Hot Honey Collard Greens

Name: Hot Honey Collard Greens
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: 5
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 2 bunches collard greens, washed, stems removed and chopped; 1 diced onion; 1 pound diced bacon; 1 cup chicken stock; 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 2 tablespoons hot honey

April 27, 2026

Collard greens are a staple in southern kitchens for a reason. When cooked low and slow, they transform into something tender, savory, and full of flavor! Nostalgia right on your plate.

Traditionally, they’re simmered with ingredients like smoked meat, onions, garlic, and a splash of vinegar. It’s the kind of dish that gets better the longer it sits, making it perfect for gathering around the table with family! I have perfected this recipe, according to my husband, and I hope you love it!

How to Serve Collard Greens

Collard greens are incredibly versatile. They can be:

A hearty side dish
The anchor of a Southern style spread
Or even the star when served with simple bread or cornbread

They shine brightest when paired with bold, comforting main dishes that balance their savory, slightly tangy flavor.

1. Fried Chicken

Crispy, golden, and full of flavor—fried chicken is a classic pairing. The crunch of the chicken alongside tender greens is hard to beat.

2. Pulled Pork or BBQ Ribs

Smoky, sweet, and savory barbecue pairs beautifully with the depth of collard greens. Add a little cornbread, and you’ve got a full Southern feast.

3. Smothered Pork Chops

Rich gravy and tender pork chops complement the earthy flavor of greens perfectly.

4. Baked or Fried Catfish

Light, flaky fish balances the richness of collard greens, making this a well-rounded, comforting meal.

5. Meatloaf (Southern-Style)

A simple, hearty option that feels like a weeknight hug. Meatloaf and greens together create a meal that’s both filling and familiar.

6. Ham or Smoked Sausage

Salty, smoky meats naturally complement collard greens—especially since they’re often cooked together.

Don’t Forget the Bread 🍞

No collard greens meal is complete without something to soak up that flavorful broth:

Classic cornbread
Buttermilk biscuits
Or even a slice of homemade sourdough (perfect for your besties😉)

Hot Honey Collard Greens

Rated 5.0 stars by 1 users

Cuisine

Southern

Author:

Courtney Moody

Servings

5

Prep Time

15 minutes

Cook Time

60 minutes

Calories

210

Experience the comforting flavors of Southern cuisine with these tender collard greens, sautéed with crispy bacon and enhanced with a tangy touch of apple cider vinegar and spicy hot honey. Perfect as a side dish or a hearty addition to any meal, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

2 bunches collard greens, washed, stems removed and chopped
1 diced onion
1 pound diced bacon
1 cup chicken stock
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons hot honey

Directions

In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Once the bacon is crispy, remove it from the pot with a slotted spoon and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the drippings in the pot.
Add in your diced onion and cook 3 - 5 minutes.
Add the chopped collard greens to the pot with onions the bacon drippings. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the greens are bright and slightly wilted.
Pour in the chicken stock, apple cider vinegar, black pepper, and salt. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Cover the pot and cook the collard greens over low heat for 30-40 minutes, or until they are tender. Stir occasionally and check for doneness; they should be soft but not mushy.
Once cooked, stir in the crispy bacon and drizzle the hot honey over the collard greens. Mix well to incorporate the flavors, and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Serve warm with a side your favorite protein!

Recipe Note

Collard greens aren’t just a side dish; they’re part of a bigger story. A slower way of cooking. A meal your kids will remember when they are grown in their own kitchens. A reason to gather. A reminder that the simplest meals are often the most meaningful.

Whether you’re serving them with fried chicken, barbecue, or something simple from your own kitchen, collard greens have a way of turning an everyday meal into something worth sitting down for.

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Hi, I’m Courtney! 👋 Wild for Jesus, my husband and our 3 babies. We homeschool, hike and have learned to grow food in a tiny backyard. My goal is to help you find joy and be productive wherever you are and make sourdough a little less scary.

Hot Honey Collard Greens

Hot Honey Collard Greens

How to Serve Collard Greens

1. Fried Chicken

4. Baked or Fried Catfish

5. Meatloaf (Southern-Style)

6. Ham or Smoked Sausage

Don’t Forget the Bread 🍞

Hot Honey Collard Greens

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