southern collard greens w/ bacon & brown sugar

Name: Southern Collard Greens w/ Bacon & Brown Sugar
Cook time: 5 h
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 4 large bunches of collard greens,washed and roughly chopped and stems discarded; 5 slice(s) bacon, hickory smoked; 1 large turkey drumstick, smoked; 4-6 cup(s) water (best to reserve broth from turkey. it adds flavor); 2 large yellow onions, minced; 1/3 cup(s) dark brown sugar, do not pack; 3 clove(s) garlic, minced; 1 1/2 tablespoon(s) garlic salt; 1 tablespoon(s) seasoning salt; 1 tablespoon(s) garlic powder; 1 tablespoon(s) onion powder; 4 tablespoon(s) apple cider vinegar; 1 large jalapenos, fresh. finely chopped, do not seed (optional); - hot sauce to taste (optional); - black pepper to taste (optional)

(2 RATINGS)

304 Pinches 1 Photo

Jennifer J

Seattle, WA

Updated on Dec 2, 2025

I love Soul Food! My mother was from the South, so Southern style cooking is what I grew up eating. Over the years, I have played around with different ingredients and came up with this recipe. Hope you all enjoy!

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prep time

cook time 5 Hr

method ---

yield 4-5 serving(s)

Ingredients

4 large bunches of collard greens,washed and roughly chopped and stems discarded
5 slices bacon, hickory smoked
1 large turkey drumstick, smoked
4-6 cups water (best to reserve broth from turkey. it adds flavor)
2 large yellow onions, minced
1/3 cup dark brown sugar, do not pack
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 tablespoons garlic salt
1 tablespoon seasoning salt
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon onion powder
4 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 large jalapenos, fresh. finely chopped, do not seed (optional)
- hot sauce to taste (optional)
- black pepper to taste (optional)

How To Make southern collard greens w/ bacon & brown sugar

Step 1

In a large pot, boil turkey for 1 hour or until tender (covered)

Step 2

Once turkey is tender, take meat off of bone and set aside in bowl. reserving broth, if you will use it in the recipe.
Step 3

Fry the bacon in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat until just done but not quite crispy yet. Add the onion and collards, and sauté in the hot grease until they wilt.
Step 4

Pour the water or broth in the pot --- it should just cover the collards. Add the turkey, brown sugar, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, all spices, jalapeno and hot sauce. Mix well.
Step 5

Bring to a boil then cover, reduce heat to low and simmer for 3 ½ - 4 hours.
Step 6

Season with additional salt, hot sauce and pepper to taste.
Last Step: Don't forget to share! Post a picture of your finished recipe here and on your favorite social network. Don't forget to tag Just A Pinch and include #justapinchrecipes!

Nutrition Facts

(per serving*)

calories: 619kcal, carbohydrates: 29g, cholesterol: 210mg, fat: 28g, fiber: 2g, protein: 60g, saturated fat: 9g, sodium: 4791mg, sugar: 21g, unsaturated fat: 19g

*Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Nutrition information is estimated.

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