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Braised collard greens with bacon is a classic Southern dish that is packed with flavor and nutrition. The combination of tender collard greens, crispy bacon, and savory broth creates a dish that is both hearty and satisfying.
In this blog post, I'll share a simple recipe for braised collard greens with bacon that you can easily prepare at home. Whether you're a longtime fan of this dish or trying it for the first time, you're sure to love the rich and comforting flavors of this delicious recipe.
If you're like most people, collard greens may not be at the top of your list when it comes to your favorite vegetables. But don't let that stop you from trying out this delicious recipe for braised collard greens with bacon!
It's a straightforward dish that uses basic ingredients but extremely flavorful. By slowly simmering the tender leaves in a smoky broth, they become richly infused with flavor while still maintaining their crunchy texture. Bacon is used in place of the usual smoked ham hocks.
Beats and Eats (music to pair with braised collard greens)
Meshell Ndegeocello sings about her struggle to remain faithful in her relationship. It's honest and the simple instrumentation elevates the song in the same with the bacon contributes multiple elements to this dish.
Flavor Back-Story
For this Southern style collard greens dish, I wanted to add some Mexican elements to a classic Southern soul food recipe. Braised collards are great as is, but I added piloncillo (Mexican brown sugar) as a sweetener to balance against bitter greens. Having some type of sweetener is critical given the reduced cook time of the greens which are typically slow simmered for at least an hour plus some change.
I also used a chili paste to add more complexity to the braising liquid. I used a guajillo paste made by rehydrating dried guajillo chili peppers which are commonly used in regional Mexican cooking. You could easily use adobo sauce taken from canned chipotles. Either provides a smoky plus sneaky heat element to the liquid which works well with piloncillo, cider vinegar, and chicken stock.
Ingredients Needed To Make Braised Collard Greens with Bacon
- Fresh Collard Greens, tough stems removed
- Bacon
- Yellow onion
- Garlic cloves
- Brown sugar or Piloncillo (Mexican brown sugar cone)
- Apple cider vinegar
- Chili paste - Adobo Sauce from canned chipotles or Make your own
- Chicken stock
- Worcestershire sauce
- Kosher salt
- Black pepper
- Smoked paprika
- Allspice
How to Braise Collard Greens (step by step)
Heat dutch oven pan or stockpot on medium heat. Add diced bacon and cook to slightly crispy while rendering the fat.
Remove the bacon and allow to drain in a paper towel-lined bowl.
Add diced onions to the pot and saute 3-4 minutes. Add the garlic plus a quarter of the spice mix. Cook for another minute.
Add brown sugar, chili paste, and vinegar. Mix well and allow to simmer for 5 minutes.
Add the greens and cook just to wilt. Using tongs you'll want to mix the greens well in the rendered bacon fat, basically tossing until all the leaves are coated in the flavored bacon fat.
Add the chicken stock, Worcestershire sauce, and the remaining seasoning mix. Mix well and simmer 15 minutes. Add the reserved bacon back, mix in, and cook until the greens are tender. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve immediately with your favorite hot sauce.
What to serve with braised collards
Braised collard greens are a delicious and hearty dish that pairs well with a variety of main dishes and sides, particularly as a part of a soul food menu. Here are some ideas for what to serve with cooked collard greens:
- Cornbread: A classic Southern pairing, cornbread complements the savory flavors of the collard greens.
- Fried chicken: The crispy exterior of fried chicken contrasts with the tender collard greens and adds a protein component to the meal.
- Smothered Pork Chops: Braised collard greens are a traditional accompaniment to pork dishes, and the savory flavors of the meat pair well with the greens.
- Black-eyed peas: A Southern staple, black-eyed peas are a great side dish for braised collard greens and go together like peanut butter and jelly.
- Candied sweet potatoes: The sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes provides a nice contrast to the savory collard greens, and the orange color of the potatoes adds visual interest to the plate.
- Grilled fish: For a lighter main dish, grilled salmon or trout complements the earthy flavors of the collard greens and provides a healthy source of protein.
These are just a few ideas for what to serve with braised collard greens. Feel free to mix and match to create a delicious and balanced meal that meets your tastes and preferences.
Cooking Tips, Considerations, and Substitutions
Here are some cooking tips, considerations, and substitutions that you can keep in mind when making braised collard greens with bacon:
- Bacon: Choose a smoky thick cut bacon. This maximizes flavor given the smokiness as well as the plentiful rendering of fat. For a healthier version, you can use turkey bacon or omit the bacon altogether for a vegan version and use olive oil to sauté the onions and garlic.
- Collard Greens: Collard greens are tough and bitter and can take a while to cook. The key to braising them is to cut them into smaller, thinner shreds which speeds up cook time. It also makes it easier to coat the greens in all that bacon flavor!
- Liquid: The liquid used in braising can vary depending on your preference. For a vegetarian option, you can use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar is a classic choice, but you can use any type of vinegar you prefer.
- Seasonings: Other seasonings that can be added include smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, cumin, or thyme.
- Cutting/Chopping: For the bacon it’s easier to cut cold bacon so actually partially freeze them before using. To cut the greens roll the leaves like a cigar and then cut across into thin strips.
- Alternative Greens: Mustard greens and turnip greens can be used with or instead of collard greens.
By keeping these tips and substitutions in mind, you can adjust the recipe to your preferences and create a dish that you and your family will love.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about cooking collard greens:
How long does it take to cook collard greens?
Collard greens can take up to an hour or more to cook, depending on the method used. Braising them low and slow with a flavorful liquid can take 20-30 minutes.
How do you clean collard greens?
To clean collard greens, place them in your clean sink. Swish them around in the water to loosen any dirt or debris. Drain the water and repeat this process until the water remains clear.
Can you eat collard greens raw?
Collard greens are tough and bitter when raw, so they are typically cooked before eating. However, you can chop them finely and add them to salads or smoothies for added nutrition.
Can you freeze collard greens?
Yes, you can freeze collard greens for later use. After washing and trimming them, blanch them in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, then transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Drain the collard greens and pack them into freezer-safe containers or bags. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 6 months.
Are collard greens healthy?
Collard greens are a nutritious leafy green vegetable that is low in calories and high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They are a good source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as calcium and iron.
Make This Recipe
Braised Southern collard greens with bacon is an incredibly delicious and nutritious recipe that deserves a spot in any cook's kitchen. If you haven’t already, be sure to make this recipe soon! Not only does it provide a wealth of nutrients, but it also has a hearty flavor that can't be beat. Braised Collard Greens with Bacon is a timeless Southern classic perfect for any meal! So go ahead and give it a try - you won't regret it!
If you make this delicious collard greens recipe or any other recipe please come back and leave me a comment below with your feedback. Definitely take a photo of the dish and be sure to tag #foodfidelity so that I can see them.
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Ingredients
- 4 slices bacon diced
- 1 yellow onion diced medium
- 3 garlic cloves chopped
- ½ cup brown sugar or piloncillo Mexican brown sugar cone
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup Adobo Sauce from canned chipotles optional
- 2 pounds collard greens washed and chopped
- 1 ½ cups chicken stock add more if needed when cooking
- ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
- ½ tablespoon kosher salt
- ½ tablespoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon Allspice
Instructions
- Heat dutch oven pan or stockpot on medium heat. Add diced bacon and cook to slightly crispy while rendering the fat.
- Remove the bacon and allow to drain in a paper towel-lined bowl.
- Add diced onions to the pot and saute 3-4 minutes. Add the garlic plus a quarter of the spice mix. Cook for another minute.
- Add brown sugar, chili paste, and vinegar. Mix well and allow to simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add the greens and cook just to wilt. Using tongs you'll want to mix the greens well in the rendered bacon fat, basically tossing until all the leaves are coated in the flavored bacon fat.
- Add the chicken stock, Worcestershire sauce, and the remaining seasoning mix. Mix well and simmer 15 minutes. Add the reserved bacon back, mix in, and cook until the greens are tender. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve immediately with your favorite hot sauce.
Video
Notes
- Bacon: Choose a smoky thick cut bacon. This maximizes flavor given the smokiness as well as the plentiful rendering of fat. For a healthier version, you can use turkey bacon or omit the bacon altogether and use olive oil to sauté the onions and garlic.
- Collard Greens: Collard greens are tough and bitter and can take a while to cook. The key to braising them is to cut them into smaller, thinner shreds which speeds up cook time. It also makes it easier to coat the greens in all that bacon flavor!
- Liquid: The liquid used in braising can vary depending on your preference. For a vegetarian option, you can use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar is a classic choice, but you can use any type of vinegar you prefer.
- Seasonings: Other seasonings that can be added include smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, cumin, or thyme.
- Cutting/Chopping: For the bacon it’s easier to cut cold bacon so actually partially freeze them before using. To cut the greens roll the leaves like a cigar and then cut across into thin strips.
- Alternative Greens: Mustard greens and turnip greens can be used with or instead of collard greens.
Madelyn
Monday 6th of March 2023
This was a great way to make collard Greens. The spices and adobe sauce added Tons of flavor. Would definitely make again.
Hayley
Sunday 5th of March 2023
I came across this recipe and recommended it to my friend who loves bacon. She loves your recipe and says it came out fantastic!
amy liu dong
Sunday 5th of March 2023
I love this dish! I made this and it is so easy and delicious! Yum!
Jamie
Sunday 5th of March 2023
This dish looks incredibly delicious and very yummy! It's very classic and appealing! The added bacon makes this an enticing dish that makes it an instant favorite! Loved it!
Dennis
Sunday 5th of March 2023
My wife loves collard greens and she said they were the best I ever made using your recipe!