Mouthwatering Southern Collard Greens Recipe You’ll Love to Make

Collard greens are a staple in Southern kitchens, celebrated for their hearty and nutritious qualities.

These dark, leafy vegetables have a rich history that ties them to traditional cooking methods passed down through generations.

They offer more than just nourishment; they bring comfort and flavor, linking us to family traditions.

Preparing collard greens requires the right mix of seasoning and careful cooking techniques honed over time.

Their robust and slightly bitter nature softens into a tender dish with patience and care.

People from various areas have created distinct ways to enjoy this versatile vegetable packed with nutrients.

Collard Greens Recipe Tips That Help

• Crisp Bacon Technique: Cook bacon until perfectly crispy to add a rich, smoky flavor and crunchy texture to the collard greens.
• Beer Selection Tip: Choose a light, hoppy beer like pale ale or lager to enhance the dish's depth without overpowering the greens.
• Wilting Greens Hack: Add collard greens gradually, pressing them down to ensure even cooking and maximum flavor absorption.
• Slow Cooking Option: Use a slow cooker for tender, melt-in-your-mouth collard greens with minimal hands-on preparation time.
• Seasoning Secret: Taste and adjust salt and pepper at the end to balance the tangy vinegar and sweet sugar notes perfectly.

Collard Greens Recipe: Save It Right

• Refrigerate: Store leftover collard greens in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
• Freeze: Pack cooled greens in freezer-safe containers or bags, removing excess air, and freeze for 2-3 months.
• Reheat Stovetop: Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent burning and maintain moisture.
• Microwave: Heat in short 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly and prevent drying out.

What Tastes Great With Collard Greens Recipe

• Pair with Crispy Buttermilk Fried Chicken: The rich, crunchy chicken perfectly balances the tangy, slightly bitter collard greens. The crispy exterior complements the soft, tender greens.
• Match with Bold Amber Ale: A robust amber ale cuts through the greens' richness, enhancing the bacon and beer-infused flavors. Its malty undertones create a harmonious taste experience.
• Serve Alongside Cornbread Skillet: Buttery, slightly sweet cornbread provides a perfect counterpoint to the savory, slightly acidic collard greens. The bread soaks up the delicious cooking liquid, creating a mouthwatering combination.
• Complement with Pickled Onions: Bright, acidic pickled onions add a fresh crunch that lifts the heavy, smoky flavors of the collard greens. They provide a zesty contrast to the rich, slow-cooked dish.

Why Collard Greens Recipe Always Works

• Quick and Delicious Comfort Food: A Southern-style collard greens recipe that brings hearty flavors to your table with minimal effort.
• Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor: Cook bacon, sauté onions, and let the greens simmer while you tackle other kitchen tasks, making this a hands-off cooking experience.
• Versatile Cooking Methods: Easily prepare on stovetop or slow cooker, giving flexibility for different kitchen setups and busy schedules.
• Nutrient-Packed Southern Classic: Transforms nutritious collard greens into a mouthwatering side dish that even veggie-skeptics will enjoy, packed with rich, smoky bacon undertones.

What’s Inside The Collard Greens Recipe

• Bacon: Provides a smoky, salty base flavor that enhances the overall dish. Thick-cut bacon works best for more robust flavor.

• Onion, Garlic: Create a deep aromatic foundation for the collard greens. Fresh, firm onions and garlic cloves will provide the best flavor profile.

• Beer: Adds depth and complexity to the braising liquid. Choose a light or amber beer for balanced flavor.
• Chicken Stock: Provides moisture and additional savory notes to the dish. Low-sodium stock allows better control of salt content.
• Vinegar: Brings a tangy brightness that cuts through the richness of the bacon. Apple cider or white vinegar work well.
• Sugar: Balances the bitter greens and adds a subtle sweetness. White or brown sugar can be used.

• Collard Greens: The star ingredient with hearty texture and nutritional value. Fresh, crisp greens are ideal for best results.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential for enhancing and adjusting the overall taste of the dish. Freshly ground black pepper provides the best flavor.

How To Cook Collard Greens Recipe

Step 1: Crisp the Bacon

Cook bacon in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until crispy and golden brown.

• Bacon strips

Cook for 5-6 minutes, ensuring the bacon develops a deep, crunchy texture.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

• Chopped onions
• Minced garlic

Sauté until onions become translucent and soft, about 4 minutes.

Step 3: Build the Liquid Base

• Beer
• Chicken stock
• Vinegar
• Sugar

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, allowing the flavors to combine and intensify.

Step 4: Add Collard Greens

Gradually add collard greens in batches, pressing them down as they wilt into the liquid.

Ensure all greens are submerged and cooking evenly.

Step 5: Slow Simmer

Reduce heat to a gentle simmer.

Partially cover the pot.

Cook for 1 to 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally.

Greens should become tender and deeply flavorful.

Step 6: Slow Cooker Alternative

Optional method: Transfer entire mixture to a slow cooker.

Cook on low setting for 3-4 hours.

Step 7: Final Seasoning

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve warm and enjoy the rich, Southern-style collard greens.

Ways To Remix Collard Greens Recipe

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace bacon with smoked paprika or liquid smoke for depth. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock. Add diced mushrooms for umami flavor and texture.
• Gluten-Free Version: Swap beer with gluten-free ale or apple cider. Ensure chicken stock is certified gluten-free. Use tamari instead of traditional soy sauce for seasoning.
• Spicy Southern Style: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños during cooking. Include cayenne pepper for extra heat. Incorporate a dash of hot sauce before serving for kick.
• Low-Sodium Alternative: Use turkey bacon or reduce bacon quantity. Select low-sodium chicken broth. Minimize added salt, replacing with herbs like thyme or rosemary for flavor enhancement.

All About Collard Greens Recipe Questions

• Why use bacon in collard greens?

Bacon adds a rich, smoky flavor and provides fat for cooking the greens, creating a depth of taste that enhances the overall dish.

• Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, substitute bacon with smoked paprika or liquid smoke for a similar smoky flavor, and use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock.

• How do I know when the collard greens are done cooking?

The greens are ready when they’re tender and can be easily cut with a fork, typically after 1 to 1.5 hours of simmering.

• What type of beer works best for this recipe?

A light lager or amber ale works well, adding subtle complexity without overpowering the dish’s other flavors.

Soulful Southern Collard Greens Recipe

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4.7 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Southern comfort meets hearty “Collard Greens” on a plate where smoky bacon and tender leaves dance together in a rich, slow-simmered broth. Soulful flavors invite you to savor traditional Southern cooking with warmth and depth.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 lbs collard greens (chopped, rinsed, and tough stems removed)
• 12 ounces (340 grams) bacon, chopped
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped

Liquid Ingredients:

• 1 cup beer (or substitute with extra chicken stock)
• 1 cup chicken stock
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

Seasoning and Extras:

• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons sugar (optional)
• Salt & black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Render bacon in a spacious pot over medium-high temperature until golden and crisp, developing rich flavor and releasing rendered fat.
2. Sauté diced onions and minced garlic in bacon drippings, allowing vegetables to become translucent and fragrant.
3. Deglaze the pot with beer, chicken stock, vinegar, and sugar, creating a complex braising liquid that will tenderize and season the greens.
4. Gradually introduce collard greens into the liquid, gently pressing each batch to ensure complete submersion and wilting.
5. Reduce heat to a gentle simmer, cover pot partially to allow some steam escape, and let greens braise slowly.
6. Periodically stir the mixture, ensuring even cooking and preventing bottom ingredients from scorching.
7. Continue cooking until collard greens reach a tender consistency, approximately 1-1.5 hours, with liquid reducing and flavors concentrating.
8. Alternatively, transfer preparation to a slow cooker and cook on low setting for 3-4 hours for a more hands-off approach.
9. Season the finished dish with salt and freshly ground black pepper, adjusting to personal taste preferences.
10. Serve the braised collard greens warm, allowing diners to appreciate the depth of flavors developed during slow cooking.

Notes

• Bacon Choice: Opt for thick-cut bacon for deeper flavor and more substantial texture in the dish.
• Vegetarian Swap: Replace bacon with smoked paprika or liquid smoke to maintain the rich, smoky undertone without meat.
• Liquid Variation: Experiment with different beer styles like dark ale or amber beer to create unique flavor profiles in the greens.
• Cooking Time Flexibility: Longer simmering develops more tender greens

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: Cook Time:
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Southern Cuisine

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 16 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg