Southern-Style Collard Greens

Southern-Style Collard Greens

12 servings
Southern-style collard greens have the best flavor, hands down. Our easy recipe for Southern collard greens cooks them low and slow so they're tender, juicy, and brimming with flavor.

Ingredients

  • 12 hickory-smoked bacon slices

    finely chopped

  • 2 medium-size sweet onions

    finely chopped

  • .75 pound smoked ham

    chopped

  • 6 garlic cloves

    finely chopped

  • 3 containers chicken broth

    32-oz.

  • 3 packages fresh collard greens

    washed and trimmed, 1-lb.

  • .33 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon table salt
  • .75 teaspoon pepper

Directions

  1. 1

    Cook bacon: Cook bacon over medium heat in a 10-qt. stockpot for 10 to 12 minutes or until almost crisp.

  2. 2

    Cook onion: Add onion to stockpot, and sauté 8 minutes.

  3. 3

    Add garlic and ham: Add garlic and ham, and sauté 1 minute.

  4. 4

    Add remaining ingredients, and simmer: Stir in broth, collard greens, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat to medium-low, and cook 2 hours or until desired degree of tenderness.

Southern-Style Collard Greens

Southern-Style Collard Greens

140 min12 servings

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About this Recipe

Craving that deeply flavorful, melt-in-your-mouth experience of authentic Southern-style collard greens? This recipe delivers the best flavor, slow-cooked to tender perfection, just like grandma used to make.

The secret to these exceptional collard greens lies in the low and slow cooking method, allowing the rich flavors of hickory-smoked bacon, smoked ham, and a generous chicken broth base to deeply infuse every leaf. The long simmer ensures the greens become incredibly tender and juicy, not tough or bitter, making them stand out from hurried versions.

What you'll experience is a pot of greens brimming with savory depth, balanced by a subtle tang from apple cider vinegar and a touch of sweetness from sugar. The aromatic notes of sweet onion and garlic round out the complex flavor profile. Each bite offers a succulent texture, making these greens a comforting and hearty side dish that truly captures the essence of Southern cooking. This generous recipe yields 12 servings, perfect for family gatherings or meal prepping for the week.

For a slightly different take, you can adjust the amount of bacon or ham to suit your preference, or even explore different types of smoked meat. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of garlic slightly. While the traditional combination is unbeatable, feel free to experiment with a little extra heat by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes.

These Southern-style collard greens are the perfect accompaniment to classic comfort foods like fried chicken, cornbread, or a hearty barbecue. They’re a centerpiece side dish for any gathering, promising to be a crowd-pleaser.

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