Description
This Tender Slow Cooker Collard Greens with Bacon recipe is the ultimate hands-off side dish that combines smoky bacon, tender slow-cooked collard greens, a touch of garlic, and a splash of apple cider vinegar for a rich, savory, and slightly tangy flavor. Perfect for Southern-style meals, gatherings, or meal prep, this recipe fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas while delivering comfort food that’s nutrient-packed and deeply satisfying.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Greens:
- 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
For the Topping:
- 1 lb bacon, cooked and crumbled (reserve drippings for greens)
Instructions
- Clean and Prepare the Collard Greens: Fill a sink or dishpan with barely warm water. Submerge the collard greens, gently scrubbing between your hands to remove any grit. Drain and rinse under running water, repeating until no grit remains. Remove thick center stalks and chop or tear leaves into 2 to 3 inch pieces.
- Cook and Crumble the Bacon: Fry bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp. Remove and crumble when cooled, reserving 2 tablespoons of bacon drippings for the greens. Store the crumbled bacon in the fridge until serving.
- Prepare Slow Cooker: Spray the inside of the slow cooker with nonstick spray or brush with oil. Add the chopped collard greens, chopped onion, and minced garlic to the slow cooker.
- Make Broth Mixture: In a bowl, whisk together chicken broth, crushed red pepper flakes, reserved bacon fat, and apple cider vinegar until well combined. Pour evenly over the greens, onions, and garlic in the slow cooker.
- Slow Cook the Greens: Cover and cook on low for 10 hours, or until the collard greens are very tender. Season with salt and black pepper to taste, and add more crushed red pepper flakes if desired.
- Warm and Serve with Bacon: Warm the crumbled bacon briefly in the microwave. Spoon hot collard greens into bowls or plates and sprinkle the bacon on top for a smoky, crispy finish. Enjoy!
Notes
- Ensure to remove the tough center stems from collard greens to avoid chewy bits.
- Cook bacon separately to keep it crispy, adding it only at serving time.
- Do not skip the apple cider vinegar as it brightens and balances the rich flavors.
- Avoid overcrowding the slow cooker with greens to allow proper wilting.
- Use butter as a substitute for bacon drippings if needed, but this will reduce smoky flavor.
- Other hearty greens like kale, mustard, or turnip greens can be substituted with attention to cooking times and flavor differences.
- Store leftovers airtight in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat gently on stovetop or microwave, adding broth or water if the greens seem dry.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 hours
- Category: Side Dishes
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Southern
Keywords: Slow Cooker Collard Greens, Collard Greens with Bacon, Southern Side Dishes, Comfort Food, Slow Cooker Recipes
