Get ready to experience the soulful flavors of the South with these incredible Quick Kickin’ Collards! This recipe delivers tender, flavorful collard greens, infused with smoky bacon, aromatic onion and garlic, and a zesty kick from apple cider vinegar and red pepper flakes. It’s a surprisingly fast and easy way to enjoy a classic Southern side dish that’s bursting with comforting, savory goodness, perfect for any family meal or gathering.
Why I Love This Recipe
These Quick Kickin’ Collards are an absolute game-changer for me. What I love most is how they achieve such a deep, comforting flavor in a fraction of the time that traditional collards usually take. The rendered bacon fat provides a crucial smoky base, while the onions and garlic build an aromatic foundation. The perfect balance of apple cider vinegarcutting through the richness, and the subtle warmth from the red pepper flakes, truly elevates the greens. They cook down to a tender, flavorful perfection, making them incredibly satisfying. It’s a faster way to get that authentic Southern taste without compromising on any of the deliciousness!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create these flavorful and tender Quick Kickin’ Collards:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for additional richness if bacon is lean)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lb collard greens, cleaned, stems removed and leaves roughly chopped
- 3 cups chicken broth (low-sodium recommended)
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp pepper (black pepper)
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes (adjust to taste, for a “kick”)
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
Swaps and Notes
- Collard Greens: Fresh collard greens are ideal. Ensure they are thoroughly washed, de-stemmed, and roughly chopped. You can use pre-bagged chopped collards for convenience.
- Bacon: Use regular sliced bacon for the best flavor and rendered fat. Ham hocks or smoked turkey legs can be used for a deeper smoke flavor, but will require longer cooking (like in a slow cooker).
- Onion & Garlic: Essential aromatics for building the flavor base.
- Chicken Broth: Low-sodium chicken broth is recommended to control saltiness, as bacon and added salt contribute.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: This is crucial! It brightens the greens and cuts through the richness, balancing any bitterness.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Add a subtle kick of heat. Adjust to your preference. For a milder version, omit.
- Salt & Pepper: Season to taste throughout the cooking process, as bacon and broth contribute saltiness.
- Olive Oil: Optional, only use if your bacon is very lean and doesn’t render enough fat.
Instructions
Let’s get these flavorful Quick Kickin’ Collards cooking!
- Cook Bacon: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil (if using, otherwise just proceed with bacon). Add the chopped bacon and cook over medium heat until it’s crispy. Remove the cooked bacon and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the flavorful bacon drippings in the pot.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped large onion and minced 2 garlic cloves to the pot with the bacon drippings. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion has softened and becomes translucent.
- Add Collard Greens & Liquids: Stir in the chopped collard greens, coating them well in the bacon drippings and sautéed aromatics. Pour in the 3 cups of chicken broth, and add the 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon pepper, 1 pinch red pepper flakes, and 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar. Stir everything well to combine.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot tightly with a lid, and cook for 1 1/2 hours, or until the collard greens are wonderfully tender. Stir occasionally during simmering to ensure even cooking.
- Finish & Serve: Stir in the crispy bacon (reserved from earlier) into the tender collard greens. Taste the greens and adjust seasoning if needed (you might want a touch more salt, pepper, or vinegar/red pepper flakes for balance). Serve hot and enjoy this incredibly comforting Southern dish!
Tips for Success
- Clean Greens Thoroughly: Collard greens can hold grit. Wash them very well under cold water, even soaking them briefly, to remove all dirt.
- Remove Tough Stems: Always remove the thick, fibrous stems from the collard greens before chopping; they remain tough even after cooking.
- Don’t Rush Simmer: While this is a quicker version, the 1.5 hour simmer is essential for fully tenderizing the collard greens.
- Balance Flavors: The apple cider vinegar is key to balancing the greens’ slight bitterness and cutting through the richness of the bacon. Adjust to taste.
- Crispy Bacon: Cook the bacon until truly crispy before removing, and add it back at the end to maintain its crunch.
- Taste and Adjust: Always taste the greens before serving and adjust salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes to your preference.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Quick Kickin’ Collards are a fantastic side dish, substantial enough to be a main:
- Cornbread: The absolute classic pairing! Serve with warm cornbread (like our Southern-Style Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers) for soaking up the delicious “pot liquor.”
- Fried Chicken or Fish: Perfect alongside crispy fried chicken or our Fried Catfish.
- Smoked Meats: Complements barbecue ribs, pulled pork, or smoked turkey.
- Black-Eyed Peas: A traditional New Year’s Day pairing for good luck.
- Hot Sauce: Provide a bottle of your favorite hot sauce on the side for an extra kick.
Storage and Leftover Tips
Cooked collard greens are famously even better the next day as the flavors deepen!
- Refrigeration: Store any cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat individual portions on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You may need to add a splash of chicken broth or water to re-moisten.
- Freezing: Cooked collard greens with bacon freeze well. Cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 3-4 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you loved the soulful, comforting, and easy nature of these Quick Kickin’ Collards, you’ll definitely want to explore some of our other fantastic hearty and flavorful Southern-inspired recipes:
- For another comforting, hearty bowl, check out our This Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo Is My Favorite Bowl of Southern Comfort.
- If you’re a fan of tender, slow-cooked meat, our These Easy Turkey Wings Are My Favorite Comfort Food for Lazy Sundays are a must-try.
- And for a flavorful skillet meal packed with Southern charm, don’t miss This Tomato Skillet with Okra and Sausage Is My Favorite Quick Dinner Packed with Southern Flavor!
- Finally, for a hearty breakfast or side dish with a Southern flair, check out our Shrimp & Grits w/Bacon!
Final Thoughts
These Quick Kickin’ Collards are a brilliant solution for bringing true comfort, incredible flavor, and a genuine taste of Southern hospitality to your table without spending all day in the kitchen. They’re easy to make, packed with savory goodness, and perfect for any family meal or gathering.
Give this recipe a try and let the delicious aromas fill your kitchen! What’s your favorite way to enjoy collard greens? Share your ideas in the comments below! And for more amazing, easy-to-follow recipes that bring joy to your kitchen, be sure to visit Chefmaniac.com. Happy cooking!
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