The Best Cracker Barrel Style Turnip Greens Recipe

This Cracker Barrel turnip greens recipe with country ham is the perfect tasty side dish or main course! Pair it with some fried chicken or for a more health-conscious meal serve it with a sauteed piece of fish. It's surely a southern favorite that will not disappoint.

Turnip greens are extremely nutrient-dense, a good source of dietary fiber, and low in carbohydrates (total carbohydrate is less than 4 grams per cup). One chopped cup is 55% of your daily value for Vitamin C and 10% for Calcium. Eating them is a great way to nourish your body.

"Vitamin C has received a great deal of attention, and with good reason. Higher blood levels of vitamin C may be the ideal nutrition marker for overall health," -Mark Moyad, MD, MPH, of the University of Michigan. This crucial vitamin plays an important role in immune function, and pre-natal health, enhances brain function, and keeps your skin, hair, and nails healthy.

Proper calcium intake is necessary to maintain bone health, regulate muscle contraction, and keeps the cardiovascular system functioning well.

INGREDIENTS

• 2 bunches of fresh turnip greens
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ½ cup onion diced
• 1 tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• About 1 cup of ham diced into small pieces (ham hock or ham steak work great).
• 1 cup of water
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar.  

See the recipe card for quantities.

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat the dutch oven or large pot over medium heat.
2. Add olive oil, onion, salt, and pepper.
3. Cook until onions are translucent (about 5 minutes).

4. Meanwhile, wash greens in cold water and cut off stems. Roughly chop into large sections about 3 inches wide.

5. Add greens, ham, and apple cider to the dutch oven.

6. Cover, reduce heat, and cook on low for a total time of 45 minutes until greens are tender.

7. One of the best ways to serve is with a big piece of cornbread and some red pepper flakes to add color.

Garnish: Red pepper flakes and sliced boiled egg.

Hint: Keep an eye on the onions when cooking. When slightly burned, they can make the dish taste bitter.

WHAT SUBSTITUTIONS CAN I MAKE?

Turnip greens- Collard greens or mustard greens.

Olive oil- Any type of vegetable oil.

Onion- White or red.

Ham- Bacon, salt pork, or pork belly.

Water- Chicken broth.

Apple cider vinegar- Tablespoon of sugar.

HOW ELSE CAN I MAKE IT?

Spicy- Add a teaspoon of pepper flakes or diced hot peppers.

Smokey- Add smoked meat.

Kid Friendly- Add 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda during the last 20 minutes of cooking to cut back on the bitter taste. Serve with some sweet cornbread.

Deluxe- Add in some diced turnips, crispy bacon, or some bread and butter pickles.

Low sodium- Cut the amount of ham in half. It will still have a lot of flavor!

WHAT EQUIPMENT DO I NEED?

Dutch oven or large stockpot with lid- For heating the dish.

Knife- For prepping the veggies and ham.

Measuring cups and spoons- To make sure you are getting the correct measurement of ingredients.

Stovetop- For cooking.

Large spoon- For stirring and serving.

HOW DO I STORE LEFTOVERS?

Refrigerator- Allow the turnip greens to fully cool. They can be stored in an airtight container or sealable plastic bag for up to 4 days.

Freezer- Cooked turnip greens can be stored in the freezer for up to 4 days. Completely cool the greens. Drain out the extra water. Place in an airtight container or sealed bag.

GOT ANY HELPFUL TIPS?

For best results, cook these beautiful leafy greens low and slow. All the flavors will combine to make a flavorful broth that can be poured over the greens when they are served.

FAQ

ARE THERE ANY OTHER TRADITIONAL SOUTHERN GREENS I CAN USE TO MAKE THIS RECIPE?

Yes! There are two other kinds of greens I recommend (although, turnip is my favorite kind of green).

Mustard greens- They have a slight pepper taste. The leaves are thinner than turnip greens and ruffled.

Collard greens- They have a more bitter taste. The leaves are wide and the stem is thicker than turnip greens.

CAN I COOK CRACKER BARREL'S TURNIP GREENS IN A SLOW COOKER?

Cooking this recipe in a slow cooker is a great option for a stress-free dinner. Just throw all the ingredients in a slow cooker and set it on low for 4 hours.

CAN I COOK THESE IN A PRESSURE COOKER?

Yes. Add all ingredients to the pressure cooker. Make sure to include an additional half cup of water. Cook on high pressure for 35 minutes. Slow release the steam for 15 minutes followed by a quick release of steam.

WHY IS THIS ONE OF THE BEST GREEN RECIPES FOR DIABETES?

Other Cracker Barrel copycat recipes call for the addition of sugar. To make this recipe more diabetic-friendly, I thought it would be a good idea to leave out the sugar and add apple cider vinegar for more depth of flavor.

WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO WASH THE LEAVES?

The first time I cooked with turnip greens, I made a huge mistake by not cleaning them correctly. Tasting bits of dirt because they weren't properly washed was not appetizing. When washing the greens, fill a bowl with water. Swish the greens around in the water. Rinse them off and then repeat the whole process a second time.

FOOD SAFETY

• Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
• Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
• Wash hands after touching raw meat
• Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
• Never leave cooking food unattended
• Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
• Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove.

See more guidelines at USDA.gov.