham hocks with collard greens for a rich, smoky dish. Sharing three best methods—from stove top to Instant Pot—with expert tips to achieve tender, flavorful results every time.
The first time I had collard greens at Mighty Quinn’s BBQ in NYC, I’d heard all the buzz about their Southern-inspired menu, but nothing could have prepared me for that rich, smoky flavor that came from the collard greens, perfectly paired with tender smoked ham hocks. The moment I tasted that dish, I knew I had to learn how to make it at home! The combination of smoked ham hocks and greens became my new obsession, and it didn’t take long before I started experimenting in my own kitchen.
If you’re looking to cook ham hocks with collard greens or any other beans, you might be wondering how long to boil them to get that perfect texture and flavor. In this post, I’ll walk you through all the essentials for cooking smoked ham hocks, from preparation to choosing the best cooking methods, so you can recreate that delicious, savory dish in your own kitchen.
Check out my post on Cuban Black Bean Soup with Smoked Ham Hock (Frijoles Negros)
What Are Smoked Ham Hocks?
A smoked ham hock is the joint from the rear legs of a pig, often referred to as a pork knuckle. The fat layer and connective tissue in the hock add richness and flavor to your dishes, but it can take some time to break down and become tender.
The ham bone in the hock also provides a delicious smoky flavor, making it a great addition to dishes like collard greens, black-eyed peas, or pinto beans. Cooking ham hocks with greens or beans allows the meaty flavor to infuse the dish, creating a hearty and savory meal.
What Are The Steps to Prepare Smoked Ham Hocks
When cooking smoked ham hocks, it’s essential to start with the right preparation. Smoked ham hocks are often sold at the grocery store either raw or already smoked. If you’ve purchased raw ham hocks, you’ll need to cook them longer to achieve the tender texture you’re looking for.
Step 1: Soak The Smoked Ham Hocks (Optional)
While not always necessary, soaking the ham hocks in cold water for a few hours or overnight can help remove some of the salt and preserve the smoky flavor. This step is particularly useful if you’re planning to cook them in bean soup or any dish where you want the salt level to be just right. However, if you’re using smoked hocks, you can skip the soaking process.
Step 2: Choose Your Cooking Method
There are several ways to cook smoked ham hocks, and the method you choose will impact how long you need to boil them.
Recommended Method to Cook Ham Hocks: Stove Top Method
The classic way to cook smoked ham hocks is by boiling them on the stove. Here’s how you can do it:
1. Place the ham hocks in a large pot.
2. Add enough water to cover the hocks. You’ll want about 8-10 cups of water depending on how many ham hocks you’re cooking.
3. Add bay leaves and any other seasonings you prefer, such as salt pork, parsley sauce, or savory flavors like garlic and onions.
4. Bring the water to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 2-3 hours.
5. During the cooking process, you may want to add more water as it evaporates. The goal is to ensure the pork hocks stay submerged, so there’s enough cooking liquid to infuse the flavors properly.
Pressure Cooking with an Instant Pot
Using an Instant Pot or any other pressure cooker can significantly reduce cooking time. Here’s how to cook your ham hocks in a pressure cooker:
1. Place your smoked hock in the Instant Pot and add enough warm water to cover it.
2. Season with bay leaves and any additional spices you like.
3. Seal the lid, set the Instant Pot to high heat, and cook for about 45 minutes to 1 hour. The pressure cooking process helps break down the connective tissue and the fat layer, making the meat tender and easy to shred.
Slow Cooker Method
For a slow cooker approach, you can set it and forget it for the day. Here’s how:
1. Place your smoked ham hocks in the slow cooker with enough water to cover them.
2. Add seasonings and any desired vegetables like onions or green beans.
3. Cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours. This method allows the hocks to release their full flavor and tenderness over a longer period.
Cooking Collard Greens with Ham Hocks
Once your smoked ham hocks are cooked and tender, it’s time to add them to your collard greens or other greens of choice. The smoky flavor from the hocks will infuse the greens, giving them a deep, savory taste. Here’s a simple process for cooking your greens:
1. After your ham hocks are fully cooked, remove them from the pot.
2. Shred the meat off the ham bone and discard any unwanted fat or cartilage.
3. Add the shredded meat back into the pot with the cooking liquid, and then stir in your fresh, washed collard greens.
4. Let the greens cook for about 30 minutes to an hour on low heat, until tender.
If you prefer, you can also cook black-eyed peas or pinto beans in the same pot for a complete meal. The rich cooking liquid from the ham hocks serves as a flavorful broth, perfect for bean soup or any bean-based dish.
Flavor Enhancements and Serving Suggestions
Once your smoked ham hocks and greens are ready, it’s time to serve them! Here are a few ideas to take your dish to the next level:
- Crusty bread on the side is a great way to soak up the flavorful broth.
- If you love ham soup, add extra vegetables like carrots or potatoes to make it even heartier.
- If you’re serving your greens with pork hocks, try adding a little parsley sauce for a fresh, bright finish.
- For the next day, leftovers are perfect for making a rich ham hock soup or adding the smoked hock to bean soup.
Tips for the Perfect Smoked Ham Hocks with Greens
Don’t rush the process: The longer you cook the ham hocks, the more flavorful and tender they will become. Whether you’re using the slow cooker, Instant Pot, or boiling them on the stove, give the hocks time to break down and infuse the dish with smoky flavor.
Adjust the seasonings: Different recipes will call for varying amounts of salt, pepper, and herbs. Taste the cooking liquid along the way and adjust to suit your own tastes.
Leftovers are great: Don’t throw away any leftover ham hocks or greens! The next day, these ingredients can be used to make a meaty flavor packed ham soup or added to dry beans to create a new meal.
Cooking smoked ham hocks with greens is a delicious and hearty meal that requires a bit of patience, but the results are totally worth it. Whether you choose to cook your hocks on the stove, in the Instant Pot, or a slow cooker, the key is allowing the connective tissue and fat layer to break down into tender, flavorful meat. The savory flavors of the hocks will elevate your favorite recipes, and the rich broth makes a fantastic base for black-eyed peas, pinto beans, or a comforting ham hock soup.
So, gather your ingredients, grab a few star reviews-worthy recipes, and get ready to cook up a flavorful, smoky dish that will have everyone asking for more!
