Collard Greens have been a staple in southern kitchens for many years, but now you can find creative collard greens recipes being enjoyed all over the world. In this collection, you'll find the traditional methods and recipes, as well as inventive ways to cook and enjoy this old favorite.
If it's your first time cooking with them, you'll probably want to start with learning how to clean collard greens and trim the tough stems.
Table of contents
Like many Southerners, I grew up with collards being a staple on our table during the fall and winter. In the spring and summer, we had a variety of vegetables, but when cooler weather moved in, one of the few green vegetables available were collards.
Our mamas and grandmamas lovingly trimmed away the tough stems and washed and chopped those greens. They were traditionally cooked for a long time and simmered with ham hocks, salt, and a little sugar.
We still love them this way and, in fact, had them just weeks ago at Thanksgiving, prepared by my mother-in-law. She is also the originator of our Southern Cornbread Dressing, which many of you already know and love.
Below you'll find tips and tricks for cooking collards the old way, along with some newer methods that will speed up the process.
But, as this healthy green leaf has made its way into the hearts of chefs and home cooks outside the south, there are many new and creative ways to prepare and serve them. We've got those for you, too. Come along and choose the one you want to try first.
What to Serve with These Collard Greens Recipes
Collard greens are a staple on Southern tables. Here are some other Southern recipes you should include:
- Homemade Pepper Sauce - none of these collard greens recipes should do without pepper sauce!
- Barbeque Pork (Charcoal Grilled)
- Old Fashioned Baked Macaroni and Cheese
- Fried Chicken - Southern Style
- Fried Green Tomatoes
- Smoked Ham on Big Green Egg
- 3 Ingredient Buttermilk Biscuits
Lots of details on our favorite cuisine are in this interesting article, Southern Food: Then & Now.
kim says
Yum! So many great recipe ideas! I want to try them all!
Pam says
Might as well get started. Thanks, Kim!
Beth says
Great ideas for enjoying collard greens! My father in law is a big fan so I'll pass this onto him!
Pam says
Thak you, Beth!
Joanie says
My husband loves collard greens but I've never made them for him. Now I know where to find a few easy recipes to use - thank you!
Pam says
You bet! Thank you, Joanie.
Jessica Formicola says
I can't wait to try all of these recipes! My family loves collard greens so we will be making these often!
Pam says
They do all sound good, don't they? Thanks Jessica!
Becky Striepe says
Aah so many fun recipes here. Thank you for including my soup!
Pam says
Thanks, Becky! The soup sounds so good...
Dannii says
We are always looking for more ways to eat greens. So many delicious recipes here.
Pam says
Thank you!
Katie Crenshaw says
I love collard greens. All of these recipes look fantastic! I can't wait to try each and every one!