• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Bake It With Love

  • Grilling
  • Recipe Index
  • About
  • Cookbooks
  • Subscribe
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Grilling
  • Recipe Index
  • About
  • Cookbooks
  • Subscribe
×
Home » Recipes » Main Dish

Last Updated: Oct 9, 2023 by Angela Latimer · 2 Comments

Black Eyed Peas with Collard Greens

Jump to Recipe
Black eyed peas with collard greens and ham pin with text header.

Simple black-eyed peas with collard greens and ham is an amazing Southern comfort dinner that is sure to please everyone! It’s rich, full of flavor, and so easy to make. You’ll want to whip up this dish all the time!

Southern Black Eyed Peas And Collard Greens

This recipe is simply seasoned to let the natural flavors shine, but it’s still full of flavor! In my version, I add lots of onion, garlic, and savory ham to season the black-eyed peas and greens.

It’s a simple, delicious meal that’s so hearty and filling! Serve this dish with a side of freshly baked cornbread, and you’ve got a meal that will impress any Southerner! 

Southern black eyed peas with collard greens and ham in serving bowl.
These flavorful black-eyed peas are loaded with greens and delicious ham!
Jump to:
  • Southern Black Eyed Peas And Collard Greens
  • 🥘 Black Eyed Peas with Collard Greens Ingredients, Notes, & Substitutions
  • 📖 Variations
  • 🔪 How To Make Black Eyed Peas With Collard Greens
  • 🍽️ What To Serve With Black Eyed Peas
  • 💭 Angela's Pro Tips & Recipe Notes
  • 🥡 Storing & Reheating
  • ❓ Recipe FAQs
  • 🍽️ More Easy Dinner Recipes
  • 📖 Recipe Card
  • 💬 Comments & Reviews

🥘 Black Eyed Peas with Collard Greens Ingredients, Notes, & Substitutions

Simple, tasty black-eyed peas with collards and ham are such an easy all-in-one dish. Keep these ingredients around, and you can have this tasty meal anytime the mood strikes!

Black eyed peas with collard greens and ham ingredients with labels.
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil – I prefer extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) for this recipe as it’s a little healthier than butter or other fats.
  • 1 cup Onion – The onion should be chopped for this recipe! I like to use white or yellow onion here.
  • 1 tablespoon Minced Garlic – A tablespoon of minced garlic is equivalent to 3 cloves. You can mince your own or use the store-bought stuff!
  • 1 pound Collard Greens – The collard greens should be thoroughly rinsed, then the stems should be removed, and the greens roughly chopped (See Tips and Recipe Notes).
  • 1 cup Cooked Ham – I like to use cubed ham for this recipe! You can also add in a meaty ham bone or use chopped, crisped bacon instead.
  • ½ teaspoon Salt & Pepper – You should season the greens and peas to taste here, according to your taste preferences!
  • 2 cups Chicken Broth – You can also use water to braise your greens, but I prefer the flavor that comes with chicken broth!
  • 31 ounces Black Eyed Peas – This is equivalent to 2 15.5-ounce cans of black-eyed peas. The peas should be drained and rinsed of their canning liquid.

*Be sure to see the free printable recipe card below for ingredients, exact amounts & instructions with tips!*

📖 Variations

Across the south, there are many different seasoning variations on this tasty dish! It can be seasoned in many ways, according to your taste preferences! Additions can include:

  • A few dashes of hot pepper sauce or crushed red pepper
  • A tablespoon (or more) of white or apple cider vinegar
  • A tablespoon of yellow mustard
  • A splash of Worcestershire sauce
  • A pinch of sugar
  • A turkey neck, ham hock, salt pork, or hog jowl (for traditional meat options) – *If using any of these, you’ll want to remove them before serving, as they are not meant to be eaten, only to flavor the dish.

🔪 How To Make Black Eyed Peas With Collard Greens

Classic Southern black-eyed peas with collard greens and ham are a deliciously simple meal! I recommend using canned black-eyed peas instead of dried ones to make it so much easier!

Process photo 1 saute onion and add minced garlic.
1
Process photo 2 sauteed onion and garlic.
2
Process photo 3 add prepared collard greens.
3
Process photo 4 stir to wilt collard greens.
4

Step 1: Sauté. Start the black-eyed peas by preheating a large pot or Dutch oven with 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil begins to shimmer, add 1 cup (160 grams) of chopped onion and sauté for 5 minutes or until it reaches your desired level of tenderness. Then, add 1 tablespoon (8 grams) of minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about a minute or so, but don’t let it burn!

Step 2: Add greens. Next, stir in 1 pound (454 grams) of cleaned, chopped collards until coated with the oil, onions, and garlic, then cover and cook for 5 minutes.

Add Ham, Black Eyed Peas & Finish

Process photo 5 ham and broth added.
5
Process photo 6 after simmering ham greens and broth.
6
Process photo 7 adding the drained black eyed peas.
7
Process photo 8 fully combined and ready to simmer before serving.
8

Step 3: Add ham. To the collards, add 1 cup (113 grams) of cooked ham, ½ teaspoon (3 grams) each of salt and pepper (or according to taste), and 2 cups (470 grams) of chicken broth (or water). Then, reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the pot and let the collards and ham simmer for 25 minutes.

Step 4: Add black-eyed peas & serve. Once 25 minutes have passed, remove the cover and stir in 31 ounces (879 grams) of drained and rinsed black-eyed peas. Then, return the cover and cook for an additional 10 minutes. Once done, remove your pot from the heat and serve immediately.

🍽️ What To Serve With Black Eyed Peas

Tall image of a single sliced jiffy jalapeno cornbread square and pan in background.

Simple, classic black-eyed peas with collard greens and ham are an all-inclusive dish that is good any time of year! I love to eat this meal on its own or served with a side of cornbread. It’s a Southern dish that’s going to fill you up – so come hungry! Enjoy!

💭 Angela's Pro Tips & Recipe Notes

  • I prefer to use whole collard greens that I clean and cut myself instead of bagged, pre-cut collards! Packaged pre-cut collards always include the stem, which is tough and unpleasant to eat.
  • If using bacon, use the leftover bacon fat to fry the onions and garlic instead of olive oil! It will be a delicious complement to the flavors!
  • For extra flavor, sauté the cubed ham with the onions and garlic to brown the ham. This will give the dish another layer of delicious flavor!
  • This recipe also makes a great soup! Simply add more chicken broth to your desired consistency! It makes a hearty, filling soup that’s so tasty!
Black eyed peas with collard greens and ham ready to serve.

🥡 Storing & Reheating

Leftovers of my delicious black-eyed peas will keep for about 3 to 4 days! Make sure you store the peas and greens in an airtight container or plastic storage bag to ensure it has the best quality.

Freezing

You can also freeze the leftovers of this meal! The black-eyed peas should be kept in an airtight storage container or heavy-duty freezer storage bag.

The leftovers will keep for about 6 months this way, but I recommend eating them within 3 months for the freshest flavor.

Thaw frozen black-eyed peas with collard greens by leaving them in the fridge overnight.

Reheating Black-Eyed Peas with Collard Greens

Reheat black-eyed peas with collard greens in one of two ways:

Pop them in the microwave until warm (about 2 minutes) or bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through (about 15 minutes.)

>>>>See all of my recipes here<<<<

❓ Recipe FAQs

Can I Use Dried Black-Eyed Peas Instead Of Canned?

Sure! If you happen to have dried black-eyed peas, you can use them instead of canned. Be sure to soak and pre-cook according to package instructions before adding the black-eyed peas to the dish. The peas won’t cook properly otherwise!

What’s The Best Way To Cut Collard Greens?

To me, the easiest way to cut whole collard greens is to stack a few leaves and then use a sharp knife to slice around the stem. Discard the stems, then repeat until all the stems are removed from the collard greens.
Then, I cut the leaves in half lengthwise, stack the pieces of collards, and chop them into roughly 1-to-2-inch pieces! I like to slice my own collard greens because I can remove the stem completely, which isn’t my favorite to eat!

Why Do People Eat Black Eyed Peas And Collard Greens?

Black-eyed peas with collard greens and ham are a traditional Southern dish that’s been around for centuries! In the South, black-eyed peas with collard greens are a New Year’s tradition that is said to bring luck and prosperity in the coming year. It’s also incredibly delicious!

Tall image of the southern black eyed peas and collard greens being dished up.

🍽️ More Easy Dinner Recipes

  • Crockpot Cube Steak - This slow cooker dinner requires very little prep work.
  • Bisquick Chicken and Dumplings - Using Bisquick makes this chicken and dumplings recipe extra easy.
  • Chicken a la King - Chicken, vegetables, and a rich cream sauce make this a winning dinner.
  • Dirty Rice - A Cajun rice dish loaded with tons of ground beef and pork.
  • Crockpot Chicken and Gravy - Tender shredded chicken is smothered in savory gravy.

Do you love a recipe you tried? Please leave a 5-star 🌟rating in the recipe card below and/or a review in the comments section further down the page.
Stay in touch with me through social media @ Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter! Subscribe to the newsletter today (no spam, I promise)! Don't forget to tag me when you try one of my recipes!

📖 Recipe Card

Black eyed peas with collard greens and ham ready to serve.
Print Recipe Leave A Comment
Love This Recipe?Click On A Star To Rate It!
5 from 14 reviews

Black Eyed Peas with Collard Greens and Ham

Simple black-eyed peas and collard greens and ham is an amazing Southern comfort dinner that is sure to please everyone! It’s rich, full of flavor, and so easy to make. You’ll want to whip up this dish all the time!
Author | Angela Latimer
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 420kcal
Prep 10 minutes minutes
Cooking 45 minutes minutes
Total Time 55 minutes minutes
Pin Recipe Share on Facebook

Ingredients
 

  • 2 tablespoon olive oil (extra virgin)
  • 1 cup onion (chopped, white or yellow onion)
  • 1 tablespoon garlic (minced)
  • 1 lb collard greens (rinsed, stems removed, and chopped)
  • 1 cup cooked ham (cubed, or use ham bone or crisped bacon)
  • ½ teaspoon each, salt & pepper (to taste)
  • 2 cups chicken broth (or water)
  • 31 oz black eyed peas (2 15.5 ounce cans, drained and rinsed)

(Note: 2x or 3x only changes the ingredient list)

Help Us Out!If you love a recipe, be sure to come back and share your ratings. This helps future users, and allows me to continue sharing free recipes! Angela

Instructions
 

  • Preheat a large pot or Dutch oven with the olive oil to medium heat. Once the oil begins to shimmer, add the onion and saute for 5 minutes, or until it reaches your desired level of tenderness. Add the garlic and saute for a minute more.
  • Stir in the cleaned, chopped collards until coated with the oil then cover and cook for 5 minutes.
  • Add the ham, salt, pepper, and broth (or water) then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and allow to simmer for 25 minutes.
  • Remove the cover and stir in the drained black eyed peas. Return the cover and cook an additional 10 minutes.
  • Once done, remove from heat and serve immediately.

Notes

  • I prefer to use whole collard greens that I clean and cut myself instead of bagged, pre-cut collards! Packaged pre-cut collards always include the stem, which is tough and unpleasant to eat.
  • If using bacon, use the leftover bacon fat to fry the onions and garlic instead of olive oil! It will be a delicious complement to the flavors!
  • For extra flavor, sauté the cubed ham with the onions and garlic to brown the ham. This will give the dish another layer of delicious flavor!
  • This recipe also makes a great soup! Simply add more chicken broth to your desired consistency! It makes a hearty, filling soup that’s so tasty!
  • Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Freeze for up to 6 months, but use within the first 3 months for best quality.

Nutrition

Calories: 420kcal (21%) | Carbohydrates: 57g (19%) | Protein: 27g (54%) | Fat: 11g (17%) | Saturated Fat: 2g (13%) | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 21mg (7%) | Sodium: 1077mg (47%) | Potassium: 1092mg (31%) | Fiber: 20g (83%) | Sugar: 9g (10%) | Vitamin A: 5728IU (115%) | Vitamin C: 59mg (72%) | Calcium: 338mg (34%) | Iron: 7mg (39%)
Did you try this recipe? Rate it below!I can’t wait to see your results! Mention @bake_it_with_love or tag #bake_it_with_love!
Course Dinner Recipes, Main Dish, Side Dish
Cuisine American, Southern
« What To Serve With Pork Chops
Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon »

Share This Recipe!

  • Share
  • X
  • Flipboard
  • Threads
  • WhatsApp
  • Email

Reader Interactions

Comments

    5 from 14 votes (12 ratings without comment)

    Thanks for coming! Ask anything - or let me know what you think: Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

  1. jean PERKINS says

    January 01, 2025 at 5:55 pm

    5 stars
    great recipe and alternative to usual plain black eye peas.

    Reply
  2. Cheryl says

    January 01, 2025 at 2:48 pm

    5 stars
    I'd give it a 6 if I could!!! We live in Florida and every year we serve up collard greens and black eyed peas with cornbread.....but this is the best recipe EVER that I have made!!!! Followed your recipe to the tee and just added hot pepper vinegar to the bowl at dinner time.....OMG!!! Perfection!!! went back and deleted all of the other recipes I have saved over the years...don't need them anymore....THANK YOU!!!! PS I might mention that I used seasoned black eyed peas in the can...

    Reply

Primary Sidebar

Author bio photo with cake.

Hi there, I'm Angela

I am an avid vintage cookbook collector, cook, baker, and total foodie. I love sharing new, fun, creative recipes and great classic recipes, just like my Grandma used to make! Every recipe on BIWL is tested to ensure that cooks of any experience level can succeed.

Welcome to Bake It With Love. Enjoy!

More About Me ->

Grilling Recipes

  • Tasty, easy cookout food ideas to make and feed a crowd this summer.
    Easy Cookout Food Ideas: Best Dishes To Bring To A Cookout

  • Square image of sliced Arrachera steak on a cutting board.
    Arrachera (Mexican Steak for Tacos)

  • Square image of sliced Denver steak on a cutting board.
    Denver Steak

  • Square image of grilled ostrich steaks.
    Grilled Ostrich Steaks

  • Square image of grilled pineapple.
    Grilled Pineapple

  • Square image of sliced grilled skirt steak.
    Grilled Skirt Steak

See more Grilled →

Tasty Dinner Ideas

  • A square collage of four images showing easy summer crockpot meals including tender London broil pot roast, green beans and potatoes, grape jelly meatballs, and pork carnitas tacos.
    Summer Crockpot Meal Ideas

  • Panda Express honey sesame chicken copycat recipe plated with rice and garnished with more white sesame seeds.
    Panda Express Honey Sesame Chicken

  • A square image showing a bowl of tender wok fried marinated chicken with celery, onions, and black pepper sauce.
    Panda Express Black Pepper Chicken

  • Best leftover lobster recipes page image featuring four favorite dishes in a square collage.
    Leftover Lobster Recipes

  • Square collage image featuring 4 tasty recipes using leftover hard boiled eggs.
    Leftover Hard Boiled Eggs Recipes

  • Spider taco ring on baking sheet with taco toppings in the body and sliced olives for eyes.
    Spider Taco Crescent Ring

See more Main Dish →

Footer

As Seen On

As seen on these popular sites: Mashed, Tasting Table, Parade, MSN, Yahoo, Delish, The Pioneer Woman, Today, Taste of Home, and more.

↑ back to top

About

  • Meet The Team
  • Photo Sharing
  • Privacy Policy
  • Work With Me
  • Accessibility Statement

Recipes

  • Dinners
  • Desserts
  • Breakfasts
  • Cookies & Bars
  • Videos
  • Articles

AI-Free

Everything on Bake It With Love is created by me, where I share my experiences, with help from my team members and family.

I promise that BIWL is 100% free of AI content.

Get Social

Visit us on your favorite social media platforms!

Copyright © 2016-2025 Bake It With Love

Rate This Recipe

Your vote:




Let us know what you thought of this recipe:

This worked exactly as written, thanks!
My family loved this!
Thank you for sharing this recipe

Or write in your own words:

A rating is required
A name is required
An email is required

Recipe Ratings without Comment

Something went wrong. Please try again.