Best 10 Wilted Greens With Bacon Recipes

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Discover the culinary delight of wilted greens with bacon, a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that will tantalize your taste buds. This versatile dish showcases the natural sweetness of fresh greens, perfectly complemented by the smoky, savory richness of bacon. Whether you prefer the classic combination of kale and bacon or crave the peppery kick of arugula, this collection of recipes offers a variety of options to suit your palate. Get ready to embark on a culinary journey that celebrates the humble greens and transforms them into an extraordinary side dish or a hearty main course.

Let's cook with our recipes!

BACON-WILTED GREENS WITH WARM PECAN-CRUSTED GOAT CHEESE



Bacon-Wilted Greens with Warm Pecan-Crusted Goat Cheese image

Provided by Virginia Willis

Categories     side-dish

Time 30m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

2 center-cut bacon slices, cut into lardons
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
1 apple, such as Gala, Granny Smith, or Honeycrisp, skin on, cored and diced
Coarse kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
8 cups tender kale, stemmed and cut into chiffonade
1 tablespoon sherry vinegar
3 tablespoons very finely chopped pecans
One 6-ounce log goat cheese
1 small apple, such as Gala, Granny Smith, or Honeycrisp, skin on with core, cut crosswise into 1/4-inch-thick slices

Steps:

  • Line a plate with paper towels. Line a rimmed baking sheet with a silicone mat and set aside.
  • Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the bacon and cook until crisp, about 5 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon to the prepared plate. Pour off all but a film of the grease on the bottom of the pan. (Just eyeball it instead of trying to measure, but it should be just about 1/2 teaspoon; discard the remaining grease.)
  • To make the salad, return the skillet to low heat. Add the onion and the diced apple. Season with salt and pepper. Add the kale; cook until the kale begins to wilt, stirring occasionally, about 2 minutes. Add the vinegar; cover, and cook until just tender, stirring occasionally, about 4 minutes. Remove from the heat, taste, and adjust for seasoning with salt and pepper.
  • Meanwhile, preheat the oven to broil. Place the finely chopped pecans in a shallow dish and season with salt and pepper. Roll the goat cheese log in the pecans to evenly coat. Refrigerate until firm if necessary, then cut evenly into 6 rounds and place each round of cheese on the sliced apple. Place on the prepared baking sheet. Transfer to the oven and broil until the cheese is melted and browned, 3 to 5 minutes.
  • To serve, divide the kale salad among the plates. Top with an apple-cheese round and garnish with the reserved bacon. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 255 calorie, Fat 16 grams, Carbohydrate 18 grams, Fiber 4 grams, Protein 14 grams

WILTED GREENS WITH BACON VINAIGRETTE



Wilted Greens with Bacon Vinaigrette image

Provided by Sunny Anderson

Categories     side-dish

Time 23m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 5

4 hearts romaine, chopped
4 slices bacon
2 tablespoons sugar
1/4 cup vinegar
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

  • Place romaine in a serving bowl. In a skillet over medium heat, cook bacon until crispy. Remove bacon and crumble over greens. To the pan, add sugar and vinegar, and simmer until sugar is dissolved, scraping up bacon bits that cling to the bottom of the pan. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Pour hot dressing over greens and toss. Serve immediately.

PASTA WITH WILTED GREENS, BACON AND FRIED EGG



Pasta With Wilted Greens, Bacon and Fried Egg image

The success of this delectably simple weeknight pasta relies on two things: the quality of the bacon, and the sheer amount of freshly ground pepper. The bacon must have ample fat to render out (this is where the sauciness comes from) as well as a hearty, smoky flavor. As for the black pepper, more is more; getting enough of that subtle, floral spiciness will require more than a few turns from the grinder. And yes, there's an egg on top.

Provided by Alison Roman

Categories     dinner, lunch, pastas, main course

Time 30m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 8

12 ounces rigatoni or mezzi rigatoni
Kosher salt
8 ounces high-quality bacon, coarsely chopped
4 large eggs
Freshly ground black pepper
4 large garlic cloves, thinly sliced
1 bunch kale or collard greens, thick stems removed, leaves torn into 1 1/2-inch pieces
1/4 cup finely grated pecorino or Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving

Steps:

  • Cook pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until it's just al dente. (It should still have quite a bite to it; you'll finish cooking it in the skillet.) Drain, reserving 1 cup pasta water.
  • Meanwhile, cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until it has rendered all its fat and the pieces are crispy, 5 to 7 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate or bowl, leaving the fat behind in the skillet; set bacon aside.
  • Return the skillet with the bacon fat to medium-high heat. Crack the eggs into the skillet and season with salt and pepper. Fry the eggs, using a spoon to encourage the bacon fat to come up around the whites and cause them to puff slightly. Cook the eggs until the whites are just set and crisped around the edges and the yolk is still bright yellow and runny, about 3 minutes.
  • Using a spatula, transfer eggs to another paper towel-lined plate, leaving the bacon fat behind; set eggs aside.
  • Return the skillet with the bacon fat to medium heat and add the garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until it's softened and lightly browned, about 2 minutes. Add kale by the handful, letting it wilt between additions, and season with salt and pepper. Cook until the kale is totally wilted and softened, about 4 minutes.
  • Add pasta and 1/2 cup pasta water to the skillet, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits on the bottom. Season with salt and plenty of fresh ground pepper. Continue to cook at medium heat, tossing the pasta occasionally, until the sauce has thickened and reduced by about half, about 2 minutes.
  • Add remaining 1/2 cup pasta water and continue to cook, tossing to encourage the starches to release, until you've got a thick, glossy sauce, about 2 to 3 minutes. (The pasta should also be completely tender at this point.) Add 1/4 cup grated cheese and more freshly ground pepper; toss to coat.
  • Divide pasta among bowls and crumble crispy bacon over. Top with additional cheese and a fried egg. Make sure to break the yolk before eating.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 663, UnsaturatedFat 18 grams, Carbohydrate 67 grams, Fat 30 grams, Fiber 3 grams, Protein 28 grams, SaturatedFat 11 grams, Sodium 551 milligrams, Sugar 3 grams, TransFat 0 grams

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.

WILTED GREENS



Wilted Greens image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 45m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 6

2 1/2 pounds mixed greens, such as collard, mustard, kale, turnip, chard, or escarole
4 ounces sliced bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces
6 scallions, cut into 1/4-inch slices, or 1 cup sliced spring onions
1 garlic clove, minced
3 tablespoons cider vinegar, plus more to taste
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

  • Fill a large bowl with cold water. Trim and discard the greens tough stems, tear the leaves into pieces and wash them in the water. (If the greens are very dirty wash them in several changes of water.) Lift the greens from the water, and put them in a colander to drain. Set aside.
  • In a large Dutch oven or soup pot, cook the bacon over medium heat until browned and its fat has rendered, about 4 to 5 minutes. Add the scallions and cook for 2 minutes. Add the garlic and cook 1 minute more. Add the greens in batches, starting with the tougher greens, like kale, and ending with the more tender ones, like chard, stirring each batch as they wilt, before adding more. Add 1/2 cup water and cook, covered, stirring once or twice, until tender, about 10 minutes. Add the vinegar and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.

WILTED GREENS WITH BACON VINAIGRETTE



Wilted Greens With Bacon Vinaigrette image

I saw this today on Food Network and it made me hungry. Posting for ease of finding again. Recipe courtesy Sunny Anderson Show: Cooking for Real Episode: Bistro Night In

Provided by Charlotte J

Categories     Greens

Time 23m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 6

4 hearts romaine lettuce, chopped
4 slices bacon
2 tablespoons sugar
1/4 cup vinegar
kosher salt
fresh ground black pepper

Steps:

  • Place romaine in a serving bowl.
  • In a skillet over medium heat, cook bacon until crispy.
  • Remove bacon and crumble over greens.
  • To the pan, add sugar and vinegar, and simmer until sugar is dissolved, scraping up bacon bits that cling to the bottom of the pan.
  • Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
  • Pour hot dressing over greens and toss.
  • Serve immediately.

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.

WILTED COLLARDS GREENS WITH BACON AND ONION



Wilted Collards Greens With Bacon and Onion image

Delicious wilted collard greens ... the prefect balance of salty bacon, sweet onion and bitter greens. Serve with beef, fish, chicken or by itself with a loaf of crusty bread and other vegetables! Wonderful side item or main dish!

Provided by CarolinaCookingGal

Categories     Low Protein

Time 25m

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 lb collard greens
6 slices bacon, chopped
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
1/2 cup chicken stock
1/2 cup water
2 teaspoons black pepper (optional)
1/2 teaspoon seasoning salt (optional)
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar (optional)

Steps:

  • Turn an eye on the stove to medium heat.
  • In a large sauté pan or stock pot, cook the chopped bacon for a few minutes until some grease is rendered, then, toss in the onion. Cook this until onion becomes tender. DO NOT DRAIN!
  • Next, throw the collard greens into the bacon and onion and carefully stir a little (it will seem like there are too many collard greens, but they cook down very quickly).
  • Pour in the chicken stock and the water.
  • Add the optional seasonings (pepper, seasoning salt and vinegar).
  • Cover the pan and cook on medium to medium high. You will see the collards begin to wilt rather quickly.
  • Continue cooking until all of the liquid is gone, stirring occasionally. (This normally takes me about 20 minutes.).
  • Try the collards and if they are not as tender as you would like, simply add 1/4 cup of water at a time until they reach the desired tenderness.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 106.3, Fat 6.2, SaturatedFat 2, Cholesterol 9.1, Sodium 163, Carbohydrate 9.3, Fiber 3.6, Sugar 2.1, Protein 4.8

WILTED MUSTARD GREENS SALAD WITH BACON



Wilted Mustard Greens Salad with Bacon image

Categories     Salad     Quick & Easy     Bacon     Summer     Mustard Greens     Gourmet

Yield Serves 2

Number Of Ingredients 6

1/2 pound mustard greens, stems and center ribs cut out and discarded and the leaves cut crosswise into 1/2-inch-wide strips
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 1/2 teaspoons mustard seeds
1 small onion, chopped fine
1 1/2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 slices of bacon, cooked until crisp and crumbled

Steps:

  • Wash the mustard greens, spin them dry, and put them in a large heatproof bowl. In a skillet heat the oil with the mustard seeds, covered partially to keep the seeds from popping out, over moderate heat for 2 to 4 minutes, or until the popping subsides, add the onion, and cook the mixture, stirring, until the onion is softened. Remove the skillet from the heat, stir in the vinegar, and bring the mixture to a boil. Drizzle the dressing immediately over the mustard greens and toss the salad. Add the bacon and salt and pepper to taste and toss the salad well.

WILTED COLLARDS



Wilted Collards image

This is a very good recipe for people who do not like collard greens. Collards may be cooked ahead and re-heated.Serve with hot pepper vinegar if desired.

Provided by Kim

Categories     Side Dish     Vegetables     Greens

Time 35m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 5

½ pound bacon, diced
2 bunches collard greens, trimmed and chopped
1 large onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon white sugar

Steps:

  • Place bacon in a large, deep pot; cook and stir over medium-high heat until evenly browned, about 10 minutes. Cook and stir collard greens, onion, garlic, and sugar into the cooked bacon. Cover pot and let mixture steam until collard greens are wilted, 3 to 4 minutes. Remove cover, raise heat to high, and cook until liquid is evaporated, about 5 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 114.3 calories, Carbohydrate 10.2 g, Cholesterol 13.6 mg, Fat 5.6 g, Fiber 3.8 g, Protein 7.2 g, SaturatedFat 1.8 g, Sodium 304.7 mg, Sugar 3.6 g

Tips:

  • Select Fresh Greens: Choose tender and young greens like spinach, kale, collard greens, mustard greens, or turnip greens for the best flavor and texture.
  • Wash Thoroughly: Before cooking, rinse the greens thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or debris.
  • Chop Greens Evenly: If the recipe calls for chopped greens, cut them into uniform pieces so they cook evenly.
  • Use Good Quality Bacon: Choose thick-cut bacon for a more substantial and flavorful result. Consider using smoked bacon for an extra smoky flavor.
  • Cook Bacon Properly: Cook the bacon over medium heat until it's crispy but not burnt. This will render the fat and add flavor to the greens.
  • Don't Overcook the Greens: Wilted greens should retain their vibrant color and slight crunch. Cook them just until they are tender, usually a few minutes.
  • Season to Taste: Adjust the seasoning according to your preference. Common seasonings used with wilted greens include salt, pepper, garlic, and lemon juice.

Conclusion:

Wilted greens with bacon is a simple yet delicious side dish that can complement a variety of main courses. It's a great way to add some healthy greens to your meal and enjoy the smoky, savory flavor of bacon. With just a few basic ingredients and a few minutes of cooking time, you can have a nutritious and flavorful dish that the whole family will enjoy. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy side dish, give wilted greens with bacon a try.

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