Sautéed Collard Greens
Tender collard greens sautéed with smoky bacon, onions, and a hint of spice. A classic Southern side dish that's full of flavor and ready in under an hour, perfect for any family dinner or holiday meal.
For 4 servings
6 steps. 30 minutes total.
- 1
Prepare the collard greens
- a.Wash the leaves thoroughly under cold running water to remove any grit. A good method is to fill a clean sink with water, submerge the leaves, and swish them around. Lift the greens out, drain the sink, and repeat if necessary. Once clean, strip the leaves from the tough center stems and discard the stems. Stack a few leaves at a time, roll them up like a cigar, and slice into 1-inch thick ribbons.
- 2
Cook the bacon and aromatics
- a.Place a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook, stirring occasionally, until it's brown and crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the crispy bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving about 2 tablespoons of rendered bacon fat in the pot. Discard any excess.
- 3
Sauté the aromatics
- a.Add the chopped onion to the pot with the bacon fat and sauté until it softens and becomes translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- 4
Wilt the greens
- a.Add the chopped collard greens to the pot in large handfuls. The pot will be very full. Stir each batch with tongs until it begins to wilt before adding the next one. This process should take about 5-7 minutes. Continue until all the greens are in the pot and have cooked down significantly.
- 5
Simmer until tender
- a.Pour the chicken broth and apple cider vinegar over the greens. Season with salt and black pepper. Stir everything together, bring the liquid to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the greens cook for 15-25 minutes, or until they reach your desired tenderness. Stir occasionally.
- 6
Finish and serve
- a.Uncover the pot and stir the crispy bacon back into the greens. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or a splash of vinegar if needed. Serve hot as a classic Southern side.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Wash collards thoroughly; grit often hides in the folds of the leaves. Submerging them in a sink of water is most effective.
- 2Don't overcrowd the pan. Adding the greens in batches allows them to wilt down properly and cook evenly.
- 3The apple cider vinegar is key; it cuts through the slight bitterness of the greens and brightens the overall flavor.
- 4For a deeper flavor, you can add a smoked turkey leg or ham hock with the broth and simmer for at least an hour until the greens are very tender.
- 5These greens taste even better the next day as the flavors meld. Reheat gently on the stovetop.
- 6Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian/Vegan
Omit the bacon and use 2 tablespoons of olive oil or a vegan butter to sauté the onions. Add 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika along with the garlic for a smoky flavor. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Spicier VersionSpicier Version
Increase the red pepper flakes to 1/2 teaspoon or more. For extra heat, add one finely minced jalapeño or serrano pepper along with the onion.
Different Smoked MeatDifferent Smoked Meat
Instead of bacon, start the dish by simmering a smoked ham hock or a smoked turkey wing in the broth for about 45 minutes before adding the greens. This creates a deeply flavorful broth. Remove the meat, shred it, and add it back at the end.
Sweeter NoteSweeter Note
Add a teaspoon of brown sugar or maple syrup along with the broth and vinegar to balance the bitterness and add a subtle sweetness.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Vitamin K
Collard greens are one of the best dietary sources of Vitamin K, which is essential for blood clotting and plays a critical role in building and maintaining strong bones.
Rich in Antioxidants
Loaded with antioxidants like beta-carotene, vitamin C, and lutein, collard greens help protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals, reducing inflammation and lowering the risk of chronic diseases.
High in Dietary Fiber
The high fiber content in collard greens supports digestive health, aids in regular bowel movements, and can help lower cholesterol levels and manage blood sugar.
Supports Vision Health
Collard greens are a great source of Vitamin A and contain lutein and zeaxanthin, two powerful antioxidants that accumulate in the retina and help protect the eyes from damage from sunlight and blue light.
Frequently asked questions
A serving of these Sautéed Collard Greens contains approximately 110-130 calories. This is an estimate and can vary based on the thickness of the bacon and the exact amount of fat rendered.