Easy Braised Southern Greens

Name: Easy Braised Greens Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 6 slices bacon (turkey, pork or beef, sliced into small pieces); 4 cups chicken broth; 1 large bunch turnip greens (washed, tough stems removed, coarsely chopped); 1 large bunch mustard greens (washed, tough stems removed, coarsely chopped); 2-3 tablespoons white vinegar (or to taste); Tabasco sauce (to taste); Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

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5 from 1 vote

45 minutes

Eating your leafy greens has never been more delicious–or easy! Bacon adds an extra punch of flavor to the turnip and mustard greens in this Easy Braised Greens recipe that is both healthy and comforting!

Braised Southern Greens in oval serving bowl with serving spoon on light blue background.

Why This Easy Braised Greens Recipe is a Keeper!

Being from Wisconsin, I had never made or eaten Southern-style greens before moving to Tennessee. So, the first time I had to cook Southern-style greens for a personal chef client, I was pretty befuddled.

Thankfully I was able to get some coaching from two lovely Southern ladies in the grocery store that day. Their advice:

Keep it simple.
Combine turnip and mustard greens.
To add flavor to the greens, use bacon for ease instead of ham hocks or other smoked meats.

Perfect! This Easy Southern Braised Greens recipe is all of that!

I’ve been doing it their way ever since and have pleased some pretty discriminating Southern palates! And now I’m hooked on them, too!

Let’s make ’em!

Braised Southern Greens in oval serving bowl with serving spoon.

How to Make Braised Southern Greens:

Recipe Ingredients:

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this recipe along with how to prep. See the greens recipe card below for the exact quantities.

Ingredient Notes:

Turnip Greens: Turnip greens taste a little like turnips–peppery with a touch of bitterness. They can be muddy so be sure to wash them well. You may be able to find bagged greens that are ready to cook. You can also use collard greens.
Mustard Greens: Like other dark leafy greens, mustard greens are slightly bitter but with a spicy mustard flavor. The mustard flavor is not overpowering but mellows with cooking. These can also be muddy so wash them well unless you use bagged greens that are ready to cook. You can also use collard greens.
Bacon: Use pork bacon, turkey or beef.
White Vinegar: The least expensive vinegar! Apple cider or red wine vinegar may be substituted.

Step-By-Step Instructions:

Gather and prep all the ingredients.
Wash the greens thoroughly and coarsely chop.

Two bunches of greens: Turnip and Mustard.

Uncooked greens in stainless steel bowl.

Place the bacon in a Dutch oven or other heavy pot. Cook over medium heat it until it’s nice and crisp.

Tip the pot and remove all but 1 tablespoon of the bacon grease. (You can keep it all if you don’t mind the added saturated fat.)
Pour the chicken broth into the Dutch oven and bring to a boil.

Chicken broth and bacon in white Dutch oven.

Add the greens by the handful, allowing each addition to wilt before adding the next.

Greens in white Dutch oven before being cooked.

Reduce the heat then cover with the lid slightly ajar.
Cook for 20-25 minutes or until the greens are tender.
Add white vinegar, hot sauce and salt and black pepper to taste.

Greens in white Dutch oven being stirred with white spoon.

That’s it! Healthy and delicious Easy Braised Southern Greens!

Braised Southern Greens in white oval serving bowl.

Chef Tips and Tricks:

Short on time? Use precooked bacon or recipe-ready bacon pieces that are available in the salad dressing section of the grocery store. You won’t have the bacon grease but it will still add flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is the origin of braised greens?

Most Americans have come to associate greens (collards in particular) with the American south. It is believed that braised greens originated with Africans brought here to be slaves. However, they actually originated in northern Europe. Though greens did not originate in Africa, the habit of eating greens that have been cooked down into a gravy and drinking the juices from the greens (known as “pot likker”) is of African origin.

What do braised greens mean?

Braising greens means that they’re cooked in both fat and liquid such as this braised greens recipe.

What do you serve with Southern greens?

Traditionally black-eyed peas and cornbread are served alongside but almost any Southern-inspired dish will do! Serve alongside my:

Crustless Southern Tomato Pie
Nashville Style Hot Fried Chicken
Spicy Shrimp and Grits Casserole with Gouda Cheese