This Braised Collard Greens recipe is the perfect, savory side dish for any dinner. (GF & vegan option)

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

Braised Collard Greens

Hi Everyone! I love side dishes because they can really make a meal.

These Braised Collard Greens are so substantial and satisfying.

They can be customized to be vegan too if you wish!

Ingredients

• 1-2 tablespoons unsalted butter, can the same amount substitute coconut oil or regular olive oil
• ½ cup yellow onion, sliced
• 1 pound collard greens, 1 bunch or use 1 bag (16 ounce) of pre-washed, sliced collard greens
• 1-2 cups chicken broth (I give a range for the amount so you can adjust how much sauce you want or need), you can substitute water or vegetable broth
• 1 bay leaf
• ¼ teaspoon cumin, optional
• ¼ teaspoon paprika, optional
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt , to taste, plus more for serving
• ¼ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper, to taste, plus more for serving
• 1-2 tablespoons shaved Parmesan cheese, to taste
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce, optional, to taste, for topping

Kitchen Tools

• mesh strainer
• cutting board
• chef's knife
• large pot
• measuring spoons and cups
• kitchen utensils

Web Story

I love these Braised Collard Greens so much that I feel like they can stand on their own, top them with your favorite cheese, like in this case shaved Parmesan (or another dry cheese), and serve it over rice or noodles.

You can add onions to it, like I suggest, or garlic or shallots - this will only add to the flavor.

I suggest using chicken broth and butter for cooking but for a vegan option, you can use vegetable broth and coconut oil in the same amount. Sometimes, I do this sometimes, I don't, it depends who's sitting at my table and what I am in the mood for 🙂

You can cut the stems and leave them out but I always leave them on.

It only adds fiber and texture. It might add a little time to the cooking time to cook through those stems.

I know you will enjoy this Braised Collard Greens recipe, there's so many ways to customize them!

Our Other Recipes and Posts

• Classic Homemade Tater Tot Casserole
• Homemade Zuppa Toscana
• Savory Mini Farfalle Pasta Quinoa Salsa Salad
• Easy Braised Baby Carrots
• 14 Incredible Holiday Side Dish Recipes #FoodieMamas
• Roasted Fennel
• Thanksgiving Sides Recipes Collection
• Holiday Side Dish Recipes Collection

What’s your favorite side dish recipe?

Please let me know in the comments below!

Latest Posts

• Fall Soup Recipes
• Popular and Delicious Fall Seasonal Recipes
• Pumpkin Spice Bread
• October Recipes
• Blueberry Syrup

Continue to Content

Braised Collard Greens

Yield: 4 people

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

This Braised Collard Greens recipe is the perfect, savory side dish for any dinner. Gluten-free and vegan option.

Print

Ingredients

• 1-2 tablespoons unsalted butter, can the same amount substitute coconut oil or regular olive oil
• ½ cup yellow onion, sliced
• 1 pound collard greens, 1 bunch or use 1 bag (16 ounce) of pre-washed, sliced collard greens
• 1-2 cups chicken broth (I give a range for the amount so you can adjust how much sauce you want or need), you can substitute water or vegetable broth
• 1 bay leaf
• ¼ teaspoon cumin, optional
• ¼ teaspoon paprika, optional
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt , to taste, plus more for serving
• ¼ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper, to taste, plus more for serving
• 1-2 tablespoons shaved Parmesan cheese, to taste
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce, optional, to taste, for topping

Instructions

1. In the large pot, add the unsalted butter (or substitute), when it's melted, add the sliced onions. Saute until the onions are translucent. 
2. Add the chicken broth (or water or vegetable broth).
3. Bring 1-2 cups chicken broth to a boil in the large pot.
4. Add the collard greens. Turn the heat down to a simmer. 
5. Add in the bay leaf, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper and stir. You can add the optional hot sauce at this time or add it when you serve. Allow to cook for 5 minutes and stir again. Allow the collard greens to cook until tender. You can always test a piece (make sure you allow it to cool before taking a bite!) to get the right tenderness. The total cooking time is 25-30 minutes or until tender.
6. When the collard greens are done, serve as a side dish or over rice or noodles. Add more salt and fresh ground pepper to taste. Add shaved Parmesan to taste. Enjoy!

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases. #CommissionsEarned #ad

• 
  Pyrex Glass Measuring Cup Set (3-Piece, Microwave and Oven Safe),Clear
• 
  Gorilla Grip Original Reversible Cutting Board (3-Piece) BPA Free, Dishwasher Safe, Juice Grooves, Larger Thicker Boards, Easy Grip Handle, Non Porous, Extra Large, Kitchen (Set of Three: Black)
• 
  Victorinox Fibrox Pro Chef's Knife, 8-Inch Chef's FFP
• 
  OXO Good Grips Lewis Pepper Mill
• 
  Homestia Gold Measuring Cups and Spoons Set Stainless Steel 8 PIECE for Dry and Liquid Ingredients Engraved Measurement Heavy Duty Baking & Cooking Utensils
• 
  Cooks Standard 02520 Quart Classic Stainless Steel Stockpot with Lid, 12-QT, Silver

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 202Total Fat: 15gSaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 1274mgCarbohydrates: 14gFiber: 7gSugar: 3gProtein: 7g

Please note that the Calculated Nutrition is an estimate at best.

Did you make this recipe?

Did you make this recipe? If you share it on social media tag us @lifeslittlesweets and hashtag it #lifeslittlesweets - Thank you in advance!

• Author
• Recent Posts

Follow me

Sara Maniez

Owner at Life's Little Sweets

Sara is an architectural designer turned work-at-home Mom. She lives in New Jersey by way of New England and New York, with her husband and 3 kids under 8. She loves design, being creative, and spending time with family and friends. She loves checking out local businesses and eats and being apart of the local farm to table community.

Follow me

Latest posts by Sara Maniez (see all)

• Fall Soup Recipes - October 4, 2025
• Pumpkin Spice Bread - October 2, 2025
• Blueberry Syrup - July 5, 2025