Turnip Greens

These turnip greens are hearty, healthy, and full of classic Southern flavor. They’re sautéed in butter with tender onions, sweet bell pepper, and savory turkey or ham, then simmered low and slow in beef broth until perfectly tender. The result is a bowl of greens that’s smoky, buttery, and deeply comforting—just like something you’d find at a Southern Sunday supper. I love serving these turnip greens with a comfort food meal, and they're also a delicious side that's easy to make for the holidays. 

Why I Love This Turnip Greens Recipe

Turnip greens have always been a staple in Southern kitchens, but this version—my grandma’s famous recipe—takes them to another level. It’s the one she used to make for every family gathering, and I’ve been cooking it ever since I could reach the stove. The greens simmer until tender in a flavorful broth with onions, bell pepper, garlic, and smoky ham, soaking up every bit of that rich, savory goodness.

What makes this recipe so special is how simple it is—just a handful of humble ingredients that come together to make something incredible. The fresh turnip greens wilt and take on the buttery, garlicky flavor of the broth as they simmer. Even people who think they don’t like greens end up going back for seconds.

These Southern turnip greens aren’t just delicious—they’re packed with vitamins and nutrients, similar to other leafy greens like kale, mustard greens, and spinach. It’s a dish that’s good for the soul and good for you.

Whenever I make them, I love serving them with my Southern meatloaf and a side of sweet cornbread. It’s a comforting, home-cooked meal that always reminds me of Sunday dinners with my grandma.

Ingredients

So, all of the ingredients you'll need to make these turnip greens are kitchen and pantry staples. In fact, besides the liquid smoke, you probably have most, if not all, of them on hand already.

Anyway, here's what you'll need to make turnip greens:

• 1 pound of washed and cut turnip greens
• 1 tbsp. of butter 
• ½ cup diced red bell pepper 
• ½ cup diced onion
• 1 tsp. of garlic powder or minced garlic
• 1 cup diced turkey ham
• 1 ½ cups of beef broth 
• 1 splash of liquid smoke

Ingredient Additions and Substitution Recommendations

One of the best things about this Southern turnip greens recipe is how flexible it is. You can easily customize it based on what you have on hand without losing any of that rich, savory flavor.

Broth Options

Simmering the turnip greens in broth is what makes them tender and flavorful—it helps break down the fibrous texture while infusing every bite with savory depth. I use beef broth in this recipe because it enhances the smoky flavor, but you can absolutely substitute it with chicken broth or vegetable broth if you prefer. Vegetable broth is perfect for keeping this dish vegetarian while still delivering plenty of flavor.

Meat Options

I make my turnip greens with turkey ham because that’s how my grandma always did it, but you can swap it for whatever smoked or cured meat you have on hand. Try one of these delicious alternatives:

• Ham hocks or smoked turkey legs for deep, authentic Southern flavor
• Bacon or salt pork for a saltier, crispier bite
• Smoked sausage or diced chicken for a heartier version

Or, if you’d like to keep this a vegetarian turnip greens recipe, skip the meat altogether and use vegetable broth. You’ll still get plenty of richness from the onions, peppers, and butter.

Veggie Add-Ins

Feel free to get creative with the vegetables. I love using onions and bell peppers as the flavor base, but you can toss in whatever’s in your fridge. Some great options include:

• Sliced mushrooms or carrots — sauté them with the onions and peppers for extra body.
• Peas or chopped broccoli — they add color, texture, and nutrition.
• Diced tomatoes — for a slightly tangy, Southern-style twist.

 Spice It Up

If you like a little heat, this recipe takes spice beautifully. Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes, chili powder, or cracked black pepper while the greens simmer. For an extra Southern kick, season with Creole seasoning or Cajun spice mix to give the greens a bold, smoky edge.

How To Make Turnip Greens

This recipe for turnip greens will take about 45 minutes to make. However, practically the entire time is spent on passive, hands-off cooking. So, that gives you plenty of time to prepare the entrée of your choice to accompany this healthy side dish as it cooks. Anyway, now, without further ado, let's get into how to make these turnips greens!

Step 1: Sauté The Veggies

First, take a large pot and place it on the stovetop over medium heat. Add the butter to it. Once the butter has melted, add the diced onions and peppers and sauté for about 10 minutes, until they're tender. Also, make sure to stir the veggies around frequently while cooking. 

Step 2: Add The Rest of The Ingredients

Next, add the garlic powder and ham to the sautéed onions and peppers, and sauté for a few minutes until the ham browns slightly on all sides. Then, pour in the broth and let the liquid come to a boil.

Once the broth is boiling, add the fresh turnip greens to the pot and stir everything around so the turnip greens are evenly coated in broth. Put a lid on the pot, turn the heat down to low, and let the greens simmer for about 30 minutes, checking on them every so often.

Step 3: Season and Serve

After about 30 minutes, the turnip greens should be nice and tender. So, once they are, season with a dash of salt and pepper, then add a few drops of liquid smoke to the pot.

Finally, serve these turnip greens hot alongside your favorite comfort food dish and enjoy!

Expert Tips for The Best Turnip Greens

• Start with fresh greens. Choose young, tender turnip greens with bright green leaves and crisp stems. Avoid limp or yellowing leaves—they’re often tougher and more bitter. Fresh greens cook down better and have a naturally mild, earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with smoky meats and butter.
• Clean the greens thoroughly. Turnip greens can hold a lot of grit and sand from the field. To clean them properly, fill a large bowl or sink with cold water and submerge the greens. Swish them around, let the dirt settle to the bottom, and lift them out. Repeat this process 2–3 times until the water is completely clear. Pat dry or spin gently before cooking.
• Trim tough stems. For the best texture, strip the leaves from the thick, fibrous stems or chop the stems into small pieces so they soften while simmering. The smaller the pieces, the faster and more evenly they’ll cook.
• Layer your flavor from the start. The secret to truly Southern turnip greens is flavoring every step. Sauté the onions, bell pepper, and garlic in butter first—this builds a base of richness before you even add the greens. Adding smoked turkey, bacon, ham hocks, or a dash of liquid smoke deepens the flavor even more.
• Don’t rush the simmer. Greens need time to soak up the seasoning. Let them simmer gently for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Longer cooking makes them tender and lets the broth (or “pot liquor”) develop that classic savory depth Southerners love.
• Use the right liquid. Beef broth gives the greens richness, but you can also use chicken broth, vegetable broth, or water with bouillon for a lighter version. Add a splash of apple cider vinegar or hot sauce near the end for brightness and balance.
• Balance the bitterness. If your greens taste slightly bitter, stir in a pinch of sugar, a drizzle of honey, or a little extra butter at the end of cooking. This softens the flavor without making the dish sweet.
• Add a smoky kick. A few drops of liquid smoke or a dash of smoked paprika enhances the flavor without needing actual smoked meat. It’s a great trick for vegetarian or lighter versions.
• Save the pot liquor. The cooking broth (called pot liquor in the South) is liquid gold—it’s packed with flavor and nutrients. Always serve your greens with a bit of that broth spooned on top, or save it to flavor rice, beans, or soups later.
• Let them rest before serving. After simmering, remove from heat and let the greens sit for about 5 minutes. This helps the flavors meld and makes them even more flavorful when served.
• Make it your own. Want spicier greens? Add a few red pepper flakes or a splash of pepper vinegar. Craving something heartier? Stir in shredded smoked turkey or diced ham before serving.

Southern Turnip Greens FAQS

What can I serve with turnip greens?

These Southern turnip greens pair perfectly with a variety of dishes, like Southern chicken and rice, air fryer catfish, chicken meatloaf, salmon bites, or ham loaf. They also go great with cornbread or buttermilk biscuits—the buttery bread soaks up all that flavorful pot liquor (the broth at the bottom of the pan). For a full Southern spread, pair them with black-eyed peas and macaroni and cheese for a hearty, soul-satisfying dinner.

How do I store leftover turnip greens?

Let the cooked turnip greens cool completely before transferring them—and the flavorful broth—to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4–5 days. Make sure to include a little of the cooking liquid when storing; it keeps the greens tender and prevents them from drying out.

How do I reheat turnip greens?

To reheat, place the greens and a few spoonfuls of the broth in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Simmer gently until warmed through, about 5–7 minutes. You can also reheat them in the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring occasionally, until hot. If the greens seem dry, add a splash of broth or water to revive that signature Southern texture.

Can I freeze turnip greens?

Yes! Turnip greens freeze well. Let them cool completely, then portion them into freezer-safe containers or bags with some of the cooking broth. They’ll last up to 3 months in the freezer. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm on the stovetop with a splash of fresh broth or butter to restore the flavor.

Why do my turnip greens taste bitter?

Bitterness can come from overcooking or from older greens. Always use fresh, bright green leaves and cook them just until tender. You can also balance bitterness by adding a pinch of sugar, a drizzle of apple cider vinegar, or a small pat of butter at the end.

My Final Thoughts

Well, that's how to make turnip greens! This recipe is really great for sneaking some healthy veggies into your dinner routine without sacrificing taste. Plus, these turnips greens are simple enough to whip up on busy weeknights, and they go great with just about anything.

Anyway, I hope you enjoy these turnip greens as much as we do at our house. If you give this recipe a try, leave a comment below and let us know your thoughts! 

More Easy Comforting Recipes

If you enjoyed this low-maintenance meal, we have a ton of other recipes that are just as easy to make on the blog as well!

Check these out: 

• Hoppin John
• 4 ingredient potato soup
• Sweet potato cornbread
• Cheesy spinach casserole
• Grandma's chicken noodle soup
• Honey glazed candied carrots
• Texas Roadhouse country fried chicken

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