Southern collard greens recipe is warm, rich and full of comfort. These greens feel like home and family. They are soft, smoky and full of flavor.
You can enjoy them with cornbread, rice or any soul food meal. This dish is simple, but it tastes slow cooked and special. You will love every tender bite.
In this post, I will share the Southern collard greens recipe, how to make Southern collard greens, and the best ingredients for Southern collard greens. Let’s cook and enjoy real Southern comfort.
My Experience With This Recipe
I first tasted collard greens at a family gathering. The pot simmered slowly and the smell filled the kitchen. The greens were tender and deep with smoky flavor. I asked for the recipe right away.
After many tries, I made my own version. It is simple and easy for home cooks. Now I make it for holidays and lazy Sundays. It always brings smiles and empty bowls. This Southern collard greens recipe feels like love in a pot.
Recipe Card info
- Recipe Name: Southern Collard Greens
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Course: Side Dish
- Cuisine: Southern American
- Calories: About 180 kcal per serving
Equipment List
- Large heavy pot or Dutch oven
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Wooden spoon
- Colander for washing greens
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients You Need for Southern Collard Greens Recipe
- 2 pounds fresh collard greens
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or bacon grease
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
- 1 smoked turkey leg or 4 slices bacon
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
Instructions
1. Clean and trim the collard greens
Remove thick stems from the collard greens carefully. Rinse leaves many times in cold water to remove grit and sand fully.
2. Cut the greens into bite-size strips
Stack the leaves together, roll them tightly, then slice into ribbons. Smaller pieces cook evenly and become very tender.
3. Cook onion and garlic for flavor base
Heat oil in a large pot. Add chopped onion and garlic. Cook slowly until soft, sweet, and fragrant.
4. Add smoked meat for deep savory taste
Place smoked turkey leg or bacon into the pot. Let it sear slightly. This step builds strong smoky Southern flavor.
5. Pour in broth and bring to a simmer
Add chicken broth to the pot and gently stir. Bring mixture to a soft simmer to start flavor blending slowly.
6. Add collard greens in batches and wilt
Place handfuls of greens into the pot. As they wilt down, add more. Stir gently to coat with seasoned broth.
7. Season the pot and cook until tender
Add salt, pepper, sugar and red pepper flakes. Cover and simmer greens about one hour until silky tender.
8. Finish with vinegar and adjust seasoning
Remove smoked meat bones if used. Stir in apple cider vinegar. Taste and adjust salt and heat to your liking.
Recipe Tips
- Wash greens very well to avoid grit
- Smoked turkey adds rich flavor without extra fat
- Cook low and slow for tender greens
- Add vinegar at the end to brighten flavor
- Use broth instead of water for deeper taste
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 12 g |
| Protein | 9 g |
| Fat | 10 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Sodium | 510 mg |
Serving Suggestions
Southern collard greens taste amazing with many classic dishes. Serve them beside fried chicken, baked chicken, barbecue or meatloaf.
A warm slice of cornbread is perfect for soaking the flavorful pot liquor. You can also enjoy them over rice for a simple, cozy meal. Add hot sauce if you like heat, or keep them mild for family dinners.
Best Sides To Serve With
- Buttermilk cornbread
- Mashed potatoes
- Macaroni and cheese
- Fried catfish
- Rice or grits
Storage and Reheating Tips
Let the greens cool fully before storing. Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. You can also freeze them for three months.
Reheat gently in a pot on low heat. Add a splash of broth or water if they seem dry. The flavor even improves the next day.
Southern Collard Greens Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 pounds fresh collard greens
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or bacon grease
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 4 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
- 1 smoked turkey leg or 4 slices bacon
- 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
Instructions
Clean and trim the collard greens
- Remove thick stems from the collard greens carefully. Rinse leaves many times in cold water to remove grit and sand fully.
Cut the greens into bite-size strips
- Stack the leaves together, roll them tightly, then slice into ribbons. Smaller pieces cook evenly and become very tender.
Cook onion and garlic for flavor base
- Heat oil in a large pot. Add chopped onion and garlic. Cook slowly until soft, sweet, and fragrant.
Add smoked meat for deep savory taste
- Place smoked turkey leg or bacon into the pot. Let it sear slightly. This step builds strong smoky Southern flavor.
Pour in broth and bring to a simmer
- Add chicken broth to the pot and gently stir. Bring mixture to a soft simmer to start flavor blending slowly.
Add collard greens in batches and wilt
- Place handfuls of greens into the pot. As they wilt down, add more. Stir gently to coat with seasoned broth.
Season the pot and cook until tender
- Add salt, pepper, sugar and red pepper flakes. Cover and simmer greens about one hour until silky tender.
Finish with vinegar and adjust seasoning
- Remove smoked meat bones if used. Stir in apple cider vinegar. Taste and adjust salt and heat to your liking.
Notes
- Wash greens very well to avoid grit
- Smoked turkey adds rich flavor without extra fat
- Cook low and slow for tender greens
- Add vinegar at the end to brighten flavor
- Use broth instead of water for deeper taste
FAQs about Southern Collard Greens Recipe
1. Can I make Southern collard greens without smoked meat?
Yes, you can make them without smoked meat and they will still taste great. Use vegetable broth, extra onion, garlic and smoked paprika to keep deep flavor without meat. Many people enjoy this lighter plant-based version of collard greens.
2. Why are my collard greens still tough after cooking?
Collard greens are hardy leaves and need slow cooking. If they feel tough, simply cook them longer. Keep the pot covered and simmer gently. After more time, the fibers soften, and the greens become tender and silky. Do not rush this part of the recipe.
3. Can I use bagged or pre-cut collard greens?
Yes, bagged greens save time and are very handy. Still wash them again because grit can remain. Remove any thick stems you see. The recipe will cook the same, and the flavor remains rich and Southern.
4. Can I replace collard greens with other greens?
You can use mustard greens, turnip greens or kale as substitutes. Each green has its own taste and texture. Cooking time may change slightly, but the same slow simmer method works well and brings soft and tasty results.
Conclusion
This Southern collard greens recipe is simple, soulful and full of flavor. It shows how basic ingredients can become something warm and special.
Now you know how to make Southern collard greens and the best ingredients for Southern collard greens. Try this dish for holidays, family meals or any cozy evening. Serve it with love, and enjoy every tender bite.
Sara Collins is a food blogger at TastyDive. She shares simple and family-friendly recipes made with everyday ingredients. Her mission is to help home cooks enjoy tasty meals without stress.
