17 Southern Collards Bacon Recipe Try These Culinary Delights!
Published on: Apr 11, 2024
Southern collards with bacon is a classic dish that embodies the rich flavors and hearty textures of Southern cuisine. This traditional recipe has been passed down through generations, and it's no wonder why – the combination of tender collard greens and crispy, salty bacon is simply irresistible. Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting out in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your home. So, let's dive into the steps to make this delicious Southern collards with bacon dish.
Main Ingredients: Water, Smoked Ham Hocks, Garlic, Collards, Yellow
Collard greens are a staple in Southern cooking, known for their hearty and earthy flavor. While they may seem intimidating to cook, they are actually quite simple to prepare. All you need is a few key ingredients and some patience, and you'll have a delicious dish that will have everyone begging for seconds.
2of 20
Not your Grandma's collard greens
Main Ingredients: Collards, Yellow Onion, Garlic, Carrot, Olive Oil
Gone are the days of boiling collards for hours until they turn into a mushy mess. This modern twist on a classic recipe will have you rethinking everything you thought you knew about collard greens. With a few simple swaps and additions, you'll have a dish that will make your grandmother proud.
3of 20
Hoppin' John Risotto with Collard Pesto
Main Ingredients: Chicken Stock, Hot Italian Sausage, Olive Oil, Chopped
This fusion dish combines two Southern favorites – Hoppin' John and collard greens – with the creamy comfort of risotto. The collard pesto adds a burst of flavor and bright green color to the dish, making it a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds.
For a classic and simple collard greens recipe, look no further than this Southern staple. With just a few key ingredients – including smoked ham hocks – and some patience, you'll have a dish that will transport you straight to the heart of the South.
5of 20
Shrimp, Collards, & Cheese Grits
Main Ingredients: Bacon, Butter, White Onion, Garlic Cloves, Red Pepper
This dish takes the classic combination of shrimp and grits and adds a healthy twist with the addition of collard greens. The greens add a hearty and nutritious element to the dish, making it a balanced and satisfying meal.
6of 20
Hoppin' John and History Black-Eyed Peas and Rice
Main Ingredients: Collard Greens, Garlic, Salt, Ground Black Pepper
Hoppin' John is a traditional dish made with black-eyed peas, rice, and pork. It is said to bring good luck and prosperity in the new year, making it a popular dish in the South. This recipe combines the classic Hoppin' John with collard greens, adding a nutritious and flavorful element to the dish.
7of 20
Genolia's Collard
Main Ingredients: Collards, Cabbage, Salt Pork, Salt, Black Pepper
This recipe has been passed down through generations in one family, and for good reason. It combines the flavors of bacon, onion, and garlic with the hearty and nutritious collard greens, making it a dish that will have you coming back for more.
8of 20
Pan Fried Pork Chops & Gravy with Collard Greens
Main Ingredients: Pork Chops, Bacon Slices, Buttermilk, Flour, Cornmeal
This dish combines two Southern classics – fried pork chops and collard greens – into one comforting and delicious meal. The rich and flavorful gravy adds a touch of indulgence to the dish, making it perfect for a special occasion.
9of 20
Collards & Cornmeal Dumplings
Main Ingredients: Collards, Salt Pork, Sugar, Salt, Baking Soda, White
For a unique twist on the classic Southern dish, try adding some cornmeal dumplings to your collard greens. The dumplings add a hearty and filling element to the dish, making it a complete and satisfying meal.
10of 20
Southern Bacon Dripping Collards & Corn
Main Ingredients: Collards, Bacon Drippings, Sea Salt, Onion Powder
This dish combines two Southern favorites – collard greens and corn – with the indulgent flavor of bacon drippings. The result is a dish that is both savory and comforting, perfect for a cozy night in.
11of 20
Southern-Style Collard Greens with Smoked Turkey
Main Ingredients: Collards, Butter, Olive Oil, Leeks, Yellow Onion
This healthier take on a classic Southern dish uses smoked turkey instead of the traditional ham hock. The result is a dish that is still full of flavor, but with a healthier twist.
12of 20
Collard Greens with Ham and Smoked Hock
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Onion, Garlic, Tomatoes, Smoked Ham Hocks
This classic recipe for collard greens uses ham hocks to add a rich and smoky flavor to the dish. The greens are cooked until they are tender and flavorful, making them the perfect side dish for any Southern meal.
13of 20
BBQ Black Eyed Pea Collard Rolls
Main Ingredients: Collards, Leaves, Coconut Oil, Black Eyed Peas, Crimini
For a unique and flavorful twist on collard greens, try making these BBQ black-eyed pea collard rolls. The collard greens are stuffed with a mixture of black-eyed peas, BBQ sauce, and bacon, making them a hearty and delicious meal.
14of 20
Black Eyed Pea and Collard Greens Soup
Main Ingredients: Andouille Sausage, Olive Oil, Diced Onions, Carrots
This hearty and nutritious soup combines black-eyed peas and collard greens with the comforting flavors of garlic and onion. It's the perfect dish for a chilly day, and will keep you warm and satisfied.
15of 20
Sausage and Succotash Soup with Collards
Main Ingredients: Smoked Sausage, Sweet Onion, Medium Carrot, Celery
This flavorful soup combines the heartiness of sausage, the sweetness of corn, and the nutritious power of collard greens. It's a well-balanced meal that will keep you full and satisfied.
16of 20
Braised Collard Greens With Garlic
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Red Chili Flakes, Garlic, Collards, Ham
This simple and flavorful recipe for collard greens combines the earthy flavor of the greens with the bold and pungent taste of garlic. The result is a dish that is simple yet full of flavor.
17of 20
Black Eyed Peas & Cornbread
Main Ingredients: Italian Chicken Sausage, Onion, Garlic, Smoked Paprika
This classic Southern meal combines two staple ingredients – black-eyed peas and cornbread – into one satisfying and nutritious dish. The addition of collard greens adds a hearty and healthy element to the meal.
18of 20
Collard Greens And Beans With Bacon
Main Ingredients: Bacon, Chopped Onion, Garlic, Collards, Kosher Salt
This dish combines the heartiness of collard greens with the protein and fiber of beans for a nutritious and filling meal. The bacon adds a touch of indulgence and flavor to the dish, making it a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
19of 20
Collard Greens and Northern Bean Casserole
Main Ingredients: Collards, Bacon, Garlic, Sweet Onion, Beans, Salt
This casserole dish combines collard greens and northern beans into one comforting and nutritious dish. The addition of cream cheese adds a creamy and indulgent element to the dish, making it perfect for a special occasion.
20of 20
Butternut Squash Soup (Food & Wine)
Main Ingredients: Chicken Broth, Butternut Squash, Thyme Sprigs, Garlic
This recipe from Food & Wine takes the classic butternut squash soup and adds a healthy twist with the addition of collard greens. The result is a creamy and flavorful soup that is perfect for a cold winter day.
Southern collards with bacon is a classic dish that embodies the rich flavors and hearty textures of Southern cuisine. This traditional recipe has been passed down through generations, and it's no wonder why – the combination of tender collard greens and crispy, salty bacon is simply irresistible. Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting out in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your home. So, let's dive into the steps to make this delicious Southern collards with bacon dish.
How to Prepare the Collards
Cleaning and Cutting
Before you start cooking, it's important to properly clean and prepare the collard greens. Begin by washing the leaves thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt or debris. Next, remove the tough stems by holding the leaf in one hand and using the other hand to strip the leaf off the stem. Once all the stems are removed, stack the leaves on top of each other and roll them into a tight bundle. Using a sharp knife, slice the rolled leaves into thin strips.
Blanching the Greens
To ensure that the collard greens are tender and not bitter, it's essential to blanch them before cooking. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add the collard greens. Let them cook for about 3-5 minutes, until they turn bright green. Then, quickly transfer the greens to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain the greens and set them aside.
Making the Bacon
Cooking the Bacon
In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until it's crispy and golden brown. Remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain off excess grease. Keep the bacon fat in the skillet for added flavor in the collards.
Sautéing the Onions and Garlic
Using the same skillet with the bacon fat, add chopped onions and minced garlic. Cook them until they become translucent and fragrant. Then, add the blanched collard greens and stir them together with the onions and garlic. Let the greens cook for about 5-7 minutes, until they are wilted and tender.
Bringing it All Together
Transfer the collard greens and bacon to a large pot or Dutch oven. Add enough chicken or vegetable broth to cover the greens. Season with salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about an hour. This slow cooking process allows all the flavors to meld together and create a deliciously savory dish.
Serving Suggestions
Southern collards with bacon can be served as a side dish or a main course. Garnish with extra bacon pieces for added crunch and flavor. You can also serve it over rice or with a side of cornbread for a complete Southern meal. This dish is perfect for any occasion, from a casual family dinner to a holiday feast.
Now that you know how to make this classic Southern collards with bacon recipe, go ahead and give it a try. Your taste buds will thank you, and your family and friends will be begging for the recipe. Enjoy!
.jpg)
