There’s something about collard greens that just feels like home. These leafy greens, steeped in Southern tradition, have a unique flavor that can bring warmth and comfort to any meal. Get ready to explore some delightful recipes that will make your taste buds sing!
Classic Southern Collard Greens

This traditional recipe is a staple in Southern kitchens, offering a rich, smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with ham hocks or bacon. The collards are simmered slowly in a savory broth, allowing the greens to soak up all the deliciousness. What makes this dish special is the balance of spices, which enhances the natural earthiness of the greens.
Cook these greens low and slow for at least an hour to really bring out their flavor. Serve them alongside cornbread for the ultimate Southern experience. Trust me, this dish is the perfect comfort food for any occasion!
Spicy Collard Greens with Red Pepper Flakes


Spicy Collard Greens from Spicy Southern Kitchen
Rating: 4.3. Ingredients: Collard greens, bacon, dark brown sugar, cider vinegar, hot sauce Total Time: 1 hr 15 min.

Spicy Southern Collard Greens with Bacon from On Ty's Plate
Rating: 5. Ingredients: Fresh collard green, red pepper flakes, chicken bouillon cube, garlic, sugar Total Time: 1 hr 30 min.

Southern Collard Greens Recipe (How to Cook Collard Greens) from Chili Pepper Madness
Rating: 5. Ingredients: Collard greens, apple cider vinegar, smoked ham, jalapeno peppers, hot sauce Total Time: 2 hr 15 min.
If you like a little kick in your greens, this spicy version is just for you! With a generous sprinkle of red pepper flakes, these collard greens pack a punch that will awaken your taste buds. The heat complements the greens’ natural bitterness, creating a harmony that is both exciting and satisfying.
Cooking these greens with onions and garlic adds another layer of flavor, making them irresistible. Serve them as a side dish, and watch everyone come back for seconds!
Vegan Collard Greens with Coconut Milk

This creamy, vegan twist on collard greens is sure to impress everyone at the table. The addition of coconut milk provides a rich, velvety texture that perfectly balances the greens’ slight bitterness. What makes this recipe shine is the subtle sweetness that coconut brings, making it a unique and delightful experience.
Cook these greens with a splash of soy sauce and some garlic for an Asian-inspired flair. It’s a fantastic side dish that pairs beautifully with rice or quinoa!
Collard Greens and Black-Eyed Peas

Black-Eyed Peas With Collard Greens from NYT Cooking – The New York Times
Rating: 5. Ingredients: 1 h 30 min Total Time: 1 h 30 min.

Smoky Black Eyed Peas and Collard Greens from Feasting At Home
Rating: 4.6. Ingredients: 1 h 30 min Total Time: 1 h 30 min.

Black-Eyed Peas and Collard Greens from Taste of Home
Rating: 4.8. Ingredients: 25 min Total Time: 25 min.
This recipe combines two Southern classics into one hearty dish! The collard greens and black-eyed peas create a delicious mix of flavors, with the peas lending a creamy texture that complements the greens perfectly. This dish is especially popular for New Year’s Day, symbolizing good luck and prosperity!
Cook these ingredients together with ham, seasonings, and a splash of vinegar for a tangy finish. It’s not just a side dish; it’s a celebration on a plate!
Garlic Butter Collard Greens

Garlic Butter Collard Greens from Diethood
Rating: 5. Ingredients: Collard greens, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, chicken broth, red pepper flakes Total Time: 1 hr 45 min.

Garlic Sauteed Collard Greens from Yup, it's Vegan
Rating: 4.9. Ingredients: Collard greens, apple cider vinegar, red pepper flakes, olive oil, garlic Total Time: 30 min.

Garlic + Butter Sautéed Collard Greens from Angela Freed
Ingredients: Collard greens, butter, olive oil, sea salt Total Time: 20 min.
For garlic lovers, this recipe is a dream come true! The collard greens are sautéed in rich butter infused with garlic, resulting in a fragrant and mouthwatering dish. The buttery goodness really brings out the vibrant flavor of the greens.
This quick and easy recipe can be on your table in no time. It’s a great way to add a touch of luxury to your everyday meals!
Collard Greens with Apples and Bacon

Apple-Bacon Collard Greens from Katrina Runs for Food
Ingredients: Collard greens, chicken, bacon, apple Total Time: 45 mins.

Long-Cooked Collards with Apples and Bacon from Midwest Living
Ingredients: Mustard greens, bacon, cider vinegar, hot sauce, red pepper Total Time: 1 hr 15 mins.

Collard Greens With Bacon from Simply Recipes
Rating: 4.9. Ingredients: Collard greens, apple cider vinegar, hot sauce, chicken broth, sugar Total Time: 45 mins.
This recipe is a delightful blend of sweet and savory, featuring tender collard greens tossed with crispy bacon and tart apples. The sweetness of the apples balances the saltiness of the bacon, creating a dish that’s not only tasty but also visually appealing. What makes this dish special is the combination of textures and flavors that surprise your palate.
Cook the greens with onions, and add a splash of apple cider vinegar to enhance the flavors. Serve it as a side, and you’ll find it’s a hit at any gathering!
Collard Greens Stir-Fry

Stir-Fried Collards from NYT Cooking – The New York Times
Rating: 4. Ingredients: 30 min Total Time: 30 min.

Garlic Sauteed Collard Greens from Yup, it's Vegan
Rating: 4.9. Ingredients: 30 min Total Time: 30 min.
Looking for a quick and healthy meal? This stir-fry collard greens recipe is perfect for busy weeknights! By quickly cooking the greens in a hot pan with soy sauce, sesame oil, and your choice of protein, you get a dish that’s packed with flavor and nutrition.
This recipe is versatile too! Add in your favorite vegetables or proteins for a unique twist, making it a go-to for any occasion.
Collard Greens with Lemon and Parmesan

Collard Greens Salad with Lemon-Parmesan Dressing from Pamela Salzman
Ingredients: Collard greens, sweet potato, salad, bread crumbs, lemon

Lemony Collard Greens Pasta from Cookie and Kate
Rating: 4.9. Ingredients: Fresh collard greens, whole wheat, pine nuts, lemon, red pepper flakes Total Time: 20 min.

Vegetarian Parmesan Broth Collard Greens from Virginia Willis
Ingredients: Chopped collard greens, red pepper flakes, diced tomatoes, garlic, parmigiano reggiano rind Total Time: 25 min.
For a fresh take on collard greens, this recipe incorporates zesty lemon and nutty Parmesan cheese. The bright acidity of the lemon lifts the flavors of the greens, while the cheese adds a delightful creaminess. This is a simple yet elegant dish that’s perfect for impressing guests!
Saute the greens with garlic, then finish with a squeeze of lemon juice and a sprinkle of Parmesan. It’s a refreshing side that will elevate any meal!
Slow Cooker Collard Greens
Let your slow cooker do the work with this easy recipe! Simply toss your collard greens with broth, spices, and your favorite meat (like smoked turkey or ham) and let it simmer all day. The result is tender greens infused with deep, savory flavors that will make your mouth water.
This hands-off approach means you can enjoy delicious collard greens without spending all day in the kitchen. It’s perfect for busy families or anyone who loves set-it-and-forget-it meals!
Collard Greens Salad with Avocado Dressing

Collard Greens Salad with Orange Vinaigrette from On Ty's Plate
Ingredients: 15 min Total Time: 15 min.

Recipe: Collard Green Salad with Strawberries & Tahini Dressing from The Kitchn
Rating: 5. Ingredients: 5, 0(1)
This recipe takes collard greens into fresh territory with a vibrant salad. Tossed with a creamy avocado dressing, this dish is light and refreshing while still being hearty. The dressing adds a rich, buttery flavor that pairs beautifully with the greens, making it a unique choice for lunch or dinner.
Chop the collards into bite-sized pieces and mix them with your favorite veggies for a colorful salad. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy collard greens raw, and it’s packed with nutrients!
Cheesy Collard Greens Casserole

Collard Greens Casserole from Taste of the South Magazine
Ingredients: Fresh collard greens, baby portobello mushrooms, apple cider vinegar, parmesan cheese, garlic

Collard Greens & Potato Casserole from KitchAnnette
Ingredients: Collard greens, parmesan cheese, butter, flour, idaho potatoes Total Time: 1 hr 20 min.

Collard Greens au Gratin from Soulfully Made
Rating: 4.8. Ingredients: Collard greens, bacon, asiago cheese, hot sauce, heavy cream Total Time: 1 hr 15 min.
For a comforting side dish that’s sure to please, try this cheesy collard greens casserole! Layered with gooey cheese and a creamy sauce, this recipe takes collard greens to the next level. The cheese melts beautifully into the greens, creating a deliciously rich flavor that’s hard to resist.
Bake it until bubbly and golden for a dish that’s perfect for family gatherings or potlucks. Everyone will be coming back for a second helping!