Southern Paula Deen Collard Greens Recipe Brimming with Flavor

Collard greens whisper tales of Southern comfort, weaving culinary magic into every tender, emerald-hued leaf.

These nutrient-dense powerhouses carry generations of soulful cooking within their robust fibers.

Simmering slowly, they transform from bitter greens into a velvety delicacy bursting with smoky undertones.

Grandmothers’ secret techniques elevate these leafy warriors from simple side dish to culinary masterpiece.

Tender and rich, collard greens pack a flavor punch that dances between earthy depth and savory elegance.

Each forkful reflects a heritage of love, tradition, and down-home cooking that warms both stomach and heart.

Get ready to savor a recipe that connects you directly to the soulful spirit of Southern cuisine.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Calories: 395 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients You’ll Need for Paula Deen’s Collard Greens

• Water: Choose fresh, filtered water for the cleanest flavor profile.
• Smoked Meat (Ham Hock or Smoked Turkey): Select high-quality, fully-cured meat with visible smoky marbling.
• Seasoned Salt: Opt for artisan blend with balanced herb and spice combination.
• Chicken Base: Select low-sodium version for controlled seasoning.
• Hot Sauce: Pick robust, tangy sauce with balanced heat level.

• Collard Greens: Select crisp, dark green leaves without yellowing or wilting edges, preferably organic.

• Butter: Choose high-fat content, unsalted butter for smooth, rich texture.

Gear for Cooking Collard Greens Like Paula Deen

• Large pot: Deep, sturdy cooking vessel for creating flavorful broth and simmering greens.
• Cutting board: Stable surface for safely chopping collard greens and preparing ingredients.
• Sharp knife: Essential for cleanly slicing greens into ribbons and removing tough stems.
• Colander or strainer: Perfect for thoroughly washing collard greens under running water.
• Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring ingredients and preventing sticking during simmering.
• Measuring tools: Helps accurately portion water and seasonings for consistent flavor.

How to Make Southern Collard Greens

• Launch Smoky Flavor Base

Create a robust foundation by simmering smoked meat in water with seasonings. Let the liquid bubble gently, developing deep, rich flavors that will infuse the entire dish with incredible smokiness. Allow the base to cook slowly, transforming water into a powerful flavor-packed broth.

• Prepare Leafy Greens

Clean collard greens carefully, removing tough stems and slicing leaves into delicate ribbons. Work carefully to ensure each piece is ready to soak up the incredible smoky liquid. Chop with intention, creating beautiful green strips that will become tender and delicious.

• Combine and Simmer

Gently merge the chopped greens into the simmering broth, allowing them to dance and absorb all the amazing smoky essence. Cook until the greens become incredibly soft and tender, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking. Watch as the greens transform from tough leaves to melt-in-your-mouth deliciousness.

• Finish with Creamy Touch

Add a generous pat of butter to the pot, stirring until it melts completely and creates a silky, luxurious coating on the greens. The butter will round out the flavors, adding a smooth richness that elevates the entire dish. Serve steaming hot, ready to delight taste buds with Southern comfort.

Greens Tips & Flavor Boosts for Paula’s Recipe

• Enhance Smoky Flavor: Experiment with different smoked meats like andouille sausage or bacon to create unique flavor profiles that complement the collard greens' robust taste.
• Customize Heat Level: Adjust the hot sauce quantity or add red pepper flakes to control the spiciness. Start with a small amount and gradually increase to match your personal heat preference.
• Make It Vegetarian: Replace smoked meat with smoked paprika and vegetable base for a plant-based version that doesn't compromise on deep, rich flavors. Add liquid smoke for an extra smoky dimension.
• Storage and Reheating Magic: Store leftover collard greens in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a saucepan, adding a splash of water to prevent drying and maintain the greens' luscious texture.

What to Serve with Collard Greens Southern-Style

• Savor Southern Comfort: Serve these smoky, buttery collard greens alongside classic fried chicken, cornbread, or mac and cheese for an authentic Southern dining experience.
• Create Hearty Meal Combinations: Pair the greens with slow-roasted pulled pork, black-eyed peas, or crispy fried catfish to build a wholesome, satisfying plate that celebrates Southern culinary traditions.
• Transform Leftovers into Magic: Use remaining collard greens as a rich topping for grilled sandwiches, blend into creamy soups, or chop and mix into scrambled eggs for a delicious next-day meal.
• Elevate Family Gatherings: Present these greens in a rustic cast-iron skillet or classic ceramic dish to create a warm, inviting centerpiece that brings everyone together around the table.

Storing Paula Deen’s Collard Greens the Right Way

• Maximize Meal Prep: Cook a large batch of smoky collard greens and portion into meal-sized containers for easy weekday lunches and dinners.
• Refrigerate Wisely: Store leftover greens in airtight containers, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. The flavors will deepen and become even more delicious overnight.
• Freeze for Future Feasts: Pour cooled greens into freezer-safe bags or containers. Greens maintain their rich taste for up to 3 months when properly sealed, providing a quick comfort food solution on busy nights.
• Reheat with Care: Warm refrigerated or thawed greens gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to restore moisture and prevent drying out, ensuring each bite remains as succulent as the first serving.

Hearty Paula Deen Collard Greens Recipe

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4.9 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Southern comfort shines through paula deen’s collard greens recipe, blending smoky bacon with tender leafy vegetables. Simmered slowly with love, this dish brings hearty Southern warmth you’ll savor to the last bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 large bunch collard greens
• ½ lb (226 g) smoked meat (ham hocks, smoked turkey wings, or smoked neck bones)
• 8 tbsps (1 stick) (113 g) butter
• 1 tbsp Paula Deen’s Seasoned Salt
• 1 tbsp wet chicken base
• 1 tbsp Paula Deen’s Hot Sauce

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Instructions

1. Flavor Foundation: Combine water with smoked meat, seasoned salt, chicken base, and hot sauce in a large stockpot, developing a rich, aromatic liquid base.
2. Leaf Preparation: Thoroughly wash collard greens, removing stems by stripping leaves and chopping into elegant 1/2 to 1-inch ribbons, ensuring uniform texture and cooking.
3. Simmering Process: After initial meat cooking for one hour, introduce chopped greens into the seasoned broth, reducing heat to medium-low and allowing gentle simmering for 45-60 minutes.
4. Flavor Enhancement: Periodically stir greens, tasting and adjusting seasonings with salt, pepper, or hot sauce to amplify the dish’s robust profile.
5. Finishing Touch: Incorporate cold butter during final cooking moments, stirring until completely melted and creating a silky, glossy texture that elevates the collard greens’ overall richness.
6. Serving: Carefully transfer the tender, flavorful greens to a serving dish, ensuring each portion captures the harmonious blend of smoky meat and vibrant vegetable essence.

Notes

• Meat Selection Matters: Choose smoked ham hock, bacon, or turkey for depth of flavor; each imparts a unique smoky profile that transforms the greens.
• Stem Removal Technique: Strip leaves from tough central ribs carefully to ensure tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture without bitter undertones.
• Liquid Gold Strategy: Use chicken base and hot sauce sparingly to build complex layers of seasoning without overwhelming the natural green’s taste.
• Butter Finishing Touch: Adding cold butter at the end creates a silky, glossy coating that elevates the dish from simple to spectacular, balancing richness and freshness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 395
• Sugar: 0.5 g
• Sodium: 1,200 mg
• Fat: 44 g
• Saturated Fat: 27 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 14 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg