collards with bacon recipe

The Best collards with bacon recipe

I’ve been making collards with bacon for years, and it’s a staple in our household. My kids love it when I serve it with a side of cornbread or over rice. The best part is that it’s incredibly easy to make and can be adapted to suit any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a dish to feed a crowd, this recipe delivers.

Collard greens are a nutrient-rich leafy green that’s packed with vitamins and antioxidants. They’re also relatively inexpensive and can be found in most supermarkets year-round. In the Southern United States, collards are a beloved tradition and are often served at family gatherings and holidays. The key to making great collards is to cook them low and slow, allowing the flavors to meld together and the greens to become tender.

I like to use thick-cut bacon to add smoky flavor to the dish, but you can also use turkey bacon or omit it altogether for a leaner option. My secret ingredient is a splash of apple cider vinegar, which adds depth and brightness to the dish. You can serve the collards as a side dish or add them to soups, stews, or casseroles for added nutrition and flavor. One of my favorite ways to enjoy collards is as part of a hearty breakfast plate, topped with scrambled eggs and crispy bacon.

Whatever your preference, I’m confident that you’ll love this recipe as much as we do! I’ve made it countless times for family gatherings, potlucks, and even just for a quick weeknight dinner. The best part is that it’s incredibly easy to make and can be adapted to suit any occasion. Collard greens are also relatively inexpensive and can be found in most supermarkets year-round.

In addition to being delicious, collards are also packed with nutrients like vitamins A and K, calcium, and iron. They’re also high in fiber, which makes them an excellent choice for those looking to boost their digestive health. I like to serve the collards with a side of cornbread or over rice for a filling meal that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

Collards with Bacon

4.7 from 617 votes

A classic Southern dish, collards with bacon is a hearty and flavorful side dish. Collard greens are slow-cooked with bacon until tender and infused with smoky flavor.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

πŸ₯˜Ingredients

Ingredients

1 large bunch collard greens
6 slices bacon
1 small onion, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
1 cup chicken broth

πŸ‘¨β€πŸ³Directions

1Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.
2Add collard greens and cook for 10 minutes, until greens are wilted and tender.
3Drain and set aside.
4In the same pot, cook bacon over medium heat until crispy and browned, about 5-7 minutes.
5Remove bacon from pot and set aside, leaving the drippings in the pot.
6Add onion to the pot and cook in the bacon drippings over medium heat until softened and translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
7Add garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, until fragrant.
8Add collard greens, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes (if using), and chicken broth to the pot.
9Stir well to combine.
10Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 20 minutes, until collards are tender and flavors have melded.
11Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
12Crumble the cooked bacon and add it to the pot.
13Stir well to combine.
14Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until bacon is heated through.
15Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
16Serve collards with bacon hot, garnished with additional bacon if desired.
17Enjoy as a side dish with your favorite main course.

πŸ”§Equipment

Large pot with lid
Cutting board
Chef’s knife

πŸ“ŠNutrition Facts (per serving)

πŸ”₯Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12gπŸ’›Saturated Fat: 5g❀️Cholesterol: 30mgπŸ§‚Sodium: 600mg🌾Total Carbs: 45gπŸ₯¦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5gπŸ₯©Protein: 15g

πŸ“Notes

Tips: You can substitute turkey bacon for a leaner option. Adding a splash of apple cider vinegar can enhance the flavor of the collards.

Watch Video Of How Collards with Bacon Works

This recipe is always a good idea for any occasion because it’s easy to make ahead of time and reheats beautifully. You can store cooked collards in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to 6 months.

Reheat cooked collards by steaming them until hot through – you can add some chicken broth or water if they get too dry during reheating. For serving ideas, try adding chopped hard-boiled eggs on top of the cooked collards – it adds protein and creaminess without overpowering the flavors.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Collards with Bacon

Q: What are collard greens?

Collard greens are a type of leafy green vegetable that belongs to the same family as kale and broccoli.

Q: What is the best way to clean collard greens?

To clean collard greens, start by removing the stems from the leaves and rinsing them under cold running water.

Q: Can I use frozen collard greens instead of fresh?

Frozen collard greens are just as nutritious as fresh ones, but they may have some added preservatives or sodium.

Q: How long do collard greens take to cook?

Cooking time will depend on the method you choose – whether you’re sautΓ©ing them in a pan or cooking them in a slow cooker.

Q: Are collard greens good for me?

Collard greens are an excellent source of vitamins A and K, calcium, iron, and fiber.

Q: Can I make this recipe in advance?

You can cook the collards up to 24 hours in advance – simply reheat them when you’re ready.

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