Sautéed Collard Greens with Garlic and Bacon
Traditional Brazilian side of tender collard greens sautéed with garlic and smoky bacon for depth of flavor. This brazilian-inspired vegetarian ready in about 25 minutes pairs washed and sliced thin collard greens, strips, chopped bacon strips, thinly sliced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 lb, washed and sliced thin collard greens
- 4 strips, chopped bacon strips
- 3, thinly sliced garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp, freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 tsp (optional) red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 chopped bacon strips and cook for 5-6 minutes until crispy and fat is rendered.
- Step 2: Add 3 thinly sliced garlic cloves to the bacon fat and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Add 1 lb thinly sliced collard greens to the skillet and toss well to coat with bacon and garlic. Season with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes if using.
- Step 4: Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring frequently, until the greens are wilted and tender but still vibrant green. Adjust seasoning and serve warm as a hearty side dish.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Collard Greens with Garlic and Bacon take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Sautéed Collard Greens with Garlic and Bacon?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep strips, chopped bacon strips from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Collard Greens with Garlic and Bacon?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Sautéed Collard Greens with Garlic and Bacon for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Sautéed Collard Greens with Garlic and Bacon?
Brazilian vegetarian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
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