These Southern Collard Greens with Bacon are the epitome of comfort food done right. Braised low and slow in a savory mix of bacon, onions, garlic, and chicken broth, the greens become meltingly tender and infused with bold, smoky flavor. A splash of apple cider vinegar at the end brightens everything up, making each bite balanced and deeply satisfying. Perfect as a hearty side for Sunday suppers or festive holidays, these greens are a cherished classic in Southern kitchens. The crisped bacon adds richness and texture, while the red pepper flakes offer just a subtle heat. Whether you’re pairing them with fried chicken, cornbread, or a holiday roast, this dish is bound to bring warmth and joy to the table.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 lb collard greens, stems removed and leaves chopped
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6 slices bacon, chopped
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1 medium onion, diced
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 ½ cups chicken broth
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1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
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½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
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Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
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In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
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Add the diced onion to the pot and sauté in the bacon fat until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
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Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Add the chopped collard greens in batches, stirring to wilt them down before adding more.
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Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer.
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Cover the pot and reduce heat to low. Cook for 35-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until greens are tender.
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Stir in apple cider vinegar, red pepper flakes if using, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Serve hot as a hearty side dish or enjoy as a comforting main.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 40 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes
Kcal: 190 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Southern Collard Greens with Bacon: A Comforting Classic Rooted in Southern Tradition
There are few side dishes more iconic in Southern cuisine than collard greens. Cooked low and slow with smoky bacon and aromatic seasonings, this hearty green is a symbol of Southern hospitality, soulful cooking, and cultural heritage. Whether served as a holiday staple or a weekday side, Southern Collard Greens with Bacon delivers bold flavor, deep nourishment, and a taste of tradition in every bite.
In this article, we’ll explore the historical and cultural background of collard greens, why bacon is the perfect flavor partner, tips for preparing the dish perfectly, and how to serve it with other Southern favorites. We’ll also look at the nutritional value and why this dish is more than just comfort food it’s a celebration of resilience, community, and flavor.
A Brief History of Collard Greens in Southern Cuisine
Collard greens have been cultivated for more than 2,000 years, originating in the Mediterranean region. They are part of the Brassica family, alongside kale, cabbage, and broccoli. However, their journey into Southern kitchens has a rich cultural history, particularly tied to African and African American culinary traditions.
During the transatlantic slave trade, enslaved Africans brought with them deep agricultural knowledge and cooking techniques that heavily influenced Southern food. Greens like collards, turnip, and mustard became dietary staples on plantations and within freed African American communities. Greens were often slow-cooked with scraps of pork or smoked meats, creating flavorful, affordable, and deeply nourishing meals from humble ingredients.
The practice of “pot likker” (the nutrient-rich broth left after simmering greens) is also rooted in this tradition. It was treasured for both its health benefits and its flavor, often sopped up with cornbread or served as a healing tonic.
Today, collard greens remain a beloved comfort food and cultural icon throughout the Southern United States.
Why Bacon and Greens Are a Match Made in Heaven
Bacon and collard greens have a time-honored partnership in Southern cooking, and for good reason. Collard greens are slightly bitter and earthy, and they benefit immensely from the smoky, salty richness of bacon. The fat from the bacon renders out during cooking, creating a flavorful base to sauté onions and garlic before the greens are added. This layering of flavor is key to creating depth in what could otherwise be a simple dish.
Bacon also adds a textural contrast. When cooked until crisp and then reintroduced at the end of the cooking process, it provides a satisfying crunch to complement the soft, tender greens. It’s the ultimate example of making every ingredient count no elaborate sauce needed.
Cooking Collard Greens the Right Way
Preparing collard greens takes a bit of patience and care, but the results are worth it. A few essential tips can elevate your greens from average to amazing:
1. Wash Thoroughly
Collard greens grow close to the ground and tend to trap sand and grit in their leaves. Be sure to rinse them well in several changes of water, or soak them in a large bowl or sink.
2. Remove the Tough Stems
The central stem of each leaf can be fibrous and chewy, especially in mature greens. Simply fold each leaf in half lengthwise and slice away the stem, then chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces.
3. Use a Flavorful Liquid
Chicken broth adds richness and depth, while a splash of apple cider vinegar at the end brings brightness and balances the richness of the bacon.
4. Low and Slow is Key
Collard greens need to simmer gently for at least 30–40 minutes to become tender and fully infused with flavor. Don’t rush the process this is slow food, and it should be treated with care.
Nutritional Benefits of Collard Greens
While Southern-style collard greens may be seen as indulgent due to the bacon, the base ingredient collard greens is incredibly nutrient-dense.
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High in Vitamins: Collards are rich in vitamins A, C, and K. Just one cup of cooked collards delivers over 250% of your daily recommended intake of vitamin K.
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Excellent Source of Fiber: Fiber promotes digestion and helps regulate blood sugar.
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Calcium-Rich: Collard greens contain calcium that is essential for bone health.
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Antioxidants and Detoxifying Compounds: As a cruciferous vegetable, collards are packed with antioxidants and compounds that help the body detoxify at a cellular level.
While the bacon does add fat and sodium, the dish overall can still be part of a balanced diet especially when paired with whole grains, legumes, or lean proteins.
Serving Suggestions
Southern Collard Greens with Bacon are incredibly versatile. Here are some of the best ways to serve and enjoy them:
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With Cornbread: This is a classic combo. Cornbread soaks up all that delicious pot likker and provides a slightly sweet contrast to the savory greens.
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Alongside Fried Chicken or Pork Chops: Greens cut through the richness of fried foods with their earthy flavor.
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As Part of a Holiday Spread: Think Thanksgiving, Easter, or Sunday supper with glazed ham, mac and cheese, sweet potatoes, and greens.
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With Beans and Rice: For a meatless option, omit the bacon and serve collards with black-eyed peas and brown rice for a soul-satisfying vegetarian meal.
You can even top leftovers with a fried egg for a savory Southern breakfast!
Variations and Dietary Modifications
Southern collard greens are wonderfully adaptable. Here are a few ways to make the recipe suit different dietary preferences:
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Make it Vegetarian/Vegan: Replace bacon with smoked paprika and sauté the onions in olive oil. Add a splash of liquid smoke or use smoked salt for that same deep flavor.
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Add Heat: Throw in a diced jalapeño, red pepper flakes, or a splash of hot sauce.
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Use Ham Hocks or Smoked Turkey: For an even more traditional preparation, swap the bacon with smoked turkey wings or ham hocks. These cuts infuse the greens with intense flavor and can simmer with them from the start.
Why Collard Greens Matter
Beyond their deliciousness and health benefits, collard greens are symbolic. They are a reminder of the creativity and resilience of African American communities who transformed modest ingredients into deeply meaningful dishes. Today, cooking collard greens isn’t just about following a recipe it’s about connecting with history, honoring legacy, and sharing comfort with the people you love.
Greens are often cooked in large batches and shared at gatherings, church potlucks, family reunions, and holiday tables. They’re made with care and eaten with gratitude, and they always bring people together.
Conclusion:
Southern Collard Greens with Bacon is more than just a side dish it’s a soulful experience steeped in cultural history, comforting tradition, and bold, smoky flavor. From its African roots to its modern-day place on Southern tables, this dish reflects the beauty of slow cooking, simple ingredients, and shared meals.
Whether you’re making it for the first time or continuing a family tradition, collard greens are always a nourishing and flavorful way to bring people together. Don’t forget to serve it with love and maybe a side of cornbread to soak up that golden pot likker.