5.0 from 114 votes
Southern Collard Greens with Bacon
Southern Collard Greens with Bacon is a delicious and surprisingly easy Southern side dish you can make any time. Once you learn how to clean and cook this leafy vegetable, you can sauté it up with bacon for the best flavor.
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
1 hr
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 115 kcal
Course:
Side Dish
Cuisine:
American
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 4 ounces 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 teaspoon salt to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper to taste
- 1-2 teaspoons red pepper flakes optional
- 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.)
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Once greens are tender, turn off the heat and mix in the cooked bacon and vinegar. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cup of Yum
Notes
- Prep-Ahead: Cook the bacon and wash, dry, and cut the greens. Store each in individual containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. You can also completely make the dish up to 24 hours in advance.
- Storage: Keep cooked collard greens in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: Seal in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Defrosted collard greens make a great addition to soups and stews.
- Reheating: Return to a skillet over low heat or pop in the microwave until warm.
Nutrition Information
Calories
115kcal
(6%)
Carbohydrates
3g
(1%)
Protein
3g
(6%)
Fat
10g
(15%)
Saturated Fat
3g
(15%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
2g
Monounsaturated Fat
5g
Trans Fat
1g
Cholesterol
12mg
(4%)
Sodium
586mg
(24%)
Potassium
147mg
(4%)
Fiber
1g
(4%)
Sugar
1g
(2%)
Vitamin A
421IU
(8%)
Vitamin C
8mg
(9%)
Calcium
22mg
(2%)
Iron
1mg
(6%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 6servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 115
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 115kcal | 6% |
| Carbohydrates | 3g | 1% |
| Protein | 3g | 6% |
| Fat | 10g | 15% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 12mg | 4% |
| Sodium | 586mg | 24% |
| Potassium | 147mg | 3% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 421IU | 8% |
| Vitamin C | 8mg | 9% |
| Calcium | 22mg | 2% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.