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Southern Style Pigs Feet — Recipe Card

Southern Style Pigs Feet simmer slowly in a tangy, savory, and deeply comforting broth infused with garlic, onions, and warm spices. The long cook time transforms the meat into melt-in-your-mouth tenderness with a glossy, flavorful sauce. This recipe captures true Southern soul-food tradition in every bite.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 5
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 3 lbs pigs feet split and cleaned
  • 1 large onion chopped
  • 6 cloves garlic smashed
  • 1 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 4 cups water or chicken broth
  • 1 tbsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tbsp hot sauce optional
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp garlic powder

Method
 

  1. Prepare the pigs feet: Rinse them thoroughly under cold water and pat dry.
  2. Layer the aromatics: Add pigs feet, onions, garlic, bay leaves, and all dry seasonings to a large pot.
  3. Add liquids: Pour in the apple cider vinegar and enough water or broth to just cover the meat.
  4. Bring to a boil: Heat over medium-high until boiling, then skim any foam from the top.
  5. Simmer: Reduce heat, cover partially, and simmer for 2.5–3 hours until tender.
  6. Add final seasonings: Stir in hot sauce, red pepper flakes, and brown sugar during the last hour.
  7. Thicken the broth: Remove the lid for the last 20–30 minutes to let the sauce reduce.
  8. Serve hot: Adjust seasoning as needed and ladle broth over the pigs feet before serving.

Notes

  • For extra smoky flavor, add a smoked turkey leg or ham hock during simmering.
  • The broth will thicken naturally from the collagen—don’t worry if it gels when cooled.
  • If using broth instead of water, reduce salt until the end to avoid over-seasoning.
  • Spice level is flexible—add more red pepper flakes or hot sauce if you prefer heat.