Introduction

These authentic Southern Collard Greens are a staple side dish, slow-cooked with smoked meat for maximum flavor. This traditional recipe delivers tender, savory greens that pair perfectly with any comfort meal. For more Southern-inspired sides, try the Best Okra Patties Recipe – Ready in 30 Minutes or explore other quick dishes like Best Crispy Cajun Shrimp with Special Dipping Sauce Ready in 30 Minutes.

Ingredients

These Southern Collard Greens simmer into tender, savory perfection with a smoky depth that makes them a beloved soul food classic.

• 1 large bunch collard greens
• 1 smoked ham hock (or smoked turkey wing)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Timing

Prep Time	20 minutes
Cook Time	1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time	1 hour 50 minutes

Context: This Southern Collard Greens recipe is about 20% faster than similar traditional recipes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare the Collard Greens

Thoroughly wash the collard greens to remove any grit or dirt. Stack several leaves, roll them tightly, and slice into 1-inch strips. Discard the tough stems.

Step 2 — Render the Pork

In a large pot, cook chopped bacon or salt pork over medium heat until the fat renders and the meat is crispy, about 5–7 minutes. This creates a flavorful base for your Southern Collard Greens.

Step 3 — Sauté the Aromatics

Add diced onion to the rendered fat and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4 — Add Liquid and Seasonings

Pour in chicken broth or water, adding enough to nearly cover the greens. Season with apple cider vinegar, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of sugar to balance flavors.

Step 5 — Cook the Greens

Add the prepared collard greens to the pot, stirring to wilt them into the liquid. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer.

Step 6 — Simmer Until Tender

Cover and simmer for 45–90 minutes, stirring occasionally. The Southern Collard Greens are done when the leaves are tender but not mushy and the broth is flavorful.

Step 7 — Adjust Seasoning

Taste the greens and cooking liquid, adding salt and black pepper as needed. For extra tang, stir in another splash of vinegar just before serving.

Step 8 — Rest and Serve

Let the Southern Collard Greens rest for 10 minutes off heat to allow flavors to meld. Serve warm with a ladle of the pot liquor (cooking liquid) over top.

Nutritional Information

Calories	49
Protein	4g
Carbohydrates	9g
Fat	1g
Fiber	5g
Sodium	390mg

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.

Healthier Alternatives

• Smoked turkey instead of pork — Provides smoky flavor with less saturated fat
• Vegetable broth instead of chicken broth — Creates a rich vegan version of Southern Collard Greens
• Liquid aminos instead of soy sauce — Reduces sodium while maintaining umami depth
• Nutritional yeast instead of butter — Adds cheesy notes for dairy-free Southern Collard Greens
• Apple cider vinegar instead of white vinegar — Enhances tanginess with potential health benefits
• Olive oil instead of bacon grease — Maintains moisture with heart-healthy fats
• Mushroom broth instead of meat broth — Delivers earthy flavor for plant-based Southern Collard Greens
• Garlic powder and herbs instead of salt — Boosts flavor without sodium for low-carb diets

Serving Suggestions

• Serve these Southern Collard Greens alongside crispy fried chicken and creamy macaroni and cheese for a classic comfort meal.
• Pair with black-eyed peas and cornbread for a traditional Southern New Year’s Day feast believed to bring prosperity.
• Top with a splash of hot sauce or vinegar and serve over a bed of stone-ground grits for a hearty breakfast or brunch.
• Accompany with smoked meats like pulled pork or ribs and baked beans for the ultimate barbecue plate.
• Serve as a nutritious side with grilled fish or roast chicken for a lighter, balanced dinner.
• Garnish with chopped red onion and a dash of pepper vinegar to brighten the rich, savory flavor of the greens.

For an elegant presentation, serve your Southern Collard Greens in a shallow bowl with the potlikker (cooking liquid) and a piece of cornbread on the side for dipping.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Not washing greens thoroughly, leaving grit. Fix: Soak and rinse leaves in a water-vinegar bath, checking each leaf.
• Mistake: Overcooking into mush, losing texture. Fix: Simmer just until tender, about 45–90 minutes depending on the leaf maturity.
• Mistake: Skipping the smoked meat, resulting in a flat flavor. Fix: Use smoked turkey wings, ham hocks, or bacon for authentic, savory depth.
• Mistake: Using only water as the cooking liquid. Fix: Replace some water with chicken or vegetable broth to enrich the potlikker.
• Mistake: Adding salt too early, which can toughen the greens. Fix: Season after greens have wilted and begun to soften.
• Mistake: Cutting greens into pieces that are too small. Fix: Tear or cut into large, bite-sized pieces so they hold up during cooking.
• Mistake: Throwing out the nutrient-rich potlikker. Fix: Serve the liquid with cornbread or over rice for a true Southern experience.
• Mistake: Not removing the tough stems, leading to a chewy texture. Fix: Strip leaves from the thick central stem before chopping.
• Mistake: Cooking at a rapid boil, which can break down greens too quickly. Fix: Maintain a gentle simmer for even, slow cooking.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Cool your Southern Collard Greens completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Place cooled Southern Collard Greens in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Reheat on the stove or in the microwave until steaming hot, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.

Always use shallow containers to help your Southern Collard Greens cool quickly and evenly before storing.

Conclusion

These classic Southern Collard Greens deliver authentic flavor and tender texture. Perfect for family dinners and special occasions. Try this recipe and share your results in the comments below. For another Southern favorite, try this Creamed Corn.

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Soul Food Collard Greens

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Classic Southern soul-food style collard greens cooked with savory bacon ends and flavored with onions, garlic, jalapeno, and vinegar, simmered until tender and flavorful.

• Author: Dorothy Miler
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 31 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 41 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x
• Method: Side Dish
• Cuisine: Southern

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 lbs collard greens, cleaned and cut
• 1 lb bacon ends, chopped
• 1 large onion, diced
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups water
• 1 tsp seasoning salt
• 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
• 1 tsp minced garlic
• 1 large jalapeno pepper, sliced
• 2–3 tbsp white distilled vinegar

Instructions

1. Place the bacon ends in a pot over medium heat and brown the bacon.
2. Add the diced onions and cook until the onions start to sweat.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
4. Pour in the chicken broth, increase heat to high, and let boil for 20 minutes.
5. Add the 2 cups of water and reduce heat to medium.
6. Add the collard greens to the pot.
7. Sprinkle in the seasoning salt and ground black pepper.
8. Add the sliced jalapeno and vinegar, then stir the ingredients.
9. Cover the pot and simmer for 1 hour and 10 minutes over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
10. Serve and enjoy.

Notes

Be sure to clean the collard greens thoroughly and remove tough stems before cooking. Stir periodically during simmering to prevent burning and allow flavors to meld. Adding vinegar at the end brightens the dish.

Nutrition

• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 3
• Sodium: 750
• Fat: 12
• Saturated Fat: 4
• Unsaturated Fat: 8
• Trans Fat: 0
• Carbohydrates: 10
• Fiber: 6
• Protein: 8
• Cholesterol: 30

FAQs

How long should I cook Southern Collard Greens?

Simmer your Southern Collard Greens for at least 1 to 2 hours. This slow cooking process tenderizes the tough leaves and allows the flavors from the smoked meat to fully develop.

What is the best meat to use for Southern Collard Greens?

Smoked ham hocks, turkey wings, or bacon are traditional choices. These meats provide a rich, smoky flavor that is essential for authentic Southern Collard Greens.

How do I reduce the bitterness in collard greens?

Thoroughly washing the leaves and removing the thick stems helps. The long, slow cooking process for Southern Collard Greens also naturally mellows their bitterness.