8 Collard Greens Recipes From Spicy to Smoky to Creamy and Beyond

Collard greens, a staple in Southern cuisine, are celebrated for their robust flavor and nutrient-rich profile. These leafy greens are versatile, lending themselves to a variety of cooking methods and flavor profiles. Whether you’re a fan of spicy, smoky, creamy, or something unique, there’s a collard greens recipe to suit your taste. This blog will take you through eight distinct collard greens recipes that showcase the versatility of this beloved green. From traditional preparations to innovative twists, these recipes will elevate your culinary repertoire and satisfy your taste buds.

1. Spicy Sautéed Collard Greens

For those who enjoy a bit of heat, spicy sautéed collard greens are a perfect choice. This recipe combines fresh collard greens with garlic, red pepper flakes, and a touch of vinegar to create a flavorful, fiery dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 bunch collard greens, washed and chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing until fragrant.
3. Add the chopped collard greens to the skillet, stirring to coat them in the oil and spices.
4. Cook for 10-15 minutes until the greens are tender, stirring occasionally.
5. Add apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper, and cook for another 2 minutes.
6. Serve hot as a spicy side dish.

This recipe is quick, easy, and packs a punch, making it ideal for adding a little excitement to your meal.

2. Smoky Collard Greens with Bacon

For a rich, smoky flavor, collard greens with bacon is a classic and indulgent choice. The smokiness of the bacon pairs perfectly with the earthiness of the collard greens.

Ingredients:

• 1 bunch collard greens, washed and chopped
• 4 slices of bacon, chopped
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 2 cups chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside.
2. Add the diced onion to the pot and sauté in the bacon fat until translucent.
3. Add minced garlic and smoked paprika, cooking for another minute.
4. Add the collard greens and stir to combine with the onion and spices.
5. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
6. Cook for 30-40 minutes until the greens are tender, adding the bacon back in the last 10 minutes.
7. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

The result is a dish that’s deeply flavorful and comforting, perfect for any meal.

3. Creamy Collard Greens

Creamy collard greens offer a rich and decadent twist on this classic vegetable. By adding cream and cheese, you can transform collard greens into a luxurious side dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 bunch collard greens, washed and chopped
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent.
3. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
4. Add the chopped collard greens and cook until they begin to wilt.
5. Pour in the heavy cream and reduce the heat to low.
6. Simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the greens are tender.
7. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
8. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

This creamy variation is a delightful way to enjoy collard greens and makes an excellent side for hearty mains.

4. Collard Greens and Black-Eyed Pea Stew

Combining collard greens with black-eyed peas creates a hearty, nutritious stew that’s perfect for a comforting meal. This dish is rich in protein and fiber, making it a wholesome choice.

Ingredients:

• 1 bunch collard greens, washed and chopped
• 1 cup dried black-eyed peas, soaked overnight
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent.
3. Add the minced garlic, thyme, and smoked paprika, cooking for another minute.
4. Add the soaked black-eyed peas and vegetable broth, bringing to a boil.
5. Reduce the heat and simmer for 45 minutes, or until the peas are tender.
6. Add the chopped collard greens and diced tomatoes, cooking for another 20 minutes.
7. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

This stew is hearty and satisfying, perfect for a cold day or a nutritious meal.

5. Collard Greens Stir-Fry

For a quick and healthy meal, a collard greens stir-fry is an excellent choice. This dish combines collard greens with colorful vegetables and a flavorful sauce for a delightful and nutritious dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 bunch collard greens, washed and chopped
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch ginger, grated
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 carrot, julienned
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• Sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions:

1. Heat sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add minced garlic and grated ginger, sautéing until fragrant.
3. Add the red bell pepper and carrot, stir-frying for 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the chopped collard greens and cook until they begin to wilt.
5. In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, rice vinegar, and honey.
6. Pour the sauce over the vegetables and stir to coat.
7. Cook for another 5 minutes until the greens are tender.
8. Garnish with sesame seeds before serving.

This stir-fry is vibrant, flavorful, and packed with nutrients, making it a perfect quick meal.

6. Collard Greens with Ham Hocks

Collard greens with ham hocks is a traditional Southern recipe that’s rich in flavor and history. The ham hocks add a depth of flavor that makes this dish truly special.

Ingredients:

• 1 bunch collard greens, washed and chopped
• 2 ham hocks
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 cups water or chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, combine the ham hocks, diced onion, minced garlic, and water or chicken broth.
2. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 1 hour.
3. Add the chopped collard greens and red pepper flakes, stirring to combine.
4. Cook for another 45 minutes to an hour, until the greens are tender.
5. Remove the ham hocks, shred the meat, and return it to the pot.
6. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

This dish is hearty and full of flavor, making it a favorite comfort food.

7. Collard Greens Salad with Lemon Dressing

For a lighter take, collard greens can be enjoyed raw in a refreshing salad. This recipe pairs the greens with a tangy lemon dressing for a vibrant and healthy dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 bunch collard greens, washed and thinly sliced
• 1 lemon, juiced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup toasted almonds

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, honey, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the thinly sliced collard greens to the bowl, tossing to coat with the dressing.
3. Let the salad sit for 10-15 minutes to allow the greens to soften slightly.
4. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and toasted almonds before serving.

This salad is crisp, tangy, and perfect for a healthy and refreshing meal.

8. Collard Greens and Cornbread Casserole

Combining collard greens with cornbread in a casserole makes for a hearty and comforting dish. This recipe is perfect for family gatherings or potlucks.

Ingredients:

• 1 bunch collard greens, washed and chopped
• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 cup flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish.
2. In a large skillet, sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until translucent.
3. Add the chopped collard greens and cook until wilted.
4. In a large bowl, mix cornmeal, flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
5. In another bowl, whisk together buttermilk, eggs, and melted butter.
6. Combine the wet and dry ingredients, then fold in the cooked collard greens, onion, and shredded cheddar cheese.
7. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes, until golden brown.
8. Let cool slightly before serving.

This casserole is comforting and delicious, combining the flavors of collard greens and cornbread into one satisfying dish.

Conclusion

Collard greens are incredibly versatile and can be transformed into a variety of delicious dishes. Whether you prefer them spicy, smoky, creamy, or fresh, there’s a collard greens recipe to suit your taste. These eight recipes showcase the many ways you can enjoy this nutritious green, from traditional Southern dishes to modern twists. Try them all and discover your favorite way to enjoy collard greens!