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Indulge in the robust flavors of Southern-style collard greens with a keto twist! Our Southern-Style Collard Greens with Bacon (Keto) recipe features thick-sliced bacon, onions, and garlic, creating a savory masterpiece. Perfectly tender and simmered to perfection, this low-carb delight is a soulful side dish or hearty main, bringing the comfort of traditional Southern cuisine to your keto table.
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🌿 Southern-Style Collard Greens with Bacon (Keto) - A Culinary Love Story 🥓
Growing up an Iowa girl in Southern California, collard greens were nowhere on my radar. Then, I moved to the South and discovered a whole new culinary world, falling in love with dishes like skillet cornbread and these collard greens. Now back in the North, I've adapted the recipe, using bacon for that smoky flavor. These collard greens, simmered low and slow, are a Southern classic, bringing a touch of nostalgia to every bite.
The journey into Southern cuisine began for me as a born and bred Midwestern girl transplanted to the South. Skillet cornbread and soup beans became staples, I could literally eat my weight in them, but it was collard greens that stole my heart. Traditionally made with a ham hock or smoked turkey leg, my Northern locale makes those ingredients difficult to find, so bacon steps in to deliver the smoky essence these greens crave.
Simmering low and slow, this Southern collard greens recipe requires around an hour or so but only a few minutes of hands-on time. And the beauty is, they taste even better the next day. Bacon, onions, and garlic form the foundation, with apple cider vinegar adding a tangy note to balance the savory flavors. Some people add a sweetener but I don't think it is needed.
For those new to collard greens, they're part of the Brassicaceae family, boasting dark green, fan-like leaves akin to kale or spinach. Harvested in winter, collard greens are available year-round, but be picky when choosing them. Look for dark green, sturdy leaves without wilting or yellowing.
Cleaning collard greens is a simple process. Remove any roots, cut or rip leaves from the stem into bite-sized pieces, and dunk them in water several times for a good cleaning.
After boiling collard greens, the leftover liquid, known as pot likker, is a rich broth with a ton of uses. Don't discard it; use it in soups, stews, gravies, with cornbread, or even straight from the pot.
Southern-style collard greens are a symphony of flavors—bitter, sour, and sometimes spicy. Their appeal is nostalgic, often served on Thanksgiving or New Year's Day for good luck. These greens complement richer dishes, adding a unique and cherished taste of home. Every time I eat them I remember the beauty of the south!
Celebrate the nostalgia of Southern cuisine with a bowl of these Keto Collard Greens—perfect for cozy nights and cherished family gatherings. Share your favorite collard greens memories in the comments below! 🌿🥓 Make sure to share a photo of your completed dish on social media with the hashtag #BobbisKozyKitchen for a chance to be in our newsletter! 📸
In This Post
- 🥘Southern-Style Collard Greens with Bacon (Keto) Ingredients
- 🔪Southern-Style Collard Greens with Bacon (Keto) Instructions
- Substitutions
- 📖Variations
- 🍽Equipment
- Storage
- 💭Top tip
- FAQ about Southern-Style Collard Greens with Bacon (Keto)
- Related Recipes
- Pairing
- Southern-Style Collard Greens with Bacon (Keto)
- Food safety
🥘Southern-Style Collard Greens with Bacon (Keto) Ingredients
These are the ingredients necessary to make Southern-Style Collard Greens with Bacon (Keto).
- Collard Greens - When choosing collard greens, opt for dark green leaves with sturdy stems, avoiding any signs of wilting or yellowing for the freshest and most flavorful greens.
- Bacon - I always use a nice thick-cut applewood bacon.
- Vinegar - I prefer apple cider vinegar but you can use distilled white vinegar too.
A detailed list with measurements and instructions can be found on the printable recipe card at the bottom of the page.
🔪Southern-Style Collard Greens with Bacon (Keto) Instructions
This is a basic breakdown of the steps involved in making Southern-Style Collard Greens with Bacon (Keto). You will find the full directions in the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
Place the bacon in a large heavy bottom pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
Add the onion to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes or until softened and then add the garlic, and crushed red pepper, and cook for another minute.
Add the greens to the pot tossing them with tongs to coat in the bacon fat.
Pour in the water and bring to a simmer.
Helpful Hint: 💡: To enhance the smoky flavor in your collard greens, consider using smoked salt if available. It adds a subtle smokiness that complements the bacon and elevates the overall taste.
Substitutions
- Greens - If collard greens are hard to find, you can substitute them with other sturdy greens like kale or mustard greens.
- Bacon - Replace bacon with smoked turkey or ham for a different flavor profile while keeping it meaty.
- Vinegar - Swap apple cider vinegar with white wine vinegar or red wine vinegar for a subtle variation in acidity.
- Water - To add more flavor you can swap out the water for chicken bone broth.
📖Variations
- Southern-Style Collard Greens with Sausage - Introduce smoked or spicy sausage to add a new layer of flavor to the dish.
- Collard Greens with Tomatoes - Add cherry or grape tomatoes to the last 15 minutes of cooking time, or until they burst, to add a bit of freshness and acidity.
- Citrus Collard Greens - Brighten up the dish with a bit of lemon zest and juice at the end for a refreshing twist.
🍽Equipment
This is the equipment you will need to make Southern-Style Collard Greens with Bacon (Keto).
Storage
- Refrigerator: Allow the collard greens to cool to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezer: Collard greens can be frozen for longer storage. Portion them into freezer-safe bags or containers, removing as much air as possible. Label with the date and freeze for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm on the stove or in the microwave.
Remember to store any leftover pot likker separately, as it can be used for soups, stews, or enjoyed on its own.
💭Top tip
When cleaning collard greens, add a splash of white vinegar to the water. This not only helps in removing any lingering grit or insects from the leaves but also contributes a touch of brightness to the greens, enhancing their flavor profile.
FAQ about Southern-Style Collard Greens with Bacon (Keto)
Yes, collard greens are low in carbs and suitable for a keto diet. They are a nutritious addition to a low-carb lifestyle.
While collard greens are traditional for this Southern-style dish, you can experiment with other hearty greens like kale or mustard greens for a unique twist.
To keep this dish vegetarian/vegan friendly, you can add a subtle smoky flavor by using smoked salt or a few drops of liquid smoke during the cooking process.
Related Recipes
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
- Easy Creamed Spinach
- Keto Spinach Artichoke Dip
- Brussels Sprouts Gratin
- Cheesy Bacon Ranch Brussels Sprouts
- Keto Broccoli and Cheese Casserole
- Cauliflower Mac and Cheese
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Southern-Style Collard Greens with Bacon (Keto):
- Keto Fried Pork Chops with Southern Gravy
- Keto Fried Chicken
- Keto Apricot Bourbon Glazed Ham
- Blackened Catfish
- Keto Cornbread Muffins
- Keto Buttermilk Biscuits
Southern-Style Collard Greens with Bacon (Keto)
Ingredients
- 1 lb thick sliced bacon chopped
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 2 large cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 bunches (about 1 1/2 pounds) collard greens washed, stems removed and chopped or torn into bite sized pieces
- 2 cups water
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar can add up to 1 tablespoon
- pink salt to taste
Instructions
- Place the bacon in a large heavy bottom pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Cook for 5-6 minutes or until begins to render it's fat and crisp on the edges.
- Add the onion to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes or until softened.
- Add the garlic, and crushed red pepper, and cook for another minute.
- Add the greens to the pot tossing them with tongs to coat in the bacon fat, and cook for 2-3 minutes or they begin to wilt.
- Pour in the water and bring to a simmer.
- Reduce the heat to low, then cover the pot and simmer for 45-60 minutes or until greens are tender but not mushy.
- Uncover and stir in the vinegar. Cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Taste and add salt as needed.
Disclaimer
Most of my recipes are low-carb (or keto) and gluten-free, but some are not. Please verify that a recipe fits your needs before using it. Recommended and linked products are not guaranteed to be gluten-free. Recipes may contain errors, so please use your common sense when following them. Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and is approximate only. We cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information given for any recipe on this site. Erythritol carbs will not be included as it has a glycemic index of 0 (meaning it does not spike blood sugar) and it’s not metabolized. Net carbs are the total carbs minus fiber.
Nutrition
Food safety
- Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
- Wash hands after touching raw meat
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
- Use oils with a high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
See more guidelines at USDA.gov.
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