Think it is hard to get your greens in? These Keto Collard Greens with Bacon will convince you otherwise. You start by cooking the onion and garlic in bacon fat and then add in seasonings and a touch of vinegar to build a flavor profile that will have you wondering why you ever thought greens were boring or bland. This recipe is surprisingly delicious!
As a proud Southerner, collard greens have long been one of my favorite side dishes.
For years I’ve made them on Sunday afternoons so that I could enjoy them throughout the week. It is a relatively hands-off recipe, but it isn’t quick.
Trust me - it is worth the extra time for the flavor and delicious juices - called pot “liquor” or “likker”- that comes from cooking dark leafy greens.
For a traditional Southern meal, serve Keto Collard Greens with Bacon with Keto Fried Chicken, Mashed Cauliflower, and Biscuits.
Let's Talk Ingredients
White or yellow onion works best, and fresh garlic really makes the collard greens pop. I’ve used garlic powder in a pinch, and it works.
For the broth, I usually use my Instant Pot Chicken Bone Broth, but store-bought chicken broth works too. A splash of apple cider vinegar brightens everything up, though white vinegar can be swapped in. Old Bay adds that classic Southern flavor, but if you don’t have any, you can mix up your own blend with paprika, celery salt, mustard, black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Celery salt adds a subtle herbal note—just make sure yours is fresh, since older blends can turn bitter.
Variations
- I used bacon for added seasoning in this collard greens recipe, but country ham or ham hocks would work as well.
- Collard Greens are a staple and Southern cooking, and most Southern cooks agree with me - they are best cooked for a long time. If you prefer them less tender, feel free to shorten the cooking time.
- For a peppery flavor, feel free to substitute mustard greens for part of the collard greens.
Step by Step
Prepping Collard Greens
Start by cutting the leafy proportion from either side of the stem. I find that a chef’s knife works best for this.
Make a stick of the leaves, and slice them crosswise.
Place in a large bowl of water, and wash until the water is clear.
Dry the collards with a salad spinner.
Keto Collard Greens
Equipment
- Instant Pot or
- Large Stockpot
Ingredients
- 8 ounces bacon chopped
- ⅓ cup chopped onion
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 8 cups chicken broth
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 teaspoons Old Bay seasoning
- 1 ½ teaspoons celery salt
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- ¼ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- 12 ounces collard greens washed, trimmed, and chopped
Instructions
Instant Pot Collard Greens
- Set your Instant Pot to saute and spray with cooking spray.
- Once the pot is heated, add the bacon. Cook for 5 minutes. Add the onion and cook for another 8 minutes.
- Next, stir in the garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.
- Add 1 cup of the broth to the pot, and use a wooden spoon to scrape up anything stuck to the bottom of the pot.
- Add the remaining chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, Old Bay seasoning, celery salt, crushed red pepper flakes, and pepper to the pot. Stir to combine.
- Add the collard greens to the pot.
- Hit cancel/warm and place the lid on the pot.
- Let it sit for 5 minutes or until the collard greens begin to wilt.
- After checking to ensure that the collard greens have wilted down, replace the lid and set to seal.
- Set the Instant Pot to high pressure for 5 minutes.
- Once the time is up, allow the pressure to release naturally.
- Season to taste and serve warm with hot pepper sauce.
Stovetop
- Spray a large stockpot with cooking spray.
- Add the bacon and cook for 5 minutes. Stir in the onion and cook until tender, about 8 more minutes.
- Next, stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Add the chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, Old Bay seasoning, celery salt, crushed red pepper flakes and black pepper to the pot.
- Stir to combine, and add the collard greens.
- Cook over medium heat for at least 2 hours.
Lori says
With the IP version, do you strain it or serve it in liquid?
Wendy Polisi says
That is entirely a matter of personal preference. I serve it with the liquid personally because it is loaded with nutrition and so good!
Sandra Dee says
I, too, wasn’t sure about the amount of liquid; however, after tasting it, I knew I would be consuming it
LJ says
I had never REALLY had collard greens until I had these collard greens! So glad I grew them this year because now I know they can be fantastic. Thanks!