11 Quick and Easy Collard Greens Southern Recipes You’ll Make Again and Again

Cooking has a way of bringing back memories, doesn’t it? These collard greens recipes southern take me right back to my grandmother’s kitchen, and I’m so excited to share it with you today. Whether you want a simple side dish or a hearty main meal, these recipes are sure to warm your heart and satisfy your appetite. Let’s dive in!

Southern-Style Braised Collard Greens

Smoky and full of flavor, this dish is a classic!

Ingredients:

• 1 lb collard greens, chopped
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 smoked ham hock
• Salt and pepper to taste

Process:

1. In a pot, sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.
2. Add collard greens, broth, and ham hock. Bring to a simmer.
3. Cook for 45 minutes until tender. Season with salt and pepper.

Make it Unique:

• Add a splash of apple cider vinegar for tanginess!

Sautéed Collard Greens with Garlic

Super quick and packed with flavor!

Ingredients:

• 1 lb collard greens, chopped
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• Red pepper flakes to taste
• Salt to taste

Process:

1. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add garlic and sauté until golden. Toss in collard greens.
3. Sauté until greens are wilted. Season with red pepper flakes and salt.

Make it Unique:

• Toss in some cherry tomatoes for a pop of color!

Collard Greens Soup with White Beans

This soup warms you right up!

Ingredients:

• 1 lb collard greens, chopped
• 1 can white beans, drained
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tsp thyme

Process:

1. In a pot, sauté onion and carrots until soft.
2. Add collard greens, beans, broth, and thyme; bring to a boil.
3. Simmer for 30 minutes until flavors meld.

Make it Unique:

• Add diced smoked sausage for a meatier version!

Collard Greens and Cornbread Casserole

A comforting and delicious twist on traditional flavors!

Ingredients:

• 1 lb collard greens, chopped
• 1 box cornbread mix
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 eggs

Process:

1. Prepare cornbread mix according to package directions; mix in collard greens.
2. Add cheese, milk, and eggs. Pour into a greased baking dish.
3. Bake at 400°F for 25 minutes until golden brown.

Make it Unique:

• Stir in jalapeños for a spicy kick!

Collard Greens Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette

This one’s a keeper! Truly refreshing and hearty!

Ingredients:

• 1 lb collard greens, chopped
• 1 orange, segmented
• 1 grapefruit, segmented
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt to taste

Process:

1. In a large bowl, mix collard greens, orange, and grapefruit.
2. In a small bowl, whisk olive oil, lemon juice, and salt.
3. Drizzle vinaigrette over salad and toss to combine.

Make it Unique:

• Add nuts for some crunch!

Smothered Collard Greens with Bacon

You can never go wrong with bacon!

Ingredients:

• 1 lb collard greens, chopped
• 4 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 onion, sliced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Process:

1. In a skillet, cook bacon until crispy. Remove and drain excess fat.
2. In the same skillet, sauté onion until soft. Add collard greens and broth.
3. Simmer until greens are tender; add bacon back in.

Make it Unique:

• Replace bacon with turkey bacon for a lighter option!

Collard Greens Quiche

Perfect for brunch or a light dinner!

Ingredients:

• 1 pie crust
• 1 lb collard greens, chopped
• 4 eggs
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup cheese, shredded

Process:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Blind bake the pie crust for 10 minutes.
2. In a bowl, whisk together eggs and milk. Stir in collard greens and cheese.
3. Pour mixture into crust and bake for 30 minutes until set.

Make it Unique:

• Try adding cooked bacon or turkey for extra flavor!

Collard Greens Wraps with Hummus

A fun and healthy twist!

Ingredients:

• Collard greens leaves
• 1 cup hummus
• 1 carrot, shredded
• 1 cucumber, sliced
• Bell peppers, sliced

Process:

1. Spread hummus on each collard leaf.
2. Layer with shredded veggies.
3. Roll up tightly and slice in half.

Make it Unique:

• Swap hummus for avocado spread!

Spicy Collard Greens with Chorizo

A flavor explosion in every bite!

Ingredients:

• 1 lb collard greens, chopped
• 1 cup chorizo, crumbled
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Hot sauce to taste

Process:

1. In a skillet, cook chorizo until browned. Remove and set aside.
2. Sauté onion and garlic in the drippings. Add collard greens and chorizo.
3. Cook until greens are wilted. Drizzle with hot sauce to taste.

Make it Unique:

• Add black beans for extra protein!

Collard Greens with Tomato Gravy

Comfort food at its finest!

Ingredients:

• 1 lb collard greens, chopped
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 onion, diced
• 1/2 cup smoked sausage, diced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Process:

1. In a pot, sauté onion until translucent. Add sausage until browned.
2. Stir in collard greens and tomatoes and let simmer.
3. Cook until greens are tender. Season with salt and pepper.

Make it Unique:

• Add a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes!

Collard Greens Pesto Pasta

Here’s a unique twist that’s easy to make!

Ingredients:

• 1 lb pasta of choice
• 2 cups collard greens
• 1/4 cup walnuts
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese

Process:

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain.
2. Blend collard greens, walnuts, olive oil, and cheese until smooth.
3. Toss pasta with pesto until evenly coated.

Make it Unique:

• Swap walnuts for pine nuts for a different flavor!

Cooking is about enjoying delicious food, and these collard greens recipes southern truly embrace that warmth and comfort. Whether you whip up one or all of these dishes, I hope they fill your kitchen with delightful aromas and bring smiles to your table. Happy cooking!