Best 8 Creamy Collard Greens And Bacon Recipes

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Indulge in a symphony of flavors with our delectable Creamy Collard Greens and Bacon recipe, a Southern classic reimagined with a creamy, rich twist. This hearty dish combines the earthy notes of collard greens with the smoky, savory goodness of bacon, all enveloped in a velvety cream sauce.

Our comprehensive guide includes three variations to cater to your taste preferences: a traditional version, a spicy rendition with a kick of cayenne pepper, and a vegetarian alternative that swaps bacon for smoky tempeh. Whether you prefer a classic Southern experience or a modern twist, we've got you covered.

Along with the Creamy Collard Greens and Bacon recipe, you'll also find a collection of other delectable dishes to tantalize your taste buds. From the classic Southern Fried Chicken, a crispy, golden-brown delight, to the flavorful Black-Eyed Peas, a symbol of good luck and prosperity, our recipes offer a culinary journey through the heart of Southern cuisine.

So, gather your ingredients, let your taste buds dance, and embark on a culinary adventure with our Creamy Collard Greens and Bacon recipe, along with the other Southern delights waiting to be discovered.

Let's cook with our recipes!

COLLARD GREENS WITH BACON



Collard Greens With Bacon image

There's nothing like a skillet of freshly cooked collard greens. Make our collard greens recipe with bacon and add a little vinegar and hot sauce to round out the flavors.

Provided by Elise Bauer

Categories     Side Dish     Collard Greens     Green Vegetables     Greens

Time 45m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 10

4 strips thick-sliced bacon, sliced crosswise into 1/2-inch pieces
1 small yellow onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Several dashes hot sauce
1/4 cup apple-cider vinegar
2 pounds collard greens , stems removed, sliced into 3-inch-wide strips (can substitute kale or chard)
1 cup chicken broth (or water)*

Steps:

  • Cook the bacon and onions: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the bacon in the skillet until it just begins to brown around the edges, stirring occasionally. Add the onion and cook until it's softened and just starting to brown.
  • Add the garlic, salt, pepper, sugar, and hot sauce: Cook until the garlic becomes fragrant, about 1 minute.
  • Add the vinegar and simmer: Simmer until the amount of liquid is reduced by half, stirring and scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
  • Add the collard greens and the chicken stock (or water): Return to a simmer. Reduce the temperature to medium-low. Cook, stirring occasionally until the collard greens have wilted and lost their brightness. Season to taste with additional vinegar and hot sauce. Serve with some of the juices from the pan.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 85 kcal, Carbohydrate 11 g, Cholesterol 6 mg, Fiber 5 g, Protein 5 g, SaturatedFat 1 g, Sodium 388 mg, Sugar 4 g, Fat 3 g, ServingSize Serves 6 to 8, UnsaturatedFat 0 g

BRAISED COLLARD GREENS WITH BACON



Braised Collard Greens with Bacon image

Provided by Kelsey Nixon

Categories     side-dish

Time 1h

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 10

2 large bunches collard greens
4 ounces thick-cut bacon, chopped
1 yellow onion, thinly sliced
Pinch red pepper flakes
1 tablespoon canola oil, if needed
6 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1/4 cup dry white wine
1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper

Steps:

  • Cut and trim the collard greens, removing the tough stems. Roughly chop the trimmed greens into 1/2-inch ribbons.
  • Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy, 8 to 10 minutes. Transfer to a plate with a slotted spoon to leave behind all of the delicious bacon fat to cook the collard greens in.
  • Add the onions and red pepper flakes to the same skillet. Depending on the bacon you use, you may need more fat in the pan, so add the canola oil if needed. Saute until the onions are softened, fragrant and beginning to brown, 5 to 7 minutes. Add the garlic and sweat 30 seconds. Then add the collard greens, stirring constantly until softened. Pour in the chicken broth and wine and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover and cook until the greens are tender, 30 to 35 minutes.
  • Once the greens are tender, return the bacon to the pan, add the lemon juice and season with salt and pepper.

BACON COLLARD GREENS



Bacon Collard Greens image

Collard greens are a staple vegetable of southern cuisine. This side dish is often eaten alongside smoked or salt-cured meats, such as ham hocks, pork or fatback. -Marsha Ankeney, Niceville, Florida

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Side Dishes

Time 1h20m

Yield 9 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 8

2 pounds collard greens
4 thick-sliced bacon strips, chopped
1 cup chopped sweet onion
5 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
1 cup sun-dried tomatoes (not packed in oil), chopped
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

Steps:

  • Trim thick stems from collard greens; coarsely chop leaves. In a Dutch oven, saute bacon for 3 minutes. Add onion; cook 8-9 minutes longer or until onion is tender and bacon is crisp. Add greens; cook just until wilted., Stir in remaining ingredients. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 45-50 minutes or until greens are tender.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 157 calories, Fat 10g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 12mg cholesterol, Sodium 651mg sodium, Carbohydrate 11g carbohydrate (4g sugars, Fiber 5g fiber), Protein 7g protein.

COLLARD GREENS WITH BACON



Collard Greens with Bacon image

Good ole country collard greens with bacon and onion. These are so hearty and satisfying, even those who say "I don't like greens" will eat these up! You might even get a "Wow!" after the first bite and a "not at all like I remember them tasting". You can eat them alone but they're best with hot buttered cornbread. Mustard and turnip greens are great this way too. Enjoy!

Provided by MA McBridges

Categories     Side Dish     Vegetables     Greens

Time 1h35m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 8

½ pound bacon ends and pieces
1 large white onion, chopped
1 tablespoon minced garlic
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, or to taste
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
4 cups water
2 bunches collard greens, coarsely chopped

Steps:

  • Place bacon in a heavy pot and cook over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until fat begins to render, about 5 minutes. Drain off 1/2 of the bacon grease.
  • Reduce heat to medium and add onion. Cook, stirring often, for about 5 minutes. Add garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper; cook and stir for 2 minutes.
  • Increase heat to high and immediately pour in 3 cups water. Bring to a boil, stirring to scrape up browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Add chopped collard greens and 1 more cup of water. Bring back to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until greens are tender, about 1 hour.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 80.6 calories, Carbohydrate 6.3 g, Cholesterol 10.2 mg, Fat 4.2 g, Fiber 2.9 g, Protein 5.4 g, SaturatedFat 1.3 g, Sodium 304.9 mg, Sugar 1.1 g

CREAMY COLLARD GREENS AND BACON



Creamy Collard Greens and Bacon image

Provided by Robert Irvine : Food Network

Categories     side-dish

Time 2h15m

Yield 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 14

2 cups water
4 ounces smoky bacon, sliced crosswise into 1/4-inch strips
8 pounds collard greens, stems and tough inner ribs discarded
2 large onions, chopped
3/4 cup coarse dry bread crumbs
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan
1 tablespoon minced parsley leaves
1 teaspoon minced sage leaves
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
Butter, for greasing dish
2 cups heavy cream
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
3 large eggs, lightly beaten

Steps:

  • In a large stockpot, add the water and bacon and bring to a boil over high heat. Add the collard greens by handfuls, stirring until each batch is wilted before adding more. Bring to a boil and add the onions. Cover and simmer over moderate heat until the collards are very tender, about 40 minutes. Remove from the heat and let cool, then squeeze the water out of the collards until almost dry. Place collards on a cutting board and coarsely chop.
  • Meanwhile, in a food processor, combine the dry bread crumbs with the Parmesan, minced parsley, sage, garlic and extra-virgin olive oil. Pulse until just blended.
  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
  • Generously butter a shallow 4-quart casserole. In a large bowl, mix the collards with the cream and season with salt and pepper. Stir in the eggs until blended and spread the collards into the prepared casserole. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove from the oven and sprinkle the Parmesan crumbs over the collards. Return to the oven and bake for about 20 minutes longer, or until the crumb topping is golden. Preheat the broiler and broil the collards 10 inches from the heat until the bread crumb topping is golden brown and crisp. Serve hot. Tastes great with fried chicken.

SPICY COLLARD GREENS WITH BACON



Spicy Collard Greens with Bacon image

Enjoy this spicy collard greens and bacon side dish that's easily made at home over stove top!

Provided by Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Side Dish

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 8

2 pounds collard greens, ribs and stems removed and leaves coarsely chopped (about 8 cups)
6 cups water
6 slices bacon, chopped
1 medium onion, chopped (1/2 cup)
1 jalapeño chili, seeded and finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper

Steps:

  • In 4-quart Dutch oven, heat water to boiling. Add collard greens to water; heat to boiling. Boil 30 minutes; drain.
  • Meanwhile, in 12-inch skillet, cook bacon over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until crisp. Remove bacon with slotted spoon, reserving 1 tablespoon bacon fat in skillet. Drain bacon on paper towels.
  • In same skillet, heat reserved bacon fat over medium heat. Cook remaining ingredients in bacon fat 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Stir in collard greens and bacon; reduce heat to low. Cover and cook about 15 minutes longer, stirring occasionally, until collard greens are very tender.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 130, Carbohydrate 6 g, Cholesterol 15 mg, Fat 1, Fiber 3 g, Protein 6 g, SaturatedFat 3 1/2 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 380 mg, Sugar 2 g, TransFat 0 g

GRANDMA'S SOUTHERN COLLARD GREENS



Grandma's Southern Collard Greens image

My grandmother made the best southern collard greens recipe in the world. Eating them with a slice of buttermilk cornbread is pure bliss. -Sherri Williams, Crestview, Florida

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Side Dishes

Time 2h30m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 10

3 tablespoons lard or shortening, divided
1 large onion, chopped
6 garlic cloves, minced
1-1/2 pounds smoked ham hocks
6 cups water
2 teaspoons seasoned salt
1 to 3 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon sugar
1 large bunch collard greens (about 2 pounds), coarsely chopped
1-1/2 cups white wine

Steps:

  • In a 6-qt. stockpot, heat 1 tablespoon lard over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook and stir until tender. Add ham hocks, water, seasoned salt, pepper flakes, and sugar. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, until meat is tender, 55-60 minutes., Add collard greens, wine, and remaining 1 Tbsp. lard. Return to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, until greens are very tender, 55-60 minutes. Remove meat from bones; finely chop and return to pan. Discard bones. Serve with a slotted spoon.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 204 calories, Fat 9g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 19mg cholesterol, Sodium 849mg sodium, Carbohydrate 13g carbohydrate (3g sugars, Fiber 7g fiber), Protein 10g protein.

SCOTT'S SPICY CREAMED COLLARD GREENS



Scott's Spicy Creamed Collard Greens image

We tried to duplicate a spicy collard green recipe from one of our favorite restaurants in North Carolina. They no longer serve this as a side, but the chef did tell us the ingredients... without quantities! After some tinkering, we have come close to what we once ordered every visit. Hope you enjoy it as much as we do!

Provided by Scott K

Categories     Fruits and Vegetables     Vegetables     Greens     Collard Greens

Time 35m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 11

3 slices bacon, cut crosswise into thin strips
½ medium onion, diced
1 tablespoon diced jalapeno pepper
2 (14.5 ounce) cans collard greens, drained
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
½ teaspoon finely chopped garlic
¼ cup heavy cream
2 ½ ounces cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
2 teaspoons hot pepper sauce (such as Tabasco®)
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

Steps:

  • Place bacon in a large skillet and cook over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until almost browned, 5 to 7 minutes. Add onion and saute until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add jalapeno; cook for 1 minute. Add collard greens, vinegar, and garlic; reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
  • Stir in heavy cream, cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, hot sauce, and nutmeg. Let simmer until thick, 5 to 10 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 249.7 calories, Carbohydrate 13.9 g, Cholesterol 49.5 mg, Fat 17 g, Fiber 5.1 g, Protein 10.1 g, SaturatedFat 8.8 g, Sodium 1058 mg, Sugar 0.9 g

Tips:

  • Choose fresh collard greens: Look for collard greens that have dark, glossy leaves and no signs of wilting or yellowing.
  • Wash the collard greens thoroughly: Rinse the collard greens under cold water to remove any dirt or debris.
  • Remove the tough stems: Cut the tough stems from the collard greens before cooking. This will make them more tender and easier to eat.
  • Cook the collard greens slowly: Collard greens take time to cook, so be patient. Simmer them over low heat for at least 1 hour, or until they are tender.
  • Season the collard greens to taste: Add salt, pepper, and other seasonings to taste. You can also add a pinch of sugar to balance out the bitterness of the collard greens.
  • Serve the collard greens hot: Collard greens are best served hot, so enjoy them as soon as they are cooked.

Conclusion:

Creamy collard greens and bacon is a delicious and nutritious side dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. This recipe is easy to follow and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. Whether you like your collard greens spicy or mild, creamy or soupy, this recipe has you covered. So next time you're looking for a healthy and flavorful side dish, give creamy collard greens and bacon a try. You won't be disappointed!

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