Name: Tender Slow Cooker Collard Greens with Bacon Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 10 h
Total time: 10 h 30 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 2 lb collard greens (washed, center stems removed, leaves chopped); 1 cup chopped onion (6 oz); 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (plus extra if desired); 2 tbsp bacon fat (reserved from cooked bacon); 4 cups chicken broth; 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar; Salt and black pepper to taste; 1 lb bacon, cooked and crumbled (reserve drippings for greens)

Jump to Recipe

Introduction

Slow Cooker Collard Greens with Bacon is a comforting Southern classic that’s easy to prepare and packed with smoky, savory flavor. Simply toss fresh collard greens, garlic, and onions with bacon drippings and broth into the slow cooker, and come back hours later to tender, flavorful greens. It’s a hands-off recipe perfect for busy days and makes a great side for a variety of meals.

A white bowl filled with cooked dark green leafy collard greens submerged in a rich brown broth, with small pieces of crispy reddish-brown bacon scattered on top, creating a mix of textures and colors; the dish looks warm and hearty, sitting on a white marbled textured surface in soft natural light. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 lb collard greens (washed, center stems removed, leaves chopped)
1 cup chopped onion (6 oz)

3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (plus extra if desired)

2 tbsp bacon fat (reserved from cooked bacon)
4 cups chicken broth

1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 lb bacon, cooked and crumbled (reserve drippings for greens)

Instructions

Step 1: Fill a sink or dishpan with barely warm water. Submerge the collard greens and gently scrub to remove grit. Rinse under running water and repeat until clean. Remove the leaves from the thick center stalks and chop or tear into 2 to 3 inch pieces.
Step 2: Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp. Remove and crumble once cooled, reserving 2 tablespoons of the drippings for the greens. Store bacon aside for serving.
Step 3: Spray the slow cooker with nonstick spray or brush with oil. Add the prepared collard greens, chopped onion, and minced garlic to the slow cooker.

Step 4: In a bowl, whisk together chicken broth, crushed red pepper flakes, reserved bacon fat, and apple cider vinegar. Pour evenly over the greens and onion mixture.
Step 5: Cover and cook on low for 10 hours, or until greens are very tender. Season with salt and black pepper to taste, stirring well. Add extra crushed red pepper if desired.
Step 6: Warm the crumbled bacon before serving. Spoon the hot greens onto plates or bowls and sprinkle with the warmed bacon for a smoky finish. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

Use other hearty greens like kale or mustard greens; just adjust cooking time accordingly.
If you want to skip bacon, try smoked turkey wings or a ham hock for smoky flavor.
White or red wine vinegar can be substituted for apple cider vinegar, but don’t skip the vinegar altogether as it brightens the dish.

Cook bacon separately to keep it crisp; adding it early can make it rubbery.
Don’t overfill the slow cooker—greens need room to wilt down properly.

Storage

Store collard greens in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days; flavors deepen over time. To freeze, cool completely and portion into freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to keep them moist.

How to Serve

A wooden spoon lifts a portion of cooked collard greens mixed with small, browned bacon pieces from a black pot. The greens are dark green, soft, and slightly shiny with visible leaf veins, layered thickly. The bacon bits are scattered throughout the greens, showing a crispy, reddish-brown texture. The pot is set on a white marbled surface, adding a clean and bright contrast to the deep green and reddish tones of the dish. The overall image is sharp and detailed, capturing the textures and colors vividly. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen collard greens for this recipe?

Fresh collard greens are best, but if using frozen, thaw and drain excess water before adding to the slow cooker. Cooking time may be slightly reduced since frozen greens are already tender.

What can I serve with slow cooker collard greens?

These greens pair wonderfully with cornbread, fried or baked chicken, mac and cheese, or even grilled fish for a lighter option. They complement many Southern and comfort food dishes beautifully.