Bacon Collard Greens

Whether you want to start the new year strong or serve a delicious and simple side dish along with dinner, Bacon Collard Greens are the recipe for you! A nod to Southern lore about greens consumed on New Year's Day bringing money and luck in the new year, this recipe is perfect any time of year. Ready in less than 15 minutes, Bacon Collard Greens are quick, flavorful and a wonderful way to get in some greens!

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 10

Total Time 15

Servings servings

Calories 152kcal

Ingredients

1 bunch collard greens washed, trimmed, and cut into thin ribbons
4 oz. bacon
3 garlic cloves minced
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice freshly squeezed

Instructions

In a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat, fry the bacon until it has cooked through (or is as crispy as you like.) Remove the bacon from the pan and drain on a paper towel. Leave the bacon fat in the skillet.
Turn the heat down to medium-low, and add the minced garlic. Stir around the skillet with a wooden spoon until well cooked (but not burned!)
Add the collards slowly, piling them into the skillet and stirring until they wilt and continuing the process until the entire bunch is in the skillet. Sauté in the bacon fat until all the collards have wilted down and are bright green.
Remove from the heat, and top with the lemon juice and the cooked bacon crumbles. (I sometimes leave these off, and the collard greens are as delicious with or without the bacon, so it's up to you!)
Serve warm, and enjoy!

Notes

How to store: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4-5 days. Reheat in the microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.

Nutrition