Name: Southern Collard Greens with Bacon Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 8 slices bacon chopped; 1 medium onion finely chopped; 3 cloves garlic minced; 1 lb collard greens washed trimmed and cut; 3 cups chicken broth enough to cover the greens; 1½ teaspoons apple cider vinegar; 1 tablespoon sugar; ½ teaspoon Cajun seasoning; ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika; ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper; Salt and pepper to taste

Jump to Recipe· 4.9 from 7 reviews

If you’re craving a soul-satisfying side dish that bursts with smoky, tangy goodness, you’re going to love this Southern Collard Greens with Bacon Recipe. I’ve been making this dish for years, and it’s one of those recipes that fills the kitchen with such an inviting aroma you’ll find everyone hovering nearby, ready to dig in. Whether it’s a regular weeknight or a festive family dinner, these collard greens bring that perfect balance of comforting warmth and rich flavor you’re aiming for. Trust me, once you try my take on this classic, you’ll never want store-bought canned greens again.

💙

Why This Recipe Works

Bacon Magic: The crispy bacon imparts smoky richness that transforms the greens into a mouthwatering treat.
Balanced Flavors: A hint of apple cider vinegar and a touch of sweetness bring brightness and depth to the dish.
Tender Collards: Slow simmering makes the greens perfectly soft without losing their fresh taste, avoiding that mushy, overcooked pitfall.
Simple Ingredients: No fancy or hard-to-find items—just down-to-earth pantry staples you likely have on hand.

Southern Collard Greens with Bacon, collard greens recipe, bacon collard greens, Southern greens with bacon, smoky collard greens - A white pot filled with cooked leafy greens that are dark green and slightly shiny, mixed with small pieces of light brown meat. The greens look soft and moist, sitting in a clear, light green broth with small bits floating in it. A wooden spoon rests inside the pot, with a woman's hand holding it from the right side. The pot is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The heart of the Southern Collard Greens with Bacon Recipe lies in fresh, well-prepared collard greens and smoky bacon. I love how the spices and vinegar amp up the flavor without overshadowing those natural greens. Freshness matters here, so pick bright, crisp leaves for the best results.

Southern Collard Greens with Bacon, collard greens recipe, bacon collard greens, Southern greens with bacon, smoky collard greens - Flat lay of eight slices of raw chopped bacon arranged neatly, one medium yellow onion peeled and finely chopped in a small white ceramic bowl, three whole uncracked garlic cloves, a fresh bunch of dark green collard greens with visible veins and trimmed edges, a small white bowl filled with light golden chicken broth, a tiny white bowl holding clear apple cider vinegar, a small white bowl with granulated white sugar, a small white bowl containing a reddish-brown Cajun seasoning mix, a tiny white bowl of vibrant red smoked paprika powder, a small white bowl with crushed red pepper flakes, and a small pile of coarse salt and whole black peppercorns placed symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Bacon: It’s the flavor powerhouse and rendering fat that seasons everything—opt for thick-cut if you want a meatier bite.
Onion: Adds sweetness and depth; finely chopped helps it melt nicely into the broth.
Garlic: Brings aromatic warmth; just a few cloves go a long way.
Collard Greens: Look for firm, deep green leaves without yellow or wilting spots—trimming the tough stems is key for tenderness.
Chicken Broth: Acts as the cooking liquid and flavor base—low sodium lets you control saltiness better.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds tanginess to cut through the richness and brighten the dish.
Sugar: Balances acidity, creating that classic sweet-and-sour profile Southern greens are famous for.
Cajun Seasoning: Brings warmth and a gentle kick—feel free to tweak the heat to your liking.
Smoked Paprika: Enhances smoky notes without extra bacon.
Crushed Red Pepper: A little spark to spice things up, but adjust if you prefer mild.
Salt and Pepper: To taste; essential for seasoning after simmering.

📝

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of the things I adore about this Southern Collard Greens with Bacon Recipe is how easy it is to personalize. I often adjust the spice levels or swap out ingredients to suit the season or my mood. Don’t hesitate to make this recipe your own!

Vegetarian Variation: Use smoked turkey or liquid smoke with olive oil instead of bacon for a meatless but flavorful version that my vegetarian friends have enjoyed.
Extra Heat: Add more crushed red pepper or a dash of cayenne if you love that spicy punch—I usually dial it up when serving with simple cornbread.
Seasonal Swap: Try substituting kale or Swiss chard if collards aren’t available, though cooking times might vary slightly.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Southern Collard Greens with Bacon Recipe

Step 1: Crisp, Brown That Bacon to Render Flavor

Start by heating your large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. Toss in the chopped bacon and let it cook until it’s about halfway browned. The aroma will start filling your kitchen—this is when you know things are about to get good! Be patient here; crispy bacon not only tastes amazing but its fat is the foundation of flavor for your collard greens.

Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic for Depth

Once the bacon is halfway browned, add the finely chopped onion. Cook until the bacon is fully crisp and the onion is soft and translucent (about 5 minutes). Add the garlic last and stir constantly for about 1 minute to avoid burning—this quick step layers in a ton of aroma.

Step 3: Wilt and Soften the Collard Greens

Next, pile in your washed, trimmed, and chopped collard greens. It will seem like a ton, but they shrink quickly as they wilt. Stir the greens in with the bacon fat, onion, and garlic, and cook until they begin to soften but are still a little bright green—this usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes.

Step 4: Add Broth and Flavorings, Then Simmer Low and Slow

Pour in the chicken broth, just enough to cover the greens comfortably. Stir in the apple cider vinegar, sugar, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and crushed red pepper. Give everything a good mix, then cover and turn your heat to low. Let the greens simmer gently for 45 to 60 minutes—that’s where the magic happens as the flavors marry and the greens become tender without being soggy.

Step 5: Finish and Season to Perfection

When your greens are velvety soft and the liquid has mostly cooked down, remove the lid and decide if you want to drain any excess liquid. I like to keep just a little to spoon over my serving. Then, season with salt and pepper to taste and get ready to serve this Southern classic!

💡

Pro Tips for Making Southern Collard Greens with Bacon Recipe

Don’t Skip the Vinegar: The tang from apple cider vinegar brightens the richness—adding it at the start of simmering integrates flavor beautifully.
Cut Stems Thin: I always slice the tough collard stems into thin strips so they soften alongside the leaves rather than staying chewy.
Simmer Low and Slow: Resist cranking up the heat; slow simmering lets flavors deepen without turning your greens mushy.
Taste Before Salting: Since bacon and broth add saltiness, season your collards toward the end to avoid over-salting.

How to Serve Southern Collard Greens with Bacon Recipe

Southern Collard Greens with Bacon, collard greens recipe, bacon collard greens, Southern greens with bacon, smoky collard greens - A white bowl filled with cooked leafy green vegetables that look soft and slightly shiny, mixed with small pieces of browned and crispy bacon or meat. There are also light green chunks of what appears to be cooked celery or similar vegetable scattered evenly on top. A wooden spoon is placed inside the bowl, partially submerged in the food. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a blue cloth partially visible on the side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I love topping these collard greens with a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper and a light drizzle of the cooking broth for some extra moisture. If I want a touch of brightness, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving does wonders. Occasionally, I add some finely chopped fresh parsley or scallions for a pop of color and freshness.

Side Dishes

This Southern Collard Greens with Bacon Recipe pairs beautifully with cornbread slathered in butter, fried chicken, or even some smoky BBQ ribs. For a lighter meal, serve alongside roasted potatoes or a simple grilled chicken breast. The savory and slightly spicy flavors of the greens complement almost anything!

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I’ve served these collards in pretty ceramic bowls with a side of herbed buttermilk dressing for greens-tossed salads. Another favorite is layering the greens as a base on a platter, then topping with crumbled cornbread and a drizzle of hot sauce for a fun twist. It’s always a hit when I let guests garnish their own bowls with extra bacon bits and pickled onions.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover collard greens in an airtight container in the fridge, where they keep well for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making for a delightful lunch the next day. Just be sure to cool them completely before refrigerating to keep the texture fresh.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these collard greens successfully by portioning them into freezer-safe containers. When you want to enjoy some later, just thaw overnight in the fridge. Though the texture softens slightly after freezing, the savory, smoky flavors remain fantastic.

Reheating

For reheating, I prefer warming them slowly on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. If that’s not an option, microwave on medium power in short bursts to avoid overcooking. Adding a splash of chicken broth or water helps loosen the greens if they dry out a bit.

FAQs

Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?

Absolutely! Turkey bacon is a leaner alternative and will still add a smoky flavor, though it has less fat for rendering. You might want to add a little olive oil to ensure you have enough fat to sauté the onions and garlic properly.
How do I properly prepare collard greens before cooking?

Start by washing the collard greens thoroughly to remove grit and dirt. Then, trim off the tough stems and ribs because they can be fibrous. Finally, chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly and quickly.
Can I make this Southern Collard Greens with Bacon Recipe vegan?

Definitely! Replace the bacon with smoked paprika and a bit of liquid smoke, and sauté your onions and garlic in olive oil or vegan butter. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and add seasonings to boost flavor. It won’t taste exactly the same, but it’s still delicious.
What if I don’t have Cajun seasoning on hand?

No worries! You can easily make your own by mixing paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, oregano, and thyme. Or simply substitute with a pinch of chili powder and black pepper to keep a little heat in the dish.
Why do my collard greens sometimes turn out bitter?

Bitter greens often come from cooking collards too quickly or not removing tough stems. Using apple cider vinegar and a bit of sugar in your recipe helps counteract bitterness. Slow simmering is key to mellowing the greens and building the right flavor.

Final Thoughts

Southern Collard Greens with Bacon Recipe is one of those comforting dishes that holds a special place in my heart—simple ingredients, slow cooking, and that wonderful smoky tang create something truly soulful. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this recipe as much as I do. It’s perfect for bringing loved ones together around the table. Give it a try, and I promise you’ll have a new favorite side dish for life!