Few dishes scream comfort and flavor like this rich and smoky Gumbo Greens Recipe. It’s everything you love about Southern gumbo—bold spices, savory roux, and that slow-simmered magic—infused with tender collard greens and juicy shrimp. I first tasted this soulful pot at a cousin’s cookout in Louisiana. One bite in and I was hooked. You don’t need to be a Southern chef to pull this off—just a little patience, love, and this step-by-step guide. Let’s get cooking, Cousin.

Why You’ll Love This Gumbo Greens Recipe

This gumbo greens recipe brings the soul to your stovetop—and here’s why you’ll crave it:

Big Bold Flavor: Smoky turkey, spicy sausage, sweet shrimp, and zesty seasoning deliver serious depth.
Beginner-Friendly: Don’t let the roux intimidate you—just stir and trust the process.
Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s Sunday dinner or a holiday spread, this one disappears fast.
One-Pot Wonder: Everything simmers in one pot, minimizing cleanup and maximizing taste.

The Story Behind Gumbo Greens Recipe

This gumbo greens recipe blends Southern greens with classic Creole gumbo. Here’s how it came to be:

Collard greens are a staple in African American soul food, traditionally simmered with smoked meat.
Gumbo originates from Louisiana, often made with roux, okra, and a meat or seafood combo.
File powder, made from sassafras leaves, gives gumbo its signature earthy thickness.
The fusion of the two? A rich, flavorful bowl rooted in history, heritage, and hospitality.

Key Ingredients in Gumbo Greens Recipe

Frozen Collard Greens: Packed with flavor and convenient—perfect for soaking up smoky broth.
Vegetable Oil & All-Purpose Flour: Cooked together to make a deep, nutty roux—the base of it all.
Onion, Bell Pepper & Celery: The Creole “holy trinity” that forms the aromatic backbone.
Smoked Turkey Tails: Adds deep flavor and a tender bite after simmering.
Louisiana Hot Sausage: Spicy and smoky—adds meatiness and heat.
Shrimp: Tossed in at the end for a tender, ocean-kissed finish.
Gumbo File Powder: Thickens the stew and adds that unmistakable gumbo flair.

How to Make Gumbo Greens Recipe

Step-by-Step Guide

Boil the turkey: Place smoked turkey tails in a large pot with 8 cups of water. Boil for 45 minutes. Reserve 4–6 cups of that flavorful broth.
Make the roux: In a heavy-bottomed pot, heat 1 cup vegetable oil over medium. Slowly whisk in 1 cup flour. Stir constantly for 15–20 minutes until it’s deep brown—watch it closely!
Add aromatics: Stir in chopped onion, bell pepper, and celery. Cook until softened (about 5 minutes), then add minced garlic for 1 minute more.
Build the base: Add turkey tails, reserved turkey broth, and chicken broth. Season with Rosamae Seasoning Salt, Creole seasoning, and crushed red pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer.
Simmer it low and slow: Reduce heat and let the gumbo base bubble gently for 1 hour. Add sliced sausage during the simmer for deep, smoky flavor.
Add the greens: Stir in the frozen collard greens and let them cook until completely tender—about 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Finish with shrimp: In the last 10 minutes, stir in peeled and deveined shrimp. Cook until pink and cooked through.
Thicken and serve: Sprinkle in gumbo file powder, stir well, and serve hot. Grab your bowl and dig in!

Gumbo Greens Recipe Tips and Twists

Want your pot to be next-level good?
5 Tips:

Stir that roux constantly—don’t walk away.
Don’t skip seasoning in layers—season broth, meat, and veggies.
Use shrimp with tails on for more flavor (just remove before eating).
A splash of vinegar or lemon at the end brightens everything.
Let it rest for 20 minutes before serving—it gets better.

3 Variations:

Try smoked chicken or ham hocks instead of turkey.
Add okra for classic gumbo texture.
Skip shrimp and go full meat-lover with extra sausage.

Storage, Reheating, and Make-Ahead Tips

Keep the flavor going strong even after day one:

Storage: Cool and store in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge.
Reheating: Gently warm on the stove over low heat. Add a splash of broth or water if needed.
Make-Ahead: Make a day ahead! The flavors deepen and get even better overnight.

What to Serve with Gumbo Greens Recipe

Round out your gumbo meal with these delicious pairings:

Cornbread: Soft, buttery, and ideal for dunking.
White Rice: A traditional gumbo base that balances the spice.
Pickled Okra or Green Tomatoes: Adds tang and crunch.
Sweet Tea or Lemonade: Southern classics that cool down the heat.
Peach Cobbler or Banana Pudding: Because dessert is non-negotiable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh collard greens instead of frozen?
Yes! Just wash, stem, and chop them. You’ll need about the same weight.

What’s a good substitute for file powder?
You can skip it or use a little okra to help thicken and flavor the dish.

Can I make it less spicy?
Of course—reduce or omit crushed red pepper and opt for a mild sausage.

Is this gluten-free?
No, but you can use a gluten-free flour blend to make the roux.

Can I freeze gumbo greens?
Yes! Freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Enjoy Your Gumbo Greens Recipe

This Gumbo Greens Recipe is more than a meal—it’s tradition in a bowl. With deep flavors from smoked meats, tender greens, and rich roux, it’s a dish that hugs your soul. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or cooking up something special for the weekend, this recipe always delivers. Don’t forget the hot sauce—and second servings are practically a guarantee.

Explore More Recipes

Hungry for more bold Southern flavors? These dishes pair perfectly:

Craving something sweet and rich? Try our Best Carrot Cake Cookies—soft, spiced, and easy to make.
Need a hearty side? Our Quick Cheddar Bay Biscuits are flaky, cheesy, and perfect for sopping up gumbo.
Looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer? Easy Smoked Deviled Eggs pack bold flavor with a smoky twist.
Want more down-home dinner inspiration? Crockpot Chicken and Gravy is cozy, creamy, and made for lazy days.
For a side of greens with flair, our Roasted Broccoli and Carrots offer a crisp, colorful alternative.

Gumbo Greens Recipe with Shrimp and Smoked Turkey

This gumbo greens recipe combines smoky turkey, spicy sausage, and tender collard greens in a rich, hearty stew. Topped with shrimp and seasoned to perfection, it’s a soul-satisfying Southern favorite you can easily master at home.

Course Dinner

Cuisine creole, Southern

Keyword collard greens gumbo, gumbo greens recipe, shrimp gumbo, smoked turkey greens, southern gumbo

Prep Time 25

Cook Time 2

Total Time 2 25

Servings 6 servings

Calories 520kcal

Author Abby Marlow

Ingredients

3 lbs frozen collard greens
1 cup vegetable oil
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 large onion chopped
1 bell pepper chopped
3 celery stalks chopped
1 tbsp minced garlic
1 lb smoked turkey tails or wings/legs
8 cups water for boiling turkey
48 oz chicken broth
1 lb smoked Louisiana sausage sliced
2 tbsp Rosamae Seasoning Salt
2 tsp Creole seasoning
1 tsp crushed red pepper
1 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined
2 –3 tsp gumbo file powder

Instructions

Boil smoked turkey in 8 cups water for 45 minutes. Reserve 4–6 cups of the broth.
In a separate pot, heat oil over medium heat. Slowly whisk in flour to make a roux. Stir constantly until dark brown (15–20 minutes).
Add onion, bell pepper, and celery to the roux. Cook for 5 minutes, then stir in garlic for 1 more minute.
Add smoked turkey tails, reserved broth, and chicken broth. Stir in Rosamae seasoning, Creole seasoning, and crushed red pepper.
Simmer on low for 1 hour. Add sausage halfway through.
Stir in collard greens. Simmer another 45–60 minutes until greens are tender.
Add shrimp in the last 10 minutes of cooking.
Stir in gumbo file powder. Serve hot with rice or cornbread.

Notes

For best results, let the gumbo greens rest 20 minutes before serving to deepen the flavor. Try smoked chicken instead of turkey for a tasty variation.

Nutrition (per serving, estimated)

Calories: 520
Protein: 32g
Fat: 35g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 6g
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 1180mg