Collard greens are a holiday staple in my family, and I can't resist their juicy, savory goodness.
While I could easily enjoy collards on their own, they're incredibly versatile and pair well with everything from catfish to mac and cheese.
If you're wondering what to serve with collard greens, read on for some mouthwatering side dishes.
1. Cornbread
Do you remember that old pair, Batman and Robin? Collard greens and cornbread are the culinary equivalent.
This cornbread is a breeze to whip up, honestly. All you need is a handful of pantry staples: flour, yellow cornmeal, sugar, salt, baking powder, butter, egg, and milk.
It pairs brilliantly not just with collard greens but with chili, barbecue – you name it!
2. Grilled Chicken
Like Bonnie and Clyde, some duos just make sense. Juicy, flavorful grilled chicken breasts with collard greens? Chef’s kiss.
Yep, I said 'juicy' and 'grilled chicken breasts' in the same sentence, quite a feat, right?
Here's the secret: The marinade.
You pound the chicken thin, which keeps it tender and ensures it cooks evenly. Then marinate it for a good 4 hours, or even overnight if you'd like.
Just let the chicken rest a few minutes after grilling to seal those juices in, and voila!
Delicious chicken that's ready quicker than you can set the table.
3. Smothered pork chops
If you wonder what meat to serve with collard greens, try Pork Chops – it's Elton John to collard greens' piano.
Dramatic, flavorful, and when combined with the greens? A show-stealing performance every single time.
It serves marvelously atop mashed potatoes, and it bathes your collard greens with its delish gravy.
A complete meal in mere minutes. And hey, if you want to bring it up a notch, why not pair it with a bold flavored wine like pinot noir?
4. Black-Eyed Peas
Ever heard that saying about how black-eyed peas bring good luck?
Well, when paired with collard greens, they don’t just bring luck, they bring a party to your palate. It’s like pairing peanut butter with jelly. It’s just... right.
The smell of collard greens simmering away on the stovetop always brings a smile to my face, but, boy, does it make me hanker for a harmonizing side dish.
If you're nodding in agreement right now, I've got just the recipe – Southern Black Eyed Peas!
The combo of your collard greens and these savory black-eyed peas will have you ladling out servings faster than you can say "Good luck!"
5. Fried Catfish
Think of collard greens as the elegant ballroom and fried catfish as the belle of the ball.
This Southern Fried Catfish it's as easy as one-two-three and ready in less than 20 minutes.
It's an incredibly tender catfish fillets, lightly breaded in a Southern seasoned cornmeal mix and perfectly fried. With a perfect crunch on the outside while staying fluffy and delectable on the inside!
Serve it with a side of steaming hot collard greens for a hearty, homey meal in a jiffy! I guarantee you won't be needing to swing by the restaurant for catfish fillets any time soon.
6. Grandma’s Best Creamy Mac & Cheese Ever
You know those days when you need a warm hug? Imagine collard greens and mac and cheese as that hug, but on a plate. Like wrapping up in your favorite blanket, but... edible.
Just like you, I am not afraid to serve a feast fitting for a royale occasion, and what better than some earthy collard greens paired with that childhood favorite, creamy mac & cheese?
It's my Grandma's very own recipe, minus the processed ingredients but the love doubled.
This gooey, creamy indulgence doesn’t need any fancy spices or a caviar garnish, just a good ol’ whisking and voilà! A cheesy delight (minus the Crisco and Velveeta)!
So, pull up a chair, assume your cheese-pulling powers, grab your fork and dig in. Yes, it's got gluten. Yes, it's got dairy. And yes, that second helping is calling your name already!
7. Pickled Onions
Light up your collard green ensemble with the zesty flair of pickled onions. Think of them as the sequins on a dazzling dress – a pop of surprise and sparkle!
They add that bright pop of flavor to your dish and they're a piece of cake to whip up.
If you're feeling bold, throw in some peppercorns or garlic cloves to boost their flavor.
8. Sweet Potato Casserole
This Sweet Potato Casserole is bursting with all the goodies of fall. It's creamy, buttery, sweet, and has a hint of cinnamon to round things off.
And goodness, the marshmallows! You know how I prefer my sweet potato casserole? With a generous dollop of marshmallows on top!
I know, I know, it sounds like a dessert. And trust me, it can double up as one!
But, let me tell you, it makes an excellent side dish for glorious collard greens. It's like the sweet and buttery casserole balances the bitterness of the greens.
9. Grits
You just made a hearty plate of beautiful, vitamin-rich collard greens - and you're trying to figure out what else to serve with collard greens.
Have you ever tried making grits?
When I say this dish is an easy, versatile wonder, I mean it. You can whip up some delicious grits in less than 30 minutes with 5 easy steps!
So the next time you're serving up some collard greens, consider pairing them with creamy, savory or sweet - as you like - grits.
10. Hot Sauce
For those who like a little kick, hot sauce is the answer! It's like adding a pinch of thrill to the mix.
A bit of an adrenaline rush with every bite! Oh, I'm getting excited just thinking about it!
This recipe it's simple, yet flavorful.
11. Garlic Roasted Spicy Potatoes
The golden, crispy roasted potatoes alongside the deep greens? Think of it as a countryside painting on your plate. Pure, wholesome, and beautifully rustic.
These potatoes are spicy but not too hot; they add a little excitement to your regular dinner table.
📖 Recipe
10 Best Side Dishes to Serve with Collard Greens
Ingredients
- Cornbread
- Grilled Chicken
- Smothered pork chops
- Black-Eyed Peas
- Fried Catfish
- Grandma’s Best Creamy Mac & Cheese Ever
- Pickled Onions
- Sweet Potato Casserole
- Grits
- Hot Sauce
- Garlic Roasted Spicy Potatoes
Instructions
- Pick your favorite side.Enjoy!
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