Smoked Turkey Collard Green Dip: A Southern Comfort Appetizer

Collard greens are a staple in Southern cuisine, often enjoyed braised with smoked meats. This recipe takes those classic flavors and transforms them into a creamy, smoky, and utterly addictive dip. The addition of smoked turkey elevates the traditional collard green experience, creating a sophisticated yet comforting appetizer that’s perfect for game day, holiday gatherings, or any occasion that calls for a crowd-pleasing dish.

This Smoked Turkey Collard Green Dip is a guaranteed hit. The smoky turkey complements the earthy collard greens, while cream cheese and sour cream create a luscious, creamy base. A touch of heat from hot sauce adds a welcome kick, and a sprinkle of sharp cheddar cheese completes the picture. Served with toasted baguette slices, tortilla chips, or your favorite dippers, this dip is a flavorful and satisfying treat that will have everyone coming back for more.

## Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Flavorful and Unique:** It’s a delicious twist on traditional collard greens, offering a smoky, creamy, and savory flavor profile.
* **Crowd-Pleasing:** Perfect for parties, potlucks, and game day gatherings.
* **Easy to Make:** While it requires a bit of simmering, the recipe is straightforward and doesn’t require any special culinary skills.
* **Versatile:** Can be served hot or warm, with a variety of dippers.
* **Make-Ahead Friendly:** You can prepare the dip ahead of time and simply reheat it before serving, making it a great option for busy hosts.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you begin, gather the following ingredients:

* **1 pound collard greens:** Fresh collard greens are best, but frozen collard greens can be used in a pinch. If using frozen, make sure to thaw them completely and squeeze out any excess water.
* **8 ounces cream cheese:** Softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
* **1/2 cup sour cream:** Adds tanginess and creaminess.
* **1 cup smoked turkey:** Diced. You can use leftover smoked turkey or purchase pre-smoked turkey breast from the deli.
* **1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese:** For added flavor and texture.
* **1/4 cup chopped onion:** Yellow or white onion will work.
* **2 cloves garlic:** Minced.
* **2 tablespoons olive oil:** For sautéing the onion and garlic.
* **1/4 cup chicken broth:** Or vegetable broth.
* **1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar:** Adds a touch of acidity to balance the richness.
* **1 teaspoon hot sauce:** Adjust to your desired level of heat.
* **1/2 teaspoon salt:** Or to taste.
* **1/4 teaspoon black pepper:** Or to taste.
* **Optional garnishes:** Chopped green onions, extra shredded cheddar cheese, a sprinkle of smoked paprika.
* **For serving:** Toasted baguette slices, tortilla chips, crackers, or vegetable sticks.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create this delicious Smoked Turkey Collard Green Dip:

**1. Prepare the Collard Greens:**

* Wash the collard greens thoroughly. Remove the tough stems and center ribs.
* Stack the leaves and slice them into thin ribbons. This process is called chiffonade.

**2. Sauté the Aromatics:**

* Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
* Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
* Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

**3. Cook the Collard Greens:**

* Add the sliced collard greens to the skillet.
* Pour in the chicken broth and apple cider vinegar.
* Season with salt and pepper.
* Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for about 20-25 minutes, or until the collard greens are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
* If using frozen collard greens, reduce the cooking time to about 15 minutes, or until tender.

**4. Incorporate the Remaining Ingredients:**

* Remove the skillet from the heat.
* Stir in the softened cream cheese and sour cream until well combined and smooth. Make sure the cream cheese is fully incorporated to avoid lumps.
* Add the diced smoked turkey, shredded cheddar cheese, and hot sauce.
* Stir until everything is evenly distributed and the cheese is melted.

**5. Taste and Adjust Seasoning:**

* Taste the dip and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or hot sauce to your liking.

**6. Serve:**

* Serve the Smoked Turkey Collard Green Dip warm or hot. You can transfer it to a serving dish or keep it in the skillet.
* Garnish with chopped green onions, extra shredded cheddar cheese, or a sprinkle of smoked paprika, if desired.
* Serve with toasted baguette slices, tortilla chips, crackers, or vegetable sticks for dipping.

## Tips for Success

* **Don’t Overcook the Collard Greens:** Overcooked collard greens can become mushy. Cook them until they are tender but still have a slight bite.
* **Soften the Cream Cheese:** Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easy mixing. This will help prevent lumps in the dip.
* **Use High-Quality Smoked Turkey:** The flavor of the smoked turkey is a key component of this dip, so use a good quality product. You can find pre-smoked turkey breast at most deli counters.
* **Adjust the Heat:** The amount of hot sauce can be adjusted to your preference. Start with a small amount and add more as needed.
* **Make it Ahead:** This dip can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently in the oven or microwave before serving.
* **Get Creative with Dippers:** While toasted baguette slices and tortilla chips are classic choices, feel free to get creative with your dippers. Try crackers, vegetable sticks, or even apple slices.

## Variations and Substitutions

* **Vegetarian Version:** Omit the smoked turkey for a vegetarian version. You can add smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
* **Spicy Version:** Add more hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicier dip.
* **Different Cheese:** Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack, Gruyere, or Pepper Jack.
* **Add Beans:** Stir in a can of drained and rinsed black-eyed peas or white beans for added texture and protein.
* **Slow Cooker Method:** Combine all the ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 2-3 hours, or until the collard greens are tender. Stir occasionally.
* **Instant Pot Method:** Sauté the onion and garlic in the Instant Pot. Add the collard greens, chicken broth, and apple cider vinegar. Cook on high pressure for 5 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release. Stir in the remaining ingredients.

## Serving Suggestions

This Smoked Turkey Collard Green Dip is a versatile appetizer that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are a few suggestions:

* **Game Day:** Serve it with tortilla chips and beer for a crowd-pleasing game day snack.
* **Holiday Gathering:** Add it to your holiday appetizer spread for a Southern-inspired twist.
* **Potluck:** Bring it to your next potluck for a guaranteed hit.
* **Casual Dinner:** Serve it as a starter for a casual dinner party.
* **Snack:** Enjoy it as a satisfying snack any time of day.

## Make-Ahead Instructions

This dip is a great make-ahead option. You can prepare it up to 3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat it in the oven or microwave until warmed through. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating. You may need to add a splash of chicken broth or water if the dip becomes too thick during reheating.

## Storage Instructions

Store leftover Smoked Turkey Collard Green Dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave before serving.

## Recipe

**Yields:** Approximately 4 cups
**Prep time:** 20 minutes
**Cook time:** 30 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 1 pound collard greens, washed, stems removed, and thinly sliced
* 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
* 1/2 cup sour cream
* 1 cup smoked turkey, diced
* 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
* 1/4 cup chopped onion
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1/4 cup chicken broth
* 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
* 1 teaspoon hot sauce (or more to taste)
* 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
* Optional garnishes: Chopped green onions, extra shredded cheddar cheese, smoked paprika
* For serving: Toasted baguette slices, tortilla chips, crackers, or vegetable sticks

**Instructions:**

1. Wash, stem, and slice the collard greens.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
3. Add collard greens, chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat, cover, and cook for 20-25 minutes, or until collard greens are tender.
4. Remove from heat and stir in cream cheese and sour cream until smooth.
5. Add smoked turkey, cheddar cheese, and hot sauce. Stir until cheese is melted and everything is well combined.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
7. Serve warm with toasted baguette slices, tortilla chips, crackers, or vegetable sticks. Garnish with chopped green onions, extra shredded cheddar cheese, or smoked paprika, if desired.

Enjoy your delicious and smoky Smoked Turkey Collard Green Dip! This Southern-inspired appetizer is sure to be a hit at your next gathering. The combination of smoky turkey, earthy collard greens, and creamy cheese creates a flavor explosion that will have everyone reaching for more. Remember to adjust the seasoning and heat to your liking, and don’t be afraid to get creative with your dippers. Happy cooking!