Collard greens recipe are a timeless Southern staple, known for their deep, earthy flavor and tender texture. Whether served as a side dish at family dinners or the star of a comforting meal, collard greens offer a delicious way to enjoy leafy greens. Braised low and slow with smoky meats and seasoned broth, these greens become rich, flavorful, and irresistible. This article will walk you through a classic collard greens recipe, along with helpful variations, storage tips, and common questions.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
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Deep, Soulful Flavor Simmered with onions, garlic, smoked meat, and broth, this recipe develops layers of rich, savory taste.
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Nutritious and Filling Collard greens are packed with vitamins A, C, and K, and fiber—making this recipe both comforting and good for you.
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Perfect Make-Ahead Dish Like many Southern dishes, collard greens taste even better the next day, making them great for prepping ahead.
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Easy to Customize Whether you want to go traditional with ham hocks or make it vegetarian with smoked paprika, this recipe can adapt to your preferences.
Ingredients List
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2 lbs fresh collard greens, washed and chopped
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1 tablespoon olive oil or bacon grease
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1 medium onion, diced
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1 smoked ham hock, turkey leg, or 4 slices of bacon
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6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
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1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
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1 teaspoon sugar
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½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
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Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional Add-ins:
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1 tablespoon hot sauce
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1 teaspoon smoked paprika
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Diced tomatoes (½ cup) for a tangy twist
Timing & Servings
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
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Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
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Servings: 6 servings
Step-by-Step Instructions for Collard Greens Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Collard Greens
Rinse the greens thoroughly to remove any dirt or grit. Strip the leaves from the tough stems and chop them into bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil or bacon grease over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.
Step 3: Add the Meat
Add your ham hock, smoked turkey, or bacon to the pot. Let it brown slightly for a few minutes to release its flavor.
Step 4: Pour in Broth
Add the broth to the pot, scraping the bottom to deglaze. Bring to a simmer.
Step 5: Add Greens and Seasonings
Stir in the chopped collard greens a handful at a time. Add the vinegar, sugar, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Cover and simmer on low heat for about 1 hour or until the greens are very tender.
Step 6: Adjust and Serve
Taste and adjust seasoning. Remove the meat, shred it, and stir it back into the pot. Serve hot with cornbread or rice.
Tips for the Best Collard Greens
Use Smoked Meat
Smoked meats like ham hocks or turkey legs add authentic depth to collard greens. If unavailable, bacon works well too.
Don’t Skip the Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar balances the bitterness of the greens and brings a gentle tang to the dish.
Add a Little Sweetness
A small amount of sugar rounds out the flavor, especially with stronger meats.
Simmer Low and Slow
Tender collard greens take time. Be patient for best results.
Variations
Vegetarian Collard Greens
Skip the meat and use smoked paprika, a bit of soy sauce, and vegetable broth for umami depth.
Spicy Collard Greens
Add jalapeños, cayenne, or hot sauce for a fiery kick.
Collards with Tomatoes
Stir in canned diced tomatoes with the broth for added acidity and richness.
What to Serve with Collard Greens
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Cornbread: Classic pairing for soaking up the pot liquor.
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Fried Chicken: A Southern-style favorite combo.
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Mac and Cheese: Rich and creamy contrast to the greens.
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Rice or Grits: Makes the dish even more filling.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigeration
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The flavor deepens overnight.
Freezing
Freeze cooked collard greens (and pot liquor) for up to 3 months in freezer-safe bags.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat, or microwave until warm.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
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Calories: ~180
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Protein: 12g
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Carbs: 8g
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Fat: 11g
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Fiber: 4g
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Vitamin A & K: High
Nutritional values may vary depending on ingredients used.
Make-Ahead Tips
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Prep the Greens Early: Wash, trim, and chop the collards up to 2 days in advance.
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Cook the Meat Ahead: Ham hocks or turkey can be pre-cooked and shredded in advance for faster cooking.
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Batch Cook: Double the recipe and freeze half for later meals.
FAQs
What are collard greens?
Collard greens are a leafy green vegetable related to cabbage and kale. They’re a Southern favorite known for their thick, dark leaves and slightly bitter taste.
Can I use frozen collard greens?
Yes, frozen chopped collard greens can be used as a time-saving alternative. Just reduce the cooking time slightly and make sure they’re well-drained.
How do I cut the bitterness in collard greens?
Add acid (like vinegar or lemon juice) and a pinch of sugar to balance bitterness naturally.
What’s the difference between collard greens and kale?
Collard greens have larger, tougher leaves than kale and need longer cooking. Kale can be more tender and slightly sweeter.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Absolutely. Combine all ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
Conclusion
This Southern-style collard greens recipe is hearty, comforting, and full of bold flavor. Whether you’re making it for a holiday table, a Sunday dinner, or meal prep, it delivers every time. With smoky meat, tangy vinegar, and savory broth, it transforms simple greens into a soul-satisfying dish. Try it once, and you’ll be hooked for life.