Collard greens are a staple of Southern cooking These leafy green vegetables have a slightly bitter taste that is perfectly balanced by cooking them low and slow with smoky, salty bacon The combination of collard greens and bacon is a match made in heaven!
In this article, I’ll walk you through the entire process of preparing and cooking fresh collard greens with bacon, from start to finish. Here’s what we’ll cover:
- Ingredients Needed
- Equipment Needed
- How to Choose and Store Collard Greens
- How to Prep and Clean Collard Greens
- Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Serving Suggestions and Pairings
- Storing and Reheating Leftovers
So let’s get started! Keep reading for my complete guide to making the most delicious pot of collard greens and bacon
Ingredients Needed
Collard greens and bacon are the stars of the show here, but you’ll need a few other basic ingredients:
- Collard greens – 2-3 bunches, washed and chopped
- Bacon – 4-6 slices, chopped
- Yellow onion – 1 small, diced
- Garlic – 2-3 cloves, minced
- Chicken or vegetable broth – 4-6 cups
- Apple cider vinegar – 1/4 cup
- Salt and pepper – To taste
- Sugar – 1-2 Tbsp
- Hot sauce – Dash or two
That’s it! Simple, right? Now let’s talk about prepping the greens.
How to Choose and Store Collard Greens
It’s important to start with fresh, high-quality collard greens. Here’s what to look for:
- Deep green leaves that are firm and unwilted
- No yellowing, spots, damage, or blemishes
- Crisp stems
Store unwashed greens in a zipper bag in the refrigerator crisper drawer for 3-5 days. Don’t wash them until right before cooking.
How to Prep and Clean Collard Greens
Collards can be quite dirty, so washing is a must. Here’s the easiest method:
- Cut or tear the greens off the thick stems
- Stack leaves and roll them up lengthwise
- Thinly slice into 1-inch ribbons
- Place greens in a large bowl of cold water
- Swish around to dislodge dirt and grit
- Let sit for a few minutes, then lift greens out
- Discard water and repeat washing if needed
This removes any hidden grit so your pot of greens is clean-tasting.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Ready to cook? Here’s how to transform those greens into tender, mouthwatering deliciousness:
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Chop bacon into 1/2-inch pieces. Add to a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Cook until lightly browned but still soft, about 8 minutes.
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Add onions. Sauté 3-4 minutes until translucent.
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Add garlic and spices. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
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Deglaze with vinegar. Add apple cider vinegar and simmer until reduced by half.
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Add greens. Stuff washed collards into pot. Add broth to just cover greens.
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Simmer. Partially cover and cook for 45 mins to 1 hour. Stir occasionally until greens are silky soft.
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Season to taste. Add more vinegar, salt, pepper, hot sauce as desired.
That’s all it takes! Now you can enjoy pot after pot of the most delicious collard greens.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Collard greens with bacon are extremely versatile. Here are some serving ideas:
- Pair with baked or fried chicken, pork chops, ham, or sausages
- Serve as a side dish with black-eyed peas, mac and cheese, corn bread, roasted veggies, or potatoes
- Pile on sandwiches or burgers
- Top nachos, tacos, or fajitas
- Add to casseroles, soups, or stews
- Garnish po’ boy sandwiches
They also pair nicely with hot sauce, vinegar, garlic, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes. Get creative with your seasonings!
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Like most greens, collard greens keep well for about 4-5 days stored in the fridge. Here are some tips:
- Store in an airtight container
- Add a splash of vinegar to help preserve color
- Reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat with a splash of broth
You can also freeze cooked greens for up to 3 months. Allow to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
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How To Buy and Store Fresh Collard Greens
Look for blemish-free collard greens with deep green leaves that are firm (but not tough) and unwilted.
Keep collard greens in the crisper drawer for up to five days in a zipper bag or other sealed container that has not been washed.
How Long To Cook Collard Greens
Chefs and home cooks in the American South like to cook collard greens for a long time, until they fully wilt. And the tougher the leaves, the longer they need to cook. Collard greens are used in many traditional recipes, though, and they are cooked in a variety of ways, sometimes very quickly. For this recipe, were using the Southern tradition of cooking until wilted.
Best Collard Greens With Bacon (QUICK RECIPE)
FAQ
How to make your collard greens tender?
What does adding vinegar to collard greens do?
What is the best meat to put in collard greens?
How long does it take to cook collard greens with bacon?
Collard greens with bacon is a flavorful, delicious, and healthy side dish that is quick to make in 25 minutes. A stress-free holiday side for Christmas. Add bacon in a large skillet and cook over medium heat until browned on both sides, about 3-4 minutes. Add onion and garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
How do you cook a fried collard green?
Add bacon in a large skillet and cook over medium heat until browned on both sides, about 3-4 minutes. Add onion and garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Toss in the collard greens and season with salt. Stir well to coat and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Add water and lemon juice.
Can you eat southern collard greens with bacon?
Southern Collard Greens with Bacon is a delicious and surprisingly easy side dish you can easily make anytime. Once you learn how to clean and cook this leafy vegetable, you can sauté it up with bacon for the best flavor. This simple recipe is perfect for New Year’s Day or with your favorite pork or chicken dishes throughout the year.
How do you make southern collard greens?
To make these Southern collard greens first clean your greens well in cold water. Make sure to remove any dirt or grit. Cut the woody stem out of each piece with a knife, then roughly chop the leaves. Cook diced bacon until crispy, then remove half the bacon to use as garnish.