For a vegetarian option, omit the bacon and bacon drippings. Instead, use 2 tablespoons of olive oil or vegetable broth to sauté a finely chopped onion until softened before adding it to the slow cooker. To reduce the bitterness of the collard greens, you can add a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar or a pinch of brown sugar to the slow cooker. These slow-cooked collard greens are even better the next day, as the flavors have had more time to develop.
Slow Cooked Collard Greens
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PREP TIME15 mins
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COOK TIME8 hrs 20 mins
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TOTAL TIME8 hrs 35 mins
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SERVING4 People
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VIEWS39
Transform humble collard greens into a deeply flavorful and meltingly tender delight. This slow-cooked rendition coaxes out the greens' natural sweetness, balanced by a subtle smoky richness and a gentle kick of heat. A Southern comfort food classic, elevated.
Ingridients
Adjust Servings
Nutrition
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Carbohydrate5 g
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Cholesterol15 mg
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Fiber3 g
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Protein5 g
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Saturated Fat3 g
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Sodium677 mg
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Sugar1 g
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Fat10 g
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Unsaturated Fat0 g
Follow The Directions
01
Step
10 mins
Blanch the collard greens: In a large pot, submerge the sliced collard greens in generously salted water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a gentle simmer and cook until the greens are just tender, about 10 minutes. Drain thoroughly using a colander.
02
Step
10 mins
Render the bacon: While the greens are blanching, cook the bacon in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Turn the bacon occasionally until it is deeply browned and crispy, about 8-10 minutes. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Reserve the bacon drippings in the skillet.
03
Step
5 mins
Assemble the slow cooker: Crumble the cooked bacon into small pieces. Transfer the blanched and drained collard greens to the slow cooker. Add the crumbled bacon, reserved bacon drippings, chicken stock, and sliced jalapeño to the slow cooker. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
04
Step
8 hrs
Slow cook to perfection: Cover the slow cooker and cook on Low heat for 8 hours, or on High heat for 4 hours, or until the collard greens are incredibly tender and the flavors have melded beautifully.
05
StepServe: Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve hot as a side dish.
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RECIPE REVIEWS
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Please Rate
David Rogahn
Jun 15, 2025I halved the jalapeño and it was still quite spicy - adjust to your liking!
Reggie Pfannerstill
May 9, 2025Made this for Thanksgiving and it was a huge hit!
Gideon Trantow
Mar 23, 2025This is now my go-to collard greens recipe. Thank you!
Josephine Hauck
Mar 22, 2025The bacon drippings are key to the flavor. Don't skip that step!
Breanna Conn
Mar 3, 2025Easy to follow recipe and the results were fantastic. My family loved it!
Deron Collins
Feb 25, 2025I used vegetable stock instead of chicken stock to make it vegetarian and it was still delicious!
Jocelyn Harber
Feb 1, 2025I've never been a big fan of collard greens, but this recipe has changed my mind! The slow cooking makes them so delicious.
Dallin Cummerata
Jan 17, 2025I added a smoked turkey leg to the slow cooker and it was incredible!
Thalia Reichel
Dec 30, 2024This recipe is amazing! The collard greens were so tender and flavorful. The jalapeño added just the right amount of heat.