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Southern Collard Greens with Bacon

Southern Collard Greens with Bacon makes an excellent healthy side dish that's packed with flavor. This easy recipe is a delicious way to bring in good luck on New Year's Day or anytime throughout the year.

Course Side Dish
Cuisine American, Southern
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Servings 6 servings
Calories 115 kcal
London Brazil

Ingredients

  • 1 Tbsp. oil
  • 4 oz. bacon cut into bite-sized pieces
  • ½ sweet onion finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic finely minced
  • 2 large bunches collard greens washed and drained
  • 2 cups chicken broth regular sodium
  • ½ tsp. salt to taste
  • ¼ tsp. black pepper to taste
  • 1-2 tsp. red pepper flakes optional
  • 2 tsp. apple cider vinegar

Instructions

  1. If collard greens have visible dirt, wash and dry them thoroughly before cooking. To do this, fill a clean sink with water and immerse the leaves. Shake the leaves in the water to remove any dirt. Dry thoroughly by patting with a towel until no moisture remains.

  2. Cut and remove the rib from the base of each collard green by making a V-shaped incision. Then either cut each one with a sharp knife or tear by hand into 1-inch by 2-inch long pieces.

  3. Add oil and bacon pieces to a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Cook for 7-8 minutes, or until bacon is crispy and cooked through. Remove bacon from the skillet and let drain on a paper towel-lined plate. Reserve the bacon grease in the skillet. (You should end up with about 2 tablespoons of oil.)
  4. Add the diced onion to the oil and cook for 2-3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and continue cooking for another minute, or until the garlic is fragrant.

  5. Add the cut greens to the skillet. Pour in the chicken broth and add the salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir until well combined.

  6. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for 35-40 minutes over medium-low heat. Stir the greens every 10 minutes to ensure even cooking.
  7. Once greens are tender, turn off the heat and mix in the cooked bacon and vinegar. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Recipe Notes

  • To Store: Keep cooked collard greens in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
  • To Freeze: Seal in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Defrosted collard greens make a great addition to soups and stews.
Nutrition Facts
Southern Collard Greens with Bacon
Amount Per Serving
Calories 115 Calories from Fat 90
% Daily Value*
Fat 10g15%
Saturated Fat 3g19%
Trans Fat 1g
Polyunsaturated Fat 2g
Monounsaturated Fat 5g
Cholesterol 12mg4%
Sodium 586mg25%
Potassium 147mg4%
Carbohydrates 3g1%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 1g1%
Protein 3g6%
Vitamin A 421IU8%
Vitamin C 8mg10%
Calcium 22mg2%
Iron 1mg6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.