Southern-style collard greens are more than just a side dish—they’re a soulful, deeply rooted tradition in Southern cuisine. Simmered low and slow with savory, smoky flavors, these greens transform into a tender, comforting dish that pairs perfectly with cornbread, fried chicken, or a Sunday roast. Whether served at family gatherings or holiday feasts, they’re a staple of Southern cooking that delivers big flavor with humble ingredients.
Collard greens are hearty, slightly bitter leafy greens that soften beautifully when cooked for extended periods. What gives them their signature taste is the rich broth—often called “pot liquor”—made by simmering the greens with ingredients like smoked ham hocks, turkey legs, or bacon. Onions, garlic, and a dash of red pepper flakes add aromatic depth and just the right amount of heat, while a splash of vinegar at the end balances the richness with tangy brightness.
To prepare, the greens are washed thoroughly to remove grit, then stemmed and chopped into ribbons. They’re added to a simmering pot of seasoned broth and slowly cooked until tender, usually for about an hour or more. During this process, the tough leaves absorb the smoky, savory flavors of the broth, becoming silky and full of depth.
The result is a dish that’s earthy, nourishing, and incredibly satisfying. A little vinegar or hot sauce at the table helps bring out their flavor even more, and they’re often served alongside staples like macaroni and cheese, black-eyed peas, or barbecue ribs.
Southern-style collard greens are comfort food at its finest—hearty, flavorful, and steeped in culinary tradition. Whether you’re honoring your heritage or simply exploring regional classics, this dish brings warmth, flavor, and soul to any meal.
Ingredients
- 1 bunch collard greens washed and chopped
- 4 slices bacon diced
- 1 medium onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cups chicken broth low-sodium preferred
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- to taste salt and pepper
Instructions
- In a large pot, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and set aside, leaving the drippings in the pot.
- Add the diced onion to the pot and sauté in the bacon drippings until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1 minute.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Add the chopped collard greens to the pot and stir to combine.
- Add the apple cider vinegar, sugar, and red pepper flakes. Cover the pot and let the greens simmer for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the greens are tender.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, and stir in the cooked bacon just before serving.
Nutrition
I tried this recipe but didn’t have bacon. Used turkey instead. Not the same at all, quite bland.
Real Southern recipe! Just like my Grandma used to make. Yum!
Bacon is life! Can’t go wrong with this meal. Gonna make it again!
Bacon makes everything better! Can’t wait to try this with my family. Thanks for sharing!
I don’t believe collard greens should be cooked with bacon. Please, it’s healthier this way. Not everyone needs bacon!
Just ok. I prefer mine with hot sauce. This needs more kick!
Why ruin the original recipe with hot sauce? These collard greens are supposed to be flavorful as is! Just my opinion.
I totally agree! A bit of hot sauce would really elevate the flavors. I usually add some cayenne too for extra heat.
Was pretty easy to make. Feelin like a Southern chef now! Will make again for sure!
Easy to make but took way longer than 45 min. My greens were still chewy!
Sorry, but I think adding sugar to greens is just weird. Did not enjoy this at all.
Collard greens aren’t my thing, but I made this for my family and they loved it! Who knew greens could taste this good?
I don’t know, I just can’t get over the taste of collard greens. They taste like dirt to me.
Glad your family liked it! Collard greens are underrated. Maybe you’ll grow to like them too!
These collard greens are so good! The bacon adds a nice touch. Thanks for sharing!
Y’all, I just don’t get the appeal of greens. Tried this but nope!
Collard greens are kinda like kale, right? Used kale, still turned out good, I think!
I dunno, I think collard greens are overrated. I followed the recipe but they still tasted kinda gross to me. 😕
That’s too bad! Collard greens can be hit or miss. Did you try adding more seasoning? Sometimes they just need a little extra kick! 🌶️
Y’all, I added a bit of lemon juice and it took it to a whole new level! So good! 🌟
Lemon juice? That sounds interesting! I’m definitely gonna try that next time! 🍋
This didn’t taste like my grandma’s collard greens! She used ham hocks. What’s up with the bacon? 1/5 for me.
I understand where you’re coming from! Ham hocks give a different flavor. But bacon is pretty good too. Maybe give it a second chance?
Absolutely delicious! This is the best collard greens recipe I’ve ever tried. The bacon gives it such a rich flavor!
Bacon is not healthy!!!
But bacon makes everything taste better! You gotta indulge sometimes. 🥓
Bacon is Bad for health. Try using turkey bacon or just skip it. Collard greens are good without it too.
Absolutely delicious recipe! The collard greens turned out so flavorful. Will make this again!
Great! My grandma used to make these. Made me feel nostalgic.
These collard greens are the best! Bacon makes all the difference 😋
How long do I simmer it if I’m using frozen greens?
Why not just thaw them first? Then maybe it’ll only take 15 minutes or something. Just a thought!
You can definitely simmer frozen greens for about 30 minutes. They cook faster than fresh ones!
I tried this recipe but didn’t like the taste of the vinegar. Might leave that out next time.
Good recipe. A lil’ spicy for me but still yum.
My family used to eat this all the time, but I can’t stand the smell of cooking greens! Sorry! 😂
This recipe is legit! The bacon flavor is the best! Can’t get enough of it! Yummy!
Totally agree! The bacon makes everything better! 😋
I dunno, is bacon really that important? Seems a bit much for greens, honestly.
Really easy to follow! Just let it simmer long enough. My mom would’ve been proud! 😊
So glad you enjoyed it! My grandma used to make this too! Yum! 😋
Collard greens??? Is that even healthy? Whoever eats this stuff must be crazy. No thanks.
This recipe is a keeper! The bacon makes it so rich and flavorful. Thank you for sharing!
I had to make some changes because I was out of bacon, but using turkey bacon wasn’t bad! Still turned out well!
These collard greens are a game changer! So flavorful and easy to make. Definitely a 5-star dish!
Why do ppl put vinegar in collard greens? Seems like a weird combo to me. I prefer mine plain. 🤷♂️
Vinegar helps balance out the flavors and cuts the bitterness of the greens. That’s why it’s used! But if you like them plain, go for it! Everyone has their own taste. 😊
Collard greens?! Ugh, what even are those? Never heard of it before this recipe.
So yummy! Took me back to my grandma’s kitchen! Definitely making this again soon!
These collard greens are so good! I added a little more vinegar for a kick and they turned out amazing!
I don’t get why people love collard greens. They taste too bitter to me. Maybe it’s just me.
Bitter? Nah, you just gotta add more sugar, it’s like magic! 😄
I actually love collard greens! They taste great if cooked right, maybe you just need to tweak the recipe a bit.
Eh… not really my thing. I prefer spinach over collard greens anyway.
I tried this but didn’t have bacon, so I used ham instead. Didn’t taste as good though, kinda disappointed.