Get ready to dive into the world of delicious and nutritious collard greens! This Southern staple is a powerhouse of flavor and nutrition, packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just looking for some new ideas in the kitchen, we’ve got you covered with these 20 flavorful collard greens recipes that are sure to satisfy your taste buds.
From classic soul food dishes like slow-cooked smoky collard greens with ham hocks, to vegan and vegetarian options like braised collard greens with apple cider vinegar, there’s something for everyone on this list. And don’t even get us started on the spicy kick you’ll get from our collard greens recipes featuring red pepper flakes and garlic!
In the following pages, we’ll explore a range of recipes that showcase the versatility of collard greens, from hearty stews and braises to quick sautés and casseroles. Whether you’re in the mood for something comforting and familiar or looking to mix things up with some new flavors and ingredients, these 20 recipes are sure to inspire your next meal.
So go ahead, get cooking, and experience the delicious world of collard greens!
Slow-Cooked Smoky Collard Greens with Ham Hocks
Elevate your greens game with this hearty and flavorful recipe that’s perfect for a cold winter’s day. Slow-cooked collard greens infused with the rich, smoky flavor of ham hocks will become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds fresh or frozen collard greens
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 2 ham hocks
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a large Dutch oven or slow cooker, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
3. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
4. Add collard greens, chicken broth, ham hocks, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
5. Cover and transfer to the preheated oven (or slow cooker).
6. Cook for 2-1/2 hours or until greens are tender. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Cooking Time: 2-1/2 hours
Vegan Collard Greens with Coconut Milk and Turmeric
Nourish your body and soul with this comforting and flavorful vegan collard greens recipe, infused with the warmth of turmeric and the creaminess of coconut milk.
Ingredients:
– 1 bunch collard greens, stems removed and leaves chopped
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 small onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 can full-fat coconut milk (14 oz)
– 2 cups vegetable broth
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the garlic, cumin, and turmeric. Cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly.
3. Add the chopped collard greens to the pot, in batches if necessary. Cook until wilted, about 5-7 minutes per batch.
4. Pour in the coconut milk and vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
5. Reduce heat to low and let cook for 15-20 minutes or until the greens are tender.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Southern-Style Collard Greens with Bacon and Onions
This classic Southern dish is a staple of soul food cuisine, made by slow-cooking collard greens with crispy bacon, sweet onions, and a hint of vinegar. The result is a rich, savory, and slightly tangy green that’s perfect for serving alongside your favorite comfort foods.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound fresh or frozen collard greens, chopped
– 6 slices of thick-cut bacon, diced
– 1 large onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy.
2. Remove the bacon from the pot and set aside. Leave the drippings in the pot.
3. Add the sliced onions to the pot and cook until they’re translucent and starting to caramelize.
4. Add the chopped collard greens, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper to the pot.
5. Stir well to combine, then add back the cooked bacon.
6. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 30-40 minutes or until the greens are tender.
7. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Spicy Collard Greens with Red Pepper Flakes and Garlic
Transform bland collard greens into a flavorful and spicy dish that’s perfect for any meal. This recipe combines the earthy taste of collards with the pungency of garlic and the heat of red pepper flakes.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound fresh or frozen collard greens, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
3. Add the chopped collard greens and cook until wilted, about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in the red pepper flakes and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the greens have reached your desired level of tenderness.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Collard Greens and Black-Eyed Peas Stew
This hearty stew is a classic Southern comfort food dish that combines the nutritious benefits of collard greens and black-eyed peas with aromatic spices. Perfect for a cold winter’s day, this recipe is easy to make and packed with flavor.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound fresh or frozen collard greens, chopped
– 1 cup dried black-eyed peas, rinsed and drained
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened.
2. Add collard greens, black-eyed peas, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Pour in vegetable broth and diced tomatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 45-50 minutes or until greens are tender.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Braised Collard Greens with Apple Cider Vinegar
Braised Collard Greens with Apple Cider Vinegar: A flavorful and tangy twist on traditional collard greens!
Ingredients:
– 1 bunch of fresh or frozen collard greens, chopped
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, thinly sliced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Add the sliced onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
4. Add the chopped collard greens, apple cider vinegar, chicken broth, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well to combine.
5. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and let braise for 30-40 minutes, or until the greens are tender.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Collard Greens with Smoked Turkey Legs
This Southern-inspired dish combines the rich flavors of smoked turkey legs with the earthy sweetness of collard greens. A perfect comfort food for a chilly evening.
Ingredients:
– 1 bunch collard greens, cleaned and chopped
– 2 smoked turkey legs, bone-in
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 small onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add the collard greens to the pot in batches, stirring occasionally, until all are wilted.
5. Add the smoked turkey legs to the pot, bone-side down.
6. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
7. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 30-40 minutes or until the greens are tender and the turkey is falling off the bone.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Quick Sautéed Collard Greens with Garlic and Lemon
In this recipe, collard greens are cooked quickly with garlic and lemon to bring out their natural sweetness and depth of flavor.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound fresh or frozen collard greens, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Optional: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes for some heat
Instructions:
1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add the garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add the chopped collard greens and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften.
4. Squeeze the lemon juice over the greens and stir to combine.
5. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
6. Continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the greens are tender but still crisp.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Collard Greens and Cornbread Casserole
This hearty casserole combines the creamy goodness of collard greens with the warm, crumbly texture of cornbread, perfect for a cozy night in or a family gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 bunch collard greens, chopped
– 2 cups cornbread mix
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped scallions
– 2 tablespoons butter
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, sauté the collard greens in butter until tender.
3. In a separate bowl, mix cornbread mix with heavy cream and cheddar cheese.
4. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread half of the cornbread mixture.
5. Top with sautéed collard greens and remaining cornbread mixture.
6. Sprinkle chopped scallions on top.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Collard Greens with Pot Likker and Hot Sauce
This classic Southern recipe combines the tender, slightly bitter flavor of collard greens with the rich, savory goodness of pot likker (the juices left over from cooking the greens) and a spicy kick from hot sauce. Perfect for a comforting side dish or a hearty main course.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound fresh or frozen collard greens, chopped
– 4 cups water or chicken broth
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup pot likker (reserved from cooking the greens)
– 2-3 dashes hot sauce (such as Tabasco or Frank’s RedHot)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
3. Add the collard greens, salt, and black pepper to the pot. Pour in the water or broth and bring to a boil.
4. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the greens are tender.
5. Stir in the reserved pot likker and hot sauce to taste.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Collard Greens Stir-Fry with Sesame Oil and Soy Sauce
This recipe brings together the nutritious benefits of collard greens with the savory flavors of sesame oil and soy sauce, making for a quick and delicious meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 bunch of collard greens, washed and chopped
– 2 tablespoons of sesame oil
– 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
– 1 clove of garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add the chopped collard greens and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, or until wilted to your liking.
4. Pour in the soy sauce and stir-fry for an additional minute to combine.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot over rice or noodles.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Collard Greens and Sweet Potato Hash
This hearty recipe combines the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with the earthy flavor of collard greens, creating a delicious and nutritious side dish. Perfect for fall and winter meals.
Ingredients:
– 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1 bunch of fresh collard greens, chopped
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: garlic powder or red pepper flakes for added flavor
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place sweet potatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. Roast sweet potatoes in the oven for about 45 minutes, or until tender and lightly caramelized.
4. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
5. Add chopped collard greens to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 5-7 minutes.
6. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder (if using), and red pepper flakes (if using).
7. Serve roasted sweet potatoes and cooked collard greens together in a hash-style dish.
Cooking Time: Approximately 1 hour
Collard Greens with Andouille Sausage and Creole Seasoning
This classic Southern dish combines the earthy flavor of collard greens with the spicy kick of Andouille sausage and a hint of Creole seasoning. Perfect for a hearty breakfast, brunch, or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound fresh or frozen collard greens
– 1 medium Andouille sausage, sliced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 small onion, chopped
– 1 teaspoon Creole seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cut the stems from the collard greens and discard any tough or woody parts.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the collard greens to the skillet, stirring to combine with the sausage and onion mixture.
5. Sprinkle Creole seasoning over the greens and stir to combine.
6. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the greens are tender.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Collard Greens and Okra Gumbo
This hearty gumbo combines the rich flavors of collard greens, okra, and spices to create a comforting and nutritious dish perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound fresh or frozen collard greens, chopped
– 1 cup sliced okra
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1/4 cup water
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
3. Add collard greens, okra, paprika, cayenne pepper, and salt; stir to combine.
4. Pour in chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and water; bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, for 20-25 minutes or until greens are tender.
6. Serve hot over rice or with crusty bread.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Collard Greens Stuffed with Spiced Ground Beef
A Southern twist on stuffed greens, this recipe combines the earthy flavor of collard greens with the spicy kick of ground beef and aromatic spices.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound collard greens, chopped
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
3. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, paprika, and cayenne pepper to the skillet. Cook until the onion is translucent.
4. Stuff each collard green leaf with about 1/4 cup of the ground beef mixture.
5. Place the stuffed greens on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and drizzle with olive oil.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the greens are tender.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Collard Greens and Shrimp Jambalaya
This recipe combines the bold flavors of jambalaya with the nutritional benefits of collard greens, adding succulent shrimp for an unforgettable one-pot meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 cups chopped fresh collard greens
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8 ounces cooked rice (such as jasmine or basmati)
Instructions:
1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add onion, garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper; cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
3. Add shrimp; cook until pink and fully cooked, about 2-3 minutes per side.
4. Stir in collard greens and diced tomatoes; cook until the greens have wilted, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Serve jambalaya over cooked rice.
Cooking Time: Approximately 15-20 minutes.
Collard Greens with Pickled Peppers and Vinegar
This recipe combines the earthy flavor of collard greens with the tangy sweetness of pickled peppers, all tied together with a splash of vinegar. Perfect as a side dish or added to your favorite Southern comfort foods.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound fresh or frozen collard greens, chopped
– 1/2 cup pickled peppers (such as jalapeños or banana peppers), sliced
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, thinly sliced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the collard greens and cook until wilted, about 5-6 minutes.
4. Stir in the pickled peppers, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper.
5. Reduce heat to low and simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
6. Serve hot, garnished with additional pickled peppers if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-18 minutes
Collard Greens and Chicken Sausage Skillet
A hearty one-pot meal that combines the earthy flavor of collard greens with spicy chicken sausage, all cooked to perfection in a cast-iron skillet.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb chicken sausage, sliced
– 2 cups collard greens, chopped
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, chopped
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
Instructions:
1. Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet; cook until the onion is translucent, about 3 minutes.
4. Add the collard greens, red bell pepper, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Cook until the greens are wilted, about 5 minutes.
5. Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and add the chicken broth. Stir to combine.
6. Reduce heat to medium-low; simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the flavors have melded together.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Collard Greens with Candied Yams and Pecans
This Southern-inspired recipe combines the natural bitterness of collard greens with the sweetness of candied yams and a crunchy pecan topping. The result is a deliciously balanced side dish perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 bunch collard greens, chopped
– 2 large yams, peeled and cubed
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup maple syrup
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/2 cup chopped pecans
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss yams with brown sugar, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, and a pinch of salt and pepper on a baking sheet. Roast for 30 minutes or until tender.
3. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped collard greens and cook until wilted, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Stir in remaining salt and pepper to taste.
5. To assemble, place roasted yams on a serving dish, top with cooked collard greens, and sprinkle with chopped pecans.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Collard Greens and Red Beans with Rice
This classic Southern dish is a staple of comfort food, combining the nutrients of collard greens with the creamy goodness of red beans and fluffy rice. This recipe is a simple and flavorful way to enjoy a nutritious meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 bunch collard greens, chopped
– 1 pound dried red kidney beans, soaked overnight and drained
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, sauté the onion and garlic in olive oil until softened.
2. Add the chopped collard greens and cook until wilted, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the soaked red beans, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes or until the beans are tender.
5. Cook the rice according to package instructions.
6. Serve the collard greens and red bean mixture over the cooked rice.
Cooking Time: 45-60 minutes
Summary
Discover the rich flavors of soul food with these 20 delicious collard greens recipes! From slow-cooked smoky greens with ham hocks to vegan versions with coconut milk and turmeric, there’s something for everyone. Experience classic Southern-style dishes like collard greens with bacon and onions, or try international twists like a spicy stir-fry with sesame oil and soy sauce. Whether you’re in the mood for comforting casseroles or hearty stews, these recipes showcase the versatility of this beloved leafy green. Get ready to indulge in a culinary journey that will leave your taste buds singing!
