Quick Southern collard greens with bacon have all the great flavor of traditional collards in a fraction of the time for a delicious, easy side dish!
I’m bringing you guys ALL kinds of Southern goodness this month.
Today, it’s my quick Southern collard greens with bacon.
I remember my mom making these in our old house out on the screened-in porch. She didn’t want them stinking up the house during the HOURS of cooking they take.
I love collard greens — and especially when they’re paired with a bit of bacon — but I don’t got that kind of time. Or energy.
So I’ve played with this faster version and guys, my Southern soul would like to tell you that these are every bit as good as the classic!
The one caveat: These quick Southern collard greens use bacon grease and bacon as the fat and extra flavor. So if you are a ham hock or ham bone type of person for your collards, this might not do it for you.
But for me, to get that bit of pork flavor, that collard green goodness and a bit of tanginess from the vinegar — AND to have it ready in under 45 minutes? That’s a total win.
Recipe Notes:
I use 3 slices of bacon, cut in half, because that’s about all that will fit in the pot I use to make these. If you have extra room, feel free to use more bacon.
I prefer thick-cut bacon, but you can use your favorite.
I wash and thinly slice the collards while the bacon is cooking to keep the prep time down.
To prep the collard greens, take off the hard inner stem (similar to how you would prep kale) and roll up your remaining long strips of collard green leaves into a tight roll. Slice thinly — this is called a julienne cut — and they’re ready to go. (See picture above. )
Don’t skip the vinegar at the end. It gives a hit of tangy freshness and really competes the dish.
Having the collards sliced up so thinly is the trick to this fast version of collard greens. They cook up, break down and get tender more quickly sliced this way. And they absorb ALL the great bacon and vinegar flavors!
And I seriously adore the tender collard greens topped with the crispy, reserved bacon. The perfect contrast!
So trust me, there’s no need to cook your collard greens all day long. You can slice them, saute them and have them ready to serve for dinner in well under an hour.
Southern favorites, made fast.
Enjoy!
XO,
Kathryn
Quick Southern collard greens with bacon
Ingredients
- 3-4 slices bacon
- ¼ cup finely chopped onion
- 1 large head collard greens, trimmed and julienne sliced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup water
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Heat a large pot over medium heat, add bacon slices (all 4 if they will fit) and fry the bacon until cooked and crispy. Remove bacon from the pan to a paper towel to drain then crumble and set aside. (Leave the bacon drippings in pan.) You can prep the collards while the bacon is cooking (see notes below).
- Add the onion to the bacon grease and saute over medium heat until tender, about 2 minutes.
- Add sliced collard greens to the pot and toss to coat in the onions and grease. Season with salt and pepper and stir to combine.
- Add ½ cup water and cover the pot with a tight fitting lid. Reduce heat to medium low and simmer for 20 minutes. (Check after 10-15 minutes to make sure the collards have enough water. Add another few tablespoons of water if the pot is drying out.)
- Once the collard greens are tender, drain any excess liquid.
- Add apple cider vinegar, stir to combine and simmer for 2 more minutes on medium low.
- Serve hot with reserved, crumbled bacon on top.
Dawn at Girl Heart Food says
I had another holiday filled weekend too...lots of baking and decorating for me...no malls this time 🙂 You know, I've had greens with bacon, but I don't think I've ever had collard greens! This looks delicious and bacon grease and bacon?! Wow...must be some serious flavour goin' on here and I just love the vinegar touch (huge vinegar fan over here). Would love to try these! Happy Monday, my friend! XO
Kathryn says
Staying away from the malls is always a good idea in my book 😉 As far as collard greens -- they are a Southern staple - you would love them!! XO
Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary says
I had a very busy and productive weekend, but none of it was spent on holiday stuff. Oops?? Lol. Glad you got a lot done and the Symphony sounds like a wonderful date!!! So, I didn't grow up eating collard greens, but MOD (my other dad) straight up LOVES them! He is coming to visit for NYE and I'm thinking I MUST have these on the menu! Love that you cooked them in bacon fat!! Yumm YUM!! Cheers, friend!
Kathryn says
Haha, no worries there - sometimes it's nice to have a break from the holiday madness 😉 You should definitely make some collards for your MOD! 😊
Tara | Treble in the Kitchen says
I've been in the mood to experiment with different greens lately, so I think I need to give these a try 🙂
Kathryn says
Absolutely! I think you'll love them Tara!
Lane & Holly | With Two Spoons says
I love how southern this is!
Kathryn says
Oh yes! My Southern roots are showing for sure! 😊
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says
Looks great! Love the bacon!!!
Kathryn says
Bacon makes everything better, right?! 😊
Lindsay @ The Live-In Kitchen says
Looks like such a quick and delicious dish!
Kathryn says
Absolutely it is! Thanks Lindsay!
Erin Clarkson says
What a great idea for the holidays!
Kathryn says
Yes, it's very festive!
Richa Gupta says
Looks great for a wonderful dinner!
Kathryn says
It's a favorite side here!