16 Best Southern Collard Greens Recipe Unleash Your Inner Chef!
Published on: Mar 5, 2024
Collard greens are a staple in Southern cuisine, and for good reason. These leafy greens are not only packed with nutrients, but they also have a rich and savory flavor that pairs perfectly with traditional Southern dishes. If you're looking for the best southern collard greens recipe, look no further. We have the perfect recipe that will have you coming back for seconds.
Let's start with a classic southern collard greens recipe. These greens are cooked with bacon, onions, and a dash of hot sauce for a perfectly balanced flavor. The bacon adds a smoky, salty element, while the hot sauce gives it a touch of heat. Serve these greens alongside your beer can chicken for a true southern feast.
If you want to stick to tradition, then this classic southern collard greens recipe is for you. It's made with ham hocks, which add a rich, meaty flavor to the greens. The addition of apple cider vinegar helps balance out the richness and adds a touch of tanginess. This dish is a staple in southern cooking and is a must-try for any beer can chicken meal.
If you're short on time, this simple southern collard greens recipe is perfect for you. It only requires a few ingredients and can be made in under 30 minutes. The key to this recipe is using high-quality chicken broth and a touch of brown sugar to give it a depth of flavor. It's a quick and easy side dish that pairs perfectly with beer can chicken.
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Mary's Healthy Southern Collard Greens
Main Ingredients: Collard Greens, Olive Oil, Kosher Salt
For those looking for a healthier option, Mary's healthy southern collard greens recipe is a winner. It uses turkey bacon instead of regular bacon, and olive oil instead of butter. But don't worry, it doesn't skimp on flavor. The addition of garlic and red pepper flakes gives it a nice kick, and a splash of apple cider vinegar adds a tangy twist.
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Southern Collard Greens with Ham Hocks
Main Ingredients: Collard Greens, Ham Hocks, Water, Large Red Bell
If you want to take your collard greens to the next level, try this southern collard greens recipe with ham hocks. The hocks are cooked until tender and then added to the greens, giving them a rich, smoky flavor. The addition of chopped onions and garlic adds a depth of flavor, and a touch of hot sauce gives it a spicy kick.
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Vegan Southern Collard Greens
Main Ingredients: Small Yellow Onion, Garlic, Vegetable Broth, Smoked
For our vegan friends, we have a delicious southern collard greens recipe that is completely plant-based. It uses vegetable broth and vegan bacon to replicate the classic southern flavors. The addition of nutritional yeast and liquid smoke gives it a savory, smoky flavor that is perfect for pairing with beer can chicken.
If you want to set it and forget it, then this slow cooker southern collard greens recipe is for you. It's a simple and easy way to make delicious collard greens without having to tend to them on the stove. Just throw all the ingredients in the slow cooker and let it do its magic. The result is tender, flavorful greens that are perfect for any beer can chicken meal.
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Instant Pot Southern Collard Greens
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, White Onion, Garlic Cloves, Collard Greens
For those who love the convenience of an Instant Pot, we have a southern collard greens recipe for you. This recipe combines bacon, onions, and garlic for a flavorful base, and then adds in the collard greens and broth. The Instant Pot cooks everything together, infusing the greens with delicious flavor in a fraction of the time it would take on the stove.
If you're short on time and ingredients, this easy southern collard greens recipe is perfect for you. It only requires a few ingredients, but the result is a flavorful and tender dish that pairs perfectly with beer can chicken. Just cook the bacon, onions, and garlic until softened, add in the collard greens and broth, and let it simmer until tender.
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True Southern Collard Greens
Main Ingredients: Thick Cut Bacon, Large White Onions, Garlic, Collard
Last but not least, we have a true southern collard greens recipe that is sure to impress. This recipe combines all the classic ingredients, including bacon, onions, and garlic, and adds in a few secret ingredients, like Worcestershire sauce and apple cider vinegar, to give it a unique twist. The result is a perfectly balanced dish that will have everyone asking for the recipe.
Southern collard greens are a staple in Southern cuisine, known for their rich and flavorful taste. While traditionally made with meat, there are many variations that cater to different dietary preferences. Here are the top 10 beer can chicken recipes that incorporate Southern collard greens for a delicious and unique twist on a classic dish.
No list of Southern collard green recipes would be complete without the classic version. This recipe calls for a long and slow cook time, allowing the flavors to fully develop and the collard greens to become tender. Made with bacon, onions, and secret spices, this recipe is sure to be a hit at any gathering or family dinner.
If you're short on time but still want to enjoy the flavors of Southern collard greens, this simple recipe is for you. With just a few basic ingredients and a quick cook time, you can have a delicious side dish on the table in no time. This recipe is also a great option for those who prefer a lighter version of Southern collard greens.
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Mary's Healthy Southern Collard Greens
Main Ingredients: Collard Greens, Olive Oil, Kosher Salt
For those looking for a healthier twist on traditional Southern collard greens, Mary's recipe is the perfect option. With the use of olive oil instead of bacon fat and the addition of fresh herbs, this recipe is both nutritious and flavorful. It's also a great way to sneak in some extra vegetables into your meal.
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Southern Collard Greens with Ham Hocks
Main Ingredients: Collard Greens, Ham Hocks, Water, Large Red Bell
For a more traditional Southern collard greens recipe, try incorporating ham hocks. The salty and smoky flavor from the ham hocks adds a depth of flavor to the dish that is hard to resist. This recipe is also a great way to use up any leftover ham from a holiday meal.
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Vegan Southern Collard Greens
Main Ingredients: Small Yellow Onion, Garlic, Vegetable Broth, Smoked
Vegans don't have to miss out on the deliciousness of Southern collard greens with this recipe. Instead of using meat, this recipe calls for smoked paprika and liquid smoke to give the dish its signature smoky flavor. It's also a great option for those looking for a lighter and healthier version of collard greens.
For a hands-off approach to cooking Southern collard greens, try using a slow cooker. This recipe allows you to set it and forget it, while still enjoying the rich and flavorful taste of traditional collard greens. Simply let the collard greens simmer in the slow cooker with your choice of meat for a tender and delicious dish.
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Instant Pot Southern Collard Greens
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, White Onion, Garlic Cloves, Collard Greens
Another convenient way to cook Southern collard greens is in an Instant Pot. This recipe allows you to have tender and flavorful collard greens in a fraction of the time it takes to cook them on the stove. It's a great option for busy weeknights or when you're short on time but still want a delicious meal.
This recipe takes the hassle out of cooking Southern collard greens by using frozen collard greens. With just a few additional ingredients and a quick cook time, you can have a delicious and easy side dish on the table. It's a great option for those who don't have access to fresh collard greens or are looking for a convenient option.
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True Southern Collard Greens
Main Ingredients: Thick Cut Bacon, Large White Onions, Garlic, Collard
Last but not least, this recipe stays true to traditional Southern collard greens with the use of ham hocks, bacon, and apple cider vinegar. These ingredients give the collard greens their signature smoky and tangy flavor. It's a must-try for anyone looking for an authentic Southern collard greens experience.
The Secret to Perfect Collard Greens
Start with Fresh Ingredients
To make the best collard greens, it all starts with fresh and high-quality ingredients. Look for collard greens that are dark green and have crisp leaves. Avoid any that are wilted or yellow. Fresh ingredients will ensure that your collard greens have the best flavor and texture.
Bacon is Your Best Friend
No true Southern collard greens recipe is complete without the addition of bacon. The smoky and salty flavor of bacon adds depth to the dish and pairs perfectly with the earthy flavor of the greens. For the best results, use thick-cut bacon and render it down in the pot before adding your collard greens.
Slow and Steady Wins the Race
When it comes to cooking collard greens, patience is key. This dish is best cooked low and slow, allowing the flavors to meld together and the collard greens to become tender. Don't be tempted to turn up the heat to speed up the process, as this will result in tough and chewy greens.
Our Featured Recipe: Slow-Cooked Collard Greens
For the ultimate southern collard greens, try out our featured recipe. This recipe combines all of the best techniques and ingredients to create a dish that will impress even the pickiest of eaters.
Ingredients:
2 pounds collard greens, washed and chopped
6 slices thick-cut bacon, diced
1 onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 cup chicken broth
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
In a large pot, cook bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove bacon from pot and set aside.
Add onion and garlic to the pot and cook until softened.
Stir in the red pepper flakes and cook for 1 minute.
Add the collard greens to the pot and cook until they start to wilt.
Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
Cover the pot and let the collard greens cook for 2-3 hours on low heat.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve hot with the crispy bacon sprinkled on top.
In Conclusion
Collard greens are a classic Southern dish that can be enjoyed year-round. With the right ingredients and techniques, you can create the best collard greens that will have your taste buds singing. Give our featured recipe a try and see for yourself just how delicious these greens can be.