Pioneer Woman Collard Green Soup

This Pioneer Woman Collard Green Soup is a creamy, comforting Southern-style meal packed with tender ham, hearty greens, and creamy beans. It’s the kind of nourishing, stick-to-your-ribs soup that’s perfect for chilly nights or easy meal prep. Quick to whip up with pantry staples and full of down-home flavor, it’s a soul-satisfying dinner that never disappoints.

Why You’ll Love This Pioneer Woman Collard Green Soup

• Southern-style comfort in every spoonful. It’s cozy, creamy, and brimming with savory ham and greens.
• Weeknight-easy. Comes together in one pot with simple steps and everyday ingredients.
• Nutritious & filling. Collard greens, beans, and protein-rich ham make it a wholesome choice.
• Customizable to your taste. Tweak the spice, swap the greens, or go vegetarian—it’s super flexible!

Ingredients for Pioneer Woman Collard Green Soup

• 2 tablespoons salted butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 1 jalapeño, stemmed, seeded, and minced
• 8 cups (2 quarts) chicken stock
• 2 pounds ham, diced
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 3 bunches collard greens, stems removed and chopped
• Two 15.5-ounce cans navy beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Crusty artisan baguette, torn, for serving

How to Make Pioneer Woman Collard Green Soup

1. Sauté the aromatics. In a large Dutch oven, heat the butter and olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the garlic, onion, and jalapeño. Cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes.
2. Build the broth. Stir in the chicken stock, diced ham, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle boil.
3. Simmer the greens and beans. Add the chopped collards and navy beans. Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes, until the collards are tender and flavors meld.
4. Finish with tang and garnish. Stir in the apple cider vinegar. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot, topped with Parmesan, parsley, and torn baguette.

Expert Recipe Tips

• Use a Dutch oven for even heat and deep flavor development.
• Chop collards evenly so they cook at the same rate and are easy to eat.
• Don’t skip the vinegar. That splash at the end brightens and balances all the richness.
• Grate your own Parmesan. The texture and flavor are far superior to pre-shredded.

Recipe Variations

• Smoky Sausage Swap: Use andouille or kielbasa for a spicier, smoky twist.
• Veggie Version: Ditch the ham and go for veggie broth with extra beans or mushrooms.
• Spicy Southwest Style: Add black beans, cumin, and a squeeze of lime for Tex-Mex flair.
• Creamy Upgrade: Stir in a splash of cream or blend a bit of the beans for a silkier texture.
• Slow Cooker Friendly: Sauté the aromatics first, then cook everything on low for 6–7 hours.

Storage Instructions

• In the Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
• In the Freezer: Let soup cool completely, then freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

How to Reheat Collard Green Soup

• Stovetop: Warm over low heat, stirring occasionally until hot (about 5–7 minutes).
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

• Can I make this soup vegetarian?
  Yes—just swap the ham for extra beans or mushrooms and use vegetable broth. Add a bit of smoked paprika for depth.
• What greens can I use instead of collards?
  Kale, mustard greens, or Swiss chard work well. Even spinach can work in a pinch—just add it at the end.
• How do I make it spicier?
  Leave some seeds in the jalapeño or add red pepper flakes or hot sauce to taste.
• Can I freeze this soup?
  Definitely! It freezes beautifully and reheats without losing flavor.
• Can I make it in a slow cooker?
  Yep—sauté the onion, garlic, and jalapeño first, then add everything to your slow cooker and cook on low 6–7 hours.

Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 170 kcal
• Total Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Cholesterol: 25mg
• Sodium: 560mg
• Potassium: 470mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 9g
• Dietary Fiber: 5g
• Sugars: 2g
• Protein: 5g

More Pioneer Recipes:

• Pioneer Woman Italian Chicken Noodle Soup
• Pioneer Woman Chicken Enchilada Soup
• Pioneer Woman Mexican Chicken Soup
• Pioneer Woman Chicken And Rice Soup
• Pioneer Woman Chicken Parmesan Soup