Transform your Southern comfort food repertoire with this rich and savory Collard Gravy, a soul-warming dish that pairs perfectly with flaky biscuits, creamy mashed potatoes, or buttery grits. This unique recipe unites tender, sautéed collard greens and crispy bacon in a velvety gravy made from a buttery roux whisked with chicken broth and milk, then seasoned with garlic, onion powder, and a hint of smoky paprika. Each spoonful bursts with bold, comforting flavors while showcasing the heartiness of fresh collard greens. Ready in just 40 minutes, this crowd-pleasing dish is the perfect fusion of rustic tradition and indulgent Southern charm!
Wash the collard greens thoroughly under running water. Remove the tough stems and chop the greens into small, bite-sized pieces.
In a large skillet or saucepan, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.
Add the chopped collard greens to the pan with the bacon grease. Sauté over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the greens begin to wilt. Remove the greens and set them aside.
In the same pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, sprinkle in the flour, whisking constantly to form a smooth roux. Cook the roux for 1-2 minutes until it turns a light golden color.
Gradually add the chicken broth to the roux, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Follow this with the milk, whisking until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
Crumble the reserved bacon and add it to the gravy, along with the sautéed collard greens. Stir to combine, allowing the flavors to meld for 2-3 minutes over low heat.
Remove from heat and serve the collard gravy warm over biscuits, mashed potatoes, or grits for a hearty Southern meal.
Calories |
995 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 61.0 g | 78% | |
| Saturated Fat | 29.8 g | 149% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.2 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 154 mg | 51% | |
| Sodium | 4224 mg | 184% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 79.3 g | 29% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 32.3 g | 115% | |
| Total Sugars | 16.1 g | ||
| Protein | 49.6 g | 99% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.8 mcg | 14% | |
| Calcium | 1447 mg | 111% | |
| Iron | 11.9 mg | 66% | |
| Potassium | 1945 mg | 41% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.