Southern-Style Collard Greens

This slow cooker collard greens recipe transforms a humble Southern staple into a flavor-packed side dish with minimal effort. The low and slow cooking method breaks down the tough leaves while bacon, seasonings, and broth create a rich, savory experience that pairs perfectly with any main course.

I first made these collards for a Sunday family gathering, and my Southern grandmother actually asked for the recipe. Coming from someone who's been cooking greens for 60+ years, that's when I knew this slow cooker method was something special.

Ingredients

• Fresh collard greens: choose firm bunches with deep green leaves and no yellowing
• Bacon: adds smoky richness and depth to balance the earthy greens
• Yellow onion: creates a sweet aromatic base
• Garlic: provides essential punchy flavor that mellows during cooking
• Sesame oil: brings a nutty dimension that regular oils cannot match
• Brown sugar: helps balance bitterness without making greens sweet
• Kosher salt: enhances all other flavors
• Red pepper flakes: add gentle heat that builds slowly
• Chicken broth: creates the flavorful cooking liquid that becomes pot likker

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Greens:

Thoroughly wash collard greens under cold running water to remove any grit or sand hiding between leaves. Dry completely using paper towels or a salad spinner. This prevents watery finished greens and ensures proper caramelization.

Remove the Stems:

Position each collard leaf flat on your cutting board. Using a sharp knife, slice along both sides of the tough center stem to remove it. The stems contain much of the bitterness and remain tough even after slow cooking.

Slice into Ribbons:

Stack several prepared leaves on top of each other and loosely roll them into a cigar shape. Slice across the roll to create thick ribbons about 1 inch wide. Cutting too small will cause the greens to break down too much during cooking.

Combine and Cook:

Add sliced collards to your slow cooker along with chopped bacon, onion, garlic, sesame oil, brown sugar, salt, red pepper flakes, and chicken broth. Stir thoroughly to distribute ingredients evenly. Cover with lid and cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 6-8 hours until greens reach desired tenderness.

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The sesame oil might seem like an unusual addition to Southern collards, but it was my great aunt's secret ingredient. She claimed it added complexity without overwhelming the greens' natural flavor. After serving these at countless family gatherings, I can confirm she was absolutely right.

Make It Your Own

Traditional Southern cooks often add a ham hock instead of bacon for deeper flavor. If using this method, add the ham hock at the beginning of cooking and remove before serving, pulling off any meat to mix back into the greens.

Storage Wisdom

These collard greens actually improve with time as the flavors meld together. After cooling completely, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The pot likker liquid is precious flavor gold, so make sure to keep it with the greens.

For freezing, portion cooled greens into freezer bags, removing as much air as possible. They freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat slowly on the stovetop with a splash of fresh broth.

Perfect Pairings

These slow cooker collard greens shine alongside classic Southern main dishes like fried chicken, pulled pork, or baked ham. For a complete soul food experience, serve with cornbread, mac and cheese, and black-eyed peas.

For a healthier meal, pair with baked fish and sweet potatoes for a nutrient-dense dinner plate full of complementary flavors and textures.

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Recipe FAQs

→ How do I properly prepare collard greens before cooking?

Wash the collard greens thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or grit. Dry them well, then remove the tough stems by running a sharp knife along each side of the stem. Finally, loosely roll up the leaves and slice them into thick ribbons before adding to your slow cooker.

→ Can I make these collard greens vegetarian?

Yes! For a vegetarian version, simply omit the bacon and substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth. To maintain depth of flavor, add 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika or a few drops of liquid smoke to replicate the smoky essence that bacon would typically provide.

→ How long do leftover collard greens stay fresh?

Leftover collard greens can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors often deepen over time, making them even more delicious the next day.

→ What's the best way to reheat leftover collard greens?

Reheat collard greens on the stovetop over low heat with an extra splash of broth or water if needed to maintain moisture. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even heating.

→ What makes these collard greens tender?

The low, slow cooking process in the slow cooker breaks down the tough fibers in collard greens, resulting in a tender texture. The addition of liquid (chicken broth) and fat (from bacon and sesame oil) also helps tenderize the leaves while infusing them with flavor.

→ What dishes pair well with these collard greens?

These collard greens are a classic Southern side dish that pairs wonderfully with cornbread, fried chicken, black-eyed peas, mac and cheese, pulled pork, or country ham. They also complement any barbecue or soul food menu.